Northwest Fishing Reports

Anybody have any wisdom to share on the chinook they've stocked in banks? First heard about people catching them in August and haven't heard anything since...

I have never caught any at Banks, but I heard they are out around steamboat rock. I have caught several this fall in Lake Chelan though

Just read an article on this. Guy says use Apex behind Sep's dodger and watch your finder for bait balls. Type "Chinook at banks lake" into a search and it is the second article. If you go, please post results. I would be very interested in knowing how it is since it is a short drive from Moses Lake. Good luck, hope you nail them!

Single hook large but light copper spoons like the commercial guys use, especially with a sliver of baitfish works pretty well. Best with downrigger. There's some nice ones out there. We fish 'em when the walleye aren't hitting very well. Usually in 20-60', mostly suspended or near the bottom, but all over the map, like all salmon. Steamboat Rock and the flats near Barker Canyon, where they drop off, have been good, as has the south side of Steamboat Penninsula, near the road fill. Right now (or when fishable) that area is better for big Whitefish. That's been my experience. They do get big out there, so gear up accordingly. 2 years ago we hooked one on light line that headed for Electric City and as far as I know, never slowed down till he got there!!

Thanks guys! Hopefully heading out there just before x-mas so I thought I'd give it a shot. This gives me an idea of what to prep for at least. I'll let you all know how it goes...

Are you guys talking about the large silvers that have been in there for years, or land lock Chinook? I just spent a couple hours looking on the internet and I don't find anything about Chinook in Banks Lake. I'm always interested in a new fishery.

Big Wally's made a report this last summer about Land Locked Chinook that were planted in Banks a few years ago, and are now in the 4# range. this is what they are talking about- I have not looked through the wdfw stocking reports to find anything about quantities that were released or how often, which would be good info to look up.

It's a rerun of a stocking they did over 20 years ago. I don't know the details either. We've just caught a few, maybe a dozen(?) that weren't silvers or rainbow.