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Welcome to Tight Lines with Mike Mauk, a column on all things fishing. Have a question you’d like answered? Send it here.
As autumn settles over Washington State, fishing enthusiasts in Okanogan County are finding plenty of reasons to head to the water. There are no emergency regulations currently in effect. Fishing in Okanogan County follows Washington State’s freshwater rules unless modified by special rules for specific waters.
Seasonal Access and Regulations
Lakes, ponds, and reservoirs remain open year-round for game fish, though species such as Dolly Varden/bull trout, lamprey and grass carp are closed statewide unless otherwise specified. Rivers, streams, and beaver ponds are typically open from the Saturday before Memorial Day through October 31. All waters are accessible 24 hours a day during their open seasons.
Fishing is limited to hook-and-line methods, with up to three hooks allowed (barbed or barbless unless restricted). Bait is permitted unless specified otherwise, but chumming is unlawful without authorization. In Okanogan County (part of the Eastside region), fishing is allowed up to the base of man-made dams, with the exception of Zosel Dam. Lead weights or jigs 1.5 inches or smaller are prohibited in some areas.
Check for Updates
Check for updates before venturing out. A really good and necessary free app to have if you are a fisherman is the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Fish Washington app. It is up to date and accurate.
Hot Spots and Species to Target
Fishing is currently strong for trout, walleye, bass, and catch-and-release white sturgeon on the Columbia River. Lakes such as Palmer, Bonaparte, and Conconully are yielding healthy numbers of trout, bass, and perch. The kokanee season is about over in Lake Chelan, but I hear Alta Lake is still good for kokanee and trout.
I am hearing the steelhead return is looking larger than expected and there is a good possibility of another steelhead season on the Methow and hopefully this year on the Columbia up to Chief Joseph Dam. Fingers crossed!
I suggest getting out to your local waters and wet some line before it gets cold and then we will concentrate on ice fishing.
Until next time, tight lines.
We welcome fishing reports here at the Brewster Bait and Tackle Shop so we can share it with others. Thanks.
Comments are welcome.
I am Mike Mauk owner of:
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