Northwest Fishing Reports

Ok new to bassin and am planning a trip to Banks lake in June. And I am wondering as I look at the FishNMap where I might start looking for Bass?

I am completely new to bass fishing, literally having just bought the map and 3 rapala rattlin shads today. Looking at a light reel and pole in the next few weeks.

So where would I start?

I would be boat fishing from a 14' duroboat, with a 15hp motor, (for travel reference), and probablly staying at Steamboat state park.

Thanks

T,

I take an annual trip out there in june and look forward to it for the rest of the year. Perfect starting spot for you is the northern edge of steamboat....set your boat about 30-40 feet off the shore and cast small dusty/black 3-4 inch curly tail grubs, texas rigged on a worm hook. (that is a hook, weedless rigged in worm, with a bullet weight, cone shaped, on the line above it so it can slide.) Only use about 1/8 to 1/4 ounce depending on the wind. I use the lightest test mono I can stand, usually 4-6lb. Just cast the worm toward the rocks, and slowly let it sink. Keep the line fairly tight, just get all the slack out of it. When it goes heavy, set the hook, and I guarantee you will have a nice smallmouth on the end of the line! It is my favorite method that time of year.

Also, just zip across the channel there to the other side of the lake from steamboat (due north) and fish the southern shore and coves in the same manner.

Post me again as we get closer...I might be out there the same weekend, and will show you some tips. Man I love banks lake!!!

good point clam. In the coves next to steamboat you can find many large mouth near the reeds. Toss senkos at them. they will eat them up.

What size color for the senkos of Banks Lake?

Depends on the weather, but size-wise use the 5".

If its cloudy, use the Green Pumpkin.

For sunny weather, use dark colored, black or purple, and also try ones with metallic for reflective purposes.

I have found that they bite no matter what color though lol.

try the North end of the lake ( Coulee Playland Resort) an there is a canal (orange clouser bouys) try there if the canal is Not running backward. Every there i will catch rainbow trout, sculpins, (catches walleye or bass) smallmouth bass, common carp (don't eat), and walleye. If fish by the docks you will catch smallmouth bass, kokanee, largemouth bass, sculpins, crawdads, occasional walleye (after dark), common carp, and rainbow trout. GOOD LUCK!!!

My go to on Banks that time of year is a Zoom Pearl White Fluke with a nail weight. Bounce if off some rocks and let it sink, twitch every ten seconds and watch your line. This recipe has won more than a few tourneys on Banks.