Northwest Fishing Reports

We just completed a fisheries survey on Wapato Lake (Chelan County) and were stunned by the excellent perch and bass fishing opportunities there.

We collected several 12 - 13 inch perch as well as a lot of nice largemouth bass, black crappie, and some bluegill.

Holy smokes, it looks like those fish have spent some time at the feeding trough.

Those are nice looking perch Mike. Wow, you guys really get around don't you for your fish surveys!

What are the limits for panfish at Wapato?

Rosann,

Yes we get around a lot in the fall. Next week we will be at Cow Lake for a one-night survey.

G-Man, I was thinking the same thing. You don't see perch like this very often and I encourage anglers to go after them while they are available. The perch population isn't large but the perch in the population are large. There are a lot of largemouth bass and they are doing a good job controlling the panfish.


Yellow Bear, Wapato Lake is managed under statewide rules, which means there is no limit on panfish. However, selective gear rules apply righ now.

Here is a link to our 2006 Wapato Lake report. Our update will be out this winter or spring depending on how quickly I can get it out.

http://wdfw.wa.gov/publications/01405/wdfw01405.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Mike

those would provide great fillets. Thanks for the update Mike.

I have often wonderd why there has never been a limit on all Panfish.

My home lake right there. Great lake that not a whole lot of people know about!!!!!!!

Wow! Those are some nice perch. I'll have to check that lake out next time I'm on the east side.