Fishing and exploring Lake Chelan?

Waterfish · 02-29-2004, 10:13 AM

I have an inexplicable urge to launch my boat at the south end of of Lake Chelan and cruise to Stehekin Lodge, at the north end of the lake (after springer season, of course). From the map, it looks like the lake is about 50 miles long. Have any of you Ifishers ever done this? What kind of fishing should I plan for? Are there marinas along the way to refuel?

[ 02-29-2004, 11:14 AM: Message edited by: Waterfish ]

jaydee · 02-29-2004, 10:40 AM

I've done this a couple of times with my dad in his 18' Almar sounder. With a 90hp 4stroke and a 48 gallon tank (plus 12 in the kicker tank), I can't tell you about fueling up there. But it's a beautiful trip.
We usually troll deep with downriggers for the lakers and landlocked chinook. Some jig, but we have found it kinda unproductive, for us anyway.
There's also Kokanee, some rainbows, and smallmouth to be had.
For me, the trip out there is more about scenery, nice weather and relaxing, than fishing. (Hence I've only done it a few times.) It's definately worth it.
www.lakechelan.com has some good info.

J.D.

J.D.

[ 02-29-2004, 11:51 AM: Message edited by: jaydee ]

JawHooker · 02-29-2004, 02:51 PM

I believe that you can still get fuel at "twenty-five mile creek" (about half way up lake) and I know that fuel is available in Stehekin. It is a beautiful trip. There is alot to look at, may even see a mountain goat. We fished mostly for kokane or the chinook. The chinook have really declined over the past few years though and the regulations are always changing, so check them before you hit the lake.

JawHooker

Waterfish · 03-01-2004, 06:21 PM

Thanks for the information. If I take an extra 6.5 gallon fuel tank, I should be able to make it all the way from Chelan to Stehekin at the far end of the lake. I think this is going to be a cool trip.

snit · 03-01-2004, 08:30 PM

It's a cool lake, but kinda "barren" for big fish. Lots of lakers though, in fact there's now no limit on the amount of mack's you can keep (do double check me though). Troll a Silver Horde "spackle glow color" plug right on the bottom in front of Mill Bay (150'-200') deep and you'll catch all the Macks you want. Generally by the first of May, the Kokanee are also in the same area. Use "pop gear" or a small flasher/wedding ring and they're easy to get too. Not to big (11"-14"), but you're allowed several of them (I think 5). The kings have really declined, and the Lake Chelan salmon derby has been changed to a "fish derby" instead, becasue most of the fish caught are Macks. Also, try trolling for rainbows above 25 mile creek, right along the steeps cliffs, with small plugs. There's still some nice (20"+) natives in the upper lake. Plus by Memorial day, you can jerk BIG smallmouths off of beds at the lower end of the lake, but please C&R them! You'll see, sheep, goats, and bears, plus lots of deer, and maybe even a cougar :smile: !

corkyking · 03-01-2004, 10:25 PM

I lived there for three years. A word of caution - it can get very windy about half way up and there are few sheltered areas. The wind comes off of the mountains so is hard to predict. That's certainly not a reason not to go! It's a terrific lake. :smile:

Silver Eagle · 03-02-2004, 06:27 AM

Stayed up there last year in a Condo, timeshare, had to burn some time. We took the Mail Boat tour up to Stehekin, had a good curise but it did get real windy about half way up, kind of reminded me of the Strights up north. Anyway the Captain said there was a fair fishery but didn't give out much more info. Good luck and I would have loved to have had a boat up there to try. The town of Stehekin is kind of unique, have fun......Ray