Cabinet Gorge Fishing Report 5.10.2017

All week I had been checking the weather to see what was in store for me on my days off. Wouldn't you know it 67 degrees and sunny, I'm going to chase pike.

As I drove over the Klakken Road Bridge, I saw over 100 full sized trees floating down the swift moving reservoir.... My timing could not have been worse.

Do you know the best way to rig for pike?

However, a good fisherman always has a plan B. Noxon reservoir it was! So I meandered on down to the North East side of Noxon Reservoir, and what do I see? "Boat Launch Temporarily Closed."

The fishing gods were not doing me any favors today. With all this bad luck, you would think someone had stuck a banana in my boat. Anyway, on to plan C, Bull Lake.

As I drove back over the Klakken Road Bridge, I noticed almost all of the trees had been pushed down the reservoir. I gathered a little courage, and decided to fish Cabinet Gorge despite the remaining logs.

Water clarity was not great. There was a light "chalky" color in the water from the tributaries. I expect the reservoir to hold this color for a few days because dam flows are going up, and run-off is in full swing. Fishing is good, but not great.

All of the pike I caught were under 5 lb., and were hanging around the mouth of one slough. 5-10 ft. depths were where the pike were at. They are still not on beds, but aggressive nonetheless. My 8 inch Chartreuse pike Hunter was my go-to fly.

If you're interested in getting out and fishing for pike, then read this.

I suspect the bigger Northerns are a little deeper, but can cruise up anytime. Warmer weather is what we need to really get these Slough Sharks actively feeding.

The wind seems to always come up between 1-3 pm. The waves get big quick when the wind is blowing upstream. This is an easy reservoir to underestimate, and end up in trouble. Be careful and wear a life jacket when making long runs on the boat.

If you need some gear, we've got what need online here. 

If you are looking to do a little Pikin', stop by our Pondery flyshop, and let's talk pike. I don't tend to hold back many secrets when it comes to pike fishing.