Double Dippin’ At Stan Coffin Lake

Concerts and big largemouths in one fell swoop? Sign me up . . . no matter how dazed I might be.

By Steph Avena

So you’re headed to the Gorge at George and achin’ to fish, but don’t wanna’ miss a moment of a summer concert? Then, I’d recommend you hit Stan Coffin Lake for some catch-and-release action on largemouth bass.

As a crow flies, this ancient lake is so close to the concert venue that the fish can practically hum along with the band. However, don’t plan on getting there in five minutes, as long as the ‘south gate’ to Quincy Lakes, which is located in the Columbia Basin Wildlife Area, remains closed due to vandalism. Never fear, I clocked the northern route, through the north entrance, last weekend and it was only 15 minutes from the concert campground entrance.

The best craft to ply these waters for lunker largemouth would be something along the lines of a fishing kayak or a pram. Though there is an improved launch at Stan Coffin, I kinda doubt you’d haul your 17-foot bass boat to a concert . . . or would you? Regardless, the lake isn’t huge at 52 acres and you can patrol a good portion in a canoe and make it back to the campground before everyone wakes up.

You can look at our selection of kayaks and paddlesports gear online as well.

The best gear for bass on Stan Coffin would be a single-hand eight-weight lined with a floating bass taper, like the Super Dri from Airflo (‘cause it can get windy!). With a selection of topwater flies, including mouse and frog patterns, you can chuckle all the way back to the campground having enjoyed some classic bucketmouth fishing on the surface.

Bass preferring streamers? No problem. Because Stan Coffin isn’t terribly deep, a short poly leader or just an eight-foot piece of 12# fluorocarbon off your dry line would be all you need to reach the kind of depths these largemouth prowl in September. You can try the whole slew of Kelly Galloup articulated patterns, including the Pearl Necklace and the Peanut Envy. Coincidentally, these are on sale here in the North 40 Omak shop through the extended holiday weekend.

The streamers we have online are available here. 

Given you are going to catch-and-release a few toads, you should be familiar with proper handling techniques. The best advice I can give is to fight them fast and keep them wet.

Keep in mind that Stan Coffin sits amongst a collection of other lakes that fish well this time of year, too. These are multi-species lakes that provide a great excuse to bring your whole quiver, including your glass three-weights for panfish, and your ten-weight for the tiger muskie swimming next door in Evergreen Reservoir.

So, if you’re looking to take in a show and the scene, and add some fishing to the mix—no matter how dazed and confused you may be—hit Stan Coffin and take a crack at some oversized largemouths.