Lake Cle Elum 2012 Mackinaw Derby

[G-Man]

G-Man,

Is the launch that you pictured actually at Spealy Beach park, just uplake from the dam, or do you take take Lake Cle Elum Dam Road? If you Google map Lake Cle elum, you will see the Lake Cle Elum Dam Road, and a seperate park nearby.

Some reports have talked about needing 4x4 to launch, obviously the lake level will have some effect on this, I guess I will have to take a look at what the beach substrate is, pure sand or gravel, etc. Lake is currently 75% full from what I've read.

Yes, it is the beach park off of Lake Cabins Road. This particualr area is just fine to drive on and launch your boat. Parking for your rig is on the beach as well and there is currently no fee to use the park. I'd recommend a 4WD vehicle, unless you know your 2WD vehicle is properly setup to handle loose rocks and sand. The whole area is fairly hard packed, whether dry or covered water.

[stryker17]

I might be wrong on this, but as I heard the tourney was original just for fun, and it got so big that it is just what you see. Also as I heard there is no big sponsor, most all of the entry fee goes, back into prizes , with some funds going to the football fund. kenny does not keep any for himself. If I am wrong sorry just what I know........maybe somethings have changed since last year.. Also the launch at Spealy Beach is about 8 miles down lake from the fishing HQ, last year they opened the launch at Wish-Push camp ground for more launching area...........dont know for this year....

[racfish]

Can you catch Maks from Shore? or is it a boat deal? Without giving up all the big secrets what is used for Macks? Rapalas? Plugs?

[The Quadfather]

Can you catch Maks from Shore? or is it a boat deal? Without giving up all the big secrets what is used for Macks? Rapalas? Plugs?

Rac, if you gleen through the Lake Chelan reports from Anton, and the other guides, you will see that is all deep water trolling. Bouncing the ball within 5' of the bottom, in a couple hundred feet of water. I've heard of suspended fish being caught, but typically it is the bottom, and trolled. But to me there is LOADS of info.in the Chelan reports.

[Mike Carey]

Can you catch Maks from Shore? or is it a boat deal? Without giving up all the big secrets what is used for Macks? Rapalas? Plugs?

Rac, if you gleen through the Lake Chelan reports from Anton, and the other guides, you will see that is all deep water trolling. Bouncing the ball within 5' of the bottom, in a couple hundred feet of water. I've heard of suspended fish being caught, but typically it is the bottom, and trolled. But to me there is LOADS of info.in the Chelan reports.

Interestingly, in my trips to Cle Elum (and it's been many years) the pattern was more fish in suspended than off the bottom 5 feet. Also, because it's a reservoir, be careful for stumps cause they are down there! Also, though not considered as effective, macks can be jigged. I should go out there and try that sometime.

[racfish]

Yes me too. I was thinking of hauling the Livingston first. If its really good I'll take the Smokercraft. Besides I can fit more meats from Owens in the big boat. LOL... Mackinaw table value is good I hear. I dont remember eating it but then theres been a few things down my gullet I wouldnt brag on Hahaha.

[sickbayer]

Good table value? *! Call me a snob but unless you smoke them with a butt load of flavourings to mask the taste they do taste like gone off bad fish. just my opinion, but that is why i dont fish for them often.

[The Quadfather]

Yes me too. I was thinking of hauling the Livingston first. If its really good I'll take the Smokercraft. Besides I can fit more meats from Owens in the big boat. LOL... Mackinaw table value is good I hear. I dont remember eating it but then theres been a few things down my gullet I wouldnt brag on Hahaha.

Ralph, I love it... you are always the master food resource on this forum.
When you mentioned Owen's meats... are you talking about a little hole in the wall place that I saw a road side sign for in Roslyn? I want to turn in that little turn off and check him out, but haven't done it yet.
If not that.... Where is this Owens?

[stryker17]

Owens meats is in Cle Elum just right across the street from the Cle Elum bakery . The one in Roslyn is a different one, in mho Owens is far better, have very high quality meat, I have been buying from them since the 70's

[racfish]

Okay Okay. Stryker knows his Cle Elum. Owens is across from the best bakery around. Now you have to try Owens beef jerky. Its by far the best jerky in Washington. Its like 22-25 bucks a pound but worth every penny. Their home made pepperoni with cheese is sooooo fricking awesome. They are custom smokers. The owners of Owens own property on Lk Cle Elum they rent out just as an FYI. Back to food. Their bacons and link sausages are to die for as well as their Marinated Tri tips or flat iron steaks. Ive been shopping there for decades. Two years ago we got a whole ham around 25 plus pounds. Custom smoked and all. Owens in Cle Elum is a must. Remember the best jerky all around....

[Bo]

Definately looking forward to the derby as well! First time for me to enter a derby. Never caught a Mack in the lake either, good times! Gotta say that Owens meats does do excellent work too, they cut my deer there too. Good luck everyone!

[Bo]

- Another thought... Anyone have any advice on catching Kokanee in Lake Cle Elum? I was thinking if I get 2 Lakers that I like (2 is the limit right, over 14"?), I may spend the remainder of the day trying for Kokanee.? I'm pretty optimistic, in reality I'll probably fish for Kokes on Sunday, since I'll probably try to catch a Lake Trout all day Saturday , I'm reall looking forward to getting some all day fishing in!