Fishrapper 2011

By Al CampChronicle staff

Okanogan and Ferry counties, alongwith the adjacent Colville IndianReservation, provide some of the bestfishing in the state for brook, brown,cutthroat, rainbow and tiger trout as well asbass, bluegill, catfish, kokanee andtriploids.

Anglers can dip their lines in 67lowland lakes managed by the state inOkanogan County, which represents about18 percent of the state’s managed lakes.

The county also contains 110 alpinelakes above 4,500 feet.

Ferry County sports a dozen lakes,while the reservation includes 18 lakes andfive creeks with a large variety of species.

Anglers can expect great fishingsuccess in just about every corner ofOkanogan County this season, except forlow-water lakes on the west side of thereservation and Little Twin Lake in theMethow Valley.

“Anglers need to know that on some ofthe smaller water bodies you haveproblems with fish loss over the winter,”state Department of Fish and WildlifeRegional Fish Biologist Bob Jateff said.

“Some of our shallower lakes can havesome problems.”

Production waters, such asConconully, Spectacle, Wannacut,Pearrygin and Alta, all receive healthyplants, Jateff said.

“Number-wise, we should be in prettygood shape there.”

The general statewide fishing seasonfor lakes runs from April 30 to Oct. 31.Rivers, streams and beaver ponds, unlessotherwise noted, open the first Saturday ofJune (June 4) and remain open throughOct. 31.

The Colville Confederated Tribe’sgeneral fishing season is April 16 to Oct.31. Streams close Oct. 31 unless otherwisespecified under special regulations.

(See separate story for reservation andFerry County prospects.)

Best success comes by fishing lowland

lakes early. As the weather warms, fishingimproves at higher-elevation lakes.

The statewide free fishing weekend isJune 11-12.

There is a summer Chinook salmonseason of July 16 to Aug. 31 between WellsDam and the state Highway 173 bridge atBrewster.

Okanogan County’s major lakes, bothhighland and lowland, plus creeks andrivers are split into geographical areas:

Okanogan ValleyBeaver Lake — The lake, which is

open all year, was not planted last year toallow previous plants of cutthroats achance to get bigger.

To reach Beaver Lake, a couple milesnorth of the Loup Loup Ski Bowl southwestof Okanogan, turn off state Highway 20and go north past the ski hill to a trailhead.The lake, which is fun to fish from a floattube, is an easy hike of a couple miles.

Blue Lake — The lake is located in theLimebelt north of Omak and offers easternbrook and cutthroat up to 11 inches.

To reach the lake, travel west fromOkanogan or Omak to ConconullyHighway and head north to the sign pointto the lake. The dirt road, which can beimpassable in the spring due to rain, goesfour miles to the lake.

Although there is no boat ramp,anglers can carry canoes or smallrowboats to the lake at the south end ornavigate a steep hill on the north end.

Columbia River — The Columbia,open all year, provides many opportunitiesexcept for steelhead (all trout). Steelheadare listed as an endangered species andcannot be caught or possessed exceptunder an emergency opener.

During the last few years there havebeen emergency openers for the taking ofsteelhead.

Anglers can fish for summer Chinookfrom July 16 and Aug. 31 between WellsDam and the state Highway 173 bridge atBrewster. Other sections are open fromJuly 1 through Oct. 15. Anglers shouldcheck state regulations for speciesavailable and rule changes.

Walleye fishing is predominant fromJanuary to June.

Anglers should check the state fishing

pamphlet for daily catch limits, which aredifferent for Lake Roosevelt (above GrandCoulee Dam) than the rest of the river.

The current walleye daily catch limit isfive fish per day, with not more than onelonger than 22 inches and a minimum sizeof 16 inches on Rufus Woods.

Different walleye limits exist for LakeRoosevelt behind Grand Coulee Dam, withmost of its length outside OkanoganCounty. The walleye daily catch limit iseight fish, with no more than one longerthan 22 inches. There is no minimum size.

Walleye fishing has become popularon the stretch of river bordering DouglasCounty. Walleye can be caught below ChiefJoseph Dam, as well as most of RufusWoods Lake.

The river also has become a favoritefor smallmouth bass, though largemouthbass also reside in the water.

There are good boat launchingfacilities at Brewster, Pateros andBridgeport.

It is lawful to fish to the base of theWashburn Island Pond outlet structurenear Brewster.

Conconully Lake — The upper andlower waters, open April 30 to Oct. 31,contain large triploids in the 1- to 2-poundrange along with rainbows in 11-13 inchrange with carryovers to 16 inches.

The lakes also contain bass, thoughJateff said they are not affecting the size orcatch rates at this times.

“Both are big bodies of water,” Jateffsaid. “They can co-exist for a while.”

On the upper lake, there is a state-owned, graveled boat launch with toiletsand a wheelchair-accessible dock. A fee isrequired to use the launch for those usingtrailers.

A resort lies near the launch.A state campground is in town on the

Conconully Reservoir.The 313-acre upper lake is located

east of Conconully and 15 miles northwestof Okanogan.

Statewide, there is a daily limit of fivelargemouth, with no fish being kept 12-17inches and only one over 17 inches. Forsmallmouth, which also reside in the lakes,the daily limit is 10 fish, with only one over14 inches.

Conconully Reservoir — Anglers can

expect rainbow trout averaging 9-11 incheswith a few carryovers up to 16 inches.

The 450-acre lake, located south ofConconully, is open April 30 to Oct. 31.

The reservoir features several resortsand an excellent state park.

Conner Lake — Located near FordeLake, this 58-acre lake in the Sinlahekin isplanted with tiger trout but also containseastern brook propagate naturally inSinlahekin Creek.

Travel south from Loomis five miles onSinlahekin Road. There is no boat rampbecause of weeds and brush, but access ispossible for those with canoes, rafts andfloat tubes.

The lake is open April 30 to Oct. 31.Fish Lake — This 102-acre lake,

located four miles northeast of Conconully,along with nearby Schalow Pond containbrown bullheads and are the lone countylakes on the state’s suggested fallrehabilitation list.

The lake, last rehabilitated in 2004,received 28,100 plants of rainbow fry lastyear that are now in the 8- to 12-inchrange.

The season runs April 30 to Oct. 31.Anglers can reach the lake by traveling

either 4.5 miles northeast on a dirt roadfrom Conconully past the upper lake andSugarloaf Lake or going north on U.S.Highway 97 for 5.5 miles from Riverside,then west on Pine Creek Road for aboutnine miles.

Two public access areas with launchesand toilets are available.

Forde Lake — The 24-acre lake in theSinlahekin Wildlife Area is planted withtiger trout (200 last year) and containsnaturally reproducing eastern brook trout inthe 10-12 inch range.

Nearby Reflection Lake may hold tigertrout.

Forde, built as an impoundment pondin 1949, is open April 30 to Oct. 31. Thereis a small, public boat-launching area nextto the road.

The lake is located 6.1 miles south ofLoomis on Sinlahekin Road.

Green Lake — Green, the larger lakeat 45 acres, received 10,400 rainbowplants. Little Green of 9-acres was plantedwith 2,200 last season.

Both lakes, located about five miles

northwest of Okanogan and Omak, areopen to catch-and-release, selective gearrules fishing only from April 1 through Nov.30. Electric motors can be used on GreenLake (the larger) during the selective gearrules portion of the season.

From Dec. 1 through March 31, thelakes switch to a “catch-and-keep” specialwinter season, without selective gear rules.

Fishing is expected to be good forrainbows in the 10- to 11-inch range.Despite being fished in the winter, the lakeholds a few carryovers up to 15 inches.

The lower also contains a few easternbrook in the 9- to 10-inch range.

Green Lake has a boat launch andtoilets.

Little Green Lake should provide goodfishing for 10- to 11-inch brook trout as wellas some carry-over rainbows to 15 inches.

Both lakes are nestled in a steep valleywhere it gets dark an hour before normal.

The larger lake is somewhat disabledaccessible, though access is steep. Thelower lake has a dirt path.

The lakes can be reached by followingSalmon Creek Road northwest out ofOkanogan for 4.5 miles, then a mile northon Green Lake Road. Anglers also canaccess the lake by taking Green LakeRoad off the Conconully Highway aboutfive miles northwest of Omak.

Jasmine Creek — This is a juvenile-only water open year round in the southend of Omak. The creek runs from theOmak Fish Hatchery into the OkanoganRiver.

— 2011 Fishrapper, The Omak Chronicle, Omak, Wash.

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Okanogan, Ferry and tribe offer great fishingMore than 100 lakesfilled with big trout

Fishrapper© 2011 The Omak-Okanogan

County ChronicleOwned and operated by Eagle

Newspapers Inc.618 Okoma Drive, Omak, Wash.

