Eastern Washington Fishing Report 11.16.17
Words By: North 40 Outfitters
Posted: November 17, 2017

Washington fishing report cover

Omak Lake

With the temperatures going down, fishing at Omak Lake is heating up. Hungry Lahontan cutthroat in the 16-to 22-inch range are on the hunt, prowling the shore for bait fish.

For that reason, fishing from shore has been quite productive. The normal three shore areas are Nicholson (Beer Can) Beach, Mission Beach and the south end of Cowpie Beach.

Break out the 6-weight rod and use either an intermediate line or Type 3 sinking line. Flies of choice: #6 Downey’s Red Death, #8 Sculpzilla, #8 Near Nuff Sculpin in tan or olive, #8 TFP Balanced Squirrel Leech in purple or black. Morning will be you best time to target these hungry cruisers.

Rat Lake

The reports are driving me nuts because I haven’t been able to get out there. Multiple fish are being reported in the 14-to 18-inch class with a couple now and then above the 20-inch mark. Leech and minnow patterns are receiving the most action. Try a black #8 Thurman’s Swimming leech, black/blue #10 Simi Seal Leech, olive #10 Pumpkin Head Leech, or a #8 Epoxy Minnow. The fish seem to be holding at 10 feet and above. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I can get down to the lake before the freeze starts, which means I better get there soon.

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