Eastern Washington Fishing Report 11.15.18
Rufus Woods (WA)
It wasn’t fast and furious but, we caught enough to make it a good day. That is the report I was given a couple of days ago from one of my regular customers. He told me they would catch a couple of nice rainbows then they would move to the next fishy-looking spot. They were keying in on small points coming out from the shoreline, then fish the inside seam. He was all smiles when he was giving me his report and told me it was one of his best trips to the river. Most of the rainbows ran between 18 to 22 inches. My suggestions for what type of rod to use for throwing streamers here would be a 6 to 8-weight, 9 to 10. For line, a good floating sinking tip like the airflo streamer max is what I use. And, the streamers that have worked well for me are; black, olive, or gray and white peanut envy, and an olive or black cheech leech. As to where to fish? You’ll want to look for the small points that come off of the shoreline with the current. Cast just on the inside of the current and work the fly back. Remember, dress warmly because it is getting cold out there.
Omak Lake (WA)
Just like Rufus Woods, the fishing at Omak Lake is not fast and furious but, there is still fish to be caught. Down at the southwest end of the lake at Cowpie Beach the size of the Lahontans seem to be a little bigger than at the north end of the lake. A 26-inch fish is not uncommon, and fish up to 30-inches are cruising the area too. You are not going to see the fish, so sight casting is not an option. They are there. You just need to cast out to where the shallower water starts to drop off. Even though casting into the wind is a real pain, it can be very productive. The in-shore wave action pushes the small bat fish into shore. This brings the hungry Lahontans in looking for a meal. That said, you will want to think about using at least a 6 to 8-weight rod for throwing streamers or indicator fishing. For casting and retrieving streamers, a floating sink tip or a full intermediate line is what I would recommend. As always, I will start off with small to medium streamers. To name a couple of the streamers that have worked for me are; sculpzilla, franke shiner or a coffey sparkle minnow.
If the cold and not so nice weather is not your cup of tea to go out into, then it's time to start working on filling your fly boxes for next year. Stop by the shop and pick up what you need in materials and ideas. Bring your vice and feel free sit for a while and tie up some and enjoy a cup of Blue Star coffee.
See past reports from the Omak region, or click here to view all northwest regional reports.