Fee Fishing Isn’t Cheap, But Catch Can Be Worth It
Trout are joining cattle and wheat as crops in Eastern Washington.
Area landowners who have ponds or lakes capable of holding large trout are fetching up to $165 a day from anglers.
Fishing rights at some of these lakes are being leased by fishing clubs. However, others are open to the public on a fee-for-reservation basis.
Fishing at the top lakes in northcentral Washington is strictly catchand-release with barbless hooks. Most lakes can be fished from shore, but they usually are ideal for float tubes or personal pontoon boats.
Many landowners limit the number of rods per day and the number of days per week they can be fished. Usually the rods per day is between four and eight fishers - this plan avoids stressing the fish and provides greater solitude.
Some of th best fee fishing lakes in the region include:
Walker Lake is a 40-acre, high elevation lake 4 miles north of Wauconda between Tonasket and Republic. It’s stocked 70 percent with rainbows, 10 percent German browns, and 20 percent Kamloops. Fishing limited to nine rods a day. Lake has a graceful old lodge. Anglers bring sleeping bags for use on lodge beds.
Top dry fly fishing is later than lowland lakes. Shoot for June and again around early October. Book through Silver Bow Outfitters in Spokane, 325-1960. Daily rod fee: $120.
Moccasin Lake, nestled in the eastern foothills of the North Cascades in the Methow River Valley, holds rainbows up to 7 pounds. Once open to public fishing, lake is now open to no more than six anglers a day. Fishing days are Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays early and late in the season. Booking through Propp’s Rod and Fly. Daily rod fee: $155.
Isaac Ranch Lake north of Coulee City has produced fish in the 10 pound class. Despite hefty fees, this lake books early. Book through Propp’s Rod and Fly. Daily rod fee: $150.
Damsel Lake, a beautiful 25-acre desert lake in Douglas County west of Banks Lake, provides great fishing, especially in September, for native fish that have never tasted hatchery feed. Lake fishes well from shore. Limited to eight anglers a day. Book through Blue Dun Fly Shop in Wenatchee, (509) 664-2416. Daily rod fee: $65.
xxxx The best buy? With exchange rates saving American tourists more than 30 cents on the dollar, booking a vacation in British Columbia this year might be an angler’s best bargain. Skitcheen Lake Lodge near Kamloops, British Columbia, has 16 top trout lakes available to anglers who can reach facilities only by foot, horseback or helicopter. Book through Propp’s Rod and Fly in Spokane, 838-3474. Caverhill Lodge north of Kamloops provides all the creature comforts of hot showers and sauna with hearty meals and excellent fly fishing for trout at several lakes of various sizes. Facilities accessible only by boat or float plane. Book through lodge, (604) 672-9806.