REELING IN ROOSEVELT RAINBOWS GALLAND WALKS YOU THROUGH THE BASICS OF CATCHING TROPHY RAINBOW ON LAKE ROOSEVELT
goal of 750,000 to be released in 2018.
BY BENITA GALLAND
MACK’S PRO STAFF
The Lake Roosevelt fishery is comanaged by the Spokane Tribe, Colville Tribe, and Washington Department of Fish and Wilflife (WDFW). They have done an excellent job of protecting and enhancing the Roosevelt Reservoir fishery.
Lake Roosevelt has the best rainbow fishing in the region. Both wild and planted triploid rainbows are held within the system. In order to preserve the native species, wild fish must be released. Hatchery triploids “those with a clipped adipose fin” are the fish you need to target. As planted fish “hold over” from one year to the next, they grow quite large. It’s more than possible to catch a 25-inch rainbow!
Roosevelt has the “ Lake best rainbow trout fishing in the region with both wild and planted triploids in the system.
— BENITA GALLAND | MACK’S PRO STAFF
There are currently 63 net pens on the reservoir, located north to south from Kettle Falls to Keller Ferry. Net pens are operated by a group of volunteers and the WDFW Sherman Creek Hatchery and the Spokane Tribal Hatchery produced the rainbow trout for transfer. In the spring of 2017, about 500,000 rainbows were released with a target
The combination of extremely deep, cool water and the abundance of shrimp and other feed produce the tastiest fish imaginable. The meat is firm and deep red, much like a sockeye. You can smoke or can the catch, but it is most tasty right off the barbecue or cast iron skillet.
If you don’t have a boat, don’t worry. Grab a bundle of firewood, some hot dogs and cocoa, then head out to one of the abundant, sandy beaches along the shoreline. I suggest you purchase the Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake Map published by Fish-n-Map Co. It was made by fishermen for fishermen and has all the information regarding fish locations, topography, etc. Winter through spring is fantastic bank fishing for the rainbow. During those months, fish migrate to the shallower waters and are easier to target. All you need is a light rod with a spinning or bait caster reel and you are good to go. Cast your line with a slip sinker out as far as you can. Use a hook loaded with Powerbait of a mashmallow and worm. Sometimes the simplest of techniques gives the best results. A cast and retrieve method is also productive. Rainbows can’t seem to resist Smile Blade® setups. I suggest you give the Mack’s Lure Promise Keeper® a try, as well. It incorporates the Smile Blade® and Wedding Ring® and its designed to cast. FOLLOW MACK’S LURE ON INSTAGRAM
1