Trout before ice-up

[MegaSpokaneMan]

Hey all,

I have certainly had the worst trout season of my life this year; and would like to remedy this before ice up. The last two weeks I have done well in the 10-14 inch trout range on Waitts; but would love an opportunity to catch something bigger. However, I have only fished Loon, Dear, and Waitts. Anyone out there have any suggestions for me, keeping in mind that I am fishing out of a 12 foot Jon boat with a 32 lb trust trolling motor. Let it be known I have very little fishing experience in Eastern Washington; having spent most of my life in CO. Seems my tricks from there don't translate to here.... way to many skunked days this year... more than we have untill freeze...

Anyone know anything about Bead Lake ? About Lake trout ?

Tanks in advance.


- Mega

[Bodofish]

Waitts should be fine, my buddy owns the resort and stocks the $h!t out of it. It has a good population of German Browns too, Biiiiig ones. They feed at sun up and sunset, no biting during the day. Rapalas, herring and big streamers are the ticket. Your boat should be just fine, find the forage fish and put your offering where they hang, make sure you have a big net.

[Augwen]

Bodofish is right about the BIG browns at Waitts. If you are using large streamer flies, you might have to go a little faster and/or put a Wigglefin on. Bead does have Lake trout but they should be going into prespawn about now and will not be too interested in your offerings. There is always Lake Roosevelt. The fish are feeding close to the top and there are a fair amount of reports saying that it is pretty good right now.

[MegaSpokaneMan]

Thank you for the replies. I have been trolling Rapalas with and with out flashers.

I am thinking about utilizing a three way rig, and larger size swim baits.

I am thinking rainbow and perch patterns ? Any input on this ?

- Mega

[Bodofish]

Both patterns are good, Rapalas should be trolled by themselves.

[MegaSpokaneMan]

So my game plan for the next couple outings is to long line perch patterns early, then switching to three way rigs with a rainbow patterns.Hopefully get into something larger than 12 - 14. Thanks guys for your input. I'll let you know how the next couple trips out go.

Mega

[MegaSpokaneMan]

Hey all. Hit the water around 6:45 this morning. Fished until noon. Boated 8 fish: 6 browns and 2 rainbows... all between 12 and 16. Caught on Perch Rapalas. Did not manage any on the three way rig; however I could not find my patience to day. Hopefully will get out a couple more times and boat something out of the one pound range ! Pretty fish at Waitts I must say.

[Augwen]

Congrats!!!