Northwest Fishing Reports

Hi,

I will be taking my first trip to banks lake the first week in may. I've already done some research, reviewed some old threads and decided to spend at least one day rowing around the Barker flats casting for smallies. But, my real target for the trip is some Walleye, and I'm wondering if there's a better place to search for them, or if my chances are decent enough on the flats? I don't hear a ton about them being up on the flats, but some tend to indicate that they are? Maybe a little deeper? I've also heard the very southern end of the lake could be good around some of the ledges / islands there, but I'm thinking this area might be a little more difficult without a depth finder, or trolling motor. I'll be trying a variety of jigs, spinners, blade baits, etc., but am open to suggestions if you have them. I will be rowing only so I won't be able to get too far from the launches. Thanks again,

Chris

what is this Barker flats you're talking about? I'm plan on going camping there in June also. I checked the dates for Steamboat Rock and wow, there's a lot of campers this year. Last year, there were lots of openings.

This time of year can be tough for Walleye if you happen to be on the lake when they are on the move from the deeper waters. It is a timing thing and since you are really limited to an area, just give it a shot. You may hit it dead on, if not you can go back to targeting smallies. If you don't have a depth sounder, you should really pick up a Fish-n-Map of the lake. This way you at least have an idea of the depth af the water you are fishing. I think you can pick them up at Big Wally's in Coulee City and get an idea of where the fish may be staged from the staff. Of course try the standard stuff, but don't be afraid to give the deep diving cranks a shot. When the walleye are on the spring feed they will take them hard, especially when trolled at a brisk pace. As you will be rowing, you won't be able to pull them too fast. It is also a good way to cover a lot of water in a short amount of time. Good luck. I'll be fishing Blue lake during that time but may make it out to Banks for a day or two if the reports are positive.

FF- check out this thread from last year. I attached a re-imaged map in one of my responses that points out some of the more common places to hit on the upper end of the lake. http://www.washingtonlakes.com/forum/ya ... lleye.aspx

Hi Chris,
If you only have a row boat, you may want to try the weedlines in 'Devil's Punch Bowl' area. At least ask someone at Coulee Playland or Big Wallys about some areas. Because of the oars...you will be limited but not completely doomed. Please let us know how you did.

FF...Barker's is on the western shorline from Steamboat Rock. It can be a good area for early wallys too.

One quick thing to be aware of Barker Flats is quiet a large area. And the wind can really pick up in that location and quickly at that. But right out from the launch it drops off on some nice breaks with weedlines. I would either jig or cast some deeper diving cranks that suspend. Also some slow death rigs would work trolling them along there at slow speeds with the oars. Another spot to try is Jones bay its smaller area and has some nice break lines and a trough thats runs along the middle of it. This has produced some really nice eyes in the past.

Barker Flats is an excellent area for eyes. You'll need to work the edges where it drops off. That can be a long way out in the middle of the lake, so really watch the wind. Check out Google Maps and you can see where the deeper water drops off. That was a big help for me. First week of May is a bit early. Watch out for rattlers, my dog got hit and almost died last year when I was camping at Barker.

I knew that Barker name was familiar. Last year when I was camping at Steamboat. We drove to Bridgeport to fish Rufus. We were just randomly talking to some guy at the launch and he was telling us about free camping at Canyon Barker.

We didnt have an oppurtunity to take the boat to the north end of the lake last year. We saw lots of surface action when it gets near dusk. Wouldnt get them to bite from shore though. We found a small launch near the airport area. Gonna test that out next month hopefully.

PS, does anyone have access or know where to get a map of Banks. Topography map I guess?

FishingFool wrote:I knew that Barker name was familiar. Last year when I was camping at Steamboat. We drove to Bridgeport to fish Rufus. We were just randomly talking to some guy at the launch and he was telling us about free camping at Canyon Barker.

We didnt have an oppurtunity to take the boat to the north end of the lake last year. We saw lots of surface action when it gets near dusk. Wouldnt get them to bite from shore though. We found a small launch near the airport area. Gonna test that out next month hopefully.

PS, does anyone have access or know where to get a map of Banks. Topography map I guess?

FF. Banks lake I am almost positive is on one of those maps which you get at most Tackle stores, i.e. Outdoor Emporium, etc. I am talking about the map series which has about 5 maps. One is Lake WA. One is N. Puget Sound, S. Puget, and Central Puget Sound. another one I believe is Banks along with Potholes res. Blue in color. Somebody else chime in.

Auburn Sports and Marine.

The map is 'Fish-in-Map Co.'

Banks and Washington. One on each side of the map. White 'plastic' with red and blue lettering. On a stand that is at the counter at the cash registers.

Fish n Map Co it is and they offer 8 fresh water maps for WA:

Banks Lk/Lk WA
Upper Columbia River
Lower Columbia River
Lake Roosevelt
Potholes/Moses Lk/Lk Sammamish
Rufus Woods/Cascade Lk
Snake River
Tri-Cities - Lk Wallula & Columbia River

These are great maps whether fishing from shore or boat, and if you don't have sonar on your boat, these are the next best thing! I have them for all waters we fish here in the inland NW including Couer d'Alene, Priest Lake, and Pend Orielle ID.

And I'll second the comments about how quickly the winds can come up and will vouch for how rough the wind chop can get. No place to be in a row boat depending on oar power if that happens. I had water over the bow running from the flats back to Steamboat launch.

thx for the map. Picked up 1 for Rufus and Banks from Auburn Marine. I figure this would be laminated, but it's not. Anyone know a place that will laminate this big map?

FishingFool wrote:thx for the map. Picked up 1 for Rufus and Banks from Auburn Marine. I figure this would be laminated, but it's not. Anyone know a place that will laminate this big map?

Kinko's, UPS, Mail Box Etc...stores of this nature.

FF, If it is a Fish-n-Map you don't need to laminate it. The map is printed on plastic and is water proof and tear resistant. Also the Banks lake map will have Lake Washington on the opposite side, a nice little bonus.