Hello anglers. \u00a0Time for another fish report.\u00a0 Things to note this week\u00a0\u2013 I have good news and bad news.\u00a0 The Methow River is still open for Steelhead fishing, but it looks like it will close at the end of the month.\u00a0 Hopefully it will be a split season, opening back up in Feb or March.\u00a0 Fishing has been good and Steelhead have been landed as high up as Winthrop.\u00a0 The river is flowing at 439 csf at Winthrop.\u00a0 The Pateros water gauge is broken.\u00a0 The water temp as been 42-44 degs.\u00a0 WIth the elevated water, it would be a good time to get your drift boat\/raft out and float some sections that are usually low.\u00a0 The best flies are still beaded stone fly nymphs and egg patters hung under a strike indicator six to nine feet on a 1X tapered leader.\u00a0 With the fish spread out all over the river, you can get away from the crowds and still have a good chance at some fish.\u00a0 There have been a equal amount of wild and hatchery fish landed, so bring your cooler for your catch.<\/p>\n
Methow River<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 OPEN for Steelhead fishing from Winthrop to the mouth in Pateros.\u00a0 The Steelhead have been biting on stone fly nymph patterns, eggs, and egg sucking leeches (sizes 8 & 6).\u00a0 Use a strike indicator 6′ above you fly to get down deep and find the fish.\u00a0 Use 1X tapered leaders.\u00a0 Swinging streamer has had some success.\u00a0 Try a streamer with a red head in black and purple.\u00a0 Anglers on the river will be required to retain any legal hatchery steelhead they catch until the daily limit of two fish is reached. After they have retained two fish, anglers must stop fishing for hatchery steelhead.\u00a0 Selective gear rules apply to all areas where steelhead seasons are open. All anglers are required to follow steelhead gear rules and restrictions described in WDFW\u2019s Fishing in Washington pamphlet, available online at\u00a0http:\/\/wdfw.wa.gov\/fishing\/regulations\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n Chewuch River<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0CLOSED for fishing as of Aug 15th<\/p>\n Twisp River<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013\u00a0CLOSED for fishing as of Aug 15th<\/p>\n Alta Lake<\/strong> – CLOSED for fishing as of Oct 1st.<\/p>\n Big Twin Lake<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 CLOSED for fishing as of Nov 1st.<\/p>\n Black Pine Lake<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 I have had reports of nice sized Cutthroat eating\u00a0Chronomids (size 16 – 10) and Zug-bugs\u00a0(size 14 -1 0). \u00a0This high mountain lake has a small boat launch and great camping facilities. \u00a0This is a great lake to take the family fishing and camping.\u00a0 Statewide size\/daily limit on trout.<\/p>\n Buck Lake<\/strong> – Buck Lake had a large addition of fish that should make for some great fishing. \u00a0Keep an eye out for Rainbows, Cutthroat and a few Perch. \u00a0Fish the lake with a sink tip fly line and a brown or olive green Wooly Bugger. \u00a0Damsel \u00a0patterns will also work well.\u00a0 Statewide size\/daily limit on trout.<\/p>\n Campbell Lake<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 The view and the fishing are worth the drive. \u00a0This lake is best fished in a personal water craft or a small boat.\u00a0 Cast Wooly Buggers (size 10 – 6) and leeches (size 10 – 6). \u00a0Also try damsel nymph and dry fly patterns (size 14 – 8) with a slow retrieve.\u00a0 September 1 – March 31 statewide size\/daily limit on trout.<\/p>\n Cougar Lake<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 Difficult access, but holds some nice trout including the infamous Tiger Trout. \u00a0A personal water craft is the best way to access the good fishing spots.\u00a0 Try Wooly Buggers (size 10 – 6), leeches (size 10 – 6) and damsel nymph fly patterns (size 14 – 8) with a slow retrieve.\u00a0 Reports of Chronomid fishing have produced some nice fish.\u00a0 September 1 – March 31 statewide size\/daily limit on trout.<\/p>\n Davis Lake\u00a0<\/strong>\u2013 Use damsel nymph and dry fly patterns (size 14 – 8) with a slow retrieve.\u00a0 Also if it is a hot day, try Chronomid fishing with a strike indicator.\u00a0 Tie on 2 Chronomids (size 16 – 10) 12″ apart and 9′ up the leader place the indicator.\u00a0 When the indicator moves, strike.\u00a0 The boat launch area is a good place to cast from shore. \u00a0September 1 – March 31 statewide size\/daily limit on trout.<\/p>\n Leader Lake<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 CLOSED for fishing as of Oct. 1st.<\/p>\n Little Twin<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 CLOSED for fishing as of Nov 1st.<\/p>\n Patterson Lake<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 This beautiful lake and year round fishery has great views and hold the most diverse mix of fish you can find in the Methow Valley.\u00a0 Residents include Trout, Bass, Perch, and Walleye to name a few.\u00a0 A fun place for the family and easily fishable from a boat, Patterson can keep an angler busy for long time.\u00a0 Use 120 – 200 grain sink tips and rust brown Wooly Buggers (size 6 & 8).\u00a0 Along the shore line a strike indicator and Chronomids (size 16 – 10) are working well.\u00a0 This is a catch and keep lake. \u00a0Red Power Bait casted off the shore line has had good results for bait fishermen. \u00a0Try trolling Wedding Rings with some worm or Power Bait on it.\u00a0 Statewide size\/daily limit on trout.<\/p>\n Pearrygin Lake<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 CLOSED for fishing as of Oct. 1st<\/p>\n To find out how to get to any of the mentioned rivers and lakes, use our fish map to point you in the right direction.\u00a0 The map is free online at\u00a0www.flyfishersproshop.com<\/a>\u00a0or pick up a printed copy at the Flyfishers Pro Shop (located in the lobby of the\u00a0Mt. Gardner Inn<\/a>) or at\u00a0The Carlton General Store<\/a>.\u00a0 Sign up for this blog and receive the fish report every week click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Stop by the fly shop for more information and any equipment needs.<\/p>\n