Carlisle Lake (20 acres): This popular opening-day lake near
Onalaska is generously stocked with catchable-size rainbow
trout for opening day, plus some broodstock (20-26
inches) rainbows and several thousand brown trout. An
additional rainbow plant will be made in May. Carlisle also has
largemouth bass, with a 14-inch minimum size limit for
bass. Public access is available. Internal combustion engines are not
allowed. Open season is from the last Saturday in April through February
28.
Cowlitz River: See Cowlitz County for a general description
of the species available. The access area at Cowlitz Trout Hatchery (Blue Creek)
provides a boat launch and is one of the most popular bank fishing areas on the
river. Mill Creek and Blue Creek will be open in December to provide an
additional hatchery winter steelhead opportunity. Night closures and non-buoyant
lure restrictions will be in effect during this one-month fishery on these
streams. For river flow information, call Tacoma City Light fishing hotline at
1-888-502-8690. Disabled accessibility at Blue Creek - level 3. WCT, lgs, Blk
Tpa.
Fort Borst Park Lake (5 acres): Located in Fort Borst Park
near Centralia, this family fishing lake (juveniles or licensed adults
when accompanied by a juvenile) is stocked with catchable-size rainbow
trout for opening day. This lake has also been selected to receive a
bonus plant of large triploid rainbow trout (averaging 1-1/2 pounds apiece).
These sterile fish can grow to trophy size if not harvested. Open season runs
from the last Saturday in April through February 28.
Mayfield Lake: The big attraction on this Cowlitz River
impoundment is tiger muskies. The state record for this
introduced hybrid is currently 28-1/4 pounds. Most of these fish are caught
during the warmer months. The minimum size limit for muskies is 36
inches (but anglers are asked to consider releasing all muskies).
Yellow perch are also caught in fair numbers. Fishing should be
good this year for stocked catchable-size and one-pound rainbow
trout. Year-round open season.
Mineral Lake (277 acres): Located about three miles south of
Elbe, Mineral Lake often rewards anglers with a magnificent view of Mt. Rainier.
More than 100,000 fingerling rainbows are planted each year,
and good fishing is anticipated for trout up to 12 inches long with a few larger
ones. 13,000 catchable-size rainbows were raised in net pens this past winter,
to be released for the spring opening. Some broodstock rainbows
will also be planted before the opener, plus several thousand brown
trout. This lake has also been selected to receive a bonus plant of
large triploid rainbow trout (averaging 1-1/2 pounds apiece). These sterile fish
can grow to trophy size if not harvested. Open season is from the last Saturday
in April through September 30. There is restricted boat access, so patience is
needed when launching. A new public fishing dock has been built to provide very
good access for all anglers. Disabled accessibility - Level 2. WCT, lgs, steep
in places.
Plummer Lake (12 acres): Catchable-size rainbow
trout will be planted for opening day. There are also yellow
perch, bluegill and a few largemouth
bass in this lake located off I-5 at Centralia. The season runs from
the last Saturday in April through February 28. Plummer has limited public
access, with a car-topper launching area.
Riffe Lake (11,830 acres): This large reservoir on the
Cowlitz River is open all year, and provides good fishing for
brown, rainbow and cutthroat
trout, landlocked chinook and coho
salmon, smallmouth bass (and a few
largemouth), bluegill,
crappie, and brown bullheads. Boat launches
are at the east and west ends, with bank access near the dam and at the bridge
near the upper end of the lake. Mossyrock Park, south of the dam, has camping
facilities that can be reserved by calling (360) 593-3900. To check reservoir
levels, call 1-888-502-8690 toll-free.
Scanewa Lake (610 acres): Impounded in 1994 by Cowlitz Falls
Dam, this reservoir southwest of Randle is closed from March 1 to May 31 to
allow out-migration of juvenile salmonids. The reservoir is stocked with
catchable-size rainbow trout by Lewis County PUD. Two parks
have been constructed by the PUD, one for day use and one with campgrounds. The
campground park is closed during winter; about Oct. 1 through May 1. Both parks
should provide good accessibility for disabled persons. Both parks offer a boat
launch with 8-foot dock. To get to the day-use facility, turn on Savio Road west
of Randle, go south on Kiona Road 2 miles to Falls Road, 3.7 miles and left on
Champion Road 240, then left on the next road to the park.
