Good morning anglers. Time for another fish report. Things to note this week – The fishing on the river has slowed way down. But the lakes have had some great reports of happy fish with the cooler weather. Try damsel nymphs and dark buggers. Also drys have been working in the evening. As for the river, I have seen some trout rise to super small nymphs, but very selective. The Methow River is very low for floating but is still good for wading. Remember your waders and gloves if you fish early in the morning. Salmon are setting up to spawn and crashing around in the water. The adult October Caddis and Stone Flies have started dipping their eggs and are an attractive meal for the trout. Skating dry flies is also working well. The Methow River is open from Fog Horn Dam to the McFarland Creek bridge.
Methow River – Open for catch and release fishing. 275 cfs (cubic feet per sec) at Winthrop and 343 cfs at Pateros. Try a leggy foam hopper pattern (size 8 & 6) like a Fuzzy Wuzzy or a Chernobyl Ant. Add a small nymph dropper (size14 – 10) off the back 12 – 14″ from the Hopper. Egg patters are a good bet with the salmon setting up to spawn. Also try October Caddis patterns and Stone Fly patterns for a more natural approach. Try skating big drys for some aggressive top water takes. Also look for big back eddies and fish the seams between the fast and slow water. You can also use sink tips with streamer patterns that mimic small fish. The Methow River is open from Fog Horn Dam to the McFarland Creek bridge.
Recommended leader and tippet size: 4X & 3X.
Chewuch River – CLOSED for fishing as of Aug 15th
Twisp River – CLOSED for fishing as of Aug 15th
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) are working. Olive/green Wooly Buggers (size 10 & 8) with a slow retrieve will show good results. If things get slow try Chronomids (size 16 – 10) under a strike indicator. 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 and dry fly patterns (size 14 – 8) with a slow retrieve. Also if it is a hot day, try Chronomid fishing with a strike indicator. Tie on 2 Chronomids (size 16 – 10) 12″ apart and 9′ up the leader place the indicator. When the indicator moves, strike. The boat launch area is a good place to cast from shore. September 1 – March 31 statewide size/daily limit on trout.
Campbell Lake – 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 and dry fly patterns (size 14 – 8) with a slow retrieve. September 1 – March 31 statewide size/daily limit on trout.
Cougar Lake – 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. Reports of Chronomid fishing have produced some nice fish. September 1 – March 31 statewide size/daily limit on trout.
Pearrygin Lake – If you try fly fishing, 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). This lake is best suited for fly fishing from a small craft or boat. Statewide size/daily limit on trout.
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 & 8). Along the shore line a strike indicator and Chronomids (size 16 – 10) are working well. 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. Statewide size/daily limit on trout.
Black Pine Lake – I have had reports of nice sized Cutthroat eating Chronomids (size 16 – 10) and Zug-bugs (size 14 -1 0). 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. Statewide size/daily limit on trout.
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 & 10) with a medium/slow sink tip. These small, tasty fish put up a great fight on a light weight fly rod. Statewide size/daily limit on trout.
Buck Lake – 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. Statewide size/daily limit on trout.
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 erratically to entice the strike. Note – The boat launch there “sucks” so watch your trailer if you are launching a boat there. Statewide size/daily limit on trout.
Recommended leader and tippet size for lakes: 5X & 4X.
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.
