Author Archives: Greg Knab

METHOW VALLEY WEEKLY FLY FISHING REPORT

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REPETE REPORT FROM LAST WEEK

Hello anglers.  Time for another fish report.  Things to note this week – The Methow River is closed for Steelhead fishing.  We are hoping for a split season, opening back up in Feb or March.  Other options for Steelhead would be the Okanogan River and Columbia RIver.  Ruffus Woods Lake triploid trout fishing has been good also.  As reports come in, Ill post more on what is working and where.  In the mien time, tie some flies and get ready for that split season to open up.

Chewuch River – CLOSED for fishing as of Aug 15th

Methow River – CLOSED for fishing as of Dec 1st.

Twisp River – CLOSED for fishing as of Aug 15th

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.

METHOW VALLEY WEEKLY FLY FISHING REPORT

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Hello anglers.  Time for another fish report.  Things to note this week – The Methow River is still closed for Steelhead fishing.  We are hoping for a split season, opening back up in Feb or March.  Other options for Steelhead would be the Okanogan River and Columbia RIver.  Ruffus Woods Lake triploid trout fishing has been good also.  As reports come in, Ill post more on what is working and where.  In the mien time, tie some flies and get ready for that split season to open up.

Chewuch River – CLOSED for fishing as of Aug 15th

Methow River – CLOSED for fishing as of Dec 1st.

Twisp River – CLOSED for fishing as of Aug 15th

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.

Fishing for steelhead, whitefish to close Dec. 1 on several rivers in the Upper Columbia Basin

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Fishing for steelhead, whitefish to close Dec. 1
on several rivers in the Upper Columbia Basin

OLYMPIA – Steelhead fisheries on the upper Columbia River will close one hour after sunset on Dec. 1 from Wells Dam to the Highway 173 bridge at Brewster and on the Wenatchee, Icicle, Entiat, and Methow rivers.

Several whitefish fisheries scheduled to open that day will also close at sunset Dec. 1, including those on the Wenatchee and Entiat rivers, as well as on the Methow River downstream of the confluence with the Chewuch River in Winthrop.

Jeff Korth, Regional Fish Manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), said the closures are necessary to keep impacts on wild steelhead within limits established under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA).

The closures will not, however, affect steelhead or whitefish seasons on the mainstem Columbia River from Rock Island Dam to Wells Dam, or from the Highway 173 Bridge in Brewster to 400 feet below Chief Joseph Dam. Those fisheries, plus steelhead and whitefish seasons on the Okanogan and Similkameen rivers, will remain open until further notice under previously published rules.

“This year’s run is smaller than in recent years and contains a relatively high proportion of wild steelhead,” Korth said. “Those factors, combined with steady angler effort, increased the rate of encounters with natural-origin fish in some fishing areas this year.”

Although anglers must release any wild, unmarked steelhead they intercept in area fisheries, some of those fish do not survive and are counted toward ESA impact limits.

The federal permit authorizing the steelhead fisheries sets a maximum allowable mortality of natural-origin steelhead to accommodate variations in run strength and angling effort on specific waters. WDFW closely monitors the fisheries and enforces fishing rules to protect wild steelhead.

The primary reason the upper Columbia steelhead fisheries are permitted is to remove excess hatchery fish from spawning grounds, said Korth, noting that those fisheries provide popular recreational fishing opportunities and economic benefits for rural communities throughout the region.

Specific waters that will close to fishing for steelhead an hour after sunset Dec.1 include:

  • Mainstem Columbia River: From Wells Dam to the Highway 173 bridge at Brewster.
  • Wenatchee River: From the mouth to the Wenatchee River at the Icicle Road Bridge, including the Icicle River from the mouth to 500 feet downstream of the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Barrier Dam.
  • Entiat River: Upstream from the Alternate Highway 97 Bridge, near the mouth of the Entiat River to 800 feet downstream of the Entiat National Fish Hatchery.
  • Methow River: From the mouth to the confluence with the Chewuch River in Winthrop.

Areas closing to whitefish angling an hour after sunset Dec. 1 include:

  • Wenatchee River: From the mouth to the Highway 2 bridge at Leavenworth.
  • Entiat River: Upstream from the Alternate Highway 97 Bridge, near the mouth of the Entiat River to Entiat Falls.
  • Methow River: From Gold Creek to the confluence with the Chewuch River in Winthrop.

Areas that remain open to fishing for hatchery steelhead include:

  • Mainstem Columbia River: From Rock Island Dam to the boundary markers below Wells Dam and from Highway 173 Bridge in Brewster to 400 feet below Chief Joseph Dam.
  • Okanogan River: From the mouth upstream to the Highway 97 Bridge in Oroville.
  • Similkameen River: From the mouth upstream to 400 feet below Enloe Dam.

When these fisheries are open, anglers must retain any legal hatchery steelhead, which can be identified by a clipped adipose fin, they catch until they reach their daily limit of two fish. Once anglers have retained two fish, they must stop fishing for steelhead.

Night closure and selective gear rules remain in effect for all areas where steelhead seasons remain open. Bait is allowed on the mainstem Columbia River.

All anglers must possess a valid Washington fishing license and a Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement to participate in these fisheries. Revenue from the endorsement supports salmon or steelhead seasons in the Columbia River system, including fishery enforcement and monitoring. The endorsement has generated more than $1 million per year to maintain and increase fishing opportunities throughout the Columbia River Basin.

METHOW VALLEY WEEKLY FLY FISHING REPORT

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Hello anglers.  Time for another fish report.  Things to note this week – I have good news and bad news.  The Methow River is still open for Steelhead fishing, but it looks like it will close at the end of the month.  Hopefully it will be a split season, opening back up in Feb or March.  Fishing has been good and Steelhead have been landed as high up as Winthrop.  The river is flowing at 439 csf at Winthrop.  The Pateros water gauge is broken.  The water temp as been 42-44 degs.  WIth the elevated water, it would be a good time to get your drift boat/raft out and float some sections that are usually low.  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.

Methow River – OPEN for Steelhead fishing from Winthrop to the mouth in Pateros.  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 the river 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

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.