Eastern Washington Fishing Report 09.27.18
Omak Lake (WA)
My favorite time of the year to fish Omak Lake is here. Fishing has been great with 20 plus fish days easily obtainable. Schools of young baitfish are in close hugging the shoreline throughout the lake. Just out of sight, the Lahontan cutthroat are lying in wait for the right moment to make a dash to feed on these smaller fish.
I was at the lake the other day and it was crazy stupid how good the fishing was! I grabbed a couple of minnow patterns from the shop that I haven't used in a while and I was not disappointed. I used a #10 strung-out Alvin and a #4 olive/white Silverman’s mo-joo. These were the only two patterns I used for the couple of hours that I was there. They kept me busy with hungry aggressive Lahontans. I had my 6-weight rigged up with a Scientific Angler sonar stillwater intermediate line that got me down to the right depth after a short countdown. Like I have said before, it will only get better for the next 4 to 6 weeks.
On a side note. I’m sorry to say that the Mission Bay Boat Launch is out of commission due to higher than normal water for this time of the year. So, this leaves the launch at Nicholson Beach as the only viable launch on the lake. It is a bear to launch here so be careful, as it is a steep launch and for some, it can be an impossible feat.
Chopaka Lake (WA)
Fall fishing is in full swing at Chopaka. There is still an opportunity to fish dries at the lake. For the most part, small mayflies seem to be working the best. A #14-#18 Adams is the primary go-to pattern for dry fly fishing.
About mid-morning to early afternoon seems to be the best time for dry fly activity. As far as what else is working, well, it depends on who you talk to. Balanced leeches continue to dominate on this lake. Don’t be afraid to experiment with some attractor patterns. This time of the year you don’t exactly have to match the hatch all the time.
Bring a dry line and a type-3 full sinking line. Leech patterns in the #10-#12 size range will cover your bases for that area. You’ll find that we have a whole range of leech patterns in the shop to choose from. For attractor patterns, using a #10 yellow crystal bugger has been a real winner. Like I have mentioned before, booby flies are seeing a lot of action. The latest word on the road into the lake is, it will be closed around the first of the month. So, double check before heading up there.
See past reports from the Omak region, or click here to view all northwest regional reports.