Hello anglers. Time for another fish report. Things to note this week – The rivers are closed for fishing. We are awaiting the announcement of the Steelhead season, but no word yet. Hopefully a week or two we should know the opening day. We will post it when it is announced (sign up for our blog and you will automatically be emailed when it opens). The lakes have been producing nice fish down deep. Sink tips and wooly buggers have been working good at Big Twin and Little Twin Lake. The big fish have been culled out from Campbell, Cougar, and Davis Lake due to the catch and keep regulations, but there are a lot more fish to find in these lakes. Just take your time and work the shore line and you will find willing big trout. Pearrygin and Alta Lake are Closed as of Oct 1st.
Methow River – CLOSED for fishing as of Oct 1st
Chewuch River – CLOSED for fishing as of Aug 15th
Twisp River – CLOSED for fishing as of Aug 15th
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 – CLOSED for fishing as of Oct 1st
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 – CLOSED for fishing as of Oct 1st.
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.
