Northwest Fishing Reports

Has anyone been ice fishing yet this season? I'm looking for a place with safe ice, and perch or trout, somewhere in the Chelan to Yakima region. Please let me know if you have a report out there I just haven't found, or if you have a report you'll be posting soon.

R.J.

I'm not sure if they are in that exact area, but I know they're in Eastern Washington.

Fourth of July, Hog Canyon and (maybe) Fish Lake in Wenatchee have safe ice. At least what the reports say. Take a look at the reports section.

I HAVNT POSTED MY REPORT YET, BUT, FISH LAKE DOES HAVE ICE, OUTSIDE OF LEAVENWORTH. GREAT FISHING AT TIMES! PERCH/TROUT. ALOT OF THE BETTER-KNOWN ICE-LAKES ARE IN THE SPOKANE AREA.

Thankfully we've got safe ice here in eastern Washington, 7-8", despite a week of warmer temperatures. The cold front that's coming in this week should prevent further deterioration and promote fresh ice. As Ipodrodder mentioned, many lakes over here have been productive. Hog Canyon is full of trout but unfortunately many of them are dinks in the 7-9" range. Fourth of July has larger rainbows, but the size of these fish can lead to a short fishing trip.....if the first two are 14" or better, technically you're done for the day whether you keep them or not (per lake regulations) if you are using bait. Eloika is full of spiny ray and has been very productive lately. Problem is, you've got to land 35-40 perch just to get 10 or so that are worthy of keeping! The bass can be fun though, especially if you hook some of the larger ones. Twin Lakes, near Coffeepot Lake, is supposedly an overlooked fishery.....probably because it's out in the middle of nowhere. I've caught nice rainbows, 16-18" range, in Upper Twin in the spring and rumor has it Lower Twin has good spiny ray, especially crappie. I'm heading out there this Friday in an attempt to confirm or deny....I've never ice fished it before. Will keep you all posted! Good luck, I hope you find some good, safe ice.

I read that Fish Lake isnt open due to thin ice.I like going to fish lake but at my weight I want at least 12" of ice.I heard theres a good snopak but the ice is questionable.Raffen are these lakes you mentioned all in Eastern Wa. Which counties if I may ask?I have a great De Lorme map .

Thanks for the info., all. I look forward to reading your report, Raffensg64. I'll be chasing upland birds this last weekend of the season, but I'm anxious to get on the ice after that.

R.J.

Last friday the south end of banks lake had a few people. But then on sunday there was no people out there.

Maybe there was an incident. Heard from a guy that the jetty at the boat launch on south banks was pretty solid but the rest of the lake not too many people are feeling that brave.

I hear they are catching perch through the ice. I am headed to Minnesota here soon to knock out some Walleye, Bluegill, Crappie and maybe perch if I can pursuade the guy I am going with. I havent ice fished in 18 years and I am about to find out if I wait another 18 years. Where is the best perch fishing through the ice in Eastern Washington in your opinion?

Joe

i'm always hearing of fish lake near leavenworth and the coulee arm of the pot holes res,! here soon the wasteway by i-90 will have them but that would be for shore fishing. <')//<

The weather has not cooperated this year in the Yakima and Kittitas countys for safe ice this year. Its too bad because I have a new ice pole and no where to use it this year.:pale: