Rufus Woods

Rufus Woods is a reservoir behind the Chief Joseph Dam on the Columbia River, and runs 82 km (51 mi) up the river channel. Bridgeport State Park, on the lake, is adjacent to the dam. The lake forms the border between Douglas and Okanogan Counties and this Columbia River Reservoir’s acreage is about evenly split between these two counties, except for a very small portion immediately below Grand Coulee Dam in Grant County. This body of water has a year-round open fishing season. Walleye, triploid rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, yellow perch and kokanee are the main species available. Limit is two trout and two kokanee. Chumming is permitted. Colville tribal boundary waters apply: only a state fishing license is required when fishing from a boat; a tribal fishing permit is required when fishing from shore on tribal lands. Boating access is good with launch sites at Bridgeport State Park, the Army Corps of Engineers’ site upstream of Chief Joseph Dam, and at Seaton’s Grove two miles downstream from Elmer City.

 

Swede's offers full-day guided fly fishing excursions on Rufus Woods reservoir (including transportation from the shop or other designated meeting place). Our usual put in is 95 miles from the shop, taking just under 2 hours by car. Our 17' Stiletto Smokercraft runs a 45 hp Honda 4-stroke and is equipped with swivel seats, a trolling motor, casting platform, cockpit and onboard heater for colder days.

You'll need a dense, fast-sinking line and a 5/6 weight rod, as well as a day tribal permit for the Colville Indian Nation (available here at the shop).

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