Skate Creek: This popular stream near Packwood is stocked
with catchable-size and one-pound rainbow trout before the June
1 opener and throughout the summer. Check the regulations pamphlet for
special trout size limits.
South Lewis County Park Pond (17 acres): This small pond
southeast of Toledo will be planted with catchable-size rainbow
and brown trout this spring. The pond has access for both boat
and bank anglers. Some largemouth bass and bluegill
are also available, and a few tiger muskies were introduced in 1999.
Year-round season.
Swofford Pond (240 acres): Located near the south shore of
Riffe Lake east of Mossyrock, Swofford is open all year.
Bluegill, crappie, largemouth
bass, and brown bullheads are available.
Channel catfish have been stocked; a couple of fish in the
20-pound class have been caught. Swofford will also receive
plants of several thousand catchable-size rainbow and
brown trout in the spring, and there are some large carry-over
browns in the lake. Gasoline engines are not allowed.
Tilton River: The mainstem from the mouth to West Fork is
planted with catchable-size and one-pound rainbow trout before
the June 1 stream opener and throughout the summer. Surplus hatchery steelhead
and salmon are released here during fall and winter. Check the regulations
pamphlet for special trout size limits.
Submitted By: Lost Creek Fly Shop
Title: Fly Fishing for Spring Chinook Salmon on the Cowlitz River
Date of Article: 2008-03-25
Article:
Spring Chinook are much like summer steelhead in that they enter the river months before spawning. Pound for pound they are the strongest salmon that swim. They are 2, 3 and 4 salt fish that average fourteen to twenty five pounds, but some may exceed forty five pounds.
Run: April thru July on the Cowlitz River
Chinooks are fish that hide from the light. Best fishing is early and late. During mid-day they often quit moving and occupy deep holes under fast water were they are nearly impossible to reach with existing fly fishing technique. However sight fishing in some pools is productive with very fast sinking lines even at noon.
Chinooks are more territorial while moving and are easier to get at when they are moving in water of moderate depth. Fast sinking lines are still most useful. The angler should be prepared to fish at depths between four and twelve feet. The fly should fish much slower than the current.
Chinooks like hugging big bottom structures.
Large flies are the norm. Sizes #2 to #5/0 are used. Fly size averages 2" to 8". Some of these flies should be weighted. Marabou or rabbit strip flies are most popular in black, red, purple, orange and pink. Blue and chartreuse also works at times. All colors can be combined with liberal amounts of flashabou or krystal flash. Shrimp, squid and marine bait fish patterns are all proven.
Salmon will take a fly for one of two reasons: it strikes out of annoyance or it strikes out of habit at something it sees as food.
Salmon will take a fly for one of two reasons: it strikes out of annoyance or it strikes out of habit at something it sees as food.
Attractor patterns: These are generally large, streamer like, sinking flies that are usually brightly colored with exotic eyes and flashy tails.
Egg Sucking Leech: This is perhaps the most familiar to fly fishermen. This is essentially a wooly bugger (chenille body and marabou tail) with a brightly colored chenille head to represent the egg. The leech body can be traditional black or other colors such as purple. Egg colors are usually hot pink, orange, yellow, or chartreuse.
Boss Fly: This fly also has a black chenille body, but this is wrapped with silver ribbing and has a tail of buck tail. The collar is an orange or red saddle hackle. Above the collar are dumbbell eyes. These are made of dumbbell eyes that are tied and cemented at the head of the fly.
Comet: This fly is another variation of the other two. In this fly you wrap flash on the body instead of chenille. The flash should be gold, purple, chartreuse, or orange. Then use strands of flash for the wings. Match the color of the collar to the color of the body (for example, white collar for a white body). Then attach the dumbbell eyes with thread and cement. Finish the head with red thread.
Flesh Fly: On those days when you feel like a little more color, try the Flesh fly. These large patterns look like a small pom pom in your fly box. Made mostly of marabou, these flies have shades of hot pink, orange, purple, and white with often a few strands of flash. These can be tied over a straight hook or you can wrap the body of the hook in silver or colored threads.
