Eastern Washington Fishing Report 07.04.19

We have had a few thunderstorms move through the area on and off along with some light rains so look at the sky now and then. That being said, the weather has actually been quite pleasant for this time of year.  

Current Conditions

Chopaka Lake - The water temperatures are still okay in the morning but, by mid-day, they may be a little too warm. There is not much by way of fish catching that is happening at the south end of the lake. The north end is a little cooler and deeper and is where the best fishing is right now. Leech patterns in the #12 and #10 range are having the best results. With this being technically the 4th of July weekend, camping spots will be hit and miss. 

Blackpine Lake - With the lake being at a little higher elevation water temperatures should be okay. Pumpkin and redhead leeches in the #12 range are a top producer here for the lake's cutthroat. Expect to find fish in the 14” range down to a depth of 20 feet. There are evening caddis hatches so make sure you have a few olive colored ones in your box.    

Bonaparte Lake - The lake waters are still staying cool making for some good morning to mid-day fishing for the larger tiger trout as well as chunky rainbows. Working the drop-offs at first light with medium-sized streamers should hook you into some of the tigers that will be on the prowl. As the sun rises, move out onto the 20-foot depths and slow your retrieve down.  

There is still plenty of topwater action in the morning for the lakes with two-pound smallmouth in and around the weeds and lily pads. 

Okanogan River (WA) - The river level is down to 2,100 cfs and still slowly dropping. With the cooler weather, we have been having it has helped to keep the water temperatures down. Fishing for smallmouth is still going strong. I’ve seen some nice bass caught south of Oroville as well has south of Okanogan. Streamers in grays and white/chart are getting a lot of the attention by the river's smallmouth.  

Methow River (WA) - Wet wading is no problem in the river. The water temperature is cold but bearable to don your wading boots and step into the refreshing waters to chase after some of the resident cutthroats. The river is moving between 950 to 980 cfs for the last couple of days. A few green drakes are showing up here and there and the cutthroats are keying in on them. Otherwise, it’s the purple or pink foam flies that are getting the biggest workout. There is still a good flow from Twisp to Carlton to afford you a good float in a days' time.    

Match the Hatch

Mayflies – Carlson’s purple haze 

Caddis – TFP party on top caddis 

Stonefly – Jake's hot cake golden sone 

Foam Flies – Chubby chernobyl, J.slam 

Hoppers – Morrish hopper

Leeches – RB powder leech, pumpkin head leech, redhead leech 

Poppers – Froggy bottom, hard popper, bass popper  

Streamers – Sculpzilla, belly scratcher, Clouser

Need to fill the box before you go? Order flies online here.

Tips & Techniques

Even though the waters on the rivers are coming down, you should still wade with caution. Also, it is a good rule to have and, also, use a wading staff to help keep you upright in the swifter parts of the river.    

See past reports from the Omak region, or click here to view all northwest regional reports.