Natural baits are the most effective, worm on bottom or a single pautzki green label salmon egg On a size 10 octopus hook 4'-6' under a clear float is my favorite set up for lake chitwood. Small spinners spoons and flies do work, but are not as productive at that particular lake.

I fish other lakes in that area, but I had not heard of Chitwood. Can you tell me about the access? Is it a drive-up lake?
I assume it would be a good lake to float tube, probably not much of a boat launch....... no surrounding homes?
Thanks!

It is about a 2.5 mile walk (or bike ride) down a gravel logging road. As such, boats are not an option. I think a float tube would really help you do well at this lake. The lake is quite secluded, with the only signs of humanity being the road to get you there and what appears to be a gravel quarry a ways back down the trail. No houses anywhere near the lake.

Are these lakes open or closed ? You should let them litter fish go and get big, CR these lakes. Years ago we use to fish Hansen, past Chitwood. I've seen many fry in that out let stream.

They are open

if your pontoon boat had a wheel and you felt like pushing it to the lake, what is the gravel road like? its it pretty flat or would you be going up and down switch backs? i am thinking friday i shoulk punish myself and try it out.

There aren't any switchbacks to Chitwood. You may be able to make it, depending on how much strength you have to push the boat up hills and to hold onto it to keep it from careening down hills. However, knowing what the road is like, I wouldn't try it myself. Also, on Friday you will likely have logging trucks going up and down the road, and it is a bit narrow at some points. Easy enough for a person to stand off to the side, but not someone with a pontoon boat. There are also two gates you will have to go through which may be closed, and if so, you would have to lift the boat over them. A super determined person who is in fair to good shape could probably manage it, but you would really be working for it I think. All in all, I probably wouldn't try it, especially on a week day.

Or at least I would just hike to the lake without the boat first, and then judge for yourself.

Thanks for the heads up, looks like i am going to try sunday, i am a glutten for punishment and reading your previous reports it looks like it would be worth the work.