Fishing Magician Report: Salmon fishing improves on upper Columbia

There is a lot of good news for anglers interested in fishing here in Central Washington. Water levels are settling down, just in time for the arrival of summer run salmon to upper Columbia River.

Catches of kings have really improved in the Brewster Pool, which contributed to a full leader board at the recent salmon derby. Catches will also improve below Wells Dam, and subdued flows will make both launching and fishing here much more pleasant. I have had a couple of good reports on salmon fishing on the Wenatchee River, which opened for fishing for kings for the first time in over 20 years.

Some anglers are catching fish consistently just drifting Little Cloe spoons, in the 1/3-ounce size and the blue and silver color. Again, water flows have settled down and have made fishing in this manner much easier.

I also did a check on the Icicle River, above the Snow Creek Trailhead. The water had dropped dramatically and I am going to make my first trips up there with my fly rod, which is one of my favorite things to do in the afternoons this time of year. This is latest start I've ever had and I am raring to go!