Northwest Fishing Reports

I thought it might be interesting to start a list of unique methods and tips on catching freshwater fish. If anyone would like to add to this list feel free.

I finally figured out something this past weekend. I used to think that when a ski boat went past me, the prop turned the water and the fish would start feeding. On many occassions I had a strike after the boat went by. However, I think I finaly realize what is happening. The wake hits my boat from the port or starboard side and rocks my boat. This rocks my downrigger and jerks my plug. It must create a wounded fish action and the fish's instincts kick in and they strike.

So this past weekend I fished in windy conditions. I let the waves hit the port side which rocked my downrigger up and down. For the first couple of hours I caught 3 fish around 8 - 10 lbs. After that the wind died down and so did the morning bite.

I should have figured this out years ago. When the waves hit my stern it doesn't have the same affect and this is usually the way I troll when I'm with someone. The other day I could troll perpendicular to the wind or fishin' in the trough.

Tug's the Drug

Where are you fishing and what kind of fish are you going for when you say you're getting 8-10 pound fish on downriggers? Sounds like fun!

Palmer wrote: So this past weekend I fished in windy conditions. I let the waves hit the port side which rocked my downrigger up and down. For the first couple of hours I caught 3 fish around 8 - 10 lbs. After that the wind died down and so did the morning bite.


Tug's the Drug

I have experienced that also. Some of my most productive (and most tiring) days have been windy days.

When you see a school of kokanee. Fish the bottom of the school for bigger kokes and their predators. Turn around and keep going through them over and over. At Rufus Woods I've done this and come up with 2-3# Kokes and bows in the 3# range. I know this lake has trophy trout but I was satisfied.

On larger lakes fish the thermocline. In the late spring it may be around 30'. Check with any guides in the area or the dam if there is one. I've called a dam before as a resource and they were very helpfull. Also check your depth finder. The fish may congregate at a certain depth indicating where the thermocline is.

When 5+# fish are seen on the surface of the lake, let out over 150' of line or use a planer board and fish 50' out to the side of your boat. Planer boards are good in chop because they'll jerk and give your lure or fly more action.

when trolling either useing a downrigger, or just a small led with pop gear hold your pole, dont be afraid to shift your weight. my father was dry fly fishing a river and when he was getting skunked he handed the rod to me the action atracted the strike of a 3# bow. when your lure or bait is getting moved you get more strike.

When useing a marshmellow worm from shore slowly move the bait untill it is reeled all the way in when I leave a bait sitting for a long time, especialy in super clear spooky water I usualy dont get strikes unless I start moveing and twitching the bait. also it makes the strikes more voracious.