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Sammamish Lake Report
King County, WA

Photos

Details

01/09/2018
Trolling
Cutthroat Trout
Windy
Flasher/Lure
All Day
01/18/2018
5
3868

Had a great day fishing Lk Sammamish on Tuesday. Wind, rain and whitecap rough water. Pretty "bumpy" most of the day. Actually was rougher than heck.

We ended the day with 10 or 12 to the net, lost probably that many more. Kept 5 that were caught on bait or scent and C&R the rest. The fish in the pic is a nice one, appx 19" and fat as a pig. We had two doubles which is always fun.

The morning started pretty slow. Was trolling the usual 1.5-1.75 and couldnt buy a bite. With a little help from the wind I inadvertently upped the speed to 2.5mph and it was game on. Spent the rest of the day at 2.5-3mph and had good action. The fish are absolutely stuffed with midges and I'm sure they arent hungry, so my guess is the higher speed triggered a reaction bite. Your guess is as good as mine as to depth. We caught fish from 0-45 feet. No rhyme , reason or pattern.

I marked a couple hot spots on the map but fish were generally scattered.

Several different setups worked. Old Goat 1.8" pink was a consistent producer, a yellow Walleye spinner w/worm chunk, chartreuse wiggle hoochie, perch pattern needlefish, green wedding ring, 50/50 Dick Nite, 50/50 FlashyFish and a couple more I cant remember. I really think trolling speed was the major factor rather than a particular setup.

Tight lines
Randy


Comments

Markin' Fish
1/18/2018 7:48:06 PM
Hi Randy,
Great report and thanks for the details. I have found trolling faster works better on the lake in the Fall and Wintwr. If it is not a complete soaker in the morning I will be out for a few hours.

Tight Lines

Mark
coyoteking
1/19/2018 1:22:51 PM
Nice! Question, I know you can't retain Kokanee on this lake but I heard they were making a comeback. Any news?
rmrauscher
1/19/2018 2:43:10 PM
I dont think so. Doubt if there will ever be a legit Kokanee fishery on this lake. They have been trying for about 20 years. We have caught a few small ones. My opinion is the 2015 drought put the nail in the coffin on this one.
Sideburns
1/20/2018 8:05:25 PM
+1 rmrauscher
The native kokanee strains are just about all gone. Many of the genetically identifiable runs of kokanee that were in sammamish are extinct. The native kokanee runs that are left are genetically diluted down with hatchery fish from other systems, so maybe not strong reproducers. Kinda grim looking. As far as I know there are not any future hatchery kokanee plans for the lake. Ive read up on it, but im no expert.

2 years ago, my first cutthroat trip to sammamish, I caught a half dozen good sized kokanee and no cutts. I havent seen that since.
Unfortunately, those kokanee I caught and released probably didnt survive, most were badly injured and deep hooked. Ive since learned to fish deeper and troll faster to avoid the kokanee if needed.
rmrauscher
1/21/2018 7:43:35 PM
Went out again Saturday and only managed to get 4 to the net. Same areas, same gear. What a difference a couple days makes. Think this crazy weather has a lot to do with the bite being on again, off again.
Sideburns
1/22/2018 12:40:06 AM
Damn, that sucks.... looks like it is going to just get colder and rainier for the next few days. Just spent all day screwing with trolling motors, tackle and downrigger stuff in anticipation of my first cutthroat trip of the year.

Does the rain and/or cold usually shut down the cutthroat bite on sammamish? Are the midges still hatching strong?
Powerbaiter88
1/22/2018 11:40:16 PM
Nice fish! I haven't been out to Sammamish in quite some time. I miss that lake. Great detailed report!
Ripleyboy
1/23/2018 12:19:03 PM
Are you allowed to still fish from the dock at Idylwood Park this time of year?
rmrauscher
1/23/2018 1:08:42 PM
Pretty sure you can. Might be an entrance fee to the park. Google Idylwood Park fishing.
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Available Guide

Available Fishing Guide:
Website: Darrell & Dads Family Guide Service

Phone: (509) 687-0709