Intruder Style Flies: Dark colored “intruder” style flies have been used with good success in recent years.
These are some of the basic attractor patterns. Next we have to consider the secondary fly. Your best bet here is to imitate a food source found in the rivers. While an early season Chinook will take a shad or minnow pattern, the longer they stay in the river the less likely these will succeed. Instead, try some of the following flies.
Egg Fly: The first to try is the traditional single egg fly in a bright color (chartreuse, orange, and shades of pink). These are meant to imitate the spawn laid by the females.
Crystal Sucker Spawn: This pattern is much larger than the traditional egg pattern and is made of crystal flash. This also comes in the hot colors, but has that extra sparkle to get the fish's attention in murky water.
In addition to these patterns, there are two traditional nymph patterns worth mentioning. These flies are standard fare when fishing for stream trout and work surprisingly well on Chinook.
Kaufman Stone Fly: This large black nymph can be used as either an attractor or as a secondary fly. These nymphs are a familiar part of the river landscape and the Chinook recognize them as food. They are big and heavy so be aware of the extra weight.
Squirrel Nymph: This nymph is similar to the Hare's Ear (a small brown nymph pattern) and can be tied to have a bead head. Use traditional colors like brown and tan. When salmon are being picky this small offering can be very effective.
As Chinook change their habits and metabolism, fishermen must change their tactics if they want to be successful.
Submitted By:
Title: Selecting a Fly Rod
Date of Article: 2008-03-17
Article:
Match the fly rod to your fishing
If you're getting into or thinking about buying your first fly rod and want advise on what rod you should buy, please let Lost Creek Flies help.
Things to consider when choosing the right rod:
What fish and geographical area are you fishing?
(Examples - Trout and/or pan fish - this usually equates with smaller flies; Larger fish (large trout/Steelhead or Bass, larger flies and maybe larger arenas in which to cast).
Type of fish helps determine rod, smaller fish and flies = smaller rods; larger fish and flies larger rods.
Other influences that determine rod length and line weight -
Small flies - small rods; big flies - big rods. Big lakes and rivers - big rods, smaller rivers/creeks and lakes smaller rods and line weights. Other considerations - windy areas, larger fly rods cast better - more power. Up close and delicate deliveries such as small dry flies, or very clear low water - smaller rods and line weights will be better server your needs.
Line Weights
Line weight, this is labeled on your fly line as either line weight number # 1 - 15; or in actual grams for rods like Spey rods, or both. The line weight, like number 6 matches the flex/power of the rod. The balance between the line weight and the rod flex create the synergistic energy that propel the line forward and outward in the desired method of presentation.
Example: Line weight 6 matching (your rod manufacturer will label your fly rod with the suggested line weight for this rod) rods usually between 8 ½ ft - 9 ½ ft. A 6 weight forward line cast forward with lots of energy and often hits the surface with energy. A 6 weight line DT (double taper line) with equal tapers in its line design will cast forward more evenly and gently, and will land most often upon the water surface more gently - ideal for dry fly fishing when long distance casts aren't required.
Bottom line when selecting a fly rod - you most often get what you pay for. When you are starting out and beginning you will not know the difference between a very good rod and a medium priced rod, but once you get more proficient you will want to get more out of your fly rod.
Please ask questions and let Lost Creek Fly Shop help you deiced what fly rod and fly weight line is right for you:
Phone: 360-978-4059 | E-Mail
Submitted By: Jeff Layton
Title: Steelhead 101
Date of Article: 2008-03-16
Article: The tell tale tug of a steelie is the drug that
keeps us up to our armpits in ice water, dreading going back to the warmth of
the daily grind. Steelhead are only fish but they have the mystic power to take
over one’s mind, soul and time. The addiction can be overwhelming. The only way
to suppress it is with a hard fought slab of silver steelhead on the fly, the
very notion conjures up romance and prestige -- the pinnacle of west coast fly
fishing.
Many would be steelhead fly fishers become utterly lost in the
maze of videos, books and magazines available, seemingly, only to confuse and
discourage interested anglers. I do not wish to add to the heap; instead, I’d
rather try to be helpful and attempt to clarify the utterly
simple.
