Eastern Washington Fishing Report 01.18.18

Omak Lake

Finally had a chance to see firsthand how the lake was fishing. Had a couple of hours to give it a shot and even though I only caught a couple it wasn’t disappointing to me. Both Lahontans were right around 20 inches. I was at Mission Bay and not another soul in sight. The fish were not too far offshore. The weather forecast for this week puts most of the daytime temperatures in the mid-30s. The rod I was using was a 6-weight. It is one I picked up last year, pretty much for using it at Omak Lake, and I have been testing it out, getting the casting rhythm down. I'll be doing a review on it in the coming weeks. The fly I was using is a newer version of one that I came up with for Omak Lake a couple of years ago. I'll be putting up a video of it also in the coming weeks, it incorporates some new materials that we have in the shop this year. I used two types of sinking line. One was a, Type 3 full sinking; the other was a full intermediate sinking line. An olive #6 Carlton's Gulpin Sculpin and a tan or olive #8 Near Nuff Sculpin have been productive at Omak and we have those in the shop if you need productive flies for your next outing for Lahontans.

Rufus Woods

Unfortunately, I have no new reports and have been unable to get out there myself. I know from past times that this time of the year it can be really good or just so-so, depending on the day. My recommendations: I would use medium-size buggers and streamers. I would also recommend starting with a 5 or 6-weight rod, set up for indicator fishing with a leech pattern. A #6 black or purple TFP Balanced Squirrel Leech, or a #8 blood red TFP Balanced Leech should get you some action. If you are fishing from a boat use your fish-finder to locate fish. If you are fishing from shore look at working the upper part of the lake.

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