My first time on the reservation and net pen area of Rufus Woods near Nespelem. Weather was not the best the past 3-4 days. Snow, wind, and sun. I had it all. Once I found the pen area I did some exploring up and down the lake/river. The area is thick with fish, but nothing to really brag about. Nice fish in the 12-20 inch range, but I had hopes of catching something larger. I did tie into one on a rooster tail that gave me a struggle for 3-4 mins before it popped off and kept a couple for dinner that were about 3.5 lbs.

Anyone that is bait fishing can limit out in 10 mins tops!.....Many I saw are throwing the smaller fish back and cherry picking and killing fish. I saw 4-5 dead ones floating by. Read the regs people you are going to get fined. April 1st new regs go into effect and you must use a single barbless hook if you catch and release.

On Sat. I ran through some of my lures I never use and assortment of roostertails. Found a chartreuse one that knocked em silly. Everycast I had a fish or a hit. C@R 20-30 fish in about an hour. On the way back to Banks Lake and my camping spot I stopped by the net pens to see how people were doing. Out of 5-6 people fishing everyone had fish and were catching and letting the little ones go. Guy hooked one and said he had a decent one on. His pole was bent, but the fish wasn't really running out any drag or fighting that well. After about 5 mins he got the fish close and it was HUGE. His friend grabbed a net and it wouldn't fit!.....he kinda half scooped and dragged the fish into the net. Biggest trout I've ever seen! I said 15-16 lbs, but the scale that someone produced said 12.5 lbs. It had to be bigger than that. I'll post a picture and see what you think.

I'm going to be fishing the net pen area for the next 3 days, so if you're in the area stop by and say hi. I'm in the big grey tarp shelter in the lower parking area. I'm not sure I can camp here, so hope they don't kick me out. Cold at night it's in the mid 20's now. Fish On!

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