Steelhead rely on instinct to get them through the day, avoiding
seals, birds, nets etc . . . and it is this instinct that brings them back to
their native streams where they become available to hook and line. This instinct
is also what feeds them and makes them aggressive. Anglers must be aware of
these instincts to lure the steelhead.
Steelhead unlike humans are cold
blooded. This means that they cannot control their own body temperature and
therefore are very sensitive to the water temperature surrounding them. The
colder the water the more sluggish the fish and the more likely it will not move
for the fly.
Combine the fact that steelhead rely heavily on instinct and
the fact that steelhead are cold blooded and we have the base knowledge needed
to chase this silvery dream.
There are three basic techniques used to
fool steelhead: the dead drift; the hang down; and escaping the prey. These are
all techniques used to work on the instinct of the fish; water temperature
decides which one and where to use them.
Let’s start with the dead drift.
This is used mostly when the water is the coldest. Water ranging from 36 to 40
degrees Fahrenheit is what you may consider minimum temperature to chase
steelhead. In these conditions the fish become very lethargic and look for
slower holding water; they also are less apt to chase a lure or fly. During
these conditions is when fly fishing for steelhead is the most challenging. The
dead drift allows the fly to slowly drift into a steelies view and keep it there
the longest-- much like a drift fisherman’s float and gear.
Look for slow
water and start fishing straight across from where you suspect the fish will be
holding. Cast a floating line with heavily weighted fly (split shot may help)
and long leader, quartering upstream of the fish. Mend hard immediately trying
to get as much line ‘above’ the fly as possible. Allow the fly to sink close to
the bottom and begin to manipulate the line with mends to achieve a complete
dead drift. Keep the fly close to the bottom and drifting naturally with the
current, a strike indicator can help you achieve a dead drift (remember that if
the indicator or line is ‘dragging’ so is the fly). As the fly passes you
continue throwing slack into the line and feeding line to get the longest drag
free drift possible. The take can be very light so watch the line or indicator
like a hawk.
The hang down technique comes into play as the water
temperature breaks 40 degrees F. The hang down is the bread and butter technique
to most steelheaders. It’s versatile and effective and if you’re only going to
use one technique -- this is it. Heavy sink tips (usually 200 grains or more)
are required and the longer the fly rod the better. Look for slow to medium
paced water, start above the sweet spot or where you suspect the fish should be.
Begin by casting your fly slightly down stream and beyond the ‘lie.’ Immediately
throw a hard mend upstream and out; try to get your sink tip pointed straight
down stream (parallel with the current) and allow sink tip and fly to sink near
the bottom. The initial mend is crucial and sets up the entire drift; this
should be your hardest mend. As your fly line belly’s in the current throw small
mends upstream but not hard enough to jerk the fly around. Keep tension on your
line at all times. As the fly reaches a 40 degree angle downstream, your line
and rod tip should be pointed directly at the fly, do not mend, just ‘follow’
the fly ‘til it’s out of the steelies zone.
If the sinking portion of
your line wants to belly before the 40 degree angle you’re probably not casting
downstream enough or not mending quick and/or hard enough on your initial mend.
The hang down is created only when your entire sink tip is parallel with the
current. This forces the fly to ‘hang’ in front of a fish and keep it in view
rather than swinging from the fish.
The escaping prey works best when the
water temperature is at optimum; this can be anywhere in the upper forties to
sixty on the Fahrenheit scale. Summer run and post-spawn steelhead are more
likely to react to the escaping prey technique than fresh winter fish. These
fish have been in fresh water longer and are more aggressive and trout-like than
fresh winter fish. This technique is the simplest and the most exciting. The
take on the escaping prey is usually explosive and violent. Steelhead in warmer
water will often move great distances to attack a fly. The need to be on the
bottom is not as crucial here as with the colder situations.
Again
situate yourself above the lie of the fish; cast straight out and throw a single
mend upstream into the line. (When fish are active you can use a floating line
but a sink tip will usually still outperform a floater). Allow the fly to sink
and as the line comes under tension simply clamp down on the line and follow the
fly through the swing with your rod tip. Some fishermen have been know to throw
mends upstream or strip the fly during the swing to increase the speed of the
fly and the ‘grab.’ This not normal procedure while using this
technique.
