afk
5/9/2015 6:04:00 PMWell Alan, looks like Bryan had a great Captain!!! It was great to see you guys. I'm already looking forward to next year. Andy
homewaters
5/10/2015 8:47:00 AMI've enjoyed following all the Chelan reports recently. Is it just me or does there seem to be a pattern that Chinook catches are on the rise in the big lake? And the catches are incidental given anglers are targeting other species. A few years back, Joe with Lake Chelan Adventures posted a thread about the failing Chelan Chinook hatchery program. Checkout Lake Chelan Adventures post from June 13, 2012. Mike Carey, maybe you know how to get the link in this thread? The facts don't lie. It appears it's the Mac's eating all the hatchery Chinook when released? But back to what appears to be an uptick in Chinook catches, seems to be the wild population. But do we know for sure if the hatchery Chinook are clipped before being released into the lake?
downriggeral
5/10/2015 12:50:00 PMI like to think Darrell & Dad's has some impact by the amount of lakers they take out over the year while supporting their families and life style. Based on the size of the one we caught I'm sure it could eat a mountain of minnows and fish to at least 8" or more. A real predator for sure. Chinook also gobble minnows by the bucket full.
A lake with a good balance of fish works in harmony; can't kill all the predators without stunting the rest of the remaining population. The kokes in Chelan are really nice for a reason, in my opinion. Chelan is a very magical place. We are so blessed and privileged to partake of it's bounty and beauty. - Alan
A lake with a good balance of fish works in harmony; can't kill all the predators without stunting the rest of the remaining population. The kokes in Chelan are really nice for a reason, in my opinion. Chelan is a very magical place. We are so blessed and privileged to partake of it's bounty and beauty. - Alan
homewaters
5/10/2015 3:02:00 PMWell said Alan. I couldn't agree more with everything you said. The Puget Sound is my backyard and home waters, but Chelan is one the quintessential fisheries in my opinion. I've fished along side the guides there many of days and will again in July. Where else can you catch, Trout, Kokes, Bass, Lakers, Kings, etc., in pristine crystal clear water, all in the same day with generous bag limits? But the elusive Chelan Chinook definitely captivates my imagination. If it's true that WDFW is feeding Lakers, then what is the point? Seems like a wasted resource, especially if the wild population is on the up and up? It's hard to believe not one clipped Chinook every shows up in the catch. The time, energy and money could be put to better use like getting MA 10 reopened in future years for King retention. Anyway, thanks for the report. Mario
