Lake Merwin - Help

[TG509hunter]

Hi Guys,

My neighbors mother-in-law has a place on lake Merwin, so we are up there a lot helping out with her property.  My neighbor also has a few boats, so we figured we would try to do something Kokanee fishing up there.  The problem is we are both pretty new to the area and aren't sure when the bite is.  Any help for the locals would be greatly appreciated.  We were thinking about trying it next weekend, although I didn't want to be wasting our time.  Thanks again!!!!

[TG509hunter]

Well ...... I see 22 views, but no comments.  Any information would be great.  Thanks guys & gals!

[h2ofowlr]

We always fished for them in spring it seemed like or when we were camping up their during the summer.  Down rigger or 1 ounce barrel weight followed by a swivel then ford fenders with a wedding ring attached with some died corn or various other baits that seemed to work for the day.

[TG509hunter]

(h2ofowlr) thanks for the feedback.  I appreciate the help 

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Try google search? There is info how to catch landlocked salmons. Good luck!

[WDFW Hates ME!!!]

Yep, best time is spring through the summer. They turn in the fall and start there spawning run up the creeks. You will catch a few  but the best fishing in my experience has been in the spring.

Go to wholesale sports and buy some lake trolls. I really like the flash lites. With a wedding ring. Then ti[ the wedding ring with white corn soaked in anise oil. That is my go to rigging. Long limber rods are my fave...

[longstevo]

Usually I fish Yale, but its been a long time since I've gone after kokanee, but this is what I remember. 

Pack some wedding ring spinners, some flashers, worms and a can of white corn.  Try any combination of corn and worms on the hook. 

Then just go out there and tool around the lake.  Make sure to vary the depth that your rig is fishing.  If you don't get any bites, then fish deeper.  If you cover the ground (or water  ) and constantly vary your depth until you get a bite, you should be alright.  Once you get a bite, then stay at that depth (obviously) and circle back around to where you just were.  Sometimes you can hit the school again.  I think I remember trying 20-25 pulls first, and then adjust from there. 

But, of course, fishing is fishing.  You might get skunked.  But if you're watching other boats hook fish and you're not, try moving your rig deeper. 

Hope that helps, and let me know how the fishing went.

[TONTO]

 Yes as stated spring would be your best bite, the fish run shallow in the spring. When the temps rise they run deeper requiring more lead or a downrigger to get to them. In the fall they enter spawning faze, they develop lock jaw and travel up the streems where they die, just like any other salmon. Shoepeg corn tipped wedding ring seems to be the prefered troll, but they will take about anything properly sized and presented in their face.

[TG509hunter]

Hey guys, thanks for all the help and information.  After reading everyone's comments we are going to hold off until spring and give it a whirl then.  I will let you guys know how we do.  Thanks again everyone!!!!!!!!