Last week I said winter had released its icy grip, well for the most part that’s true. It’s still snowing but the temps are rising in the water and the air which is leading to changes, changes in flow as much as changes in bug life and fish. Fish are on the move and so is the water, so the name of the game is watch the graph and intercept the fish.

The Methow fishes best for trout or steel, winter or summer at 500-700cfs (at Pateros) now thanks to global warming the Methow is acting more like a coastal stream in the winter, I was born and raised here since 1976 and flows have never been as they have in the last ten years so get used to it. I will try not to diverge from fish report to politics but if you don’t think global warming is happening this is not the site for you.

Jeff (the General) Lyman

Small winter stones, golden stones, chironomids and midges are some of the bugs hearty enough to make their living in the cold and clean water of the Methow in winter, but if temps budge above mid-thirties even the slightest you see bug and fish spring to life. Fishing on the Methow can be cold and quite but you can bet it will always be the best way to spend a late winter day.

Gretchen Nelson with Lahontan (and its latest meal)

If however you are looking for something different or just to check one of the extant species of cutthroat off your bucket list then I recommend a lake of prehistoric proportions not far from the Methow, Omak Lake which holds the state record for Lahontan Cutthroat. Fishing Omak is another way we pass the winters here in the Methow, Okanagon Valleys and beyond. Omak Lake is not only beautiful but also holds the rare Lahontan Cutthroat trout, check Colville regs call or email us for more details.

This week winter finally started to release the Methow from its cold dark grip. Evidence of which could be not only felt but seen and heard as well by the racket of the Stellar’s Jay and many other birds sent aloft by warming air and longer days. As with many other animals the activity level of fish in the system has been on the up-tick.

Rick with a nice wild buck

As with most winters fish right now are keying in on smaller food items such as the midges, chironomids and small stones. With warmer temps (30’s-40) and a bit of sun on the water winter time hatches of the following bugs are always near to come. One would think these small insects would not be worth the time of such a large fish as steelhead, on the contrary however steelhead find it easy to lie in the drift and consume enough of these insects to sate there limited wintertime caloric needs.

Keepers!

With water temps still in the mid to upper 30’s you can expect to find fish mostly in the lower two thirds of suitable runs, you will not find fish in any water with waves or fast flow right now so do not waste time and energy until you find water at least 5ft deep with nice seams, structure and foam-line. When you find suitable water take your time in fishing it and where you pick up one fish, look to find more there. Sometimes resting the water, taking a break and trying again about 20 minutes later you can find repeated success.

Chroni doing it again

As water warms fish will be had on the swing with small traditional patterns such as the Freight-Trane and the Skunk, as for now though nymphing is most successful as it caters to the lack of energy to chase the swung bug as well the amount of midge and chrironomid in the drift. Look to find fish spread pretty well between Carlton and the mouth, just take time to find slower walking speed runs as described above.

Jerry with a slab buck

If you have any questions or would like to inquire about openings through March just drop us a line on the Guiding page or call anytime (509) 429-7298. Thanks for following the report, fish safe, have fun best of luck! Leaf

One of my favorite spots