When using the escaping prey you can cover a lot of water
quickly. Remember the colder the water the slower and more thorough you should
cover it. ‘Comb’ cold winter water and ‘Rake’ warmer summer waters.
A
quick note on fly patterns. The dead drift requires smaller brighter patterns
such as glo-bugs. The hang down usually uses larger flies but still fairly
bright; any large orange or pinkish marabou patterns will be effective. The
escaping prey calls for dark wispy patterns in purples and blacks in medium
sizes. The colder the water the more flies you should be losing, cold water
means bottom scratching.
I almost forgot the forth technique; this one is
rarely if ever written about. I call it dumb luck and highly recommend it. It is
a combination of all three and yet in a category all its own. To properly
utilize it you have to just spend a lot of time on the water.
Face it,
steelies on a fly require ‘work.’ Each one taken on hook and hackle is a gift
and likely should be treated as one. You can’t catch ‘em sittin’ in your easy
chair so get on the water and have a go at ‘em.
Submitted By: Rick Stahl
Title: Mosquito Lagoon Florida, Red Fish
Date of Article: 2008-03-13
Article:
Yesterday we had sightfishing nirvana. The Lagoon greeted us with slick
calm conditions and tailing Redfish as far as you could see!!! It was absolutely
crazy. Mike (Lost Creek Fly Shop) had shot after shot at Redfish tails and finally connected with
this beautiful Redfish. Crab patterns were the fly of choice as these fish were
almost standing on their heads digging for small mud crabs. Mike had two more
very nice takes but no other fish to the boat. Great job Mike and I look forward
to fishing with you again!!!
Location:
Mosquito Lagoon is by far one of the finest
places to sight fish with a fly rod.With its crystal clear water and miles of
grass flats full of Redfish, it is truly world-class saltwater fly fishing. You
will be poled slowly along in my Maverick HPX-T flats skiff waiting for the
many shots at Redfish and Sea trout. Sight fishing is by far the most
challenging salt water fly fishing there is and with my assistance we can
together locate, cast, and hook up on a Redfish of a lifetime. It is truly a
team effort out on the flats and there is nothing better then guiding a fly
angler to their first or hundredth Redfish on fly!
These flies have been categorized into Winter/Summer patterns, but the all can be used effectively for both winter and summer Steelhead. When ever the river is high or off color the bigger flies work very well.
Every river seems to have a basic color that works best in a fly pattern. The Cowlitz river - black is the most important color to consider when picking out a fly pattern. Olive patterns like the "Babe Beast Olive" imitates sculpin, and can work very well especially in crowded fishing situations.
The Tiger Muskie is a hybrid of Northern Pike and Muskie. Tiger Muskie have a long snout filled with teeth, dark tiger stripes on a light body making identification easy.
Tiger muskies are big, hungry predators that may grow to 30 pounds or more.
Where and How to Fish:
Muskies are called “the fish of 10,000 casts.”
Muskie are territorial; they stay within a relatively small area which they patrol. Muskie hide on the edge of structure where they can ambush prey. Points flanked by weeds or brush are prime locations. Logs or trees that extend into the water are also important.
In the spring, when pan fish spawn in shallow water, muskie can be found nearby, often just a few feet from shore. During the summer and fall muskie are more likely to be found on the open-water side of structure that extends out into the lake
Anything that simulates a minnow will catch muskie, As a general rule, big, flashy flies with lots of action are best.
Mayfield Lake, SW Washington - Tiger Muskie a relatively recent addition to Washington’s freshwater sport fishery is the tiger muskie, a northern pike-muskellunge cross first introduced in Mayfield Lake to help curb a serious rough-fish problem and provide a trophy fishery. The success of the Mayfield program led to the planting of tiger muskies in Clark County’s Merwin Reservoir, Ferry County’s Curlew Lake, Grant County’s Evergreen Reservoir and Red Rock Lake, King County’s Green Lake, Pierce County’s Tapps Lake, Spokane County's Newman Lake, and Whatcom County’s Fazon Lake (to date). Tiger muskies are big, hungry predators that may grow to 30 pounds or more. The best way to catch them is with large plugs or bucktail spinners fished during the warm summer months.
