Northwest Fishing Reports

I fish at Rock Lake south of Cheney WA (just out side of spokane) and earler in the year I was catching some pretty good sized Browns out of there using a Rapala that went down 3-5'. At this time of year they seem to be a little deeper then I am able to get most of my lures with out using leaded line. I am mostly a bass fisher and don't care much to troll (I get to drunk). Any one have any ideas about jigging for these good lookin fish? I am heading out this monday any pointers you have would be great.

Thanks in advance
Beerbohm

Ahhhh... Rock Lake. I have spent a few hundred hours there myself over the years. It has some VERY nice browns in it, among other things.
I would try a drop shot set up with 2 hooks. One set about 18 inches off the bottom and another at 4-5 feet with a 1/4 oz sinker. I like to use a neutral or floating jig head with a skirt on the bottom and a 6# hook on top . I put a night crawler on the bottom and usually something like a berkly minnow above. A hook with 6 inches of stiff leader tied on above works well too. The stiff leader will keep it floating out away from the main line. Makes the bait look more natural too and doesn't tangle up much.
I would look for the fish in 20 to 30 feet of water. At least thats where I'm finding browns in other lakes right now. Try along the south end near the launch and up along the east side to the arm. Or in the bay around to the left from the launch. You can find some water there that isn't insanely deep. Or the far end near the mouth of Rock creek if your into the 8 mile haul to it.
Haven't been to Rock Lake yet this year. September and October is when I've seen the best fish caught. Quite a few in the 3-5 lbs range. The water is usually its clearest in the fall and trolling works well, but I agree, it does get boring. We rarely fish that way.

For those who have never been there, here are some Rock Lake facts: 1. The local geography makes it a wind tunnel. Even on nice days the wind can come up suddenly and blow hard. It can generate some big waves so be careful in a small boat. 2. Most of the lake is 300+ deep but there are areas where basalt columns and ledges rise to near the waters surface. Again, use caution. 3. The launch sucks. It always has. (and hopefully always will cos it keeps the skiers away) You wont launch a big boat there and will need some good treds on a pickup, or a 4x4 to back down the primitive rough rocky "ramp" to launch and get back up.

Paul & Sammi Thank you very much outstanding hints and advice for those who don't know about the lake. I am heading out monday I will post what i catch.

A lot of people troll for trout in this lake, but I think you are smarter to fish the edges. I outfish my trolling buddies 10 to 1 at Rock, by fishing within feet of the cliff walls, not within yards.

Now, jigging for Browns - think minnow or crayfish shapes.

Because of the large, and sharp/angular rocks, use smaller jigs and swim them to just bump the tops of the rocks. I have had excellent results using this method at Rock, on Crappie, Trout, and Bass.

Now, consider the temperatures. The Browns are going to be 20 to 30 feet deep during the day at Rock, at least until the temperatures start to drop. The Bows are going to be that deep and deeper. The bass will be 0 to 20 feet usually at this lake, but some brusiers are often found deeper.

Come late September, or even October, you can start fishing your jigs shallower.

Now, have fun and catch some fish.