It was a rainy and cool Sunday but I had two die hard anglers with me to share the marginal weather. Randy (rseas) and Robbie joined me for a day of fishing for kokanee on Yale.

We arrived around 10am and spent a half hour struggling with a shrunk canvas and side windows (from the cold). It was a monumental task but 30 minutes later everything was in place, including a propane heater to keep us toasty warm.

The launch at Yale is low but still quite use-able, especially with no pleasure boaters in sight. Or anglers, either, for that matter, there were just three boats out today. We chatted at the ramp with a NWFR member that showed up with his brand new North River 22 footer, hoping to get his first kokanee in his shiny new boat. Gave him some advice, and later in the day we did see him with a net out so hopefully his boat has been properly christened.
We ran four rods on riggers and one rod on leaded line (Randy’s). Standard kokanee gear on all set ups.

It was a tough day of fishing, but at least a comfortable one. We managed just three 11” koks, all on Randy’s rod, two colors out. That should have been a big clue but unfortunately I was mesmerized by fish marks from 30-60 feet deep. Big mistake and one I should know better. In talking later with my friend Luke, I was reminded that winter kokanee action is a shallow troll game. No doubt we would have done much better running long lines and not trying for those non-biters. Oh well, lesson learned and in any case we had an enjoyable day. Off the water at 4pm and back to a warm cabin to prepare for our next adventure, late season rainbows on Swift reservoir!

P.S. - the bare feet are Randy's. I have no idea how he does that!

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