Lake Chelan Fishing Report From 5/1/2016 From Anton Jones

LAKE CHELAN AREA FISHING REPORT FOR 5/1/15

    What continues hot is trolling near the Yacht Club on Lake Chelan for numbers of Lake Trout.  Also hot is the Manson Bay bite for Lake Trout.  The Kokanee bite continues spotty during this reporting period except for the early morning bite.  Finally, Wapato Lake has been pumping out some respectable Rainbow Trout. 

    On Chelan, Lake Trout bit trolled presentations above the Yacht Club that were pulled at about 1.1mph very close to the bottom in water that was 180 to 240 feet deep.  This has been especially good during the first couple hours of light.  Jeff’s Drift’s baited with a piece of Northern Pikeminnow was the best producer.  Later in the morning the face of Manson Bay has produced well with the same presentation at the same depths. 

    The Kokanee bite continues somewhat slower than it’s peak but some are being caught in the trench, along the face of Mill Bay, up at the Yacht Club and over by the Monument.  The best bite is at first light. 

    My spies report that Wapato Lake continues strong after the opener for quality 14” to 16” ‘bows.  Both trolling  and still fishing have been productive.  The cutthroat bite on Chelan has been especially productive in the Mill Bay area. 

    Your fishing tip of the week is to keep in mind a couple simple items to improve your fishing success on Lake Chelan.  First, for our deepwater trolling replace those pinch pad downrigger releases with Sam’s Pro Releases from Silver Horde.  They are simple, effective and prevent false releases.  Second, try sickle hooks by Matzuo.  Their shape seems to keep fish buttoned up, and their somewhat softer construction allows you to straighten them on snags to avoid losing entire rigs. 

    The kid’s tip of the week is to get them involved in the process.  Don’t just tie your leaders.  Teach them and have them tie one up.  Compliment them in front of others when they do a good job.  Have them reel in to check your baits.  The busier they are, the happier they will be.  Boredom sets in early for the younger set that is conditioned to constant stimulation. 

    The safety tip of the week is basic launch and retrieval etiquette.  If you need to rig your boat after arrival before you launch, pull into a parking spot and rig.  Don’t rig your boat blocking launch lanes.  If you are having difficulty launching or retrieving, don’t be afraid to ask for help.  Most experienced boaters are more than willing to help if they know you need assistance.  

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