Stehekin / North End Accesson Lake Chelan
What's working on Lake Chelan
- 01Lake Chelan is experiencing clear conditions with mild fall temperatures around 54°F.
- 02Leeches and baitfish are consistent and active food sources for predatory fish.
- 03Sporadic hatches of Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) and October Caddis can be expected.
- 04Chironomids and Mysis Shrimp are reliable subsurface food sources year-round.
- 05Varying retrieve speeds and using full sink lines are crucial for effective deep-water presentations.
What to tie on at Stehekin / North End Access
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Mysis Shrimp (White)
Lake Chelan's deep waters provide a crucial habitat for Mysis shrimp, a consistent food source for Kokanee, Burbot, and Lake Trout in the fall.
White Woolly Bugger
White streamers are highly effective for Lake Trout (Mackinaw) at depth, imitating the small kokanee or whitefish they prey upon during the winter months.
Micro Egg
With Kokanee transitioning into their pre-spawn phase, egg patterns become highly effective for opportunistic trout and Burbot feeding on loose eggs in the water column.
Buy at AmazonZebra Midge
Midges are the only active hatches in winter. Black or red midges in small sizes (18-20) match the local chironomid larvae present in the lake's substrate.
Buy at AmazonGame Changer
Large articulated streamers in white or silver colors are excellent for targeting trophy Lake Trout that are looking for a significant calorie intake with minimal effort.
Buy at AmazonChironomid Pupa (Black)
Chironomids are a year-round primary food source in Lake Chelan, and fall is no exception for Kokanee and various trout species feeding subsurface.
Mysis Shrimp
Lake Chelan has a significant population of Mysis shrimp which are a staple winter food source for Rainbow Trout and Kokanee. White and translucent patterns are most effective.
Buy at AmazonBalanced Leech (Black)
Leeches are a staple forage for predatory fish in Lake Chelan, and in fall, they are highly effective for Lake Trout, Burbot, and pre-spawn Kokanee.
Chironomid Pupa (Black)
Chironomids are the number one food source in Lake Chelan, especially in spring. This pattern effectively mimics the abundant midge pupae that Kokanee and various trout species will be actively feeding on subsurface.
Washington season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.