Weekly Fishin' Magician Report with Dave Graybill

Monday, August 5

Eric Granstrom and I ran up to Brewster and jumped on board with Jerrod Gibbons, Okanogan Valley Guide Service, and his two clients Mike and Pat Martin of Kettle Falls.

We brought the video gear along to make a Fishing TV Show of our adventure.

The beginning of a significant weather change had hit the area, and the king fishing was tough.

We did get two good king hits and lots one near the boat.

Then we shifted gears and went after the sockeye. Now that was a blast.

We had a ball loading the cooler with these delicious fish. I sure hope the wet weather doesn't put a damper on the action.

I also want everyone to know that I have put the finishing touches on my fishing adventure to Costa Rica.

This will be fly fishing for bill fish and big roosterfish out of Golfito.

We will be leaving in early December and if you would like to join us get in touch with the folks at Journey Travel and Tours in Wenatchee. It's going to be fun!

Wednesday, August 7

The derby in Brewster sold 365 of a possible 375 tickets, and anglers caught an amazing number of fish.

I heard estimates between three and four hundred, with just over one hundred officially weighed in.

The rest of them were wild kings that had to be released.

There was a big crowd hanging around derby central on Sunday afternoon to learn the results and win raffle prizes.

Once again J.D. Smith and his wife Rebecca and their whole crew did a fantastic job getting sponsors and prizes for the derby.

There is a huge list of people to thank and you just have to come to next year's derby to learn about everyone that helps out behind the scenes.

The first place winner with a king weighing over 26 pounds was Daryl White.

He picked up a check for $1,600.00.

In the youth division, age nine to 14, the top place was taken by Trey Krause. He won a whopping $800.00.

For the first time the derby added another category to the youth division, for kids under eight years old. This was won by Alex Davis, and he was awarded $150.00.

Everyone is looking forward to next year's event.

Friday, August 9

If you saw the results of the Brewster Salmon Derby you can see that the summer run salmon fishing in the Brewster Pool is very good.

Anglers are frustrated by releasing wild fish, but at the same time are happy to do it knowing that they are contributing to future bigger runs.

Salmon fishing at the Brewster Pool isn't the only area that is producing good catches.

I am getting reports of improved fishing from Chelan Falls all the way up to the Bridgeport area.

The really hot fishing is going on at Lake Wenatchee for sockeye.

Anglers are getting their two-fish limits of these prized fish in less than an hour, and there is no sign of this slowing down.

Very good fishing should continue up here for another couple of weeks at least.

Hands down the best lure for getting salmon on the Columbia is the Super Bait Plug Cut in a variety of colors. These are pulled behind a Pro Troll Flasher.

On Lake Wenatchee, where no bait is allowed, size 0 dodgers are favored and a two hook rig with an orange Colorado spinner blade is a winner.

I am also having fun casting flies on the Icicle River.