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Started my day a bit late. It was free fishing weekend so I figured everywhere would be packed. But lucky me, fished both Gibbs and Leland with minimal crowds. Gibbs was my first stop. I've never fished Gibbs so it was all new to me. After about an hour, I had racked up 6 bass hooked, 3 landed (1 on fly), 3 bluegill hooked and 1 landed (also on fly). Decided to switch and head to Leland. There were a few people there, but still, not crowded. Put in and fished the west side across from the launch down to the bottle neck and back. Total was 5 bass hooked with 4 landed, 2 bluegill hooked on fly and landed, and 1 crappie hooked and landed.

I gotta say I was skeptical that the peninsula even HAD bass to begin with seeing as how I could never manage to find them. But my years in Florida fishing hot weather paid off. Temp was a balmy 84 outside and sunny. Bass were huddled up under the lily pads in the shallows and the bluegill and crappie were hanging around the stumps and fallen trees in both lakes.

Just for bragging rights: All of the fish were caught on 1 of 2 lures. Spinning rod had a silver flash/silver and blue plastic twin tail beetle spin, and a frog pattern popper fly. Didn't have to change either 1 time today. I was getting hits on probably every 3rd cast, they were a bit gun shy though and a lot would short strike the plastic on the beetle spin or knock the popper in the air instead of biting it.

BlakeP

6/8/2015 4:26:00 AM

Nice fish! Haven't seen too many Bass caught out at Leland, might have to start trying for them more. I was out as well, but was targeting the perch and Cutthroat. Been trying to get Crappie, Bass and Bluegill but haven't had much luck other than a few Bluegill. Managed to get a 12 inch coho out of Leland Yesterday as well..Must've got lost on it's way out of the Quilcene?

bob johansen

6/8/2015 8:14:00 AM

Nice report Bacca. I was wondering about the boat access area at Gibbs. Could you describe it a bit?

bacca

6/8/2015 9:54:00 AM

BlakeP: right now the smaller bass are hanging in the shallows under the lily pads. I didn't fish any deep water. Bug patterns and small spinners seem to be the ticket.
Bob johansen: Gibbs lake doesn't have a boat launch. Float tube and kayaks or canoes are about the only options there. You have to park across the road in the parking areas and carry or drag your kayak/canoe down the short trails to the water.

BlakeP

6/8/2015 5:51:00 PM

Thanks for the info! Next time I'm out there I might target the bass for a bit.

bob johansen

6/9/2015 7:53:00 AM

Thanks!

kevinb

6/12/2015 8:40:00 PM

Dude! Nicely done. I grew up in Port Angeles but never fished Gibbs. Bass lakes were hard to find, Leland, Sandy Shore and a few others were really the only places to go. I'm now down in the Tacoma area but get lucky enough to fish Leland a few times a year. It seems to be a pretty decent bass/panfish lake but have yet to have as good as of a day that you had. Really appreciate the report. By any chance did you see if the County campground was open? It's been closed or open on a limited basis for a few years. I heard it was due to budget issues. Seems like a decent place but have never camped there. Thanks for the report.

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