Eastern Washington Fishing Report 05.03.18

Chopaka Lake

The top fly-fishing only lake in the state is open for business. Mercifully (considering the winter we’ve had), the road into Chopaka is in the best shape it's been in a long time. The next few weeks at the state’s fly-fishing Mecca should see increasing catch rates on quality rainbow for anglers making the trip.

Of course, as I write this, prime camp spots are most assuredly taken. The compound will continue growing into a fly-fest of immense proportions, and by June’s Callibaetis hatches, we’ll be in full swing. Keep in mind that DNR limits your stay to 14 days. I know, I want to live there, too. If you’re arriving a bit later in the spring, keep in mind that a few other beautiful DNR campground options exist up Toat’s Coulee and west of Chopaka Mountain at Cold Springs.

Chironomids, like Chan’s Bombers in #10-16 or Ice Cream Cones in varying colors beginning with black, olive and red, would be the top of the order the next few weeks. Batting cleanup would be your standard and balanced leech patterns towed around the edges or twitched under indicators. Outta the box, I would slow troll (or cast and strip) leeches, such as the Simi Seal, Hale Bopp and Goat in #s 8-12. Rowley’s Micro Leeches in #14-16 on intermediate to fast-sinking lines also work. Under indicators, you can’t beat Balanced Leeches, like the TFP Squirrel, Rowley’s Bruised, or Chan’s Ruby Eyed in Blood, Black, Maroon or Olive sizes #6-10.

Blue Lake/Sinlahekin

Expect a few less people, but no less worthy fish at Sinlahekin Blue during May. As with seemingly all of our favorite stillwaters this spring, Blue is at full pool and rising. This can be a bit chilling to the bite ; however, reports in the shop today indicate that it may be worth sticking around for the afternoon rise. Starting around 3 p.m. and headed into evening, Blue’s rainbows, browns and tigers feed in numerous spots around its three pools. And by all accounts, this year’s fishery is looking prime. Anglers stand to encounter some of the healthiest, strongest fish this lake has sported in the last few years.

The same early season lineup of flies as above will apply . . . with one exception: May is Callibaetis time at Blue. These cherished mayflies have already started coming off. With Blue’s lower elevation, this hatch should peak within the next few weeks, whereas Chopaka’s ‘Callie’ hatch is probably still a few weeks off.

Aeneas Lake

If initial reports are to be believed, this fly-fishing only lake is going to be ‘off the chain’ the next few weeks. With a 22” and a 26” brown already chalked up to one local chironomid guru, anyone fishing this Tonasket area stillwater had better be ready for toads.

Try a 3D Glass chronnie along the edges on a long leader, with a bit o’ shot and a break-away indicator. Along with the chronnies listed prior, we also recommend dunking the Double Gill and Rowley’s Clearwater Pupa # 12-14. Although I can’t imagine landing a mid-twenties chunk on 6X tippet, you might consider trying—at least that’s what one local claims is the only way to hook these beasties.

Omak Lake

Shore fishing Omak Lake cutthroat will be at its zenith during May. Follow the lead of successful anglers the last few weeks and fish minnows and leeches morning and evening, then explore other tribal waters (or rest your biceps) during the midday.

Black caddis, a rare but annual hatch, made a brief appearance before the weather cooled off the last few days. Expect another appearance once the heat is on again. A black AP Nymph in a #14-16 or a dark soft hackle can be fun to try under an indicator or on a sink-tip. May is also usually when we begin to throw Chernobyls, as indicators, and dangle chironomids, damsels or attractor nymphs in #s10-#16 below. It’s a gas to twitch that big bug, (or let it sit) as a large cutt approaches and watch him (usually) inspect it. More often than not, he will spin around and gulp the dangling nymph swimming off like Jaws with a buoy in tow.

Omak Lake is catch-and-release through May 31 and Mission Bay will be closed to fishing until then to protect spawners. Mission Bay’s boat launch has been a bit of a quagmire so expect to launch at one of the other two spots (either Beercan or Cowpie beaches). Usually, later in the month the cutts can be really pressed up into the shallows in certain spots looking to shore-spawn and just milling around in place. This is a good time to give ‘em a break and head to another beach where the fish are still on the prowl.

Stop into the shop for the latest on road closures or alternative fisheries coming into shape. Best of luck.

Click here to see past reports from this region, or click here to view all northwest regional reports.