Author Archives: Greg Knab

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 open for Steelhead fishing.  The fish have been moving up the river quickly due to the constant rain.  The water temp as been 43-45 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.  Send us you big Steelhead photos (wild fish must be in the water) 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.

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 open for Steelhead fishing.  The fishing has been hot from Carlton down to the mouth.  The cool, snowy weather has made the bite “off and on” during the day.  45.5 deg at noon and 43.5 deg at 5 pm.  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.  There have been a equal amount of wild and hatchery fish landed, so bring your cooler for your catch.  Send us you big Steelhead photos (wild fish must be in the water) 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.  Most of the fish are down river below the town of Methow.  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.  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

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.  Open through Oct. 31.

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.  Open through Oct. 31.

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 – CLOSED for fishing as of Oct. 1st.

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

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 open for Steelhead fishing.  The opener produced some nice fish in the lower section (primarily below Carlton).  The best producing flies were beaded stone fly nymphs and egg patters hung under a strike indicator.  There have been a equal amount of wild and hatchery fish landed, so bring your cooler for your catch.  Send us you big Steelhead photos (wild fish must be in the water) 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.  Most of the fish are down river below the town of Methow.  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.  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

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.  Open through Oct. 31.

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.  Open through Oct. 31.

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 – CLOSED for fishing as of Oct. 1st.

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

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.

Upper Columbia, several other rivers to open for hatchery steelhead fishing

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OLYMPIA – Starting Tuesday (Oct. 16), hatchery steelhead fisheries will open on the mainstem upper Columbia, Wenatchee, Icicle, Entiat, Methow and Okanogan rivers, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today.

In addition, the Similkameen River will open to hatchery steelhead retention beginning Nov. 1.

All of these fisheries will remain open until further notice.

Jeff Korth, regional fish manager for WDFW, said approximately 18,000 adult steelhead are expected to return to the upper Columbia River this year – enough to allow the department to open area steelhead fisheries.

However, wild steelhead are expected to return in lower numbers than last year, requiring additional constraints on those fisheries.

“We carefully manage these fisheries to protect naturally spawning steelhead listed under the federal Endangered Species Act,” Korth said. “These fisheries traditionally remain open through the winter, but with lower numbers of wild steelhead and tighter allowable impacts on those fish we may have to close early.”

Korth said anglers should check WDFW’s website (http://wdfw.wa.gov/ ) throughout the season for any regulation changes.

On all rivers, anglers will have a daily limit of two adipose-fin-clipped hatchery steelhead, which must measure at least 20 inches in length. Steelhead with an intact adipose fin must be immediately released unharmed without being removed from the water. Anglers also will be required to release any steelhead fitted with a floy (anchor) tag and those with one or more round quarter-inch holes punched in their caudal (tail) fin.

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, except that bait may be used on the mainstem Columbia River. 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/ .

Anglers should also be aware that motorized vessels are not allowed on the Wenatchee or Icicle rivers under Chelan County ordinances.

Areas that will open to fishing for hatchery steelhead Oct. 16 include:

  • Mainstem Columbia River: From Rock Island Dam to 400 feet below Chief Joseph Dam. Night closure and selective gear rules apply, except bait is allowed.
  • Wenatchee River: From the mouth to the Icicle River Road Bridge, including the Icicle River from the mouth to 500 feet downstream of the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Barrier Dam. Night closure and selective gear rules apply. Motorized vessels are not allowed.
  • 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 outfall. Night closure and selective gear rules apply.
  • Methow River: From the mouth to the confluence with the Chewuch River in Winthrop. Fishing from a floating device is prohibited from the second powerline crossing to the first Highway 153 Bridge. Night closure and selective gear rules apply.
  • Okanogan River: From the mouth to the Highway 97 Bridge in Oroville. Night closure and selective gear rules apply.

Areas that will open to fishing for hatchery steelhead Nov. 1 include:

  • Similkameen River: From the mouth to 400 feet below Enloe Dam. Night closure and selective gear rules apply.

Three areas of the Columbia River – Vernita, Priest Rapids and Wanapum – will not open at all for steelhead fishing this fall.

All anglers must possess a valid fishing license and a Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement to participate in these fisheries. Revenue from the endorsement supports salmon or steelhead seasons on many rivers in the Columbia River system, including enforcing fishery regulations and monitoring the upper Columbia River steelhead fisheries. The endorsement has generated more than $1 million annually for WDFW to maintain and increase fishing opportunities throughout the Columbia River Basin.