Though it is very apparent that Old Man Winter has come to Chelan it has not dampened the fishing opportunities that are available to those that are willing to brave the elements.
What’s hot is trolling for Lake Trout on Lake Chelan. Fishing for Triploid Rainbow Trout on Rufus Woods Reservoir should continue to be great as the surface water temperature drops through the 50’s. There continues to be more triploids than steelhead caught on the Columbia River below Chief Joe dam although there is a preponderance of Steelhead once you are as far down as Pateros. Roses Lake will get it’s annual ice fishing plant during this Thanksgiving week.
The Mackinaw on Lake Chelan have mostly spawned now which means they are really putting on the feedbag. Typical early winter locations like the Bar and the Trench will be best now. As always, troll close to the bottom. Speeds of 1.3 to 1.5 mph have been best. Try Silver Horde’s Ace Hi Flies in glow colors with a Mack’s Lures glow Smile Blade in front. Mack’s Lures Cha Cha Squidders are very effective too. Of course, Worden Lures Flatfish are the old reliable fish producer on Lake Chelan.
This is prime time for catching Triploid Rainbow Trout on Rufus. If trolling around pump station #1 dozen’t get you fish, you can always run to the lower pens and fish bait to get these delicious fish.
Your fishing tip of the week is to use the family gathering of Thanksgiving to get in an early winter fishing trip. Over the years we have taken grand kids to Roses Lake, out on Chelan, up to Rufus and even up to Omak for an alternative to shopping and non-stop football watching. It’s almost become a rite of passage for the kids.
Your kid’s tip of the week is to make sure that once you have picked your battle, you do not lose. Although, you can avoid punishment by a variety of means most of the time, there will come that time when a kid will “test the fences” and check to see who is in control. You will have to clear your calendar, keep your cool and follow through. The biggest danger here is having your authority challenged and backing off because you don’t have the time for it. The time for deciding that is before you decide that discipline is appropriate.
Your safety tip of the week is to put together an emergency trailer repair kit for those eventualities. Having emergency warning triangles or flares and a jack that can lift your trailer are the most important items this time of the year.
Anton Jones of Darrell & Dad's Family Guide Service
1-866-360-1523 or http://www.darrellanddads.com/
Pictured: 11-19-11 Wes and Andrew Diack with fishing friends Jody Subotin and Nick Cooluris Osoyoos and Kelowna, BC with their days catch of Lake Chelan Mackinaw. Jeff and Brian guided them to this pile of fish.
