What’s hot is trolling the Narrows on Lake Chelan for trophy Lakers. Also hot, is jig fishing for Triploid Rainbow Trout on Rufus Woods Reservoir near the lower net pens.
On Chelan, fish the deep water looking for big Mackinaw that are eating Kokanee. Over the years, our “go to” lure here is a T4 purple glow flatfish. Mack’s Lures Cha Cha Squidders in glow colors are also productive in this area. Fish out to the 380’s bench before turning around. Most fish have been biting from 260 to 340 feet deep. Really watch your speed. Keep it between 1.4 and 1.6 mph for best results. Don’t forget to smear your hard baits with Pautzke’s Krill Juice to cover any repellent scents on your lures. For those that want to focus on numbers, pound away at the lower end of the trench with Ace Hi Flies, Mack’s Cha Cha’s and U20 flatfish.
Jig fishing near the lower pens on Rufus has continued to be productive. We have also gotten a number of fish on Pautzke’s Fire Bait. Since water temps are still way up in the 40’s don’t be afraid to troll those mini Cha Cha’s by Mack’s or Wooly Buggers with a Mack’s Smile Blade in front. Focus on edges as well as areas with big chunk rock.
Your fishing tip of the week is to refine your trolling on Lake Chelan to accommodate the ultra-deep presentations that you need to make this time of the year. Because of the depth tangles are the enemy and need to be avoided. First, stick to round Downrigger Balls. Only a few degrees out of true will cause tangled downrigger cables. That can be a real hassle. Second, shorten your setbacks to prevent your lines from wrapping. Third, make sure your lures are running true for the same reason. Finally, trying to make that deepwater turn is fraught with peril… Just crank them up at either end, check ‘em for debris and drop them back down after making the turn.
Your kid’s tip of the week is to consider a bank angling foray to Rufus. The Army Corp of Engineers has really set things up nicely for picnicking bank anglers. You can bring some hot dogs to cook over a warming fire that you can build in their fireplaces, and use the picnic tables to serve. Palatial outhouses are a bonus. You might even catch the next State Record Rainbow!
Your safety tip of the week is to watch those docks on Chelan for frost and ice. With the dropping lake level, the docks are getting steeper down to the water level. A bit of frost or ice can create an unexpected skid!
Anton Jones of Darrell & Dad's Family Guide Service
1-866-360-1523 or http://www.darrellanddads.com/
Pictured: 12-22-11 - Kevin Collier of Spokane with a 16 lb. 2 oz. Deepwater Mack.
Also Pictured: 12-22-11 Kevin Collier again with fishing buddy Mike Garland of Colbert, WA and their catch of the day.
On Chelan, fish the deep water looking for big Mackinaw that are eating Kokanee. Over the years, our “go to” lure here is a T4 purple glow flatfish. Mack’s Lures Cha Cha Squidders in glow colors are also productive in this area. Fish out to the 380’s bench before turning around. Most fish have been biting from 260 to 340 feet deep. Really watch your speed. Keep it between 1.4 and 1.6 mph for best results. Don’t forget to smear your hard baits with Pautzke’s Krill Juice to cover any repellent scents on your lures. For those that want to focus on numbers, pound away at the lower end of the trench with Ace Hi Flies, Mack’s Cha Cha’s and U20 flatfish.
Jig fishing near the lower pens on Rufus has continued to be productive. We have also gotten a number of fish on Pautzke’s Fire Bait. Since water temps are still way up in the 40’s don’t be afraid to troll those mini Cha Cha’s by Mack’s or Wooly Buggers with a Mack’s Smile Blade in front. Focus on edges as well as areas with big chunk rock.
Your fishing tip of the week is to refine your trolling on Lake Chelan to accommodate the ultra-deep presentations that you need to make this time of the year. Because of the depth tangles are the enemy and need to be avoided. First, stick to round Downrigger Balls. Only a few degrees out of true will cause tangled downrigger cables. That can be a real hassle. Second, shorten your setbacks to prevent your lines from wrapping. Third, make sure your lures are running true for the same reason. Finally, trying to make that deepwater turn is fraught with peril… Just crank them up at either end, check ‘em for debris and drop them back down after making the turn.
Your kid’s tip of the week is to consider a bank angling foray to Rufus. The Army Corp of Engineers has really set things up nicely for picnicking bank anglers. You can bring some hot dogs to cook over a warming fire that you can build in their fireplaces, and use the picnic tables to serve. Palatial outhouses are a bonus. You might even catch the next State Record Rainbow!
Your safety tip of the week is to watch those docks on Chelan for frost and ice. With the dropping lake level, the docks are getting steeper down to the water level. A bit of frost or ice can create an unexpected skid!
Anton Jones of Darrell & Dad's Family Guide Service
1-866-360-1523 or http://www.darrellanddads.com/
Pictured: 12-22-11 - Kevin Collier of Spokane with a 16 lb. 2 oz. Deepwater Mack.
Also Pictured: 12-22-11 Kevin Collier again with fishing buddy Mike Garland of Colbert, WA and their catch of the day.
