Northwest Fishing Reports

Headed back to W. Medical today and concentrated on the deeper water that gave up most of yesterday's large fish. Wanted to test a theory of mine, that is that larger fish will usually stay deep on bright, calm days. This seems to be the case for me at Amber and Coffeepot lakes. My party didn't see a lot of large fish the day prior on West Medical but those we got were mostly from deep water. Anchored in 23-24 feet of water for a full 3 hours and fished the bottom as thoroughly as possible with various chironomids and nymphs. Got a 22", 20", and four 17-18" rainbows on black zebra midges and hares ear patterns, and lost a couple other nice fish. All these fish hit deep, within a few feet of the bottom. Got several smaller fish also, but nearly all these took in roughly the top 12 feet or so of water. Anybody else seeing a trend like this?

This makes sense. I haven't taken a bottom temperature yet this year, but as of last week, the surface temp. was 53 degrees. If the lake has not "turned" yet, the comfort zone for the fish may be on the bottom, perhaps a few degrees warmer.
Also, the insect activity is just starting. They could be on the bottom cruising the weeds for nymphs, leeches, etc.
BTW, when you figure out Amber let me know. One day they are hot and the next you would think that all the fish have died!

Just a note to let Marc and raffen know that I am greatly enjoying your descriptions of life on the water at West Medical...

It's been 'bout 40 years since I fished there but it's a beautiful lake with some very fiesty and aggressive fish..

I was fly fishing then and the terminal gear was always a green carey special..... some very fond memories...

In general I agree with you, with the exception on Badger. If you fish where the Basalt ends it transition in marshland you can get a sore arm catching larger cutts and bows in the evening in about 10 feet of water.