Northwest Fishing Reports

I haven't been able to locate any 2013 trout stocking info and was wondering if either of these lakes receive a larger percentage of spring plants. Also, if anyone is familiar with both lakes, which one do you prefer?

Thanks.

Its not on the WDFW website but i believe that Burke was stocked by the Quincy Valley Tourism Association at the end of February for the March 2nd trout derby they held. There's probably still a fair amount of planters in there. I've always had better luck with Burke than Quincy lake. A couple years back caught a 4 lb rainbow trolling a perch colored rapala tipped with Powerbait Gulp maggots in the far west end near the boat launch during sundown. Also have had good success trolling Rapalas around the rock island area. Most people tend to fish powerbait off the bottom. Those are the only two ways I've seen work on that lake.

If you live in Ephrata you have a district DFW office in town that can easily provide plant numbers if they aren't on the web. Burke got nothing but catchables in February just prior to the opener. Bigger fish were planted by Trout Lodge, probably thru a contract with the Quincy Valley Tourism.

Both lakes have been very good. I really enjoy sitting on the banks in the sun and fishing all day. Yes I use selective gear.

PS bigger fish to be had on selective gear.

Both lakes receive a large amount of fry and catchables each year. In the past I always found that Quincy Lk fishes better than Burke, but since they've started the fishing derby 3 years ago I've turned my attention more to Burke. If the wind is blowing like it so often does, you can get out of the wind a bit easier on Burke The Derby put in 35 broodstock of 5-6 lbs and 100 triploids 16-18 inches, so there should be quite a few still swimming Burke. I fished/camped at Burke the week after the derby and this year planters averaged 1-3 inches larger than Quincy. 9-11 inches at Quincy, and 10-13 at Burke. I didn't catch any lunkers, but saw several caught and another almost lose a rod before it broke his line. Caught plenty of this year fish to keep the fry pan hot.

Lakes are so close together you can easily jump between the two, so try out both. It's worth checking out the pothole lakes below Evergreen Res. Crystal, Dot, Cup, etc. The incredible views and scenery are worth it even if you don't catch anything. WDFW stocks about 1,000-1,200 fry in these lakes, so there can be some lunker hold overs. It's about tick time, so watch for those little buggers.