Eastern Washington Fishing Report 12.15.17
Omak Lake
If you can endure cold temperatures, fishing at Omak Lake is really good right now. Reports say the size of some of the Lahontan cutthroats has also improved. I've had a few cutts in the 26" range reported and a number of fish in the 20”-22" range. Much of the fishing activity has been from shore. People are getting them on medium-size streamers or Balanced Leech patterns under an indicator. Streamers, such as, #4 grey/white Galloup’s Barely Legal, #4 olive/white Galloup's Peanut Envy, #6 white or olive Keller's Montana Mouthwash, or #6 olive or tan Near Nuff Sculpin, are getting grabs too. For leech patterns, I would recommend a #8 black or purple TFP Balanced Squirrel leech, or a #10 black/blue Simi Seal Leech. A 5-to 7-weight fast-action rod is a good choice. Have a couple of different spools/reels loaded with a Type 3 full sink, an intermediate sink, and a floating line if you plan on using an indicator. All three beach areas seem to be fishing about equal. The best bet depends on wind direction. As a reminder, you will need to get a non-tribal fishing license from the Colville Confederated Tribes, before you fish. You can purchase the license here at the Omak North 40 Outfitters store.
Rocky Ford Creek
It’s that time of year when Rocky Ford starts to see a lot more activity. This spring creek sees little to no ice, making it a great winter option. Large triploid rainbows prowl around and take flies. Ask any number of anglers what's the best fly to use and chances are you will get a number of different answers. One fly pattern is a constant, that being an olive scud. Now it seems the size of the scud is also an area of personal opinion. From my experience, sizes from #12-#18 should put you in the game. Dress warm and even though you can't wade in the water, wearing waders is still a good idea—they’ll keep you warm and dry. A 5-weight or 6 weight fast-action rod that is 9'-6" or 10' in length would be my best choice for use here. Like I already mentioned, #12-#20 olive scuds should be in your box. A #12-#14 Soft Hackle, in your choice of color, is another good choice. A #10 or #12 bugger is another solid choice.
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Bonus Fishing Report: Olympic Peninsula (WA)
Forks area river levels are currently good to low, according to area resident and guide Matt McCullough. The primary hatchery steelhead returns in Forks are alive and well with the Bogachiel and Calawah rivers remaining the strongholds for these 3-to 9-pound fish. On the “Bogey” there is ample fly water (and ample anglers) starting from the “Hatchery Drift” down to the Leyendecker Boat Ramp and back up to the confluence with the Calawah.
In case you’re wondering, the famous Sol Duc broodstock hatchery program was shelved about four years back. So, for those interested in that historic Forks area river, you’ll have to target catch-and-release options on native steelhead season coming up in late winter and spring.
Right now, after a week or more of dry weather, the Bogey gauge reads 26.5 feet and is still dropping slowly. This translates to a flow reading of 515 cubic feet a second on the nearby Calawah. Conventional OP wisdom holds that a Bogey reading of 28 feet and down is optimal fishing for both gear and fly alike.
Currently, up to three hatchery steelhead may be retained on the Bogey and the Calawah. Fly colors that work on these hatchery fish are purples, blacks and pinks, or combinations thereof. Guide McCullough is a fan of tube flies, which allows blunted or broken hooks to be swapped out while fishing these bouldery, rugged streams. I personally have witnessed these fish scarfing #2 black Egg-Sucking Leeches, dead drifted under indicators, by fly bankies fishing from the high bank side.
For more info on fishing these streams, especially during the upcoming catch-and-release season, don’t hesitate to lookup McCullough at http://www.tyeecharters.net/olympic-peninsula-steelhead.html If you’d like advice on putting together a steelhead outfit for the OP, contact the staff at the Omak shop at 509-422-9840. We’d be glad to help.
Here’s wishing you some Christmas Chrome,
Steph Avena, North40 Fly Shop, Omak, Washington