P.O. Box 553, Omak, WA 98841Roger Harnack, Editor and

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Anglers must be 14 and younger to fish the creek,which holds a few rainbows.

Leader Lake — This lake seven miles west ofOkanogan received larger plants last year afterfingerlings planted in the past did not survive due tospiny rays — crappie, bluegills and largemouth bass.

Located seven miles west of Okanogan off stateHighway 20, this popular 159-acre lake should providegood fishing early in the season (April 30 to Sept. 30)for yearling rainbow trout up to 14 inches and largercarryovers.

The lake also received a plant of 7,200 blackcrappie last year.

The lake offers several areas where boats can becarried in, as well as a concrete boat launch site.

Toilets and campsites are available.Okanogan River — This river flows from Lake

Osoyoos near Oroville and the Canadian border southto the Columbia River near Brewster. It can be good forsteelhead when an emergency opener occurs, whichhas been October to March the last few seasons.

Because steelhead are listed under theEndangered Species Act, fisheries have been modifiedsubstantially for all species in the river.

A steelhead fishery is dependent upon run sizethat exceeds natural-origin escapement requirements.

There is a summer Chinook season July 1 to Oct.15 in a small area from the U.S. Highway 97 bridgenear Brewster to the mouth at the Columbia River.

There is a season July 1 to Sept. 15 above thebridge to the U.S. Highway 97 bridge near Oroville.

The river, which is considered a warm-waterfishery, is open year-round from the mouth to theMalott bridge for all species except steelhead andtrout. From the bridge north, the season will be June 1to Aug. 31. Bait will be allowed.

Smallmouth bass are the best bet with fishaveraging 10-12 inches, though some can exceedthree pounds. There is a 10-fish bag limit forsmallmouth bass, with only one being over 14 inches.

Largemouth bass are present, but in limitednumbers and mostly restricted to the lower reaches ofthe river.

Walleye action has grown over the past few years,with most fish located near the mouth of the river.

There is an excellent boat launch in Brewster onthe Columbia, a rough launch at the west end of theMonse bridge and launches in Okanogan andRiverside. Most shorelines are privately owned, sofloat trips offer the best fishing opportunity.

Osoyoos Lake — Open year-round, the lake islocated a mile north of Oroville and spans the U.S.-Canadian border.

Of the lake’s 5,723 acres, 2,036 are in the U.S.Anglers can expect smallmouth and largemouth

bass, a few rainbow, kokanee and perch.A few naturally occurring populations of rainbow

trout up to 14 inches and larger reside in the lake, asdo kokanee in the 10- to 14-inch range.

The lake also offers good smallmouth bass fishingspring through fall. Yellow perch can be caught throughthe ice if winter conditions get cold enough.

A boat launch is near the outlet to the OkanoganRiver. There also is a city park with boat launch atBoundary Point about four miles north of town off U.S.Highway 97.

Palmer Lake — This 2,063-acre lake about fourmiles north of Loomis is gaining more and morepopularity for its 10-14 inch bass, both smallmouth andlargemouth, and 11-13 inch kokanee.

Palmer, which is one of the state’s most diversefishing experiences in a managed lake, is open all yearthough best fished in May and June.

The bag limit for smallmouth is 10 fish, only one ofwhich can be over 14 inches.

There is a five-fish limit for largemouth, with nonebeing allowed 12-17 inches and only one over 17inches.

Other fish in the lake include naturally spawningrainbow, yellow perch (great to fish in winter), crappie,pikeminnows and a few burbot (freshwater ling,primarily a winter fishery).

Burbot anglers must comply with the statewide ruleof one line with up to three hooks (unless other, morerestrictive rules are in effect for a particular water).

Campgrounds and toilets are available at each endof the lake, with a U.S. Bureau of Land Managementconcrete boat launch at the south end access area andgraveled state Department of Natural Resourceslaunch site at the north area.

There is one resort with cabins and small boatrentals available.

Rat Lake — This 63-acre lake located five milesnorth of Brewster is open under catch-and-release,selective gear rules fishing only from April 1 throughNov. 30.

Anglers can expect good fishing for rainbow (15,00planted in 2010) and brown trout (1,000 planted) 10-12

inches, with a few carryovers to 15 inches.Jateff said he threw in a few tiger trout, too, to see

how they survive.The lake switches to a “catch-and-keep” special

winter season from Dec. 1 through March 31 withoutselective gear rules.

Electric motors can be used during the selectivegear rules season.

Drive 3.5 miles north from Brewster up SwampCreek, and then take a dirt road two miles north upWhitestone Creek.

There is a boat launch. Access may be an issueduring winter, since the road is not plowed.

Reflection Pond — The five-acre water,sometimes also referred to as Reflection Lake, islocated in the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area six miles southof Loomis near Forde Lake.

Open April 30 through Oct. 31, the lake received100 tiger trout last year that are 9-10 inches for theopener.

The lake has received triploids in the past, thoughnone were on last year’s plant list.

This is a very small, scenic lake that lends itselfwell to float tubes and very small boats, said Jateff.

Rock Lake — This is a cutthroat-managed lake,though a few eastern brook and tiger trout fromprevious years may still be present.

The lower 4.5-acre lake produces well while the3.5-acre upper lake is not consistent.

The lakes are located 11 miles northwest ofOkanogan. Drive west on state Highway 20, then northon Rock Lake Road.

There is a campground facility but no boat launch.It’s a very steep walk down to the lake, which is openApril 30 to Oct. 31.

Rufus Woods Lake — The 51-mile-long lake,which is actually a river reservoir and all open yearround, lies behind Chief Joseph Dam on the ColumbiaRiver just upstream from Bridgeport.

Anglers enjoy fishing for triploid rainbows up to 20pounds near net pens adjacent to the Colville IndianReservation (downstream from Nespelem River) andColumbia River Road.

There is a two-trout fish limit and kokanee count aspart of the trout limit on the water that forms the borderbetween Douglas County and Colville IndianReservation in Okanogan County

Other species include walleye (best caught nearElmer City), kokanee, yellow perch and a fewsmallmouth bass.

It’s illegal to fish for sturgeon. Chumming is notallowed.

The state has an agreement with the tribe toaccept tribal or state licenses if the angler is on thewater. Anglers must have a state license if fishing fromthe Douglas County shoreline.

On the Okanogan County (reservation) side,anglers can possess either a state or a tribal licensewhen fishing from shore at marked, designated tribalfishing areas.

Otherwise, a tribal license is required.Consult the tribe’s sport fishing pamphlet for all

regulations concerning boundary waters and whatlicenses are required. Boundary waters include LakeRufus Woods (Chief Joseph Dam pool), CrawfishLake, Lake Pateros (Wells Dam pool), WashburnIsland Pond, Okanogan River and Lake Roosevelt(Grand Coulee Dam pool).

Steelhead are unable to reach the lake becausethere is not a fish ladder at Chief Joseph Dam.

Triploids from Rufus Woods do escape through thedam into the Wells Dam pool, where it is legal to catchthem if they possess a floy tag. Otherwise, they mustbe released because they still possess an adipose fin.

Marked, designated launching areas includeSeaton’s Grove Corps of Engineers site two milesdownstream from Elmer City, Bridgeport State Parknear the lower end, and the Army Corps of Engineers’

2011 Fishrapper, The Omak Chronicle, Omak, Wash. —

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site upstream of Chief Joseph Dam on the DouglasCounty side.

Anglers can travel 22 miles south from Okanoganon U.S. Highway 97, then east for eight miles on stateHighway 17 to a boat launch near the dam.

Salmon Creek — Both the north fork and westfork, which flow into Conconully Reservoir, have aseason that runs from June 4 and through Oct. 31.

Selective gear rules apply, and fish must be aminimum size of eight inches. Bait is not allowed.

There is a two-fish limit.Fishing is closed from the reservoir to the mouth of

the Okanogan River to protect spawning steelhead.Schalow Pond — The pond, best fished with

tubes or rafts, has not been planted in recent yearsdue to an infestation of smallmouth bass that’s placedthe 10-acre pond on a possible rehabilitation list for thisfall.

Anglers should be wary of rattlesnakes sunningthemselves along the path to the lake from the eastend of Fish Lake.

Open year round, the pond is 4.5 miles northeastof Conconully in the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area

Silver Nail Lake — This tiny five-acre lake that isopen year round to juveniles only (14 years old andyounger) lies four miles north of Oroville off U.S.Highway 97. It is planted yearly (100 rainbows in Apriland May) with catchable rainbows of 8-10 inches, plusa few larger fish.

There is a state Department of Fish and Wildlifeaccess site near the lake.

