Omak Report: 3.3.2015
With the warmer weather we have been experiencing these last few weeks, the rivers have taken a upswing in flow levels from what they normally run. With that, I'm happy to report that our rivers are starting to come down.
Okanogan River is running at 3600cfs and is dirty with poor visibility. I would honestly say that it is not fishable in its current condition.
Methow River has dropped to under 1390cfs and continues to drop. Water visibility differs depending on what area of the river you are at. From Beaver creek south, there is between 2 & 1/3 to 3 feet of visibility. Up river of that the river is pretty clear.
We are getting into that time when the steelhead are becoming more aggressive. Swung flies are working very well. Keep them sparse with colors of blue and black as the primary colors. Other flies such as the Hobo and MOAL leach are showing good results. Nymphing is still the top ticket. Use a larger stone fly pattern such as the Speckled double bead peacock stone, Hot double bead Steelhead stone or any stone in the #6 to #4 sizes. For a dropper, beads are still working or you can go with a smaller nymph such as Kelly's Ice Cream Cone in red, Tungsten UV Prince Purple, Fly Formerly Known As Prince, BB Franks Flashy Stone Green. Keep these droppers in the size range of #12 to #14. If you swing or nymph, work the slow tail outs of the runs.
The Wenatchee river is running at around 3600 cfs. Water clarity is not bad but its not good. With the height of the water access is going to be limited. I haven't had any good reports do to the heavy water volume.
The Columbia river is still producing fish below Wells dam, and Chief Joseph dam. As I have reported before, these areas can be very productive for the angler using a spey rod. Spend some time and work the shores with seams and good current. The type of fly to use doesn’t seem to matter. Swing it in front of the right fish and they will take it.
There is some river section closures on some of these rivers. You can follow this link to learn more about these areas.
Omak lake is starting to heat up with Lahontan cutthroats. It's still a little early for them to be cruising close into the shoreline--they're just a little further out, but still within casting distance. If you have a boat, use it. Good numbers of fish are bunched up and cruising close to the rock faces. Use a full sink line, either a type 5 or 6 to get down to them. A number of different flies are working. The number one fly for us as been the Circus Peanut Tan. Also the Sculpzilla, Crystal Bugger in brown have been showing good results.
Come into the shop and see some of our shop flies that only we tie and use that have been hooking some big ones. Also check the CCT fishing rules for closed areas on Omak lake.
Remember lets get our young ones out there to enjoy a great day of fishing. #passiton
See you on the water,
Keith