by Rob Holman, July 30, 2015

Over the past few years, “red fever” has gripped more and more anglers during the long, hot, eastern Washington summer. The high numbers of these tasty red fleshed salmon returning, decent catch limits, and variety of ways to catch them all are contributing factors to “sockeye madness”. While several sockeye fisheries are gaining renown and have grown in popularity – “The Brewster Pool”, seems to reign supreme.

Brewster, Washington is located on the confluence of the Okanagon and Columbia Rivers. It’s located in Okanagon County and is a roughly 3 hour drive from Spokane, a bit more from Seattle. Sockeye and King’s “stack” up in the Pool, waiting for that signal to head up the Okanaogon, some all the way to Canada. This year, water temperature issues have forced the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife to close the Sockeye fishery early. July 26th was the last day to retain Sockeye. It’s still open for Chinook, and apparently fishing for those brutes is just getting better.

This year, dam counts showed a very healthy return and a bit earlier over last year’s record run. Guides and sport anglers alike were buzzing on social media and gearing up for the opener.

Right out of the gates fishing was excellent for many. Several of Northwestfishingreports.com’s (NWFR) Guide Sponsors and members reported early limits and good looking fish. While fishing seems to be better than average most of the day, the launch is very busy, and many arrive at 3 am or earlier. By mid-July some anglers were waiting for 3 hours to launch – even when queuing up 3 am.

Fishing on July 5th with Jerrod Gibbons of Okanagon Valley Guide Service, the NWFR team saw some of this hot action. There was plenty of boat traffic, but not nearly as many as were on the water in the weekends to follow. Topping over 400 at one point.

“Yeah mid-season it was crazy. If I could say anything I’d ask guys to be pay attention to what all the boast are doing. Work together. It can be real challenge to fish, keep the rods in the water, and drive the boat,” Gibbons said. “There’s always one or two boats out there that shouldn’t be out there but what can you do?”

Gibbons says Sockeye fishing is a lot of little things coming together. Color, scent, speed – all or factors. One huge factor is time on the water and in the fishery. Jerrod runs 4 rods in downriggers, all with Super Dipping Sauce, Scent Bombs, dodgers and MoneyMaker Tackle. He starts off with a variety of gear and dial sit as the day progresses if he needs to. For the trip with NWFR, not many adjustments were needed as boat limits were in by 6:15 am.

“The fish are in great shape this year and seem to be running a bit larger than last year on average,” Gibbons said at the time. “The words getting out. West side anglers come over and are realizing how phenomenal it is. We get clients from Spokane, Tri-Cities and more and more from the Westside.”

After the morning with the Okanagon Valley Guide Service, the NWFR team hit Brewster again to get some fish for a youth angler that didn’t have a catch card for trip with the guide service. Salmon catch cards are required for everyone at Brewster! A gas station in town sells licenses, but there is some confusion on the full extent of information needed. They required name, birthdate, and social security number before issuing the catch card. Be sure to come prepared or you’ll miss the morning bite! The station wasn’t open until 7 am.

Trolling the same areas as the morning, Sarah Holman landed her first salmon ever and added four more over a few hours. Fish hit a variety of gear – everything tipped with either coon shrimp or prawn.

While several guides consistently posted boat limits on NWFR and Facebook, other anglers were not so lucky.

“I finished the year with 466 Sockeye. It’s one of the only places I fish were its common for double and triple hookups,” said Dave Grove of Captain Dave’s Guide Service. “It’s not easy out there. Countless angler’s I talk to get skunked or only catch one or two. “

Grove has been fishing Brewster for years and has built up a solid base of repeat clients. He says that he caught 90% of his fish in between 20 and 25 feet of water, trolling at 1.3 mph, “0” dodger in front of a pink and silver smile blade. He tipped his fly or spinner with a piece of fresh shrimp. Dave custom builds his own flies and spinners for Sockeye and he says he never had the need to add any scent to his setup.
The NWFR team found fishing with Gibbons and OVGS to be informative, fun, and very helpful. Guides have invested the time to make their clients experience top notch. It’s highly recommended to book one of these guys for a day to get the lay of the land – then come back. Several people reported better success after spending time with the pro’s at Brewster. Morning trips or “1/2 days” range $100-$150 a person, and “full days” start at $200/seat.

2015 at Brewster was a banner year. And while cut short nearly 200,000 fish, everyone wants a healthy sockeye run for years to come. The WDFW decision to shut down Brewster early may have cut short an already banner year, but it was a good one. The weather cooled for four days after the shut down and it’s hoped the fish shot up the Okanagon to heed natures call.

“I hope they made it up, we want to see this fishery get better and better,” Gibbons said.

The stigma that salmon “aren’t as good” once they hit the freshwater seems to be fading into the past. You can find lots of reports, techniques, videos and more on northwestfishingreports.com. Start planning your trip today.

“It’s the best freshwater fishing on the east side!” Gibbons said.
“If you have never fished sockeye at Brewster, I would make it a priority. Definitely something on your bucket list,” Dave Grove said.

NWFR Guide Sponsors who are accepting trips for next year at Brewster:

Captain Dave’s Guide Service
Don Talbot’s Fishing
Kyle Jones Sportfishing
Moon’s Guide Service
Okanagon Valley Guide Service
Slammin’ Salmon Guide Service
Upper Columbia Guide Service