This is a two day report.

We arrived in Chelan late afternoon on Sunday and began fishing on the down lake side of mill bay, working towards rocky point. The water was glass calm and the sun was out, picture perfect fishing day. We were trolling a mix bag of gear from 35-70' deep. After about an hour of trolling and not marking any fish a rod went off with some healthy head shakes. After a 15 minute battle my buddy finally boated a very nice 21" FAT rainbow trout. We trolled until dark not marking any fish or having any bites. Talked to other who had the same success we did. One guy did fish up by the yacht club and had several small fish and one 17" beauty.

Trout was caught on a custom orange hoochie spinner trolled behind a sling blade on a 14" leader. Tipped with shoepeg and smeared with Pro-cure Garlic bloody tuna.

Monday morning we awoke early to find snow on the ground and 23 degree temps. We launched the boat into a very ruff lake Chelan and battled 2' waves at the edge of mill bay. We fished our way north in 100-130' of water. I marked a very healthy fish at 80' and dropped down to it, as soon as I stopped the down rigger the bottom rod went off. I have fought Sockeye, Silvers, pinks, and Steelhead on my Kokanee rod and nothing compares to whatever this thing was. The battle only lasted about 45 seconds before it came unbuttoned. But in the short amount of time it about managed to almost spool me and the rod was doubled over. Whatever it was I want another! After gaining my wits we quickly hooked another 19.5" Rainbow that proved to be quite the chore to boat in the weather we were having.

Finally after 3 hours of not marking any schools and dealing with snow,wind and waves, my rod does the Kokanee dance. Quick battle and a very thick 16" fish was in the fish box. We fished for a while longer but didnt mark any more schools and got word the pass might close. So we boogied on home.

Trout was caught on a pink double D dodger towing a pink and chartreuse Wicked Lure. Tipped with tuna corn. 60' down
Kokanee ate a Pink and white Dakota spinner tipped with shoepeg and slathered with Pro-cure Kokanee Special. 45' down

I got some information from the Locals and fishing has still been very slow in the Mill bay area. Most everyone is running up the lake to find good number of fish. My guess is two weeks and this lake will be on fire.

I will be running Guided trips to Lake Chelan for Kokanee and Lake Trout. Contact me if you would like to book a trip!

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