Similkameen River — Located west of Oroville,this river extends into Canada and offers fair fishing forwinter whitefish Dec. 1 to March 31 from Enloe Dam tothe mouth.

The river enters the U.S. from British Columbia sixmiles north of Palmer Lake and flows about 18 milessouth and east to Oroville, dropping over Enloe Dambefore entering the Okanogan River.

Steelhead fishing seasons are open throughemergency regulation only as the fish are protectedunder the Endangered Species Act.

There is a summer Chinook season July 1 toSept. 15 from the mouth to 400 feet below EnloeDam. Check regulations since they can change eachyear.

Anglers should check the state Department of Fishand Wildlife’s website for opening dates andrestrictions.

When steelhead are allowed to be taken, the riveris open between Enloe Dam and the Okanogan River.A steelhead fishery is dependent upon run size, whichmust exceed natural-origin escapement requirements.

A road from Oroville follows the river most of itslength to Nighthawk.

Sinlahekin Creek — Anglers with gumption andguts — rattlesnakes like to slither among the trees andwillows — will find a few rainbow trout in this north-running stream.

Selective gear rules are in effect during a shortseason that runs from June 4 through Aug. 31 fromPalmer Lake to Cecile Creek bridge.

There is a special winter whitefish-only fisheryfrom Dec. 1 through March 31. Check the latestregulations pamphlet for whitefish gear rules.

The creek runs northward parallel to SinlahekinRoad from Blue Lake in the Sinlahekin Valley to PalmerLake.

Smith Lake — This small lake in the Chiliwistsouth of Malott can be accessed via Olema Road forrainbows.

The lake is planted early with 1,000 fingerlings thatare catchable by the fall.

Spectacle Lake — Anglers get a jump on thegeneral fishing season at this lake near Loomis with anApril 1 to Sept. 30 season.

Created as a reservoir for area orchards,Spectacle holds yearling rainbow in the 10- to 12-inchrange plus carryovers to 15 inches.

The lake received 85,500 rainbow fry plants lastyear and 14,500 larger plants in March.

Spectacle also received 7,000 brown trout fry and800 triploids last year that can reach the 1- to 2-poundrange.

There are three resorts plus a state concrete boatramp and toilets at the lake, located nine milessouthwest of Tonasket.

There is a five-fish daily limit at the lake, which ison a long-range rehabilitation list (not this fall) due toyellow perch and bass.

The lake is located 2.5 miles east of Loomis andnine miles northwest of Tonasket.

Starzman Lakes — These three small lakes nearBrewster are open year round.

Last year, only rainbows were planted at the 5.5-acre middle lake, which has received brook andcutthroat trout in the past, and 8-acre upper lake,which several years ago also received brook trout.

The lower 4.3-acre lake contains largemouth bassand bluegill.

Most anglers park and walk to the lakes, whichseem to escape winter kill, rather than taken on thesteep, unmaintained rough road. Small boats orcanoes can be launched.

Head north from Brewster on Old Highway 97 for1.5 miles, turn left to follow Starzman Creek eight milesto the south end of lower Starzman Lake.

Sugarloaf Lake — Though fishable for rainbowtrout, this small lake north of Conconully Lake suffersfrom low water that caused it not to be planted lastyear.

“It looked like it was overpopulated,” Jateff said. “Iwanted to give the fish a chance to grow.”

The lake features a Forest Service campgroundthat is a favorite area for deer hunters in the fall.

Tiffany Lake — This walk-in lake holds cutthroattrout, which cannot be kept, and eastern brook, with a10-fish bag limit in the lake and its tributaries.

“The goal is to try to a take a number of brook troutout and let the cutthroat replace them,” Jateff said. “Wewant to restore the lake back to cutthroat.”

The 20-acre lake, which is fished hard early andopen year round, is about 12 miles northwest ofConconully.

Little Tiffany Lake, which is about four acres andholds cutthroats (can’t be kept), is 0.7 mile south of BigTiffany.

Wannacut Lake — This 411-acre lake north ofWhitestone Lake often lags behind warmer, lower-elevation lakes by a few weeks but continues to be agood fishing lake for rainbow trout in the 11- to 12-inchrange with a few carryovers up to 15 inches.

The lake, which has an April 30 to Oct. 31 season,contains saline water (magnesium sulfate) that makesfish taste especially good.

The lake (65,400 fry planted last year) can bereached by two routes.

Anglers can go north from Tonasket on the westside of the Okanogan River for 4.5 miles, then west foranother 4.5 miles on Loomis-Oroville Road and thennorth four miles to the south end of the lake.

Another route is 2.5 miles south of Oroville on thewest side of the Okanogan River, then west three milespast Blue Lake to the north tip of Wannacut.

A resort and public access with toilets and launchare available.

Washburn Island Pond — Among the weed beds,anglers are catching largemouth bass, bluegill andchannel catfish at this 130-acre diked area of theColumbia River north of Brewster.

The pond is on the Colville Indian Reservation,with a April 1 to Sept. 30 season.

Anglers must possess both state and Colville tribalfishing licenses if fishing from shore on reservationproperty. A state license is required for fishing from aboat.


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Tribal and state bass slot limits are the same, witha daily catch limit of five fish less than 12 inches orover 17 inches. No more than one fish can be morethan 17 inches.

Largemouth bass run up to a couple pounds at thepond, located four miles east of Brewster and 22 milessouth of Okanogan off state Highway 17. Take U.S.Highway 97 to the truck weigh station and travel easton state Highway 17 for about a mile to a southboundroad to the pond.

The use of internal combustion engines isprohibited. Electric motors are OK.

The boat launch has been upgraded, with toiletsand parking available.

Washburn Lake — Expect a short hike forcutthroat trout in this 13-acre lake located on PalmerMountain two miles northeast of Loomis.

The lake, which is on U.S. Bureau of LandManagement land, is open April 30 to Oct. 31.

There is a two-fish limit on triploid eastern brooktrout 11-13 inches. A few tiger trout also have beenplanted but probably won’t be of size until next year.

There is a BLM campground, with boat accesslimited to craft that can be carried a short distance tothe lake, located north then west from Loomis on anunimproved road near the west end of SpectacleLake.

Whitestone Lake — Open all year, this 173-acrelake is considered one of the most important warm-water fisheries in the county. The lake is located aboutfive miles northwest of Tonasket with largemouth bassbiting well all summer and into the fall.

There is a bass slot limit with a daily catch limit offive fish less than 12 inches or over 17 inches. No morethan one fish can be more than 17 inches.

Fishing pressure has declined because perch andsunfish reduced the crappie population.

Bass seem to be thriving, with some reaching thethree- to five-pound range.

Channel catfish and small bluegill also reside inthe lake.

The best fishing is in the spring before bass startdiving for cover.

Drive north from Tonasket on the west side of theOkanogan River for 4.5 miles, then west for three milesto the lake.

A well-developed public access, which is handicapaccessible with launch and toilets, is available.

Camping is allowed.

Okanogan HighlandsBeaver Lakes — These small lakes that are open

year-round northeast of Tonasket are managedexclusively for rainbow trout (3,100 last year), thoughbrook trout appear to be reproducing naturally in anearby creek.

The lakes produce well early in the season.Fishing, especially with a fly, picks up again inSeptember and October.

The lakes should be ice-free for the opener,although they lie at about 2,700 feet elevation.

The 5.7-acre Little Beaver Lake, located 1,100 feeteast of Beaver Lake, holds eastern brook. Catch ratesare slow, but there are some very nice fish available.

Go east on state Highway 20 from Tonasket forabout 18 miles, then north 12 miles past BonaparteLake.

From Oroville, drive east on the county roadthrough Chesaw and take Forest Road No. 9480 toreach Beaver Lakes and Beth Lake. Signs along theway also will direct travelers to Lost and Bonapartelakes.

The main Beaver Lake features two boat rampsand a U.S. Forest Service campground. Anothercampground is at the smaller lake.

Beth Lake — This 13-acre lake, which receivesrainbow fingerlings (2,100) and is located a half-milenorthwest of Beaver Lake, is open all year.

The annual planting is needed because of winterkill, though some years there are a few carryovers.

Take County Road No. 9480 from Little Beaver toBeth Lake. There are a boat launch and Forest Servicecampground.

Bonaparte Creek — The creek, which flows fromBonaparte Lake to the Okanogan River throughTonasket, is closed from the mouth to the falls, about amile upstream, to protect steelhead spawning andrearing. The closure is a cooperative effort with theColville Confederated Tribes.

Above the falls, the creek carries the typical streamseason of June 4 to Oct. 31.

Bonaparte Lake — This 159-acre lake isconsidered the most diverse state-managed lake in thecounty with its plants of eastern brook (26,900) in the11- to 13-inch range, kokanee (14,700) in the 8- to 12-inch range and tiger trout (2,100).

