Northwest Fishing Reports

I'm am taking my family out to Banks Lake next week for 5 days of fishing and I was wondering what the bugs are like out there. Are there mosquito's or any other bug out during the day/night? If so what is the best way to prevent the local pests while fishing?

Also, what kinds of live bait should I have if I am targeting Walleye? Nightcrawlers are a must for me always, but should I get minnows, crawdad's or any other type of live bait?

Any information would be great!

stephenfindley,
Mosquito problem more at night time. Flea and tick protection for pets. I have had a few instances of a
pesky horsefly,"biting flies are the worst"! I would recommend a repelent that does not have DEET!

Just got back from a 4 day trip, nailed walleye and smallmouth using crankbaits and jigs, I've never tried live bait.
When I was there alot of folks trolling off Steamboat [main lake side], and Barker channel. I do know walleye were also active in the Devils Punchbowl.
Goodluck

stephenfindley wrote:I'm am taking my family out to Banks Lake next week for 5 days of fishing and I was wondering what the bugs are like out there. Are there mosquito's or any other bug out during the day/night? If so what is the best way to prevent the local pests while fishing?

Also, what kinds of live bait should I have if I am targeting Walleye? Nightcrawlers are a must for me always, but should I get minnows, crawdad's or any other type of live bait?

Any information would be great!

the only information I can give is do NOT use live minnows for bait, since it is illegal. Live craws can be used live if taken from the same water where they are being fished. live nightcrawlers are always legal where bait is allowed.

Thank you both for the information! I have never fished for walleye in Washington State, so I am pretty excited. I did not know that minnows, as bait, were illegal here. I will post our trip when we get back in a week on the banks lake reports!

LIVE minnows are illegal. Dead ones can be used, depending on the species.

This might be late, but the mosquitoes weren't as bad as I remembered,
the gnats and horseflies are horrible though!
This was at potholes but still relatively closeby.
Just for a heads up for anyone else.

If I remember correctly, they spray/fog Steamboat a few times a week to keep the skeeters in check.

If it`s anything like like it was last weekend at the potholes you better bring a case of skeeter spray. They were just as bad as they are in Louisianna last weekend. I`ve never seen em that bad up here the kids were eatin alive.