Eastern Washington Fishing Report 06.13.19
The schools are or will be going on summer break and that means vacation time for many people. Growing up I couldn’t wait for this time of the year, it meant camping and fishing time. When I became a dad, I continued this with my daughters and in return, they have continued it with their children. So, get out there because the weather is great, and the fishing is just as great.
Current Conditions
Water temperatures are starting to come up. The top 5’ to 10’ are what you want to keep track of, 68f is the low end of the red zone. Keep your thermometer handy and check the water temperatures regularly. No point and taking a chance on fish mortality from high water temps.
Chopaka Lake - When an angler heading up to Chopaka Lake comes in the first fly they ask me is, “where are your damsel flies?” Both nymphs and adult are what's on the menu for the chunky rainbows up at the lake. Throw in a mix of the other standard stillwater flies and you should be set to have an enjoyable time. As a side note to that any of the purple mayfly patterns such as the Purple Haze are having some great results. Weekend camping spots at the lake may be a little sparse so if you are in the mood to camp there, try getting up there mid-week.
Omak Lake - As the days get warmer and sunnier the lake is slowing down. I would say we might have about another week, two at the most before the lahontans start staying in deeper cooler water and only coming up to feed at night or at first light in the morning. For me, it's back to being a full-time streamer gig. Whites, olives, blacks, and greys are the colors of choice for me. Small to big if it looks like a baitfish, they generally will eat it.
Other Area Lakes - All the other area lakes are fishing pretty good. Blue Lake up by Wannacut Lake is ok but has slowed down quite a bit. Aeneas, Green, Blue (Sinlahekin) and Rat are doing good. For the most part, it appears to be more of a morning and evening fishery for those lakes. Damsel Flies, both adults and nymphs are the first choice at those lakes. From there it is a mix of what works. Leech patterns in the deeper water seems to be the one constant in all the lakes right now. Along with leeches in the deeper water chironomids fished deep are also having good results.
A lake that even tho not a fly fishing or selective gear lake, Bonaparte Lake is a higher lake with some big tiger and rainbow trout in it. There is a forest service campground and boat launch on the south end of the lake. I highly recommend giving this lake a try plus the resort restaurant has some great food.
With the warmer weather, the bass fishing at a lot of our bass lakes is starting to get more attention. Some of the lakes to check out that I would recommend are Alta, Patterson, Leader, Palmer, Whitestone, and Spectacle. Most of them have a mix of both large and smallmouth bass. With the average bass running about 2 pounds.
Okanogan River (WA) - The river continues dropping nice and steady. With that happening the smallmouth bass fishing is picking up and getting better day by day. From the mouth all the way up to Oroville, the reports have been good. The average size has been in the 2-3-pound range, with a few going on up.
Methow River (WA) - The warm weather is bumping the river flow up just a little, but not enough to have a great effect on the fishing. The river is looking nice and clear with good visibility. The average rainbow is about 15” and cutthroats at about the same size.
Match the Hatch
Like I mentioned before, damsel flies in both adult and nymphs should be your first choice at most all the area lakes with mayflies coming in close behind. After that, it is a split between chironomids and leeches. For leeches stay with the smaller to micro leeches in blacks and olives.
On the Methow River streamers such as the Sculpzilla would be a good choice. With dry fly activity picking up, olive or orange Stimulators and Chubby Chernobyl in purple, and pinks. I have been trying out some of the Zirdle bugs and TJ Hookers with pleasing results. With these two patterns, I’ve been dead drift then swinging them at the end of the drift.
If you are inclined to go after bass, I would start off with a good crayfish pattern close to the bottom. The Near Nuff Crayfish would be my first choice. The second pattern is the RJ’s Jiggy Worm in black/blue, firetiger and crayfish orange.
Need to fill the box before you go? Order flies online here.
Tips & Techniques
When damsel fly fishing whether nymphs or dries, you will be in close to the shoreline a floating line should handle it just fine. Also, another little trick is to let your dry fly pattern sink down when you are in close to the reeds. This seems to get their attention and you might pick up a few more fish but, your fly must be tucked in close to the reeds. If you choose to go with chironomids switching from an indicator to a full sinking line and straight lining in the deeper water might be a more efficient way to get down into some of the deeper waters that are holding fish.
On the river for trout keep working the seam waters with both the dries and streamers. The flows are such that the fish are holding just off the faster waters. Waters that have enough depth that are close into shore can surprise you with what might be holding there, so don’t forget to let your fly drift into these spots.
Did you know...
If you are looking for a good graduation gift that special family member or friend, you might think about a nice rod and reel combo. Or if they already have one a gift card, I'm sure will come in handy to help them expand their fly fishing needs.
Want to win a Winston rod? Stop into North 40 Outfitters on Saturday, June 15th for our “Cast a Rod – Win Two” event. Simply cast a Winston fly rod and fill out the raffle for your chance to win two Winston Rods of your choice.
See past reports from the Omak region, or click here to view all northwest regional reports.