Lake Chelan Report From Anton Jones 12 / 20 / 13

 What’s hot continues to be trolling the trench for Lake Trout on Lake Chelan.  Also continuing hot is bait fishing off the docks and trolling the lower basin of Lake Chelan for rainbow trout. 

    Working depths of 190 to 245 feet from Rocky Point to Pat and Mike’s at speeds of 1.1 to 1.4 mph within 5 feet of the bottom continues to be incredibly productive.  Silver Horde’s Ace Hi Flies, Needlefish squiddy’s and Kingfisher Lite spoons have produced numbers of fish from two to five pounds with the odd big fish over ten pounds thrown in for good measure.  Fish have also come off of Worden Lures T4 Flatfish in GPLF and LUCH.  Mack’s Lures Cha Cha Squidders in glow colors are also Mack magnets. 

    If you like to fish for rainbow trout and are shore bound, this is a great time of the year for you.  Dunking Pautzke’s Firebait in American Wildfire off of a 30” leader from the docks and shore at Mill Bay can get you some Rainbow trout.  Some of these fish will stretch to 20 inches or better.  Troll Mack’s Lures wedding rings behind a dodger or Worden Lures venerable Roostertail to catch rainbows if you have a boat. 

    Your fishing tip of the week is to remember to control variables to get into that 10% of anglers that catch 90% of the fish.  Usually location is the most important variable involved.  That consists of map location and the depth of the presentation.  Usually the second most important variable is the profile of the presentation, especially when trolling.  Profile includes the size, shape and vibration that a lure gives off when trolled or retrieved.  Color is what most anglers focus on, but in my opinion, it is usually the least important variable.    

    The kid’s tip of the week involves shore activities on Lake Chelan this time of the year.  While you are trying to get those Rainbow trout to bite keep your eyes open to nature around you.  This is the time of the year a pair of Bald Eagles will prey on about one American Coot a day.  Frequently, this is right by the dock areas.  A pair of binoculars and a camera will enlarge and preserve this unfolding scene of nature at work.  The middle of the day is frequently a good time to catch the action. 

    The safety tip of the week is to wait before venturing out onto the ice on Roses Lake.  It is way too thin to be safe yet!  Also, remember to carry some spikes on a lanyard to help get yourself out if you manage to take that unexpected plunge.