The lake also holds smallmouth bass, rainbowsand a rare Mackinaw (lake trout).

The lake is open all year with a five-trout limit, withonly one trout being allowed over 20 inches.

Bonaparte is located about 20 miles east ofTonasket and north off state Highway 20. A resort anda national forest campground with a boat ramp andfishing pier are available.

The lake also can be reached from Oroville via ascenic route through Chesaw. Follow signs toBonaparte or Lost Lake.

A resort is available with boat launching facilities,plus a fishing pier at the U.S. Forest Servicecampground.

Crawfish — Crawfish, which is open April 30 toOct. 31, is managed as a rainbow trout lake.

Fishing should be fair for rainbows 9-11 inches.The south half of Crawfish lies within the Colville

Indian Reservation. A Forest Service campground andgraveled boat launch are available on the north end.

Internal combustion motors are prohibited.

Those fishing from shore on the reservationportion of the lake must possess a reservation license.

A state license will suffice if fishing from a boat inreservation waters.

The 80-acre lake, at 4,475 feet elevation, can bereached by traveling northeast 18 miles up Tunk Valleyout of Riverside or by going north from state Highway155 on the Lyman Lake-Moses Mountain Road toCrawfish Lake Road.

Fanchers Dam Reservoir — The state planted1,000 fingerling rainbows in this reservoir off theHavillah Road and about 11 miles northeast ofTonasket.

The reservoir suffers from irrigation draw-downand sometimes winter kill, Jateff said.

Long Lake — This 17-acre lake, like nearby Elland Round lakes, is suffering from low-water levels.

The levels are so low that the boat ramp is difficult,if not impossible, to use, Jateff said.

Long received 2,000 fingerling rainbows last year.Long is east of Tonasket in the Aeneas Valley

within a chain of lakes producing yearling rainbows to11 inches with a few carryovers to 15 inches during aseason of April 30 to Sept. 30.

Take state Highway 20 east from Tonasket toAeneas Valley Road, then east seven miles to thelakeshore. Less than one-quarter mile away is RoundLake. Access is available to both lakes, which lie onprivate property.

Low-water conditions make it necessary foranglers to carry boats or slide them down a bank intothe lake.

Lost Lake — This quiet lake north of BonaparteLake was planted last year with 10,000 eastern brookand 5,200 rainbows.

Lost is open all year and produces brookies of 12inches.

There are no size limits; internal combustionmotors are prohibited.

The 47-acre lake at an elevation of 3,817 feet isbest fished in the spring and fall.

There is a Forest Service campground withgraveled boat launch available at the north end.

Take state Highway 20 east out of Tonasket for 15miles to Bonaparte Lake Road, then north 13 miles tothe lake.

Lost Creek — This is one of several creeks in theHighlands offering natural spawning eastern brook inthe 6- to 8-inch range with a few 10-inchers.

Other Highland creeks, all of which are mostlysurrounded by private land, include Toroda, Bonaparteand Myers. Lost Creek is open June 4 to Oct. 31.

Lost Creek is located about 24 miles southeast ofTonasket on Aeneas Valley Road. The creek is atributary of the San Poil River’s west fork.

Lyman Lake — This rich, 3.5-acre lake at anelevation of 2,880 feet is located near the AeneasValley and offers year-round fishing for rainbows.

The lake, which is not on the plant schedule thisyear, has received small fingerlings in the past.

Lyman is 2.5 miles southwest of Aeneas on ForestService Road No. 357.

Molson Lake — The 20-acre lake, which is openyear round, can suffer from winter kill but also canproduce rainbows in the 8- to 11-inch range.

Molson, which is located near Sidley Lake,received 2,000 fish in April.

Take the Tonasket Creek Road for eight miles eastof Oroville, then north five miles through Molson to thelake.

Round Lake — This lake of less than 20 acres islocated next to Long Lake in Aeneas Valley. It normallyattracts a lot of anglers on opening day for rainbows inthe 11- to 12-inch range.

The lake (2,000 fingerlings planted), which is openApril 30 to Sept. 30, can be reached by taking stateHighway 20 east from Tonasket to Aeneas ValleyRoad, then east seven miles to the lakeshore.

Both Round and Long, located a quarter-mileaway, are suffering from low water levels.

Sidley Lake — Management of this 109-acre lake,located near Molson at 3,675 feet and open all year,includes the planting of 10,000 legal-size rainbows ineither April or October.

There is a two-fish limit for rainbows that can reach9-10 inches aided by an aerator.

Sidley, which has good shore access from a roadthat parallels the lake, is located one mile south of theU.S.-Canadian border and 0.7 mile from Molson.

Take Chesaw Road up Tonasket Creek for eightmiles east of Oroville, then north five miles on MolsonRoad through Molson and past Molson Lake.

Summit Lake — This 11-acre lake, 5.5 milessoutheast of Oroville near Mount Hull, received 4,000cutthroat last year.

Summit, which is open year round, has not beengreat fishing the last few years because of winter kill.

Best fished in the fall, Summit lies at an elevation

of 4,320 feet.

Methow ValleyAlta Lake — This 184-acre lake west of Pateros

holds rainbows in the 10- to 12-inch range (500planted at 14 inches) and triploids in the 14-inch range(588 planted).

Expect carryovers to be 15 inches are larger.Anglers can find a concrete public boat launch, a

state park with full facilities, a private resort and an 18-hole golf course on the road to the lake, located twomiles southwest of Pateros.

The lake, which is ideal for small boats andcanoes, has a season that runs April 30 to Sept. 30.

Larger boats can be launched at the resort.Alta is reached by driving 1.5 miles west of Pateros

on state Highway 153, then south about a mile.Andrews Creek — Open from June 4 and through

Oct. 31, Andrews offers native rainbows. Dolly Varden (bull trout) may not be caught legally

in the creek.There is a two-fish limit. Fish must be eight inches long.Andrews is located 19 miles north of Winthrop on

Chewuch River Road. The U.S. Forest Servicemaintains a campground next to the creek.

Aspen Lake — This shallow lake, open April 30 toOct. 31, is owned by the state Department of Fish andWildlife. It sometimes suffers from winter kill.

The semi-remote lake, 0.7 mile southwest ofMoccasin Lake (a private lake), historically has beenan eastern brook lake but also received plants last yearof tiger trout (200) and cutthroat (2,000).

Aspen can be reached by taking the Twisp Riverand Big Buck Lake roads. The last half-mile is on foot.

Dibble Lake — This small lake off Wandling Roadnear Twin Lakes Road was planted with 100 legalrainbows in April.

The shallow lake, which is open year round,requires a quarter-mile walk down a driveway.

Big Buck Lake — The seldom-fished lake, whichhas been planted with 1,000 catchable rainbows, hasa year-round season.

Largemouth bass also may be found in the smalllake, which can suffer winter kill.

Big Buck is located due south of Moccasin Lakeon state Department of Fish and Wildlife land. Theeasiest way to reach the lake is follow the samedirections to reach Aspen Lake off the Twisp RiverRoad.

Big Hidden Lake — The lake, located in thePasayten Wilderness, is for those looking for a littleadventure. Located about 34 miles northwest ofWinthrop, it annually produces decent-sized rainbowsin the 10- to 14-inch class.

The 71-acre lake lies at about 4,300 feet elevationand sees a lot of action from hikers and horse packers.

Travel about 20 miles from Winthrop on the LostRiver Road past Mazama on the Mazama Road. A

one- to two-day hike to the lake starts at the head ofLost River at the Billy Goat Corral.

Cougar Lake — This catch-and-release lake isopen April 1 through Aug. 31for legal-size rainbows.

There is a catch-and-keep season of Sept. 1 toMarch 31 with a standard five-fish limit.

The 9-acre lake is located south of Winthrop in theMethow Wildlife Area at about 3,400 feet elevation.Cougar gets little pressure because only snowmobilershave access during winter months.

There is a campground nearby with a graveledboat launch for smaller watercraft.

Travel 2.5 miles south of Winthrop on the Twisp-Winthrop Eastside Road, go east about a mile onBear Creek Road to the Davis Lake turnoff, thennorth 1.5 miles and east for a mile on County RoadNo. 3514.

Crater Lakes — Open year round, this high-mountain-lake chain at 6,900 feet elevation includesone 15.8-acre lake managed for cutthroat.

Located in the Sawtooth Ridge area on the northside of Whiskey Mountain, Crater Lakes offer cutthroatto walk-in anglers.

Go northwest 18 miles on state Highway 153 fromPateros to the mouth of Gold Creek. A Forest Serviceroad follows Gold Creek for eight miles.

