The Fishin' Magician: Rufus Woods Reservoir

Heavy snowfall prevented most anglers from getting out to their favorite fishing holes in the past week or so. The weather has settled somewhat, though, and I expect that there will be some hardy anglers on Rufus Woods Reservoir. The winter season got off to a slower than usual start this season, largely due to warm water well into December. I have been getting some reports of improved fishing on the reservoir, and as I reported a while back, gave it a try myself.

If you plan to fish the reservoir from shore, I suggest you try the spot below the power line tower just above Chief Joseph Dam, or the points near the "burn pile" in the bay at park past the turnoff to the launch.

Brandts Landing, which is just under eight miles from the turn off to the dam is worth a shot.

The water is shallow off much of the shore here, but fish will be cruising just outside of the weed lines.

The shore fishing near the net pens should also be more productive now, and these spots are best accessed by either taking the road across the reservation past Omak Lake, or by taking the turn down to the river at the rodeo grounds at Nespelem.