Good morning anglers. Time for another fish report. Things to note this week – The Rivers are laying down nicely. I just got back from an upper river float of the Methow and the fishing was good. We hooked up on big fish and had a 30-incher to the hand. The water is still very high. Fishing from a boat is recommended (skilled rowers only) while wadding will be dangerous due to the fast water. Find specific information for each river below. The lake fishing is still very good and the damsel fly patterns are still working great. I am adding Alta Lake to the report. The State planted a lot of big fish there with a few 10-17 pounders. Yea, you heard me right 17 pounds!
Methow River – Open for catch and release fishing. 4,500 cfs (cubic feet per sec) at Winthrop. This level is way to high to wade fish but from a drift boat or raft it is defiantly fishable. Look for big back eddies and fish the seams between the fast and slow water. Use sink tips with streamer patterns that mimic small fish. In the afternoon and evening use small dry flies (sizes 14-10) on the surface of back eddies. Try Pale Morning Duns and Parachute Adams that mimic a small hatch. I did see a few caddis dipping the other day, so orange colored Stimulators should be ready if needed.
Chewuch River – Open for catch and release fishing. 1,710 cfs (cubic feet per sec) at Winthrop. This level is high but wade fishing can be done in the back eddies from shore (just be carful of the fast flow). I will recommend the same approach as the Methow River until we know know more on what they are biting on. Use sink tips with streamer patterns that mimic small fish. In the afternoon and evening use small dry flies (sizes 14-10) on the surface of back eddies. Try Pale Morning Duns and Parachute Adams that mimic a small hatch. I did see a few caddis dipping the other day, so orange colored Stimulators should be ready if needed.
Twisp River – Open for catch and release fishing. 840 cfs (cubic feet per sec) at Twisp. This river is the best bet for wade fishing. The level is high but just keep to the back eddies from shore and you should be good. I will recommend the same approach as the Methow River until we know know more on what they are biting on. Use sink tips with streamer patterns that mimic small fish. In the afternoon and evening use small dry flies (sizes 14-10) on the surface of back eddies. Try Pale Morning Duns and Parachute Adams that mimic a small hatch. I did see a few caddis dipping the other day, so orange colored Stimulators should be ready if needed.
RIVER NOTICE: Rivers can be very dangerous. Be prepared when you head out and have a plan for emergencies. Call the fly shop for river condition updates.
Big Twin Lake – Damsel nymph fly patterns (size 14-8) have been the ticket. Olive green buggers (size 10-8) with a slow retrieve will show good results. Catch and release recommended. One fish limit per angler per day.
Little Twin – 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 – Use damsel nymph fly patterns (size 14-8) with a slow retrieve. The boat launch area is a good place to cast from shore. Catch and release only.
Campbell Lake – Freshly stocked and ready to fish. The view and the fishing are worth the drive. This lake is best fished in a personal water craft or a small boat. Cast wooly buggers (size 10-6) and leeches (size 10-6). Also try damsel nymph fly patterns (size 14-8) with a slow retrieve. Catch and release only.
Cougar Lake – Freshly stocked and ready to fish. Difficult access, but holds some nice trout including the infamous Tiger Trout. A personal water craft is the best way to access the good fishing spots. Try wooly buggers (size 10-6), leeches (size 10-6) and damsel nymph fly patterns (size 14-8) with a slow retrieve. 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. Use 120-200 grain sink tips and rust brown wooly buggers (size 6 and 8). Along the shore line a strike indicator and chronomids (size 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 (size 16-10) and zug-bugs (size 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.
Buck Lake – I just found out that Buck Lake had a large addition of fish that should make for some great fishing. Keep an eye out for Rainbows, Cutthroat and a few Perch. Fish the lake with a sink tip fly line and a brown or olive green wooly bugger. Damsel patterns will also work well.
Alta Lake – This seemingly forgotten lake has new residents that will blow your mind. The State, last minute, planted some big boys in there. Lots of 2-6 pound trout and what I here there is a few 10-17 pound fish. That will entice any angler to give it a try. Use a 150 – 200 grain sink tip with a small fish pattern. Let it sink a few seconds and strip the fly back irraticly to entice the strike. Note – The boat launch there “sucks” so watch your trailer if you are launching a boat there.
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.
