Methow Valley Fish Report

Fall is here and so are the big fish.  With a week left before the seasonal closure, the Methow River is in prime shape.  Cooler temperatures and higher water flows have made for some great fishing conditions.  Today the water temp was a chilly 45 deg to start and slowly moved up to 49 deg by the end of the day.  Flow rates at Winthrop were just below 500 cfs.  The action was slow until 1pm, until a Yellow Sally hatch began and the bite was on.  Large cutthroat in the 14-16″ range were grouped in small pockets crashing down on size 12 Yellow Sally patterns (see image below).  Very exciting fishing.  We will keep you posted on the Steelhead opener.  It looks like it might be later in October, but we will let you know ASAP.

Please do not target the salmon and do not walk through the reeds.  Note that the Chewuch and Twisp river are closed.  The lower section of the Methow is close from Gold Creek to the mouth as of Sept 15th.  I have also added a screen shot of the water flows for more detailed information (see below).

From last weeks report: The lake fishing has still been consistent.  The fish are still eating Damsel fly patters and small green wooly buggers.  Go down deep, 15′ or so, you can find some in the thermocline with Damsel nymphs.  Use a sink tip and slowly retrieve the bug back with little action.  Once you see fish rising to eat the adult damsels (usually in the afternoon), switch to a floating line and present the adult pattern a few feet from the rise.  You should see the fish turn and hammer your fly.

River Gear:  4-5 wt dry fly hopper/dropper set up, a deep stone fly nymphing rig with a strike indicator and a 6-7 wt sinking line with a big bugger/nymph set up.

Lake Gear: 3-4 wt dry fly rig (damsel or callibaetis) and a 5-6 wt sink tip with a damsel nymph.

If you have any questions about my report, reply to this post down below.  I will answer your questions as soon as possible.  Tight Lines – Greg

 

 

Chewuch River – CLOSED – Open May 25th – Aug 15th.

Methow River – OPEN May 25th.  Great hopper/dropper fishing.  497 cfs at Winthrop.

Twisp River – CLOSED – May 25th – Aug 15th.

Alta Lake – OPEN Apr. 27 – Sept. 30.  Statewide size/daily limit on all game fish.  Surface – 187 acres.

Big Twin Lake – OPEN Apr. 27 – Oct. 31.  Good cutthroat and rainbow fishing.  Catch-and-release recommended.  Daily trout limit 1, no min size.  Other game fish statewide size/daily limit.  Internal combustion motors prohibited.  Good boat launch.  Surface – 77 acres.

Black Pine Lake – OPEN.  Good cutthroat fishing.

Buck Lake – OPEN.

Campbell Lake – OPEN All game fish.  Apr. 1st – Aug. 31 Catch-and-release.  Selective gear rules.  Internal combustion motors prohibited.  Sept. 1 – Mar. 31 statewide size/daily limit.  Steep boat launch, ok for small craft.  Surface – 11 acres.

Cougar Lake – OPEN All game fish.  Apr. 1st – Aug. 31 Catch-and-release.  Selective gear rules.  Internal combustion motors prohibited.  Sept. 1 – Mar. 31 statewide size/daily limit.  Tight boat launch, not suited for larger craft.  Surface – 9 acres.

Davis Lake – OPEN All game fish.  Apr. 1st – Aug. 31 Catch-and-release.  Selective gear rules.  Internal combustion motors prohibited.  Sept. 1 – Mar. 31 statewide size/daily limit.  Good boat launch.  Surface – 39 acres.

Leader Lake – OPEN.  Mixed bag of bass, trout and bluegill.  Surface – 159 acres.

Little Twin – OPEN Apr. 27 – Oct. 31.  Catch-and-release recommended.  Daily trout limit 1, no min size.  Other game fish statewide size/daily limit.  Internal combustion motors prohibited.  Good boat launch.  Surface – 24 acres.

Patterson Lake – OPEN.  Statewide size/daily limit on trout.  Mixed bag of bass, trout and perch.  Surface – 143 acres.

Pearrygin Lake – OPEN Apr. 27 – Sept. 30.  Heavily stocked with nice sized fish.  All game fish statewide size/daily limit.  Good boat launch.  Surface – 192 acres.

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.