This week fishing on the Methow definitely improved. Flows are still way above average for this time of the year but with the number of fish in the system right now the bite has picked up. For the most part fish seem to be clustered in pods but with all the movement the transitional holding pockets can hold one or two as well, so it pays to spend time where you catch one in big runs but also hit the nice looking pockets as you see them as well.

With flows as they are the use of a boat is a big one up, it can be hard to even get near the water you’re targeting otherwise. When using a boat or wading I can’t stress enough to Be Careful! One wrong move in these flows can be your last. There are still a few spots you will find work-able from shore just take your time and find the softer water on inside or tail-outs.

March Brown

At this point in the season fish will be pretty snappy as they get closer to spawn they will begin to vie for position with one another. For that matter swinging minnow patterns and flesh flys can be very productive in the right water, as well I have been getting many fish with a heavy stone and good ol’ traditional glows bugs. Remember the length of cast is secondary always to the quality of the drift, so don’t cast further than you can mend, it has to be a slow drift which can be tough in fast water.

I did have a chance to get over to Omak Lake with some friends; we had a good day with a few good fish to the net. Fish were cruising in about 10 ft of water and we found both sink tip and indicator fishing productive. Best streamers were the red headed green whooly bugger and the bug eyed green marabou muddler. When our arms would need a break from fighting the wind we would hang a green whooly bugger at about seven ft and drop a chartreuse chironomid under that (I prefer to tie dropper to eye of whooley bugger to keep it level) we had equal luck on both.

In the next week or two (most likely right around next full moon) there will be quite a few big Lahontans cruising in packs in very shallow water in Omak Lk. Leading to one of the first and best trout fishing experiences of the year. Steelhead season on the Methow River Closes March 31st at sundown so there are still a couple of days left so get it if you can! For more info drop us a line on the Guides page or you can reach Methow Fishing Adventures at (509) 429-7298 Fish On Yawl!

Omak Lk.

High water has hit the Methow River a solid two weeks early and put the brakes on this year’s steelhead season. There may still be time and enough fish up river if flows ebb a bit there could be another day or two to be squeaked out, right now though it’s not looking likely.

Stabbin One

In the last week we have seen flows almost double, which demands flexibility from any angler hoping to ply one last head shaker from the water this year. Fish from a boat of course has been much easier, if nothing else it’s safer than wading. I have increased the weight of my rigs of course and at present have been using a ¼ egg sucking stone with a bubble gum pink Hevi Bead egg dropper.

Fish will be up river regardless of flows as now is the time so if you find the right water and get it down to them it is still possible but definitely not what we are used to seeing at this time of the year. Usually flows at this time of the year would be about 3-500, last I checked they had spiked to about 2,500cfs.

Keep your eye on the USGS gage and hope to see it back down a bit, otherwise I would recommend your nearest still-water. I will be headed to the Big-O as I often do at this time of the year to unwind after the steelhead season. Fishing for cruising packs of Lahontan Cutthroat on Omak Lake is a must for me each year before the hustle and bustle of trout season kicks off. See you on the water!