Let me first start off by saying this...special thanks to Blufin Loui and all of the folks (guides) that post their reports in re to Chelan on this forum. The many reports and pics over the years is really what drove this trip to even take place. It's amazing that i've vacationed in Manson for the last 9 years and never really considered fishing the big water.

We fished from sun up to about 1300 each day (3/5 - 3/6) starting in the Lower Trench and finishing off at Wapato and Manson. We trolled Ace Hi-Flys, Kingfisher Spoons, B2's, and U20 Flatfish..I would have to say the most productive bait for us were the Ace Hi-Flys, and the Kingfisher Spoons. All baits caught fish except for the B2 Squid....never really had much confidence in the B2.

We ran two downriggers and trolled (1.3mph - 1.6 mph) the bottom working depths of 175' - 240'. The fish were very suttle taking the bait. In fact, we probably drug half the fish we caught across the lake as they would not trip the line off the clip or make the pole dance. We quickly learned that this was not salmon fishing in the Sound and GPS units are garbage for measuring speed.

We ended our two day trip with a total of 11 fish...four on the first day and seven on the last. Most of the fish averaged 5lbs and we took a couple of 8's and one that was close to 10. Most were females with eggs with nothing notable to mention in the gut track. However we did mark on numerous occasions large schools of bait (kokes?) in about 50' - 60' of water.

It was a great trip...especially with the help from Blufin Loui. We hope to hire a guide this summer to see how it's done the right way. Most importantly, my nephew was a very happy boy this weekend...don't let the smile fool you.

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