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Chelan Lake Report
Chelan County, WA

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Details

04/16/2016
Trolling
Kokanee
Corn
Pink
Sunny
Dodger
Morning
04/18/2016
3
2664

Had the pleasure to finally fish Chelan for some kokanne. This was my first time ever. FISH DAWG gave me a buzz and was generous enough to have me fish along side him in the "Something Catchy" Derby. I was a little nervous considering I still a Newb when it comes to fishing. Needless to say, Fish Dawg showed me the ropes.

Friday- we hit the water nice and early before sunrise. Fumbled around with gear and all the technical issues, but we're soon to fishing. Got a koke right off the bat. Proceeded to mess around and then Fish Dawg showed me how it was done. He landed a few Kokes and two nice Lake trout. I think I eneded up with 3-4 Kokes but nothing more than that. Koke fishing on Chelan is FAR different than what I'm used to. Running REAL boat equipment was just plain embarrassing. Like I said I'm still a Newb. After a lost downrigger ball and a bunch of line tangles I finally was getting the hang of it. Finished the day with 8 Kokes, 2 Lakers, and 1 cutthroat.

SATURDAY- we headed up to the State park and launched. At this point I was just thankful Fish Dawg was patient enough to deal with me. A few more line tangles but better with the equipment. We didn't have lots of action but the fish we did catch were much bigger and much more feisty. I must say, running the mini cut plug was fun. Thanks to Sam from Slammin Salmon guide servic for the advice. We ended our day with 7-8 nice size Kokes. I must say it was a great learning oppritunity and I look forward to fishing that lake again.

I almost forgot, I was able to meet Gary Miralles from Shasta Tackle Company right before he was heading out to do his shoot. Also got to meet some other BA guides and Kokabow Lures crew as well. Huge thank you to Brian for letting me tag along. I learned a lot from you and others at the Derby. Until next year.... TIGHT LINES!

-Dj


Comments

flyfisherguy
4/18/2016 8:05:00 PM
Hey DJ! Nice report! If you're interested in heading back to Chelan hit me up, I'll split the cost and driving with you. I'd love to go there sometime soon before it gets too hot, would be interested in maybe going to a couple of other lakes in the area as well. Hope to see you soon, tight lines my friend!
DjButler
4/19/2016 6:36:00 AM
oops, The Derby took place on Saturday and Sunday not Friday.
C-money
4/19/2016 6:57:00 AM
Congrats on a great trip! Any tips on what bait to put in the mini cut plug? Sure wish I had more time right now to spend a few days up there.
DjButler
4/19/2016 7:21:00 AM
C-Money, we stuffed ours with small deli shrimp. Added a bit of shrimp oil to the meat and then baited the hooks with Shirley corn also scented with shrimp prawn oil. I've heard the Kings will bite that as well! Good luck my friend!
DjButler
4/19/2016 7:22:00 AM
That's white shoepeg corn
Hunter757
4/19/2016 7:55:00 AM
Well done!! What is the fish in the middle? Was the cut plug the only thing they would bite? Were heading over for the NWFR get together and could use some insider information.....lol. Glad to see you made it out and had some fun and learn some new ways and Kuddo's to Fishdawg way to go! Tight lines hope to see you on the water DJ!
Fish Dawg
4/19/2016 9:27:00 AM
Was good to fish with you DJ! You're welcome on my boat any time. Next time out I'll spend more time with operating instructions to cut down on the fumbling. What a great couple of days spent fishing in a beautiful place. I'm thankful that the fish were some combination of hungry and stupid for us! About half of the meat I brought home is soaking in the brine now. :-)

Hunter 757 - The fish in the middle is a cutthroat. We weren't really targeting them but got two of them while we were setting back our koke gear before we could get it into the clip and send it down. I'll be at the gathering next week and will be happy to fill you in on details of what worked for us. Cliff notes for now - you could catch kokanee on almost any color of the rainbow so long as it was white with pink. Best scents for us were shrimp and shrimp/prawn.
DjButler
4/19/2016 10:57:00 AM
Hunter- just as Fish Dawg said, pink and whites were go to colors. I caught a few on a red wedding ring. I noted that Fish Dawg used really short leaders if your using hoochies. Two pieces of corn on the upper hook and one piece on the lower hook. Staying on top of the schools worked well. From what I heard Kokabow gear works pretty good also. Silver Dodgers with lots of flash to it and your good to go.

Fish Dawg- anytime you have an open seat to fish I'll be there. Once again your patience was phenominal. I know it can be a nightmare when you are doing more fumbling than fishing. I learned a lot from that trip and I really enjoyed myself! Good luck to you when you head up to the NWFR get together. I expect a great report! You are one hell of a fisherman.
coyoteking
4/19/2016 12:45:00 PM
Dj, when will you be fishing Lake Meridian again?
DjButler
4/19/2016 2:13:00 PM
CoyoteKing- I'll actually be there late morning on Thursday. Fishing Lake Washington on Saturday, and then maybe Meridian again on Sunday of its producing kokes. If not, I'll try my luck at Stevens!
ElginFishing
4/19/2016 5:34:00 PM
DJ,
Nice report and great job getting those Kokes. Welcome to Kokanee fishing with all the hooks, tangles, sauces, downriggers etc....I am new to it also and I enjoy the challenge but it is a very technical fishery. Stay with it bro, it'll get easier!
afk
4/19/2016 8:05:00 PM
DJ, you were tutored by one of the best! I too have had the pleasure of a day in Dawgs boat.
Dawg, you should have touched base with me. I might have been able to give some insight.
Good pictures. Thanks for the report.
DjButler
4/19/2016 9:51:00 PM
Afk- absolutely. He does know his stuff, and is a great tutor
C-money
4/20/2016 11:02:00 AM
Thanks for the mini cut plug info...Gotta try this fishery!!
Fish Dawg
4/22/2016 12:08:00 PM
Thanks AFK, I intended to contact you during the week, however, it was a crazy week at work and with all of the prep to do at home it just got past me...will definitely exchange intel with you for the NWFR event next week! When will you be arriving? Al & I and the Fish Princess will be there Thursday evening and will be fishing Fri, Sat, Sun on Al's boat.
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Available Guide

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

Phone: (509) 687-0709