Good morning anglers. Time for another fish report. The weather this week will be wet and windy. Better bring your rain jacket fishing. Try fishing early to avoid the wind. Things to note this week – Cougar and Campbell Lake have had an explosion of scuds in the water making the fish very full. The result is slow fishing with few bites. This should pass soon and the fishing will pick back up. I am also adding two more lakes to the list that have been producing well, Black Pine and Leader Lake. I have noted a general slowdown in the fishing due to the cold weather. As the fish acclimate to the new temperatures the bite will pick up.
Big Twin Lake – Good fishing results with zug-bugs and chronomids (sizes 16-10) along the shore line hung from a strike indicator. Rust and orange colored wooly buggers on sink tips have been producing nice sized fish up into the 20″ range. Catch and release recommended. One fish limit per angler per day.
Little Twin – There have been mixed reports of great days and not so great days. Fish it like you would Big Twin Lake. There is a head wall on the Northwest side of the lake that you can hide out from the North winds if it is blowing hard. Catch and release recommended. One fish limit per angler per day.
Davis Lake – Lots of medium/large fish that like to bite the fly. Chronomids and zug-bugs (Size 14-10) and wooly buggers in orange, rust, and brown (Size 10-6) have been very effective. The boat launch area is a good place to cast from shore. Catch and release only.
Campbell Lake – The view and the fishing are worth the drive. As noted above, the scud population exploded and has kept the bite off. It should resume fishing as usual later this week. This lake is best fished in a personal water craft or a small boat. Try casting chronomids (Size 14-10), wooly buggers (Size 10-6) and leeches (Size 10-6). Catch and release only.
Cougar Lake – Difficult access, but holds some nice trout including the infamous Tiger Trout. As noted above, the scud population exploded and has kept the bite off. It should resume fishing as usual later this week. A personal water craft is the best way to access the good fishing spots. Try wooly buggers (Size 10-6), leeches (Size 10-6) chronomids (sizes 16-10). Catch and release only.
Pearrygin Lake – This lake is best suited for fly fishing from a small craft or boat. If you try fly fishing there use orange wooly buggers (Size 10-6) and leeches (Size 10-6). Some anglers even use an egg pattern to mimic Power Bait balls. This is a catch and keep lake. 5 fish per angler per day. Bait fishermen have been doing well trolling wedding rings with a bit of live worm or power bait on the end (troll speed 0.9 k/hr is a good target).
Patterson Lake – This beautiful lake and year round fishery has great views and hold the most diverse mix of fish you can find in the Methow Valley. Residents include Trout, Bass, Perch, and Walleye to name a few. A fun place for the family and easily fishable from a boat, Patterson can keep an angler busy for long time. Recent reports of large 2-3 pound trout came from anglers using 120-200 grain sink tips and rust brown wooly buggers (sizes 6 and 8). Along the shore line a strike indicator and chronomids (sizes 16-10) are working well. Black ant patterns have been taking trout and bass off the surface. This is a catch and keep lake. Red power bait casted off the shore line has had good results for bait fishermen. Try trolling wedding rings with some worm or power bait on it.
Black Pine Lake – I have had reports of nice sized Cutthroat eating chronomids (sizes 16-10) and zug-bugs (sizes 14-10). This high mountain lake has a small boat launch and great camping facilities. This is a great lake to take the family fishing and camping.
Leader Lake – If you head over the Loup Loup pass you will find this lake on the way to Omak. There are plenty of good sized trout and crappie to catch all day. The boat launch and the island have had the best crappie fishing. Try small olive and brown wooly buggers (size 12 and 10) with a medium/slow sink tip. These small, tasty fish put up a great fight on a light weight fly rod.
Methow River – CLOSED
Chewuch River – CLOSED
Twisp River – CLOSED
To find out how to get to any of the mentioned rivers and lakes, use our fish map to point you in the right direction. The map is free online at www.flyfishersproshop.com or pick up a printed copy at the Flyfishers Pro Shop (located in the lobby of the Mt. Gardner Inn) or at The Carlton General Store.
Stop by the fly shop for more information and any equipment needs.
Tight Lines,
Greg Knab
Flyfishers Pro Shop 509-996-2832
www.flyfishersproshop.com
Before you go out fishing check the regulations and have a license and catch card. Call Flyfishers Pro Shop at 509-996-2832 for more information on current conditions.
