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12 - Priest Rapids Reservoir Report
Washington

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Details

11/14/2012
41° - 45°
Bottom Fishing From Shore
Whitefish
Orange
Cloudy
Other
Morning
11/15/2012
5
3408

I got a chance to go do some white fish fishing with my good friends Gordy and Wally of Yakima just below the Priest Rapids Dam on the Columbia Wendsday afternoon. I had caught some whitefish on the Yakima river last year and through the Ice at Soda Lake in the past, but drifting egg pattern flies in the current was a totally new concept for me. The morning was brisk and overcast as the 3 of us settled in and began our drift fishing presentations. I struggled at first as both my buddies put a half dozen whitefish on the bank in what seemed like no time. I finally realized what I was doing wrong by watching Gordy take up his slack immediately after the cast and i was soon in to the fish! We ended up catching 18 jumbo keepers in the nest 3 hours and had many more to the bank that got off. Orange egg pattern flies seemed to be the color the fish were keying on. Thanks again Gordy for an awesome morning on the water. Jiggy


Comments

sunfighter
11/15/2012 4:25:00 PM
I c/r whitefish in the solduc,Don't care to eat them but they are powerful fighters on light gear.When they are in they average 18 inches and are built like a torpedo.If you find one,you usually find a hundred of them.
Rocky
11/15/2012 4:32:00 PM
Hi jiggy good to see you I fished there when you had to pay the toll to cross the bridge a few years ago lol
nice mess of fish great smoked and fried. Going to the snake in the morning let you know how we do take care
God Bless.
paintermott
11/15/2012 8:09:00 PM
That's ridiculous man! sitting on the bank of a massive river bonkin fish?! lol Are whitefish kind of like rock bass or cod as far as the meat and taste go? I always hear that their meat is white and flaky and tastes great. What up with that?
tluedeke
11/15/2012 9:29:00 PM
Right, on, Jigmeister!! Whitefish are an underappreciated species, and I'm psyched that you have discovered them. This is also my first year that I'm going after them. They really represent a source of entertainment during the dull days between spiny rays/steelhead/salmon and ice fishing for spiny rays.

Based upon feedback from friends that've fished them over the years, smoking is the best way to handle them (especially the older, oilier fish). Younger fish you can probably get away with frying or baking. From what I've been told, taking out the yellowish fatty portions of the filets will help knock down the excessive oiliness.

Tight lines!!
The Jigmiester
11/16/2012 5:29:00 AM
Hey guys nice feed back from all of you! My buddy Gordy showed me the ropes as whitefishing is a highly detailed game. They fight hard and as far as table fare, they are decent when prepared properly. These fish are feeding heavy on salmon roe so our presentations matches the hatch perfectly. Taste wise I would compare them to herring or other semi oily ocean fish. They are the bomb canned or smoked!
fishinChristian
11/16/2012 8:27:00 AM
Glad you got out, and glad the fish are still there. I first fished Priest 50 years ago for whitefish, and practically grew up on those shores. We should try the boat there sometime, because that is a whole different experience in whitefishing. The drift art is fun to catch on to from shore. Definitely an "aha" moment when you get it! Don't much care for the bony critters to eat, except smoked. With a couple of smokers going it doesn't take long. Good description from Sunfighter. Sunfighter.... How's that battle going?
fishfiend
11/19/2012 9:57:00 AM
Are Peamouths whitefish?
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Available Guide

Available Fishing Guide:
Website: Jones Sportfishing

Phone: (208) 861-0654