Best Opener Lakes for Fishing in Central Washington in 2017
With Washington’s general lakes opener coming up this weekend, we’ve put together a list of best spots to go for your Central, WA fly fishing itinerary this weekend.
Based on our own eyeball reports and the many anglers strolling through the shop, this roundup includes waters that are free of ice, accessible now and may contain large fish!
Bad news first.
Some Roads Closed: Here’s How to Travel
We have also had some weather-related road issues throughout the county so be aware of the roads as you travel on them. Highway 20 from Twisp to Okanogan remains closed due to a couple of washouts.
So, to get from there to here or here to there you will have to travel south on Highway 97 on the Okanogan side and connect with Highway 153 going up the Methow Valley or visa versa from Twisp to Okanogan.
Chopaka Lake: Probably Closed
The one lake that we have been getting a lot of calls on is Chopaka Lake. Bad news for the opener this weekend, there's still a lot of snow on the road to the lake making it’s impassable.
That is the word we got from the area supervisor for the Washington state DNR.
He felt that the earliest anyone might be able to get in would be the first week in May. So to those that love this beautiful lake, you may have to wait just a little while longer.
Buzzard Lake: Access Questionable
The next access questionable lake would be Buzzard Lake. A report from a customer last week was there was still snow on the road and even with a ORV he couldn't get in.
With the weather we've been getting, I feel the road in will still probably be inaccessible. Which might not be that big of a deal since Buzzard doesn't fish very well at the start of the opener.
More Bad News...
Some of the lakes that are high elevation waters like Bonaparte, Lost, Beaver and Beth did not make the opener list this year. Why?
Because unless you packed the snowshoes, you can’t get in yet!
However, the DNR has promised to update us when the road conditions change so, give us a call at the shop (509-422-9840) if you want to get up-to-the-minute info.
What other lakes should you skip? Rat Lake is running dirty with about a foot of visibility.
Spring rains have been causing problems in the wildfire burn scars and there has been a lot of runoff.
Now to the good news...
Top Waters to Hit this Weekend
Some of the lakes already opened that will fish well are Aeneas Lake, Blue Lake up
by Wannacut Lake, would be my first 2 picks in the area for fly fishing considering the conditions we’re facing.
Another spot? Blue Lake in the Sinlahekin looking ready to fish, and should be a top contender for your fishing attention this weekend.
Green Lake, Davis Lake over by Winthrop both are looking good and I've had some good reports about them. Both of these lakes have already been opened. These waters are looking good and the water quality is on point to make this a pretty decent opener.
When I was scouting these lakes, I could see fish rising now and then.
Rat Lake is running dirty with about a foot of visibility. Blue Lake in the Sinlahekin looking dirty and brown. Spring rains have been causing problems in the wildfire burn scars and there has been a lot of runoff.
Now for what you've been waiting for... where are the best lakes, the biggest fish and the places you need to hit this weekend? Without further ado.
Best Washington lakes for Jumbos
The State of Washington just let us in on their lil’ secret the following lakes will have lunkers up to 5 pounds to put a major bend in your rod this weekend:
Conconully Lake (292 ac.) is receiving a number of Jumbos this year and is also a great Bass and Kokanee destination. This lake and its sister water Conconully Reservoir are both a few minutes Northwest from our shop here in Omak.
Alta Lake (219 ac.) is a great rainbow lake for the opener with plenty of elbow room for trolling or casting a fly. There is a nice state park, golf course and of course the beautiful Methow Valley starts right by the lake.
Pearrygin Lake (183 ac.) Speaking of the beautiful Methow Valley, Pearrygin Lake is one of Okanogan County’s best opener prospects with plenty of rainbow carryovers common and a recent plant of jumbos on April 12th. The lake is just a mile or so outside Winthrop. Even though this is not a fly fishing, or "selective" fishery, Pearrygin can be a nice fill in fishery when other waters are not in shape.
Round Lake (21 ac.) Not far East of Tonasket lies a beautiful chain of small lakes including Round. This lake received jumbos on April 13 and should be kicking out nice rainbows on the opener.
Bonus: is that some equally fishy water can be found right next door in Long and Ell lakes. Word is that water levels in Ell have reestablished in recent years and if the aquatic life in Ell is any indication, the fish aren’t far behind.
Twin Lakes (Big 65 ac. and Little 19 ac.) are perhaps the best selective fishery lakes to be fishing on the opener. Located just outside Winthrop, you can join plenty of fly anglers rowing around these lakes and roping feisty trout. Having received jumbo rainbows on the 12th and boasting some of the nicest carryovers every year, you have a real shot at a nice fish on this reliable water. I was just there this morning and saw a little surface activity. Water quality looked good. Plus it looked like there was a little more water in the lake then normal.
With the weather and road problems I would not expect a lot of the crowds we normally get on the opener. Good luck out there and have a fun time. Want to study up on your stillwater tactics?