Planning a trip to the Methow

[Matt]

A friend and I are planning to go over to the Big C to fish the mouth of the Methow in coming weeks and I was wondering if anyone has any reports at all from the area? We have never fished it, but my understanding is it is a bobber and jig fishery with some plugging potential here and there. We are planning to stay at the Pateros Motor Inn on the water and moor the boat there, although running up to Chief Jo or down towards Wells to launch are also on the docket.

Any and all pointers are appreciated, we have never fished here, but are excited to try it out.

[knotabassturd]

Dang I love that area Matt. It has been soooo long since being over there to flyfish for trout and steelhead. But I was probably too high up for what you may be doing so can't help much. Mostly I want to say around Mazama?

Used to do an annual hike with a few friends up the Lost River and hunt some morels:-$ . Then would flyifsh the Methow near there before returning back west (when I lived in the 'Ham years ago). Sounds like fun. Will be interested to know how the trip goes:)

[sellis_414]

Your dead on with the bobber and jig fishery... Haven't fished it but know plenty that do. The mouth of the methow and okanogan rivers are pretty good. 15-20 ft bobber height. Blacks, pink and purple is the norm for colors. I believe there are some reports from last year for fishing up there. Check them out.

[sellis_414]

http://www.washingtonlakes.com/ReportCo ... id=448&t=5
http://www.washingtonlakes.com/ReportCo ... id=448&t=5

Purple is what they chose to be their color of choice.

Call Anton his number is listed on the reports. He is always good for info plus it might be good to use his guide service one day to figure it out.

[JWS]

I'm hitting it on Sunday with some buddies, I'll let you know how we do.

[rseas]

When fishing the Methow downstream from the highway 97 bridge (Mainstrem Columbia) tip your jigs with cured prawns or shrimp. Cut prawns or shrimp (meat counter at Fred's) into fingernail sized pieces and cure with a purple egg cure. Per
WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE, FISHING RULE CHANGE; "Selective gear rules are in effect for all anglers fishing in these areas, except bait is allowed on mainstem Columbia River from Priest Rapids Dam to 400 feet below Chief Joseph Dam. " See below.



FISHING RULE CHANGE
WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091

September 3, 2010

Upper Columbia and selected tributaries to open for hatchery steelhead fishing

Action: Open the Columbia River from Priest Rapids Dam to Chief Joseph Dam, including the Wenatchee, Entiat, and Methow rivers on Sept. 8, 2010; the Okanogan River on Oct. 1, 2010; and the Similkameen River on Nov.1, 2010 to fishing for adipose-fin clipped hatchery-origin steelhead until further notice.

Species affected: Hatchery adipose fin clipped steelhead and trout.

Mandatory retention of adipose fin-clipped steelhead, daily limit four (4) hatchery steelhead, 20 inch minimum size.

Selective gear rules are in effect for all anglers fishing in these areas, except bait is allowed on mainstem Columbia River from Priest Rapids Dam to 400 feet below Chief Joseph Dam.

Night closure in effect for all steelhead fishery areas.

Wild steelhead (adipose fin intact) must be immediately released unharmed and cannot be removed from the water prior to release.

On the mainstem Columbia River only floy tagged rainbow trout retention allowed.

Effective dates and locations:

1) The mainstem Columbia River from Priest Rapids Dam to 400 feet below Chief Joseph Dam; Sept. 8, 2010 until further notice. Floy tagged rainbow trout may be retained. There is no limit or minimum size on floy tagged rainbow trout.

2) The Wenatchee River from the mouth to the Icicle River Road Bridge; Sept. 8, 2010 until further notice.

3) The Entiat River upstream from the Alternate Highway 97 Bridge near the mouth of the Entiat River to 800 feet downstream of the Entiat National Fish Hatchery outfall; Sept. 8, 2010 until further notice.

4) The Methow River from the mouth to the confluence with the Chewuch River in Winthrop; Sept. 8, 2010 until further notice. Fishing from a floating device is prohibited from the second powerline crossing (about 1 mile upstream from the mouth) to the first Highway 153 bridge (about 4 miles upstream from the mouth).

5) The Okanogan River from the mouth to the Highway 97 Bridge in Oroville; Oct. 1, 2010 until further notice.

6) The Similkameen River, from the mouth to 400 feet below Enloe Dam; Nov. 1, 2010 until further notice.

Other information: Anglers should be aware that fishing rules are subject to change and that rivers can close at any time due to impacts on natural origin steelhead.

Release any steelhead with one or more holes (round, approximately 1/4 inch diameter) punched in the caudal (tail) fin. These fish are part of a study and have been anesthetized; the FDA requires a 21 day ban on consumption of these fish.

Anglers are required to release all adipose-present steelhead, which cannot be totally removed from the water prior to release.

Whitefish anglers are reminded that under selective gear rules, bait is prohibited.

Anglers are required to possess a Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement as part of their valid fishing license. Check the fishing hotline at 360-902-2500 or the webpage at https: //fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/rules_all_freshwater.j

Reason for action: The fishery will reduce the number of excess hatchery-origin steelhead and consequently increase the proportion of natural-origin steelhead on the spawning grounds. Higher proportions of naturally produced spawners are expected to improve genetic integrity and stock recruitment of upper Columbia River steelhead through perpetuation of steelhead stocks with the greatest natural-origin lineage.

Information contacts: Jeff Korth, Region 2 Fish Program Manager, (509) 754-4624, Bob Jateff, District 6 Fish Biologist, (509) 997-0316, Art Viola, District 7 Fish Biologist, (509) 665-3337.

[Matt]

Yah I read of all that crap, more confusing regs from the state, what a surprise. Bait below the bridge, no bait above, got it.... I think. heh. Thanks for the pointers on bait rseas. I've also heard there is a plug fishery there in the mouth as well if the weeds aren't overtaking the entire area.

The temperatures seem to be dropping rapidly this week, hopefully by next week the water will be cooled down a bit and it will be FISH ON! I think we may be hitting it just at the right time.

[Matt]

Spent part of this afternoon getting ready to go:

[knotabassturd]

Spent part of this afternoon getting ready to go:

U been busy!:thumright

[Fish_Bait111397]

You could send a couple of those my way (; haha

[natetreat]

Spent part of this afternoon getting ready to go:

those are some really neat looking jigs. Good work! I've never had the patience myself.

[scott080379]

I need to learn to tie my own.......anyone wnat to show me?

[Fish_Bait111397]

I need to learn to tie my own.......anyone wnat to show me?

I am in the same position as you, need to learn to tie jigs.

[pilchuck]

Did a two day stint over in E Wa. Methow/Wenatchee river.Fishin is slow! Not like last year!!

[knotabassturd]

Dang pilchuck, may be slow but those are some nice steelies you managed!:cheers: