Northwest Fishing Reports

This may be a little late, but I recently purchased two of the Scotty LakeTroller Mini Downriggers and just used them extensively for three days. They are rated for a 2-4lb weight...I used 4lb and definitely wouldn't go any heavier. I wouldn't call them flimsy, but they do have their limits. I'm usi...

I had a 10ft livingston a few years ago, and I'll tell you this... If your boat can handle a 6 horse...get a 6 horse... IIRC, mine was rated up to 10hp and I threw on a 6hp I got for a song. It did alright, but I complained regularly about it's giddy-up. I wish I would've gone 9.9hp...and I'd be muc...

Since you mentioned fishing the weekend, and this is 4 days old, I'm guessing you discovered it's closed to all access/fishing/hunting/etc?

I've never had a problem with eating pinks...but I pretty much stick them to the BBQ or Smokers. They definitely do NOT eat like a 'nook, but they are no garbage fish either. I'm a firm believer that ANY fish needs to be bled, cleaned, and put on ice as soon as possible. When it comes to pinks, if t...

Thanks guys! I'm really thinking a 16ft would be about ideal for the fishing I do... I've been hitting classifieds/c-list hard getting ideas on what's out there... Hafta start picking brains and looking at options at the local shops, and out on the river. Gunna take a coworkers 14' smokercraft flat ...

I'm currently running a 12ft HarberCraft tin boat with a 9.9hp which sometimes gets swapped for an electric trolling motor. The boat has been great for lakes...and I launch it in some sketchy places because it is so light (and has EZ loader wheels!). I've been feeling the itch to swap out to a 14-16...

[quote="natetreat"] Right after the cast, reel up the slack and when you feel the lure putting tension on the light give it a short, light "snap" with your rod tip. Keep reeling at your desired pace...that'll get it moving. Any bend in the wire or debris will keep them from spinning...so will the ta...

While not something I practice often for trout, there have been a few times cranks have triggered strikes on days I probably would've gone home empty handed. Never hesitate to try something "new" or "different." There is no written rule on what can or cannot catch fish. I'm not so sure fish generall...

I'll have to post some more pictures...it's been a long time since I posted this thread, and there have been a few dozen more hike-in lakes I've visited. I quickly progressed from "nearby, easily accessed, hike-in lakes" like these pictured, to those lakes where you pull out a map book and say, "Loo...

Having owned both glocks and XD's...I'd pick an XD first... XD has more slide to frame contact area than glock (more strength). XD has a steel guide rod, glock is plastic (not a big concern, though). XD has two passive safetys, your finger has to be on the trigger and your hand on the grip in order ...

Oh yes...been there many times...expect to find (at least): Crappie LM Bass Cutthroat Trout Rainbow Trout There is a powerline road/gate across from the lake which provides a reasonable pull-out. Most (if not all) of the shoreline is nothing more than a marshy, boggy mess of muck. A few "locals" hav...

Not sure about you guys, but I've found this year's high lakes fishing to be great.
I got an early start ont he 5,000+ ft lakes, and many of my favorites thawed almost a month ahead of last year.

One of these days I'll get my photo's edited and posted on the forum.

Rolland, you're right about their habits in the late season...high pressure areas seem to turn them nocturnal...if not out of the area completely. If you're jumping deer on your stand you really need to get up a bit earlier. Its light enough on my way to work every morning at 5:45 that'd I'd conside...

I went through pretty much the same problem this spring when I picked up my used (new to me) 12ft fishin' setup. The lights were dodgy at best... I decided the heck with it and replaced the entire wiring harness on the trailer. I bought all parts from boaters world (when they were going out of busin...

I'll miss opening morning, but plan to hunt a few evenings through the week...and hit it hard for the weekend. I've been too caught up fishing this year (especially now that I have a boat!) so I am going into this season a bit ill-prepared. My gear is prepped and ready to roll, but I haven't done as...

Vogler is on private land, so ask permission first. IIRC, some trips were planted earlier this year. Without a tube, the fishing isn't the greatest...but from what I hear can be very good at times. My last trip to grandy I noticed a LOT of weeds/pads covering much of the lake...but you definitely wo...

Yep, you'll find 'em at baker and shannon. Chumming is also permitted.

you'll likely run into drunken 20-somethings at the baker lake campground, and a good amount of waterskiers...not sure how shannon is--I haven't fished it in YEARS.

+1 for Pass Lake and/or Cranberry Lake. Pass is about 25minutes from Burlington, give or take a few. Cranberry is just across the deception pass bridge, so just a few minutes more. Both are closed to gas engines (no motors of any sort on pass). If you're interested in keeping the fish, you'll want t...

I'll be along the Skagit as usual...been fishing the skagit for pinks my entire life. I'll be ignoring the popular sandbars, though. Don't need the crowds, and there are much more productive waters to fish than the "popular" bars along the lower skagit. Best of luck everyone! These fish are great fr...

Don't ask me how I know...

But you can buy WATERPROOF vibrating "bullets" like those that come on those "rings" at most "specialty" shops and even ebay...probably cheaper, and you don't have to worry about water ruining them!