Wet would be the best word to describe fishing yesterday, but not even the threat of constant rain could dampen my guests enthusiasm in the search of trophy kokanee. Shortly after we got set up we were rewarded with a couple of beauties. I was hoping to make quick work of our limits in order to to vacate our wet environment, but today we had to wait and soak up our beautiful surroundings before we were blessed with our limits.

We caught fish chasing marks between 45-65'. I tried to catch some higher but they weren't striking there today. Previous days this week we managed to catch fish at 15'. Once again my guests were thrilled and marveled at the size of these beautiful beasts. These fish should continue to fatten up and reach their peak weight in July. Unfortunately I will be salmon fishing in July, but I plan to return in August. I think the poor weather really put the fish off the bite. This was the first batch of fish I cleaned all season that wasn't stuffed full of feed. I am hoping that means these fish will be super aggressive for my trip tomorrow.

Our biggest fish this week weighed 4.6 pounds. If these fish were like this every year I would have already bought a house in the area. For those of you that would like to join me for this trophy fishery you still have several opportunities to do so. I have 6 open dates this month and several more in August when I return. I hope to see you on the boat and share with you the best Kokanee fishing you might ever encounter. Or join me for same great salmon fishing in July on the Upper Columbia River.

Gear Tip. I have gone to using 12# maxima in ultra green for my leader material on these fish. I tried using fluorocarbon but have grown to dislike it for a few reasons. Here they are.

1. Less abrasion resistant than mono. I put a razor blade in a vise and did various tests and found the mono to be the tougher line.

2. Fluoro seems to break down and age quicker. I have had several spools of fluorocarbon "go bad" after a year.

3. Mono is stiffer than fluoro which helps to transfer the dodger action to the lure.

These are just opinions based on personal experience. I do however love to use fluorocarbon when I am fly fishing for rainbows. I like the fact that is is virtually invisible and really strong for its diameter, but feel this quality isn't necessary when you are trolling.


Captain Dave's Guide Service, Booking Now! Columbia River salmon - including Summer &
Fall Chinook and Sockeye, and Lake Roosevelt Kokanee and Trout.
509-939-6727
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