Lake Chelan Tips

[Ivana Fishalot]

I'm heading to lake chelan next week, boatless nonetheless. I would love to do some bait, cast, wait with the kids. Any pointers?

We'll be staying at Wapato Point, which is close to Manson.

[BloodNtheboat]

Its been a while since i was there, but i dont remember much bank fishing in that area (we had a boat, and the kokes and trout were pretty deep), but there is a small lake up in the hills behind wapato point that held raimbows and browns and i did catch a few crappie, go to the hardware/tackleshop there in manson, and ask them about other small lakes in the area, i remember that it was about a 15-20 minute drive and was well worth it.
I dont remember the name of the lake though.
Brian

[Ivana Fishalot]

thanks BnB. Anyone else?

I may rent a boat for a day if it looks grim from the bank. I heard about some river that feeds it has bank fishing opportunities.

[reeljob]

Wapato lake is just uphill from manson and is a great stocked trout lake. I believe it is opening day there this weekend and should be full of fish!! You can also try the usual trout techniques off the bank at wapato point for trout but dont expect it to be red hot. Boat fishing is best for Kokanee, and just downlake of wapato point is a great spot. Check the regs, and go to Kellys hardware in Chelan for tips and tackle.

[Starfish]

For bank fishing I can't help, but a few years back we went to Wapato Point with the boat (late May timeframe) and did great on kokanee right there at the launch. We also did well downrigging for mackinaw just downlake from there, and jigged for burbot across the lake at the memorial. Fishing was great for everything we tried, so I'd encourage the boat option if you can swing it.

I have heard of powerbait fishing successfully from the bank there but can't recall where. You might try Hooked On Toys in Wenatchee or talk to the tackle shop in Chelan.
Good luck!

[crawdad]

Lake Chelan is kind of tough from the bank, but I think the end closest to town near the docks gets stocked and produces well.

read the Lake Chelan posts on this website http://www.washingtonlakes.com/

There are one or two guides that work that lake, and I think you can rent boats. Mackinaw and landlocked Chinook are available and of course kokanee and trout. The Chinook season is short and I think you will be early next week. The Mackinaw are big and plentifull. Last I heard there was no limit on them as they are trying to thin them out.

The upper end where the river feeds in is closed part of the year so check the regs.

Word of caution. Last year tests showed high concentrations of DDT in the Mackinaw. They are doing more testing this year. This does not get publicized. I wouldn't eat the stuff until they test more fish over a longer period, but its your call. Good luck.

[snit]

There's some HUGE smallmouth in the lake too. They can be had by casting from the bank. This time of year crankbaits work great in the afternoon. Try along the "riverfront trail" in downtown Chelan on the south side of the lake. You can park at the "downtown" boatlaunch, which is right above the Chelan Dam. Cast and retrieve from shore, walking up and down in the "channel" from the Campbells resort area, down to the dam. Also have some plastics, as they're probably starting to build nests. Take your polarized glasses, as the water is gin clear, and they're easy to spot if the suns out. The dock at the boat launch, is another good spot. I've caught a bunch of them over 5#'s in there. Look for them laying on the old tires, dead trees, or chunks of concrete laying in the channel.

It's a nice relaxing strole, and you'll probably get some nice fish too!!!

[Natester]

I took a family vacation there a few years ago. My son caught rainbows from the docks using powerbait on /near the bottom. Unfortunately I couldn't get a Mackanaw. :depressed:
I have also heard that Wapato lake can have good fishing.

Nate