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Well, after a 2 year absence, I finally made it back to Rufus. Things sure have changed a lot in regards to the fishing regs and spots. First off a big thanks to Blufin and Malott Guy for the info about the current fishing conditions and tips. You guys are class acts, thanks!

We started fishing on Sat around 11 AM after the trek from the Tri-Cities. I had my best friend since high school with me (Mark) and he had never fished Rufus before. I was hoping we were going to slam them from the get go at Nespelem Bar, but we drifted the bar for about 2.5 hrs without so much as a sniff. I didn't even mark any fish on the sonar. So, we headed down the lake and checked out some spots around the 2nd pens with no luck. Finally headed down river some more and fished some spots around the lower pens and we found one spot that was holding some fish. We bounced black and brown marabou jigs and managed to C&R about 15 fish and kept our 4 fish that went 1.5 lb, 5 lb, 6 lb, and 8 lbs. We fished late and got back to Seaton's way after dark. Next day we beelined it straight to the lower pens and ended up getting 4 more before 11 AM that went 2 lb, 5 lb, 7 lbs, and 10 lbs. We were in a hurry to make it back to catch the Seahawks game, but I think it might have been time better spent fishing considering how the game went. Last morning we left early again, but this day the bite was really tough. We caught and released about 6 fish and only kept two trout about 2 lbs. The bright spot of the day was that Mark caught a 17" landlocked chinook salmon. Didn't know they were in Rufus and initially thought it was a kokanee. A closer look revealed a spot pattern and black gumline that conclusively identified it as a chinook salmon.

Definitely not fast and easy fishing. We really had to work for those fish, but we still had a great time. Mark got a taste of what Rufus Woods trout are like and I finally got to return to this great fishery. Oh, and I won $80 at the casino too! Good luck out there!

snake7676

1/18/2011 5:31:00 PM

WOW those are some freaking hawgs ! good job and thanks for the report and pics!

afk

1/18/2011 6:42:00 PM

Good lookin' piggies! Thanks for the report.

BMGW

1/18/2011 7:09:00 PM

The fish on the right reminds me of how the salmon from Chelan used to look, nice fish !

Lake Chelan Adventures

1/18/2011 7:22:00 PM

I have caught a few land lock Chinook in Rufus over the yrs with the biggest King at 7 lbs..I know that before Chief Joe was built the Salmon run came all the way up through there..So I do think these are natural spawning in Creeks, the few that are in there and have started there own run, Like Lake Chelan...Land lock Chrome Bright Chinook, they are Beautiful Fish......Nice Report!!!!

Malottguy

1/18/2011 7:29:00 PM

Wow fishdoc nice lil fishies. Yeah it is tougher now than once upon a time but it is always worth trying and having fun. To me Rufus is one of the most beautiful waterways in Washington, with its varied terrain and wildlife. As for the landlocked Chinook I have heard of others catching them and I wonder where they come from? Could be somewhere up river possibly. I would be curious how they would do in the lake or if that would cause problems if they went over the dam by mixing with other Chinook. Also thanks for the kind words. The way I see fishing it is a sport that is to share with others.

blufin loui

1/18/2011 8:19:00 PM

So glad you were able to make it back over to the Ruff, and that your friend got to enjoy such a splendid trip is outstanding. Thanks for the great pics and report. Sounds like you guys put in some work, but the rewards for your efforts looks well worth it. Fat tripps with full tails and the battle is on. Way to go, and best of luck on your future outings.

fishdoc

1/18/2011 8:42:00 PM

Joe, that's very interesting about the landlocked chinook! Thanks for the info, that 7 lber must have fought really well. Blufin, that run from Seaton's to the lower pens is a long one, but whatever it takes to get to the fish I guess. I agree that Rufus is a special fishery that is in some beautiful country. I'll post some scenery pics in my photo gallery later if anyone cares to see. I'm not sure if I'll get to go again anytime soon, so good luck out there! Thanks again to everyone for the tips and nice comments.
Jerry

The Jigmiester

1/19/2011 4:08:00 PM

Fishdoc. Those pictures are beautiful! Any time on Rufus Woods is a great time, and I got to fish with the likes of Bluefin Loui and Malottguy down there, well that was pretty awesome too! I love the way those bigger fish fight on light gear! Thanks for the report. Jiggy

bobdogg509

1/20/2011 9:25:00 AM

the chinook came from idaho, lake POR , just like the pike do

bobdogg509

1/20/2011 9:26:00 AM

the chinook came from idaho, lake POR , just like the pike do

fishdoc

1/20/2011 11:36:00 AM

Hey bobdogg, I thought I heard that the chinook may have come from Lake CdA?

bobdogg509

1/20/2011 12:20:00 PM

that to maybe but not native columbia stock

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