A good trail of five miles leads to the lakes.Davis Lake — This popular Methow Valley lake

near Winthrop is open to catch-and-release, selectivegear rules April 1 through Aug. 31.

Combustion engines are not allowed on the lake,though you can use electric motors during theselective gear season.

A catch-and-keep season is Sept. 1 throughMarch 31 without selective gear rules. The popular, 30-acre acre lake is fished intensely opening day.

The lake received 4,000 rainbow plants last yearthat average 11-13 inches with carryovers to 15inches.

There is a state Department of Fish and Wildlifeaccess site with a graveled boat launch.

Travel 2.5 miles south of Winthrop on the Twisp-Winthrop Eastside Road, go east about a mile onBear Creek Road before heading south a mile to thelake.

Duffy Lake — The open year-round, nine-acrelake, situated at 6,500 feet elevation with cutthroat, isnot ice-free until June.

Take Forest Service Road No. 4420 (old No. 338)for 10 miles west of Twisp up Oval Creek to the OvalCreek Trail. Hike 4.5 miles south, then cross countryeastward for a mile.

Eightmile Creek — This creek, which contains afair number of eastern brook trout, is eight miles northof Winthrop and open the first Saturday in June (June4) to Oct. 31.

There is a five-fish limit and no minimum size forbrookies, which are best caught in August andSeptember.

Take the Chewuch River Road north for eight milesto the mouth of the creek.

Gold Creek — The creek, about four miles southof Carlton off Highway 173, is closed from its mouth tothe confluence with North Fork Gold Creek.

The creek is open from the north fork upstream,and sports rainbows and a few cutthroat. There is atwo-fish limit with an eight-inch minimum.

The season runs from the first Saturday in June(June 4) to Oct. 31.

Lost River — The river, which drains into theMethow River about five miles northwest of Mazama,is closed from its mouth to Monument Creek.

From Monument Creek to the outlet of CougarLake, there is a catch-and-keep season June 4 to Oct.31. There is a two-fish daily limit and a 14-inchminimum size.

Anglers must use selective gear, includingbarbless hooks. Bait is not allowed.


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Louis Lake — This 27-acre lake, which receives alot of pressure, contains mostly cutthroat, although afew rainbows ply the water.

To reach the 5,300-foot elevation lake, travel 22miles west of Twisp along the Twisp River to SouthCreek Campground, then hike two miles up SouthCreek to Louis Creek Trail and another three miles tothe lake.

Louis Lake is open year-round, although iceusually is not off until late May.

Methow River — The river provides goodopportunities during selected seasons.

There is a catch-and-release season for residentrainbow and cutthroat trout under selective gear rulesJune 4 through Sept. 30.

The winter whitefish season is Dec. 1 throughMarch 31.

A steelhead fishery opens by emergency rule only.That has occurred the last few years from Octoberthrough March. The steelhead seasons depend on runforecasts exceeding natural production and hatcherybrood stock requirements.

Dolly Varden/bull trout fishing is prohibited to helpimprove numbers of the native char.

The river is closed on the stretch from LowerBurma Road bridge to McFarland Creek.

Camping is available, but steep riverbanks are notvery accessible to wheelchair users.

Anglers are advised to check current sport fishingrules since the Methow has various open and closedareas along the length of the river. Some areas closeearlier than Sept. 30.

The river starts high on the east Cascade crest atthe head of the Methow Valley and runs to theColumbia River.

There are several access areas along stateHighway 153, which intersects with state Highway 20south of Twisp, and parallels the river to its mouth. FiveForest Service campgrounds with toilets border theupper reaches of the Methow River above Mazama.

Patterson Lake — This 143-acre lake, which isopen year round, is a mixed-species fishery 3.5 mileswest of Winthrop.

Last year’s plants include kokanee, triploids, tigertrout and rainbows.

The lake also includes perch.Follow Patterson Lake Road from Twin Lakes. A

resort and public access with toilets and a gravellaunch are available.

Pearrygin Lake — The popular lake north ofWinthrop should produce good fishing for rainbows upto 10 inches and carryovers in the 14- to 15-inchrange.

The lake was to receive 500 large triploids prior tothe April opener.

The 192-acre lake, which has a season of April 30to Sept. 30, received 70,000 rainbow fingerlings lastyear.

The lake features a resort, a state park with hook-

ups and a fish and wildlife department boat launch.Toilets, campsites and a fishing pier are handicap-accessible.

Pearrygin is located 1.5 miles northeast ofWinthrop. A road from the center of town leads to thelake.

Tungsten Lake — This small lake, which containscutthroat trout, is located about 55 miles north ofWinthrop. Anglers, starting at the trailhead at the endof the Chewuch River Road, will hike several days tothe lake, located near Aspen Mountain.

Alpine lakes are open year-round unless listed inspecial rules. Anglers have best success in mid-summer after the ice is off.

Cutthroats propagate naturally in the lake,meaning fish range in size from 1 to 14 inches.

Heavy pressure from hike-in anglers minimizes thenumber of larger fish.

Twisp River — A large tributary of the MethowRiver, the river remains closed for all fishing from WarCreek to the south fork of the Twisp River near theLake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness boundary.

There is a catch-and-release season for rainbowsand cutthroat of June 4 to Aug. 15 from the mouth toWar Creek. Selective gear restrictions are in effect,including barbless hooks and no bait.

Twisp River Road follows the river from Twisp for25 miles upstream, with numerous campsitesavailable.

Anglers should check the state pamphlet for areaswhere the river is closed.

Varden Lake -—This small, high lake at 6,191 feetwas planted with 330 fingerling cutthroat last year.

A 5.2 -mile trail with an elevation gain of 3,700 feetis located in the Silver Star Mountain area west ofMazama.

From Winthrop take state Highway 20 west to ForestRoad 5310-200 and park in the gravel pit. The unsignedtrail to the lake is about 200 feet on the right of the CedarCreek Trail. The unmaintained trail climbs steeply uphillthen follows the ridge top to tiny Mudhole Lake (no fish).

From that point to Varden Lake, there is no trail, justa scramble route to the top of the ridge (great view ofSilver Star Mountain) and a steep descent to the lake.

Varden, which is off the beat path and away fromcrowds, is best fished July through October.

War Creek — The creek is open June 4 to Oct. 31.Like all creeks in the Methow Valley watershed, WarCreek contains small rainbow (6-9 inches).

It is illegal to retain bull trout (Dolly Varden). Theymust not be removed from the water prior to release.

This creek is only for those hardy enough to fightthrough the brush to get to the fish.

The creek joins the Twisp River at the U.S. ForestService’s War Creek Campground about 15 miles westof Twisp.

A road follows the creek for two miles and a trailruns parallel to the creek for another 10 miles to itsheadwaters at War Creek Pass.

By Al CampThe Chronicle

The biggest change on some Ferry County lakes isanglers a ban on the use of smaller lead weights andlead jigheads.

A state rule change, which helps protect nestingloons, is in effect at Swan, Ferry and Pierre lakes.

Lead can not be used in flies at Long Lake, a flyfishing-only lake.

But the region offers a chance to catch trout, tigermuskies and even whitefish.

Several high-elevation lakes lie within the ColvilleNational Forest.

Major lakes within the county are:Curlew Lake -— The largest lake by far in the

county, this 870-acre body of water is open year-round. It’s about four miles northeast of Republic and runs

along state Highway 21 north.“Curlew should be really good fishing this spring,”

Regional Fish Biologist Bill Baker said. “It’s beenexcellent the last five years or so. I don’t expectanything different this year.”

Anglers can haul in rainbow trout, largemouth bassand tiger muskies. Muskies must be released unlessthey are 50 inches or longer.

Curlew Lake State Park offers camping, picnickingand boat access, and several private resorts are on thelake.

Early season fishing is best rainbows, many ofwhich have been net-pen-raised.

Largemouth bass fishing heats up later in thesummer.

Muskies were planted in 1998 to control northernpikeminnows.

Davis Lake — This 10-acre lake is located fivemiles northwest of Boyds at an elevation of 4,550 feetin the Colville National Forest.

The season runs from April 30 through Oct. 31(best fished later in the summer after the snow melts)for cutthroat trout that grow from annual fry to 9-12inches.

Lake Ellen — This 78-acre Colville National Forestlake is located 14 miles north of Inchelium at 2,300feet.

Ellen’s season runs from April 30 through Oct. 31for rainbow trout.

The lake was rehabilitated in the fall of 2008 forgreen sunfish, which Baker said have reappeared inthe lake.

“Hopefully, fishing is still going to be good,” he said.

There is a developed Forest Service campground.Empire Lakes — These three small Colville

National Forest lakes totaling six acres are located 11miles north of Republic at an elevation of 3,600 feet.

