Well, I've finally got a bit of time to do individual reports. First, Lake Chelan continues to be as consistent as fishing can get. Just find your locations and develop a bit of confidence. Early in the morning and late in the evening Mack Bar just continues to pump fish out at a very consistent rate. I just love fishing T-4 Purple Glow flatfish at 1.5 mph in depths of 115 to 145 feet within 5 feet of the bottom. During the middle part of the day I like to hammer away in the lower part of the trench with little F-7 Luminous Chartreuse Flatfish in depths of 215' to 235' at 1.3 mph. If you have enough bodies on board to fish a 3rd and 4th rod try fishing those purple glow Rushin' Salmon Wobblers by Critter Gitter off of Dipsey Diver class rods with 16oz hanging off a snap weight. Also, this is how we have hooked a lot of our Lake Chelan Landlocked Chinook Salmon.

Second, this steelhead run in the Upper Columbia is going to be phenomenal. Most guys that are successful in the main stem of the Columbia are baiting jigs under a bobber with some shrimp and working current seams close to shore. In the Methow, fly fishermen are drifting Glo bugs or swinging big hairy stuff. Gear guys are catching them swinging spinners and spoons.

Third, Rufus is still tough. Even with the big cool down, the surface temp is in the mid 60's. Also, those big releases are a thing of the past. We are going to get much better control of releases from the Company that currently operates the pens. The downside, is I expect the numbers to be reduced. The upside is the average size should once again improve over time.

We would love to be your NorthCentral Washington Fishing headquarters. Check out our off season groups specials on our website at www.darrellanddads.com for both guided fishing and lodging for your fishing group. As always you can email us at [email protected] or call us toll free at 1-866-360-1523.

Anton Jones - Darrell and Dad's Family Guide Service
WL.com Official Sponsor, (509) 687-0709 or toll-free (866) 360-1523

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