Fishing Reports

Amber has steadily been producing some very nice rainbows, both along the shore by the boat launch and from pontoon boats. Standard patterns are proving quite effective (wooly buggers, leeches, bionic worms). Get out and enjoy the sunshine! And don't forget that special rules apply to this water.

No chrome for now. Check back again in late summer.

Fish in Sprague aren't always easy to find, but when you do - it's on! Sprague is producing some truly massive rainbow trout. Match the local insects in the early mornings and evenings for surface action, otherwise stripping large leech and streamer patters along the thermoclines (parallel to shoreline) to up your changes at hooking into one of these 6-12 pound footballs. The places on the lake that consistently produce fish are clustered around the underwater springs. Come by the shop for pointers! Be ready for wind.

Rock Lake is home to some really amazing brown trout. If you're not drifting the shorelines above the thermoclines, search out underwater structure and work it heavily. Be careful on the lake for high winds and underwater obstacles that could leave you in a world of trouble if you're not paying attention.

All always, there are a lot of hefty fish being pulled out of Rufus Woods. If you don't already have a honey hole in mind, head down to the net pens and give it your best. RIO Deep 7 full-sinking lines (all 90 feet out of the back or side of the boat), underwater structure and a highly-erratic retrieve - all ingredients to being successful on the reservoir.

Water is stained and a bit high but still fishable, especially using flies with contrasting colors. Hot bead-headed mini-buggers, kerry buggers, olive (gold bead head) scuds have been the most successful (if basic) patterns. Can't wait for the water to clear up so I can justify walking miles of this amazing creek in search of native trout.