If fishing is your pleasure, Mayfield Lake provides a premiere recreation spot. Anglers especially appreciate the many types of fish found here. Chinook, coho, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, yellow perch and smallmouth bass are popular catches. Fishing is open year-round at Mayfield Lake. Mayfield is stocked with rainbow trout and coho salmon.
The second Tiger Musky Fishing Tournament hosted by Lake Mayfield Marina and Resort in Mossyrock, WA took place Sept 15-16 2007. Four fish were taken during the 2007 Tournament.
The First Place Prize went to the father-son team of Frank and Mike Haw for a musky measuring 42.75 inches.
Flies: Bait Fish Flies like Lefty's Deceiver, Big Woolly Buggers, say size #2, Bunny streamer #2's, and large bucktails and streamers. Fly anglers fishing for bass using popping bug have taken Tiger Muskies.
Uses:
One of the most famous American flies (it's been honored with its own postage stamp), Lefty's Deceiver is used primarily in saltwater. However, it is a general-purpose baitfish pattern and can be used in freshwater, too, especially in smaller sizes. When tying the fly for freshwater, save a few bucks and don't use the stainless steel hook.
Variations:
There are many color variations, mostly in the wing colors: green over white; red over yellow; all white; blue over white. But in all cases, use the red Accent Flash and paint the eyes. The red imitates gills, and predatory fish focus on the gills and eyes when they attack baitfish.
How to Fish:
Use a sinking or sink-tip line.
Handling Fish: Don't handle the fish! A tiger muskie will gladly take your finger completely off, and he has razor-sharp teeth to make that an easy task. The fish's gill plate is also sharp, and can slice your hand.
Submitted By: Jeff Layton
Title: What is the difference between Summer & Winter Steelhead fishing techniques?
Date of Article: 2008-03-06
Article:
Winter Steelhead approach the coastline and enter rivers between December 1st and April 30th and are generally in an advanced stage of sexual maturity. Summer Steelhead enter rivers between June 1st and November 30th in a relatively immature stage and spend an entire winter in fresh water prior to spawning.
All Steelhead have a common nature. All spawning occurs in either late winter or spring.
Answer - Many, but in brief - see highlighted points:
Winter fish are sexually mature / Summer Steelhead are not - Winter Steelhead are in a hurry, Summer Steelhead are not.
Winter water temperatures - when river water temperatures go under 40 degrees F, Steelhead get more lethargic - slow to move or respond to a fly.
Swinging fly - vs. Nymphing (dead drift) Water temp says a lot about techniques. Getting it close - putting the fly in front of the Steelhead (hitting them in the head) is a winter rule of thumb for success. (Weighted flies, sinking tips lines, heavily mended casts - so fly has time to sink….)
Flies - Winter Steelhead (attractor type patterns of flies that stimulate a response from past feeding habits in salt water/fresh water - Great lakes feeding meals. A popular winter Steelhead fly in the "Intruder" - It all started way back in the early 90's with a circle of guides at a lodge in Alaska. The first "Intruder-style" fly was the brainchild of Ed Ward, and was originally designed for king salmon. This shank-style fly was a solution for creating huge plug-like silhouettes that could simply not be achieved on conventional fly hooks. While fishing these flies for kings, it was impossible not to notice how well Alaska's huge rainbows took these large life-like patterns. And, it didn't take long for the light bulb to go on, "If these big rainbows can't resist them, just think of how well they might work for their anadromous cousins (steelhead)." Summer Steelhead respond to both natural and attractor fly patterns.
Equipment: Winter Steelhead Fly Fishing requires the rod's ability to cast large, and often weighted flies. Spey rods are designed for this. Summer Steelhead fly fishing allows for both single handed rods and double handed/Spey rods.
Submitted By: Jeff Layton
Lost Creek Fly Shop 2069 Highway 508, Onalaska WA 98570 Phone: 360-978-4059 | | Home
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