Hello anglers.  Time for another fish report.  Things to note this week – The Methow River is open for Steelhead fishing.  WIth all the rain and snow in the mountains the river has jacked up to 900cfs (3 times higher than usual).  The fish have been moving around the river quickly trying to find a place to rest.  Some are swimming up river and some are sliding back out to the Columbia River.  The water temp as been 41-43 degs.  The fish need time to acclimate during the temp swings.  The best flies are still beaded stone fly nymphs and egg patters hung under a strike indicator six to nine feet on a 1X tapered leader.  With the fish spread out all over the river, you can get away from the crowds and still have a good chance at some fish.    There have been a equal amount of wild and hatchery fish landed, so bring your cooler for your catch.  We will be floating the upper section this week, so Ill let you know how the fishing is.

Send us you big Steelhead photos (wild fish must be in the water) to info@flyfishersproshop.com and be entered to win a gift certificate from the fly shop for $25.  Biggest fish by Thanksgiving wins (please include length).

Methow River – OPEN for Steelhead fishing from Winthrop to the mouth in Pateros.  The fish are moving up the river.  There have been reports of Steelhead caught all the way up in Winthrop.  The Steelhead have been biting on stone fly nymph patterns, eggs, and egg sucking leeches (sizes 8 & 6).  Use a strike indicator 6′ above you fly to get down deep and find the fish.  Use 1X tapered leaders.  Swinging streamer has had some success.  Try a streamer with a red head in black and purple.  Anglers on all rivers will be required to retain any legal hatchery steelhead they catch until the daily limit of two fish is reached. After they have retained two fish, anglers must stop fishing for hatchery steelhead.  Selective gear rules apply to all areas where steelhead seasons are open. All anglers are required to follow steelhead gear rules and restrictions described in WDFW’s Fishing in Washington pamphlet, available online at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/.

Chewuch River – CLOSED for fishing as of Aug 15th

Twisp River – CLOSED for fishing as of Aug 15th

NOTE: I have changed the lake format to an alphabetical listing.  This should help you in cross referencing with regs and ease of finding your favorite lakes.

Alta Lake – CLOSED for fishing as of Oct 1st.

Big Twin Lake – CLOSED for fishing as of Nov 1st.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Leader Lake – CLOSED for fishing as of Oct. 1st.

Little Twin – CLOSED for fishing as of Nov 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.

Pearrygin 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.  Sign up for this blog and receive the fish report every week click here.

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.