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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.
Winter is almost here and the lakes will soon be frozen. Die-hard fishermen who love to fish through the ice will be out in force. I have put together some information. I hope this helps!
Be sure to check the regulations, talk with the local shops on current conditions and mostly have fun and be safe.
Consistent Ice Fisheries in Okanogan County
Okanogan County’s most reliable winter ice fisheries include Palmer, Leader, Patterson, Rat, and both Big and Little Green lakes, with Bonaparte Lake producing well especially in colder winters.
Palmer Lake (near Loomis) offers year-round fishing with active yellow perch and burbot action under the ice. Two-pole fishing is allowed with appropriate endorsements, but always confirm current regulations before your trip.
Leader and Patterson lakes depend on seasonal cold snaps but are traditionally popular as soon as ice is safe.
Rat Lake (near Brewster), Big Green, and Little Green lakes offer convenient, trout-focused winter opportunities for many residents.
Bonaparte Lake stands out as a destination for kokanee and trout if a lengthy cold spell ensures solid ice cover.
Highlighting Methow Valley Lakes
Patterson Lake, outside Winthrop, is recognized as a top ice fishing lake statewide.
I talked to people from the west side in previous years who actually make weekend trips throughout the winter to Patterson. It offers fishing for kokanee, rainbows, yellow perch, and bluegill—both through the ice and year-round—with action picking up through late December when colder weather secures solid ice.
Patterson is favored for its diverse catch and scenery, and local shops like those at Sun Mountain Lodge provide real-time access and conditions reports.
In years with safe ice, other valley lakes including Davis, Beaver, and Campbell become options, but Patterson remains the go-to for both numbers and variety.
Okanogan Highlands Derby Scene
Up in the Okanogan Highlands, Sidley Lake at Molson adds a community‑event twist to winter fishing with an annual ice derby that draws families, hard‑water regulars, and first‑timers.
The Molson Ice Fishing Derby, now in its 21st year, typically runs a half‑day format with morning registration at the Molson Grange, lines in by 8 a.m., and prizes for the longest or biggest fish.
Sidley Lake in Molson
Sidley fishes as a classic small‑town winter lake: easy access, a festive atmosphere on derby day, and a mix of trout that keep tip‑ups and short rods popping when the bite is on.
Local tourism and Oroville Chamber of Commerce promote the Molson derby as a good “first ice” experience with a wonderful breakfast, hot drinks, and lots of help on the ice for newcomers who want to try fishing in a friendly crowd. They also have vendors in the Grange. It can be a bit of a drive in the winter, but school buses use those roads so they do take care of them.
Bonaparte Lake and Its Derby
Bonaparte, already on the list for kokanee and trout in hard winters, has quickly become known for its late‑January ice derby based out of Bonaparte Lake Resort.
Recent events there have pulled 300‑plus anglers, multiple prize classes (including youth and multi‑species), and some impressive tiger trout and rainbows, cementing Bonaparte as one of Washington’s biggest winter tournaments.
Washington rules update annually on July 1. Always check the current e-regulations site for season dates, special lake rules, and license changes before heading out. The 2025–26 guide notes fee updates and directs anglers to WDFW’s portal for the latest specifics.
Some area trout lakes switch to catch-and-keep on Dec. 1 and fish well all winter when conditions allow; confirm status and any special limits for your chosen water.
Ice Safety Musts
There is no such thing as 100% safe ice; thickness varies by spot and day.
New, clear ice is strongest. Avoid areas with current, inlets/outlets, or pressure ridges.
Widely used guidelines:
At least 4 inches of clear ice for foot travel; 5 inches for a snowmobile/ATV; 8–12 inches for a small car; 12–15 inches for a light truck. Test frequently with a spud bar or auger.
Practical tip:
Drill test holes as you go, carry ice picks and throw rope, fish with a partner, and keep vehicles off the ice whenever possible.
Gear and local angle:
Keep it simple: 28–36 inch rod, 4–6 lb mono or braid with fluoro leader, small tungsten jigs or spoons tipped with maggots/worm for perch; setlines or glow jigs with cut bait for burbot after dark.
Brewster Bait and Tackle Shop carries live nightcrawlers, maggots, and wax worms as well as tons of other bait and tackle to make your trip enjoyable and hopefully successful! Open all winter for your fishing needs. Call for hours 509-449-0605
Good luck and until next time, “Tight Lines.”
