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Had a couple of hours to spare this morning, so hooked up the boat and headed down to the lake. Put a flatfish down around 0730, and off the water somewhere around noon. Started in the lower trench area (Pat's & Mike's), working the west slope of the trench. Was marking fish in 85-150 feet of water (holding close to the bottom), also was pulling an Ace Hi-Fly with wiggle-fin in front, and a strip of Pikeminnow on the hooks. Used this setup from mid column to the bottom, and didn't get any hits on it. The other day I was rumaging around in my old tackle boxes and came across a chrome with blue tigerstripe "Heddon Clatter Tad". These lures are only about 3 inches long, but have they got a wiggle. Anyway I tied it on this morning and hooked a Small piece of the pikeminnow to the front hook, then ran it alongside the boat to check action. Because of the size and shape, the piece of meat had to be pretty small, but it was running well so hooked it to the clip and ran it to the bottom. Was I ever surprised. In an hour and half, The lil critter had 6 hits, but I only got two of them to the boat. I even rigged a stinger for it, but I couldn't seem to be able to get a solid hook up. I also used flat fish, B-2s, and a flasher trailing strips of pike minnow, but the lil clatter tad was the action lure for me this AM. The two Macks I boated were small, 2#, and 2# 12oz, but got them ready for the grill,and should be good eating. I also had a rod rigged with a jig, and I tried jigging over some marked fish. I was using a 3 oz jig (and stinger) with a 6-8 inch curly tail tipped with pike minnow. I got two strong hits on the jig, but wasn't able to hook them either. It was a new sensation to feel a strike while jigging 150 feet or more deep. I figure I've got a lot to learn about the jigging for the Macks. It was a beautiful day, overcast with mild temps and calm waters. I got bit more today for the time on the water than I have before, and got fish for the grill, So I'm feeling better about this Lake Trout fishing. Wishing everyone good luck.

KIRK BYSHEIM

6/18/2010 9:42:00 AM

Blufin loui,
I have fished Chelan a lot in recent years and I find that shrimp smelly jelly applied to the plug or whatever you are using ups the catch rate by 100 %.I don t know if you have tried this or not but it really works wonders especially on the slow days.Good Luck!!

Toni

6/18/2010 9:44:00 AM

Way to go. When I was chasing those kokanee lately I found an old salmon lure in my box and took off the hook and used it like a dodger. That worked the best that day but in the evening I lost it. Brought it in and there was the swivel open and no lure. My catch that day were small, much smaller than yours, so I let them go.

MotoBoat

6/18/2010 5:59:00 PM

Lewis, your fish do not have the typical bloated belly look, did you deflate them for the picture? I like your persistance to change things up and use retired gear! Have you been fishing for the Lake Chelan Kokanee? I was wondering if the size of those critters had improved.

MotoBoat

6/18/2010 6:11:00 PM

Toni, funny you should mention converting a salmon lure into a dodger. I was contemplating doing just such a thing. I know I have a king spoon or remember something similar stamped on a half chrome half brass light weight spoon. Thought I might pull it out for the Riffe trip. But did not. Since your Salmon lure transformed to trout/Kokanee attractor worked, at lest until it was lost. Makes me want to dig through my Salmon stuff.

blufin loui

6/18/2010 8:28:00 PM

Hello KIRK BYSHEIM , Thanks for the tip. I've been using the herring scent, and also the "Krill" for added scent. I will pick up some of the shripm Jelly to add to the plugs, Take care.

blufin loui

6/18/2010 8:34:00 PM

Hi Toni, it adds a special touch when you do some tweekng and adaptation to your presentations and then it works. Have enjoyed your reports, and glad to hear of your successes. Keep at it girl.

blufin loui

6/18/2010 8:40:00 PM

Howdy MotoBoat. I use the tip of the fillet knife and puncture the air bladder right above the anus. seems to work if I do so right after catching them instead of after they have been in the live well for awhile. I don't know how it would work on the larger fish (as The little ones are the only ones cooperating for me), but hope to try it out on a big one soon. As for the Kokanee, I haven't caught any over 10 inches this year, and very few of them. I marked a few small fish that may have been Kokes, but didn't fish for them.

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