The season runs from April 30 through Oct. 31 foreastern brook trout. Fry are planted each year.

Anglers can expect fish starting at 8 inches on theopener and larger later in the season.

Ferry Lake -—Fishing should be pretty good atthis 19-acre lake planted each year with rainbow trout.

There is a lead restriction, with no lead allowed injigs and weights of less than 1.5 inches prohibited toprotect nesting loons.

To reach the lake, which is open year-round, gosouth for nine miles from Republic and west on stateHighway 21 before heading up Forest Service RoadNo. 53/Scatter Creek.

Located at 3,329 feet, anglers will find a useablefishery despite frequent winter kills.

A Forest Service campground is available.Fish Lake — This four-acre lake at 3,300 feet is

located about a mile south of Ferry Lake on a countyroad.

The lake, which is open from April 30 through Oct.31, holds catchable-size rainbow trout plantedannually.

Kettle River — The Kettle is closed to fishing for allspecies except whitefish from Nov. 1 through May 31above the Lake Roosevelt boundary (Barstow bridge).

Whitefish anglers can expect an excellent late-winter fishery Nov. 1 through May 31. Check the latestregulations pamphlet for gear restrictions on whitefish.

Selective gear rules are in effect during the June 1through Oct. 31 open season.

Rainbows and brown trout also reside in the river,where access is limited. The river is accessible at theMidway bridge.

Sturgeon fishing is closed at all times.Long Lake —This 14-acre Colville National Forest

lake is located 11 miles southwest of Republic in theScatter Creek drainage.

There is a lead restriction, with no lead allowed inflies to protect nesting loons.

This fly fishing-only lake at 3,250 feet is open fromApril 30 through Oct. 31 for cutthroat in the 9- to 17-inch range.

Cutthroat trout are best caught in the fall afterthey’ve fattened all summer.

No motors of any type are allowed on the lake,which includes a Forest Service campground and boatlaunch.

Lead banned on someFerry County lakes


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Lake Roosevelt — See entries with OkanoganCounty and reservation waters.

Renner Lake — This 9.6-acre Colville NationalForest lake is two miles west of Barstow and six milessouth from Orient at 2,525 feet.

Renner, which is open from April 30 through Oct.31, offers catchable brown trout and brook trout fry.

Internal combustion engines are prohibited on thelake by county ordinance. Anglers can walk about ahalf-mile to the lake, which sports a small ForestService campground and a primitive boat launch.

Swan Lake — This 52-acre lake is managed forrainbow trout.

There is a lead restriction, with no lead allowed injigs and weights of less than 1.5 inches, prohibited toprotect nesting loons.

Swan is located 10 miles southwest of Republic inthe Colville National Forest’s Scatter Creek drainage acouple miles east of the Okanogan County line.

The lake, open from April 30 through Oct. 31, is at3,641 feet elevation. An improved Forest Servicecampground is on the east shore.

Trout Lake — Internal combustion engines areprohibited by county ordinance on this eight-acre lakeeight miles west of Kettle Falls.

The Colville National Forest lake is at 3,200 feetelevation in the southeast end of Hoodoo Canyon.There is a primitive boat launch at a Forest Servicecampground.

Trout season is open April 30 through Oct. 31 forrainbows planted as fry early in the year.

Ward lakes — These two small Colville NationalForest lakes of seven total acres hold eastern brooktrout about 9.5 miles north of Republic at 3,625elevation in the Bacon Creek drainage.

The lakes, which are open from April 30 throughOct. 31 and sometimes suffer winter kill.

Internal combustion engines are prohibited bycounty ordinance.

By Al CampChronicle staff

Twin Lakes west of Inchelium already producessome of the best fishing for native redband trout on theColville Indian Reservation.

An oxygenation system on the larger, north lakewas installed two years ago due to loss of fish in thesummer. That has led to higher fish survival.

Before the system, trout could survive in a narrow5 percent band of the lake’s volume in the summer andthat led to high mortality, Senior Resident Fish PolicyAnalyst Sheri Sears said.

A similar system will be operational his summer inthe smaller, south lake, Hatchery Manager and SeniorResident Fish Biologist Ed Shallenberger said.

“It was like night and day between the two lakes,”Sears said.

“We’ve put a lot of effort in Twin Lakes over theyears, switching to native redband stock from coastalstock,” he said.

Another problem faced in the lakes was theredband trout migrating down Stanger Creek and intoLake Roosevelt.

A barrier systems was installed last fall to keep thetrout in the lakes.

Both efforts should lead to more, larger fish,Shallenberger said.

A triple whammy for anglers is that this year thetribe will be planting much bigger fish — from the LakeRufus Woods net pens operated by PacificAquaculture — at a pound and a quarter each. Past plants averaged half pound to no more thanthree-quarters of a pound.

Oh, there’s more — the lakes are rich in nutrients

that make fish grow fast and some large, steriletriploids are being planted in the lakes.

The lakes also contain largemouth bass in the 10-to 16-inch range and a few eastern brook.

“I think we are in the upswing on those two lakes,”Shallenberger said.

Anglers can expect no major changes in tribalregulations this year, Shallenberger said. Completeregulations are available online athttp://nrd.colvilletribes.com/fishandwildlife.htm.

The tribes general fishing season runs April 16 toMarch 31. Two exceptions are Nicholas and LaFleurlakes with May 1 to Oct. 31 seasons.

A drought continues to plague lakes on thewestern side, especially near Omak, on the 1.4-million-acre reservation within Okanogan and Ferrycounties in northeastern Washington. Water levels onthe eastern side appear to be OK, Shallenberger said.

Big Goose, south of Omak Lake, is also low onwater. But a number of Lahontan cutthroat remain (toofew to manage), Schallenberger said.

“We need about three or four years of above-average snow pack to put these lakes back in shape,”he said.

Fishing permit fees for 18 lakes and five creeks run$10 for one day, $20 for three days, $30 for seven daysand $40 for a season.

Licenses can be purchased at Chief JosephSmoke Shop and Triangle Texaco, Brewster; Clark’s AllSport and Walmart, both Colville; Coulee PlaylandResort, Electric City; Dave’s Gun and Pawn, Riverside;Highway Tires, Coulee Dam; Inchelium Store, LogCabin Resort and Rainbow Beach Resort, allInchelium; Jackson’s Chevron, Nespelem; J&J SmokeShop, Okanogan; Keller Ferry Marina Store, Wilbur;

Keller Community Store; McGinnis Lake, Elmer City;The Sport Shop, Republic; Walmart, Omak; ColvilleTribal Fish and Wildlife and Colville Tribal Police,Nespelem.

With the exception of the San Poil arm, the tribetries to mirror state regulations on boundary waters.

Reservation and state licenses are required whenfishing from the reservation shoreline of boundarywaters, which include Crawfish Lake, Lake Pateros(Wells Dam pool), Washburn Island Pond, OkanoganRiver and Lake Roosevelt (Grand Coulee Dam pool).

For designated sites on Lake Rufus Woods, thereis an either-or license requirement, Sears said.

Those fishing in a boat in boundary watersadjacent to the reservation need only a state license. Atribal license is not required as long as an angler fishesfrom a boat.

Reservation waters, mostly in Okanogan County,include:

Apex — A small lake located four miles south ofInchelium, it drains into Borgeau Lake and remainslisted in the tribal fishing pamphlet but contains littlewater, bullheads and mosquitoes.

Borgeau Lake — The 22-acre lake, located 4.5miles south of Inchelium, offers redband rainbows withnice carryovers.

The lake will be planted with triploid trout in thespring that average 7 pounds.

Largemouth bass range up to 4 pounds.The boat ramp was upgraded last year. There also

are a picnic table and outhouse.Buffalo Lake — After the Twin Lakes, Buffalo is

the next most-fished water on the reservation for itsredband rainbow trout, big triploids, healthy populationof kokanee and largemouth bass.

Tribe’s Twin Lakes benefits from oxygenation


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There is an occasional brook trout.The lake, where water levels are holding, is heavily

planted in early April with redband trout, which willaverage more than a pound this year.

Buffalo also will receive about 300 triploids at thistwo-mile long, 540-acre-plus lake 7.25 miles southeastof Nespelem, Shallenberger said.

A gill net study showed self-propagating kokanee— they are up to 4 or 5 pounds — are doing very wellin the lake while brook trout are not, Shallenbergersaid.

“We think the largemouth bass are eating thebrook trout,” he said, noting brookies are no longerplanted. “There are some very large bass in there. Thebass do well in there.”

The kokanee daily catch limit is 15 fish, whichcould help reduce the species’ numbers and increasethe amount of plankton available for other fish.

Bass average 2 pounds, though they can get up to5 pounds. There is a 25-bass daily catch limit. All basscaught must be kept.

