|
Located 125 miles Northwest of Spokane,
Washington, the historic town of Republic
(population 954) and county seat of Ferry
County still maintains the authentic charm
of the Wild West during the days of the Gold
Rush. With its unspoiled wildlife, majestic
mountains, and crystal clear freshwater rivers
and lakes, this area provides flyfishers ample
opportunities to land a trout or a bass in an
idyllic mountain setting. As Ferry County only
has one sporting goods store that sells flyfishing
gear and very limited professional guide services
available, anglers can cast their line these
relatively undiscovered yet publicly accessible
rivers and lakes without being surrounded by
throngs of tourists.
The small cluster of lakes contained within
the Colville National Forest (Ferry Lake, Fish
Lake, Long Lake, and Swan Lake) offers fishing,
camping, hiking and boating. While Ferry Lake
remains open for fishing year round, the season
for the other lakes starts on April 30th and
continues until October 31st. Rainbow trout are
planted in Ferry Lake, Fish Lake and Swan Lake.
Cutthroat trout American (N American spotted trout)
can be found in Long Lake, and one can land an
occasional Eastern brook trout in Swan Lake.
Electrically powered powerboats are only
permitted on Ferry Lake and Swan Lake.
Starting in the late spring, Long Lake, a 14-acre
flyfishing only lake attracts anglers looking for
solitude. Motorized boats are not permitted on
this lake, allowing anglers to enjoy the sights
and sounds of the neighboring chipmunks, squirrels,
rabbits and the occasional black bear in search of
huckleberries. Fry-planted cutthroat trout can
yield some nine-to 17-inch catches.
San Poil River, which is part of the Colville
Indian Reservation, offers catch and release
flyfishing, where anglers can target Eastern
brook trout, rainbow trout, and kokanee salmon.
A portion of this river runs through the K
Diamond K Ranch. At this authentic working
ranch, they have two gear flyfishing outfits
available to their guests. Also, check out
Ten-mile Campground, a remote primitive site
for hiking, camping and fishing runs adjacent
to this river. A Colville Indian Reservation
Fishing Permit is required to fish the San Poil
River from 13 mile (Hwy. 21) and South of 13
mile on the reservation.
Other area lakes and rivers include Curlew
Lake, an 870-acre multi-recreational lake
containing largemouth bass, tiger muskies,
as well as fry-planted and net-pen reared
rainbow trout. At times, the heavy boat
traffic on this highly popular lake can be
detracting to those seeking a more solitary
flyfishing experience. Another favorite
fishing spot, Kettle River, affords anglers
some excellent late-winter mountain whitefish
angling during the special November 1 through
May 31 whitefish season. Anglers cannot target
other species during this time so as to protect
the native spawning rainbow trout. Selective
gear rules are in effect from June 1 through
October 31 during open season.
Also flyfishers can try Davis Lake, Ellen Lake,
Empire Lake, Renner Lake, Trout Lake and Ward
Lake for some additional angling action in Ferry
County. (Ferry Lake is shown below.)
Gary Dougherty, owner of the Republic Sports Shop,
offers specialty tied flies and free fishing stories
to traveling anglers looking to test these local
waters. At the beginning of the season, Dougherty
recommends nymphs and woolly buggers in dark
colors. As the summer progresses, check out spinner
flies, dry black ants, renegades, caddis flies and
mosquitoes. During the fall, switch to weighted
nymphs to target the fish as they retreat to the
bottom when the weather turns cold. Commericial tier,
Joan Lake has designed some flies for local stream
fishing and trolling for trout lying at the bottom
of these lakes. She notes that the trout appear to
be especially attracted to her brightly colored
trolling flies.
Most flyfishers find that a 5 to 6-wt. fly rod
works well. While a floating line may work when
the fish are feeing on the surface, often an
intermediate or sinking line is needed to land
the bigger cows lying at these deep bottom lakes.
According to Dougherty, his favorite times for
trout fishing are June through July, though
sometimes a September Indian Summer can bring
some 'rings of rises.' However, there are a few
select diehards who will fish Ferry Lake even
when snow covers these lakes.
SUGGESTED LINKS
Backpackers Pantry
www.backpackerspantry.com
For those who want to camp in Colville
National Forest, these freeze-dried easy
to prepare meals and snacks are definitely
a tasty gourmet alternative to canned camp fare.
Colville Confederated Tribes
Fish and Wildlife Department
(509) 634-2110, www.colvilletribes.com
Information about obtaining a Colville Indian
Reservation Fishing Permit
Colville Forest Information (509-684-7000)
and Republic Ranger District (509-775-3305)
Information about fishing, camping and
other activities in Colville National Forest
Eich's Merchantile, (509) 775-2846
Sells fishing licenses and Colville Indian
Reservation Fishing Permits
Fishing in Ferry County
www.ferrycounty.com/fishing
Lake Trolling Flies
https://store.yahoo.com/trollingfly, or info@trollingfly.com
Republic Sports Shop, 509-775-3040
Sells spin casting and flyfishing gear,
fishing licenses, and Colville Indian
Reservation Fishing Permits. Fishing
stories are available free of charge.
Washington State Fishing Licenses
https://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/prospects/licensing.htm
Republic Regional Visitors and Convention Bureau
www.republicwa.com
Full listing of activities and lodging
available in the Republic area. ~ Becky Garrison
|
