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Rufus Woods Lake Report
Douglas County, WA

Details

07/20/2009
Bottom Fishing From Boat
Rainbow Trout
Other
Pink
Hook & Bait
Noon
07/20/2009
4
4710

Well we decided to hit up Rufus Woods,after fishing the morning at Banks for bass wich was not bad either. Hit 5 smallies there all on top water swim baits"Zara Spook",the bass were all 2-4lbs, So once the sun came and the fish stoped bitin we threw the boat on the trailer and went to Rufus.Got there about noon launched the boat at the launch by the upper pens,and made our way to the upper pens to fish.Tied on to the side of the pens in my favorite spot"the fish are under the pens in the shade"got out the bait of choice "cured spot prawn".dropped it down no sooner line starts to peel off the rod,fish about 8lbs.while im fightin mine my partners rod starts to go sure enough its the fishes twin brother also about 8lbs.So after we get those 2 taken care of .'we take our time scence u can only keep 2.'.so while we are taking care of the 2 we look down in the water and notice that there are fish all over the top hiding right under the nets,and some of the fish down there have got to be pushin 15lbs plus.so we try to send are gear down on the top to hook one of the monsters but they dont pay any attention to it,"probly why they so big they have to be smart",we try and try no love,so i decide to try a different method take off the leads swivels and all and just free float the bait,so i moved the boat above the net pen anchor up stream from it so i can get my bait to float under the pen,sure enough soon as the bait gets into the shade whaam!got 1 about 12 lbs,so i drive the boat back up stream "i had to float down stream to get the fish to pull him away from the nets"my buddy hit his fish in a couple minutes his was probly 15or16lbs."and man those fish pull alot harder in the summer than the winter".So thats our day at Rufus we have had alot of days close to thet same in the winter,fall,.the things i think make a difference on catchin the monsters or the average size.are the prawns that are died pink,big chunks of bait,flourocarbon 6or8lb test,"that river is clear as can be the big ones arent as dumb as the rest"long leaders 6ft or longer "gives the bait more natural flow in the current if you are fishin on the bottem" and i use a noodle rod "really the only way u can land em with the light gear., and its one hell of a battle.Or free floating the bait it works good i also put a couple small split shots right at the eye of the hook to help it sink a bit.For those of you that have not been to Rufus it is a pretty amazing fishery dont forget the polarized shades if ya go its somthin else to see trout as big as kings swiming right below your boat!!


Comments

AJ's Dad
7/20/2009 9:43:00 AM
It seems these trout are pretty easy to catch if you just go to the net pens. I have never fished Rufus woods before. mWhere are these net pens and where do you launch at to get there? I may have to take a day off from pike fishing and give them a try. Happy Fishing
Xwisconyfisherman
7/20/2009 10:33:00 AM
Ya me too, that really sounds like fun
fishing_pro61
7/20/2009 4:56:00 PM
gas prices too high,,,cant make the trip,,,save me a fish
Big D
7/20/2009 6:52:00 PM
There are actually three sets of pens on Rufus Woods. One (Lower) set about 33 miles upriver from Chief Jo dam. One (Middle) set about 38 miles upriver from Chief Jo and one (Upper) set about 45 miles upriver from Chief Jo. The second (Middle) set is the set that is closet to Nespelem.
Fishalot
7/21/2009 11:46:00 AM
there is a small launch close to the upper pens "the peans closest to coulee dam" it is about a quarter mile down stream from the pens,its small and not marked but you can see it from the road,its small and shallow good for small boats.
aguynamedmike
7/21/2009 2:40:00 PM
Im willing to make the drive from Puyallup but i dont know the area at all, is there anyone that would mind telling me how to get there and can a small row boat n trolling motor manage this water at all?
I would need the entire scoop please...like where to lauch and hiways etc, also what kinda bait and gear?
Thanks in advance, Mike.
PS. any camp grounds around there?
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Available Guide

Available Fishing Guide:
Website: Darrell & Dads Family Guide Service

Phone: (509) 687-0709