A crayfish season, where the limit is 5 pounds inthe shell, runs July 1 through Sept. 15.

A winter season, which requires a winter fishingpermit, runs Jan. 1 to March 15.

There are two boat accesses — a public ramp andat Reynold’s Resort, which also has RV hookups onthe northwest end of the lake.

Cook Lake — This tiny lake, which suffers fromalkaline and low-water conditions, is on Cameron LakeRoad about a half-mile west of Little Goose Lake andeast of Okanogan.

The lake received a few Lahontan fry last year.Access to the lake is limited because of private

property.Crawfish Lake — Crawfish lies partly on tribal

land and partly on state land. Its season matches thestate’s general fishing season April 30 to Oct. 31. (Seelisting with Highlands waters.)

Those who fish from shore on the reservation sideof the lake must possess a reservation license.

For those who fish from a boat in reservationwaters, a state license will suffice.

The lake is managed by the state for rainbow andeastern brook trout.

Duley Lake — This small lake east of Okanoganand eight miles south of Little Goose Lake on upperCameron Lake Road surprised biologists withLahontan cutthroat surviving in its shallow depths.

“We put a few Lahontan fry in there as a lark a fewyears ago,” Shallenberger said. “They did very well,better than in Omak Lake. I think they are living onwater dogs. It just blew me away when I saw those fishthere.”

LaFleur Lake — This seldom-fished, 25-acre lakenine miles north of Inchelium sports a few smalllargemouth bass, native redband rainbows (1,000planted after spring thaw) and a few large triploid trout(100 or so plants each year).

The season runs from the first Saturday in May,which will be May 7 this year, until Oct. 31.

Bass in the 2- to 3-pound range roam in the lake.Best fished with a car-top boat due to difficult

launching conditions.Lake Roosevelt — The water backed up behind

Grand Coulee Dam is managed by the Colville andSpokane tribes, along with the state Department ofFish and Wildlife.

“This lake has so many different things going for it,”Shallenberger said of smallmouth bass, rainbow andredband trout, walleye and kokanee.

Regulations are complex, too, so anglers shouldconsult their fishing pamphlets.

For instance, rules concerning the mouth of theSan Poil River differ under state and tribal regulations.

Though trout moving up the river can reach 5 and6 pounds, there remains a problem of escapement fortrout and kokanee fry. Walleye and bass sit at the

mouth and consume nearly 100 percent of the frycoming down river, Shallenberger said.

The lake also is stocked with triploid rainbows from28 net pen rearing projects including Keller Marina,Hunters, Kettle Falls, Hall Creek and Seven Bays.

Lake Roosevelt, which is open all year, runs fromGrand Coulee Dam, which lies at the junction of stateHighways 155 and 174, and extends east and thennorth past Kettle Falls.

The lake is closed to sturgeon fishing.Lake Rufus Woods — Although fishing success

for football-shaped triploid trout no longer matcheswhat it was several years ago, the tribe continues toplant trout averaging seven pounds into the 51-milestretch of water behind Chief Joseph Dam nearBridgeport.

There is one marked boat launch near one of thepens were a state or tribal license can be used whenfishing from shore.

Other areas, if fished from shore on the reservationside, such as at Bridgeport State Park, require areservation license.

Either license is required if fishing from a boat.There also are approved boat launch sites near

Chief Joseph Dam and Seaton’s Grove. There’sunimproved access off Columbia River Road near theTimm Ranch and Coyote Creek.

See entry with Okanogan County.Little Goose Lake — This small lake east of

Okanogan suffers from low water and summer kill.“The water level drops a couple feet every year,”

Shallenberger said. “Fish grow like crazy in the spring. When algae

blooms, probably every other year, the fish die off.”The lake receives a spring plant of redband trout

and a few triploids. Some carryover fish survivewinters.

Little Goose, which has a boat access, is locatednine miles east of Okanogan on Cameron Lake Road.

Lost Creek — Redband trout, which are plantedthree times in the summer, and small brook trout,which are not stocked, live together in the creeklocated in the north central part of the reservation andstarting near the headwaters of Crawfish Lakenortheast of Riverside.

The creek flows east, staying mostly in thereservation, and feeds into the west fork of the San PoilRiver north of the reservation’s boundary.

Some of the creek flows through private land, soanglers need to get permission before fishing.

The creek can be reached via state Highway 155through Lyman Lake.

McGinnis Lake — The best time to fish this brooktrout-only lake, the only one like it on the reservation,is when it is cool — before July or in October.

The lake includes carryovers up to 20 inches andseveral pounds.

Larger boats can be launched at the 115-acre lakea mile south of Buffalo Lake and 9.5 miles southeast ofNespelem.

Nicholas Lake — A few redband trout are tossedinto the tiny hold of a lake north of Inchelium.

“It’s a little difficult to fish, with cattle wading in it allthe time,” Shallenberger said. “It’s not a priority lake forus.”

Anglers with float tubes or a small canoe mightcatch a few fish at the limited-access lake with a Mayto Oct. 31 season.

The lake features a shallow bench before getting tothe good part to fish, so not many people work theirway to the open water.

The 2-acre lake, located 11.6 miles north ofInchelium, can suffer a winter kill.

Okanogan River — A large portion of the river,which is open all year, forms the western edge of thereservation. Tribal and state regulations close the riverto the taking of trout, salmon and steelhead. (Seelisting with state waters.)


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When salmon can be taken, only tribal memberscan take them from the reservation side of the river.

See entry with Okanogan County.Omak Creek — This creek, which is no longer

planted, is located east of Omak and is closed to non-member fishing due to a summer steelhead program.

Omak Lake — This 3,000-acre lake seven milessoutheast of Omak off state Highway 155 may beseveral feet lower than normal, but still offers greatfishing for Lahontan cutthroat.

There is limit of three Lahontan cutthroat (not morethan one being longer than 18 inches) at the lake,which is planted with 100,000 fish each year.

The north embayment (next to the Mission boatramp) is closed to boating and fishing March 1 to May31. There is a catch-and-release season on the lakeMarch 1 to May 31. All islands are closed to accessfrom March 1 to April 30 while birds are nesting.

“There are a lot of fish there and in good shape,”Shallenberger said. Fish traps to collect eggs for thetribal hatchery have fish more than three feet long.“There are some incredibly big fish in there,” he said.

Best fished with a boat, non-members can accessthe south end of the lake north of Baines Beach.

Access from Baines Beach southward is for tribalmembers only.

Two boat accesses are available on the north endof the lake — Nicholson Beach off Columbia RiverRoad and Mission access at the end of the road pastPaschal Sherman Indian School off state Highway155.

Anglers may use artificial lures and flies withbarbless hooks only; no bait fishing is allowed. Fishingis allowed from dawn to dark daily.

Rebecca Lake — One of the better largemouthbass lakes on the reservation, Rebecca is locatedabout eight miles north of Nespelem and 1.5 milessouthwest of Buffalo Lake.

The lake, where bass average 4-6 pounds, has

little management by the tribe and is best fished with asmall boat.

An unimproved boat launch can be blocked byfloating weeds.

There is a bass slot limit with a daily catch limit offive fish less than 12 inches or longer than 17 inches.No more than one fish can be more than 17 inches.

A few legal-size trout have been planted in thelake.

San Poil River — Walleye and bass are affectingthe fishery by scarfing up fry trying to escape to LakeRoosevelt. That leaves few to return when they arebigger and catchable.

The tribe continues its transition to native redbandtrout, raised at its hatchery, for the river.

Redband trout were native to the drainage, butdisappeared over the years.

The free-flowing reach of the system is open tofishing from May 1 to Oct. 31.

A catch-and-release trout season May 1 to Oct. 31covers the area from Thirty Mile bridge to thereservation boundary. Only single-hook, artificial fliesand lures with barbless hooks may be used. Baitfishing is prohibited.

There is a wild kokanee release in effect.The San Poil has a 25-fish daily catch limit for

walleye and smallmouth bass. There are no walleye orsmallmouth bass size limits in the river section.

Anglers should have a tribal permit if they’re fishingfor walleye and smallmouth bass in the San Poil and beaware of differences in seasons and bag limitsbetween the San Poil and Lake Roosevelt.

The river produces best in the fall for rainbows upto 5 pounds.

State Highway 21 parallels the San Poil River for58 miles from Republic to the Columbia River.

Stranger Creek — This tiny creek is closed fromInchelium-Gifford Road downstream to the mouth.

A barrier at Twin Lakes will not allow redband trout

to escape; they could be caught behind beaver pondsin the past.

The creek, which will be planted this year, has ahalf-dozen access points. Anglers should getpermission before fishing on private property thatborders the creek that also contains naturallyspawning brook trout.

The season is April 16 through Oct. 31.Summit Lake — This small lake six miles east of

Disautel and 11.5 miles northwest of Nespelem around3,500 feet elevation was not planted last year due tolow-water levels.

Only a few brook and redband trout are plantedwhen levels are appropriate.

“There’s not a lot of natural production in that lake,”Shallenberger said. “We don’t put a lot of fish in therebecause they just get skinny.”

Access can also be a problem due to one routebeing steep and another being muddy.

The lake has a summer season of April 16 to Oct.31 and winter season, which requires a separatelicense, of Jan. 1 to March 15.

Twin Lakes — The lakes compete with Lake RufusWoods as the most popular waters on the reservation.

The successful efforts to oxygenate both lakes anda newly installed barrier to keep redband trout fromescaping into Stranger Creek could elevate Twin Lakessole possession of Top Lake.

The lake contains largemouth bass in the 10- to16-inch range plus redband rainbow trout and someeastern brook.

A few triploid trout are planted.There is a 15-bass limit at the lake, with only bass

less than 12 inches or more than 17 inches being kept,and no more than two over 17 inches. It is lawful to fishto the base of Stranger Creek outlet structure.

Only one rainbow trout can be kept over 20 inches.All legal fish caught must be kept and counted as partof the limit.

The regular season runs April 16 to Oct. 31. Aspecial tribal winter license is required for a Jan. 1 toMarch 15 season.

Twin Lakes covers about 2,000 acres and islocated eight miles west of Inchelium. There are tworesorts and a public access at North Rocky Point.

Washburn Island Pond — The tribe lets the statehandle this 13-acre pond that lies partly on thereservation and partly on state land four miles east ofBrewster off state Highway 17.

The season runs April 1 to Sept. 30.Anglers must possess state and Colville tribal

fishing licenses if fishing from shore. A state license isrequired for fishing from a boat. Use of internalcombustion engines is prohibited.

See entry with Okanogan County.Wells Reservoir — A recent state rule change

allows anglers to keep triploid trout, which haveescaped from Lake Rufus Woods through ChiefJoseph Dam, to be kept if they include a floy tag.

Often called Lake Pateros, the pool is formed onthe Columbia River behind Wells Dam up to ChiefJoseph Dam. The reservoir is open all year.

The reservoir, which is managed by the state, isclosed to shoreline fishing from the base of ChiefJoseph Dam downstream to the state Highway 17bridge on the reservation side (Okanogan Countyside).

Closed waters are at Chief Joseph Dam betweenthe west end of the tail race deck downstream 400 feetto the boundary marker.

Bass and walleye also live in the reservoir.Wilmont Creek — This tiny creek is closed to all

fishing from Silver Creek Road downstream to mouthto protect spawning rainbows.

The creek, 20 miles south of Inchelium, receives afew plants (above the falls) of native redband rainbows(planted after spring runoff sometime in May) andcontains a few naturally spawning brook trout.


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By Al CampThe Chronicle

Selective gear fish anglers could hit it big atAeneas, Blue, Chopaka and Big Twin lakes.

But a couple lakes, Little Twin and Ell, could bepretty dismal this season.

Aeneas continues to be a shining star among thegroup with rainbows and browns.

Chopaka gets better and better with rainbows up to18 inches.

It’s suspected low water on Little Twin coupled witha long winter caused winterkill in the lake nearWinthrop, state Department of Fish and WildlifeRegional Fish Biologist Bob Jateff said.

Lower water levels continue to plague Ell Lake eastof Tonasket.

Selective or fly fishing-only lakes include:Aeneas Lake — The fishing was good last year for

rainbow (14 to 16 inches) and brown (10 inches) troutat this 61-acre lake located about three milessouthwest of Tonasket.

There is a one-fish daily limit. Use of motors,including electric, is prohibited at the fly fishing-onlywater. Anglers must use barbless hooks.

The water level at the lake, open April 30 to Oct.31, remains relatively stable. Car-top boats can belaunched on a gravel access and toilets are available.

A plateau overlooking the lake is available forcamping.

From Tonasket, travel south a half-mile on countyHighway 7 on the west side of the Okanogan River,then travel west 3.5 miles.

Big Twin — An aerator helps the lake during thewinter and produce rainbow trout in the 12- to 18-inch

range.The 77-acre lake south of Winthrop has a one-fish

limit.Gas-operated motors are prohibited, but electric

motors are allowed. Selective gear rules apply.A graveled boat access area has been improved

enough to launch smaller boats.A resort — a good place to check on fishing

conditions — and public access with toilets areavailable.

Big Twin is two miles south of Winthrop off stateHighway 20. There are marked turnoffs near Winthropand Twin Lakes Road near Liberty Bell High School.

Big Twin’s season runs from April 30 to Oct. 31.Black Lake — This higher-elevation (4,000 feet),

66-acre lake is fished for rainbow trout.The lake, which is open year-round, can be

reached on a 5.5-mile trail in the Pasayten Wildernessthat starts on Lake Creek, off the Chewuch River Roadabout 20 miles north of Winthrop.

Bait is illegal. Bull trout (Dolly Varden) must be released if caught

and cannot be removed from the water.Blue Lake (in the Sinlahekin) The 186-acre lake

about eight miles north of Conconully continues to beone of the best in the county for rainbows and brownsup to 18 inches.

Selective gear rules are in effect, except electricmotors are allowed.

There’s a one-fish daily limit for trout.Blue is open April 30 to Oct. 31. The lake is four

miles north of Fish Lake in the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area.A graveled launch, campsites and toilets are

available at the handicap-accessible lake that lies at anelevation of 1,686 feet.

To reach the lake, go north about 10 miles fromOmak on U.S. Highway 97 then west on Pine CreekRoad for about nine miles. Continue past Fish Lakeand go another four miles north to the lake onSinlahekin Road.

Blue Lake (near Wannacut Lake) — Fishing forLahontan cutthroats up to 16 inches and three poundscan be expected at this 10-acre lake, a mile north ofWannacut Lake and three miles southwest of Oroville.

There is a one-fish limit for trout. Blue’s season isApril 30 to Oct. 31. Selective fishery regulations apply.Electric motors are allowed.

Buzzard Lake — The lake, southwest ofOkanogan on Buzzard Lake Road off state Highway20, is a selective gear and one-fish limit lake with aMay 1 to Oct. 31.

Some camping is available. Use of gas-poweredmotors is prohibited. Electric-motors are allowed.

Chopaka Lake — The popular 149-acre lake islocated at the 2,900-foot mark on Chopaka Mountainand is reached via a rough road from Loomis.

The lake, located six miles north of Loomis, has aseason of April 30 to Oct. 31.

Fly fishing-only is the rule at Chopaka, whererainbows enjoy a hardy diet of mayfly hatches.

There is a one-trout daily limit. Use of all motors isprohibited.

A state Department of Natural Resourcescampground at the lake offers 15 sites, and includespicnic tables, fire pits, a fishing pier and toilets. Thereis a small, graveled boat launch.

Ell Lake — The lake east of Tonasket has not beenplanted for a couple years due to aeration problemsand water levels of a 3-4 feet.

The season is April 30 to Oct. 31. There is a one-

fish daily limit. Selective fishery regulations apply. Gas-operated motors are prohibited.

Take state Highway 20 east from Tonasket forabout 12 miles, and then go south on Aeneas ValleyRoad for about five miles.

Grimes Lake - The private, 124-acre lake, which isopen to the public in northern Douglas County,remains a popular selective fishery for Lahontancutthroat up to 20 inches.

Grimes, which is leased by the state, has anunique season — June 1 through Aug. 31 — and ismanaged by Jateff with Okanogan County lakes.

Selective gear rules are in effect. Internal-combustion engines are prohibited while electricmotors are allowed. There is a one-fish limit.

The lake is located north of Jameson Lake andabout five miles southeast of Mansfield. Access is viaa rough dirt road off of Wittig Road south fromMansfield. Parking is limited for the opener.

Little Twin Lake — The 24-acre lake south ofWinthrop has a season of April 30 through Oct. 31 forrainbows normally in the 12- to 16-inch range.

A few eastern brook trout are available in the 9- to11-inch range.

“I have a strong suspicion it winterkilled,” Jateffsaid, who lives in the Methow Valley and can easilycheck the lake. “It will need a supplement to provide adecent fishery.”

Catchable rainbows were planted in April prior tothe opener at the selective gear lake that has a one-fish limit.

The lake has a state Fish and Wildlife Departmentaccess area.

Little Twin lies two miles south of Winthrop withmarked turnoffs from state Highway 20.

Okanogan County offers plenty for selective anglers

Fishrapper 2011

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