Weekly Fishin' Magician Report with Dave Graybill

Monday, July 28

We had some windy and wet weather on Lake Wenatchee last week, and that was a hindrance for sockeye salmon anglers. We are passed that now and fishing just keeps getting better and better.

They estimate that close to 35,000 sockeye have passed over Tumwater Dam, and is about half the projected run. The fish are bright and beautiful, and the average size is 3 or 4 pounds.

On my most recent trip to Lake Wenatchee anglers were gathered at the very top end of the lake, where both the White River and Little Wenatchee River enter the lake.

The depth sounder screen is often filled with fish from top to bottom. The most productive depth was between 30 and 40 feet on the downrigger.

We also ran a third rod out the back with just a 5 ounce weight.

Then we put out 36 pulls. This rod was the hottest of all three. Go figure.

The State Park has never been closed, and the launch is busy.

The ranger at the park asked me to remind anglers to follow the parking instructions, so the maximum number of boats can use this launch. Bright pink is still the best color for the hoochies, and remember no bait here.

Wednesday, July 30

This weekend is the annual Budweiser-Lowrance King Salmon Derby in Brewster, and it looks like it will be one of the best ever.

There was a short drop in the fishing action when we had some rain dumped into the Okanogan River, but we've had triple digit temperatures to get the thermal barrier back in place.

Thousands of kings and sockeye are stacked up off the mouth of the Okanogan River, and fishing should be excellent for the derby.

There is still time to get registered for the event, too. You can go to their web site at www.brewstersalmonderby.com and get an entry form.

You can also just go and get your registration done as long it is prior to Thursday, July 31st a 9 p.m.

This derby has the reputation of producing more salmon than any other in the state, and also for taking great care of the participants. You don't have to catch a fish at this one to have a great time and to win some great prizes.

It is even more important to fish the derby this year to show support of the businesses in the communities of Brewster and Pateros that have suffered due to the fires earlier this month. Both communities are ready to welcome anglers for the derby.

Friday, August 1

I traveled through Pateros and Brewster on my way to Lake Roosevelt on Wednesday and found both these towns busy.

The Pateros Lakeshore Inn, the convenience store and restaurant are all open and the Lake Pateros Inn is being cleaned and will open soon. There is a huge fleet of boats, even on a week day, out on the Brewster Pool to take advantage of the summer run and sockeye fishing.

The annual Budweiser-Lowrance King Salmon Derby is Brewster is this weekend and I will be there to see how many fish were caught this year.

I just looked at the dam counts and realized that there still are more sockeye on their way to Brewster than the total of the sockeye run last year.

There is still a lot of great fishing ahead of us in August.

I also talked to a friend that had spent last weekend in Conconully and he and his family had a great time.

There is plenty of room at the parks and resorts here and fishing for trout and bass is very good.

I am going to plan a trip to Omak Lake. The cutthroat there are big and plentiful.