When the leaves start falling and the mornings get frosty, many folks around Okanogan pack up their fishing gear and wait for spring. But if you can’t wait till spring and they have not opened steelhead, and you don’t mind a little chill and can dress warm enough, fall and winter can be prime time for catching whitefish in our local lakes and rivers. I personally never have targeted whitefish but know they are very popular on Banks Lake and ice fishing around our area.
So, being in the bait and tackle business, I am going to study up on this and try to carry the fishing gear needed for a successful fishing trip. I would love to get fishing tips and reports if you have them for me! We do have an assortment of tackle, ice fishing rods and reels and bait commonly used around here. We plan to have live maggots and wax worms and of course, nightcrawlers. Text me to be sure.
Regulations for 2025-2026
Whitefish fall under statewide freshwater rules, but Okanogan County has some special provisions. Key details from the WDFW pamphlet (effective July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026):
- Season: Open year-round in most areas, but targeted whitefish seasons in rivers run Dec. 1–Feb. 28 (or until March 31 in some spots). Lakes are open continuously.
- Daily/Possession Limit: 15 whitefish (no minimum size). Combined with other game fish limits (e.g., trout total of 5 per day).
- Gear Rules: Single barbless hooks during selective gear periods (common in rivers); otherwise, bait, lures, or flies allowed. In rivers, you can fish up to the base of man-made dams (except Zosel Dam).
- Licensing: Requires a Washington freshwater fishing license. A Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement may apply if targeting mixed species.
- Special Notes: Release all wild steelhead (common in whitefish waters). Portions of the Okanogan River east bank are on Colville Confederated Tribes land—get a tribal permit (colvilletribes.com). No retention of Dolly Varden/bull trout or grass carp.
For the full pamphlet, visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations or the eRegulations Fish Washington app is important to have.
Mountain whitefish are native to our region and love cold water. You’ll find them hanging out in deeper pools of rivers like the Methow and Okanogan, especially below riffles where the current slows down. They’re not flashy fish, but they’re fun to catch and taste pretty darn good when cooked right.
Best Spots to Try
- Okanogan River: Look for deeper runs near Malott or where the river meets the Columbia.
- Methow River: Drift fishing with small nymphs or worms works well here.
- Rat Lake & Leader Lake: These lakes stay open through winter and offer good chances, especially if you’re into ice fishing later in the season.
Simple Tips
- Use light tackle—whitefish have soft mouths and can be tricky to hook.
- Try small jigs, worms, or bead-head flies.
- Mornings tend to be best, especially on sunny days when the water warms up just a bit.
- Pro Tip: In cold weather, add scent (e.g., garlic maggots) to boost bites. Whitefish fight hard for their size (1–5 lbs typical) and taste mild—smoke or bake fillets for the best results.
Additional Resources:
- Download the Okanogan Country Fishing Guide at okanogancountry.com/fishing-guide for local reports.
- Check real-time updates via Fish Washington app or Dave “Fishing Magician” Graybill’s site (fishingmagician.com).
- For gear or bait, Brewster Bait and Tackle (1408 Sunset Hwy, Brewster) has the bait and tackle you need for a successful fishing trip, if you’re in the area. Call or text for winter store hours.
So, if you’re itching to fish while most folks are sipping cocoa, grab your gear and give whitefish a shot. You might be surprised by how much action you can find in the quiet season, and they are a great tasting table faire.
Tight lines—Okanogan’s whitefish won’t disappoint this winter! If you need specifics on a spot or gear, let me know.
Mike Mauk
MAUK FISHING STUFF LLC
BREWSTER BAIT & TACKLE SHOP™LURESAFE™ luresafe.com
WE HAVE YOUR TACKLE COVERED™
BREWSTER KING SALMON DERBY™
Cell: 509-449-0605
