Northwest Fishing Reports

My buddy got an older RV last year and after a couple of family outings, he is ready to load up a couple of the homies for a fishin' trip.

We plan on heading out at the end of the month for about 3 days....I was thinking Rufus Woods (we live in Auburn). But we could also go hit up some of the coastal rivers for steelies....I haven't landed a steel head yet, so there some attraction there. We bringin' a boat (my livingston), it has fishfinder and a motor, plus a minn kota trolling motor.

If you could load up an RV with a couple of friends and go fishin' in late March, where would you go?

I'm open to resorts, rivers, lakes..as long as you can vouch that the fishin' is hot

If possible, I'd like to go some place to fish both a decent steel head river one day and a good trout lake the next..I know you all won't let me down!

Lucky! I would head to the Olympic Peninsula. We scouted it last weekend and 1 day is not enough time to fish those rivers. You have so many options. I can't guarantee you will catch any, but 3 days you will have a great chance at getting one of those Monster Nates. Good luck.

I'd likely head to either rufus or the seep lakes, or both. A day of big trout and a day of early bass.

have fun and post pics!

Keep em' comin guys...I know everyone on here is well informed. The Penninsula sounds tight...I think this is the right time of year...could we hit up a nearby lake if we get skunked on the steelies? Rufus is the go to spot..I just want a steelie in the worst way....oh did I mention I have a pretty sweet fly rod?

I'd have to agree with Jens. The OP seems to be the way to go currently for the steelies. I'm not sure what kind of lakes there are out that way that are open year round but I'm sure a little researchin' the regs will guide you in the right direction. Good luck out there lucky one!

Take a run south. Columbia river springers are showing up already. Then you can stop last night at the cow and glow ball it till 4 am at blue creek and then head to the barrier. It is a lil hit and miss right now at the cow but months end Im hoping it will be on. This last weekend was good for my family and I know we will be heading down next weekend. The OP is also another hit and miss place but really when its late run steelies you will need to put in some time and getting lucky dont hurt either. Whatever you choose good luck hope its a good one.

End of march is the best time of year to hit Methow/Upper Columbia Steel. Grab the fly rod and hit Rufus and Methow (less than an hour apart) Bring the camera, cause you will catch fish and get the "hero shot"

wintersteelhead wrote:End of march is the best time of year to hit Methow/Upper Columbia Steel. Grab the fly rod and hit Rufus and Methow (less than an hour apart) Bring the camera, cause you will catch fish and get the "hero shot"

Took the words right out of my mouth. This is the idea that I would go with. Better weather over there and better chance for steel/trout. Just my opinion.

Ok, so I've been to Rufus, where is Methow? Is that a tributary or a lake?

On your way to Rufus, you pass through the town of Pateros. Pateros sits on the north side of the confluence of Columbia/Methow. Turn left just before Pateros and follow the Met. Lots of good access all the way to Winthrop. I grew up there and consider the river holy. Most guys this time of year throw typical steelhead gear, I do my best on the system with #10-12 bead head pheasant tail nymphs or copper johns. 6# leader max with an indicator. Mended line in the most important thing for your presentation. You never know whats on the end of your fly when it first goes down- Cutts, Bows, Dollies, Whitefish, Steel. They all call the Met home. I look forward to your report.

PM me and I will give you a few holes to try.......

As much as I would love to fish the olympic rivers more I would have to say head east. Rufus plus the CR and tributaries, tons of fishing out there.

The olympics are great but make sure you read the regs on the river and the area of river you are fishing. Some areas have selective gear rules and some don't.

So it's lookin' like Rufus Woods and the Methow River.....Now if I can just figure out how to reserve an RV Spot at Cheif Joseph, I'll be good

Looks like you may have already made up your mind, but my suggestion would be the N. End of Banks Lake. There's plenty of free camping and RV pay camping. Steamboat Rock, Coulee Playground. You're a 30 min drive to the N. end of Rufus Woods and a 10 min drive to Lk Roselvelt You have Banks Lake at your doorstep.

3 days won't be enough to sample all the great fishing, but a great chance of tagging some big fish in any direction you go.

I looked at that area, but I really want to catch a Steelie on a fly! It's on my lis of goals for fishing...as I'm sure it's on most!

If it was me I'd go to Ilwaco. Huge Sturgeon, Salmon and Steelies are all possible in the Buoy 10 area.....

Ok...where the heck can a fellow hook up the RV in late march around Bridgeport? I can't seem to find a good spot!