Eastern Washington Fishing Report 02.01.18

Rufus Woods

For whatever reason the size of the triploid rainbows being caught has increased to a number of fish being between 6 and 10-pounds. That size of rainbow will definitely put a good bend in the rod. The water flow has increased due to the ongoing release of water from up-reservoir. The back bays and seam water just off of the current is going to be your best bet to hooking into some of these chunky ‘bows. With the higher possibilities of catching these larger trout I would definitely use at least a 6-weight rod. Nymphing a Balanced Leech or a Bugger would be my recommendation to start out with. A black or purple #6-8 TFP Balanced Squirrel leech, #6-8 black or white gold bead Crystal Bugger is a good start, too. If you want to cast and strip or swing I would go with a #2 TFP Copperhead, a #4 Stinging Smolt, or a #8 red and black Pop's Bugger. The first three hours in the morning seem to be the best time.

Omak Lake

I've had a few anglers giving me mixed reports lately. Some are catching a few fish some are coming up with goose eggs. Those reporting fish are catching Lahontan cutthroats in the 20-inch size range. It doesn’t sound like they are catching a lot, but enough in a couple hours to keep them smiling. The few anglers who have had success are fishing from shore when the wind is not blowing. Doesn’t seem to matter if it is at the north end or south end of the lake. Mixed reports of nymphing under an indicator or stripping back small minnow/sculpin patterns. Size 10 red Snowcones, #8 olive/chartreuse TFP Balanced Leeches, or a #8 purple TFP Balanced Squirrel Leech would work under an indicator. For streams I would try a #2 tan El Sculpito, a #6 olive Sculpinator or a TFP Stinging Smolt. Morning seems to be the best time to try the waters.

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