Snow, snow and more snow. That’s what the weather forecasts predict throughout the region. That’s a good thing, I am told. We need it. I suppose, but it sure puts a damper on fishing plans. That doesn’t mean that people won’t be out in it. I have often done that myself. I have had some great days catching steelhead in these conditions.

There is some good news. It appears that the water level on Lake Roosevelt is dropping. The fishing for the giant kokanee on the big reservoir has been very good when conditions were right, and it will get even better as the water level comes down. Four years ago, that’s what really put the action into high gear. The drawdown pulls the daphnia, which is the primary food source for the kokanee and rainbow on Lake Roosevelt, into the lower reaches and the fish follow. I have had good reports of kokanee being caught at Swawilla Basin already, but it will greatly improve as the water drops. The photo in this week’s column show the Spring Canyon launch at low water.

Then I won’t have to make the drive to Keller but will be able to launch at Spring Canyon and get on the fish right after I launch. I was talking to my brother Rick at Hooked on Toys about this the other day and we were both eager for the water to drop. Last time the fishing for kokanee was really good, he would launch at Spring Canyon as soon after he cleared the buoys at the entrance to the launch bay would take a right and head toward Plum Point. That was his favorite trolling path and he put a lot of those big kokanee in his cooler.

I did the opposite. I left the launch and turned left. I got my gear out and headed toward the dam. I didn’t have to go far to find fish and had very good luck off the basalt banks above the dam. The fishing along the can line above the dam wasn’t bad either.

So, hang in there, kokanee anglers. The best fishing is yet to come on Lake Roosevelt for this season. It will really get started soon, and,  if it is like it was four years ago, we could be getting good catches of these big fish clear into May and June. If that happens I can imagine days when we can get our limits of whopper kokanee and then drop down to Banks Lake and get some walleye on the way home. That’s what we did four years ago and it looks like it could happen this season. Oh, boy!

Since I have been away at meetings and shows, I checked in with a couple of my most reliable contacts to see what is happening with the fishing up north. Keith Roe, at North 40 Outfitters in Omak always sees local anglers at his shop and knew what was happening at several winter locations. First off he knew that ice fishers have been drilling holes in both Patterson and Leader lakes, and that the fishing has been disappointing so far this season. The reports indicate that the perch are very small at both of these lakes. It has been a very “screwy” year, he says. The weather has made things difficult. Not only do the dramatic changes put the fish off the bite, road conditions have kept most people home. The one bright spot would be Bonaparte Lake. It is at a high elevation and the ice is safe and people are getting rainbow and kokanee. Until the weather settles down and we get a few days of at least consistent conditions anglers will continue to be frustrated. I hope things improve when I get back home. I am in serious need of a good fishing trip, either from the bank or boat very soon.

There has been a common theme in the reports that I am getting across the region. The inconsistent and warmer weather than usual has been making the fishing less than productive on Rufus Woods Reservoir. When I visited the reservoir even in November people were hoping for cooler nights to chill the water. That was hoped to be the solution to the slow action. However, the weather remains warm and the forecasts continue to register temperatures in the mid 30s, even at night. When I talked to the fish checker with the Colville Tribe he said that there will be a really good day, followed by several very slow days. Again, he was hoping for a drop in water temperature to help improve the fishing. Brandts Landing, by the way, has been the best spot to find triploids to over 5 pounds. As for myself, I think I will plan another trip to Lake Roosevelt. If I can’t find the kokanee I can sure get some nice rainbow, even when I fish off the shore.

The sports show season isn’t over yet. The Seattle Boat Show continues and will run through Saturday, February 1st. One of the more popular ones that is held in Eastern Washington is coming up on Friday, February 14th through Sunday, February 16th. It’s the 31st Annual Central Washington Sportsman’s Show at the Sundome in Yakima.

This show has everything any outdoorsman would find interesting, and they pay particular attention to make sure that there are lots of things to see and do for the kids. New this year is “Nature Nick’s Animal Adventures”, and you’ll want to get to this one early to get a good seat. The doors open at 1 p.m. on Friday, and at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. I will be with the Bob Feil Boats and Motors folks at this Yakima show, so stop by and say hi! You may also want to put the Wenatchee Valley Sportsmen Show on your calendar. The 7th annual event will be held from February 21st through the 23rd at the Town Toyota Center.

I have the batteries in the Kingfisher on triple charge this winter. I hope to be on the water more than I have in past winters. There’s some very good fishing to be had and I want to get in on it!