Skookumchuck River above the lake.

[wapiti hunter2]

Has anybody ever fished this? Open to Vail permit holders and I'd like to give it a try.

[Wanttohuntmore]

Might want to double check the regs, I heard they closed it but I did not read that myself.  Used to be decent for small bows. 

[wapiti hunter2]

It's open. Need a Vail permit and Key which I have. 2 fish limit and single barbless hook tackle restriction.

[Chinook73]

I do know of a float plane that lands on the lake to catch fish with clipped fins.  I haven't fished above the lake in almost ten years.  Back then, there were plenty of small trout to be caught.

[Mudman]

Unsure of regs now days but it used to be some good fishing.  As a kid I saw many stringers full of good size trout.  The lake has tons of whitefish aggressively biting, or used too.  Cougars be warned.

[wapiti hunter2]

Ok, here is the report.

Three of us went in and started about 13 miles in. We caught a few 4-6 inchers (cutthroats) but that is all. Water is very low. We moved down stream toward the reservoir in 3 mile increments but it got no better. Nothing but small trout. It didn't matter what you tossed. I fly fished and my two partners used spinners and small plastics. Everything got hit but we didn't see anything over 8 inches. I suspect the bigger fish were down in the lake. I probably won't go back, at least not this year.

[Bofire]

you need to fish the last 1/4 mile above the Rez. hard to get to. Just below the stone quarry place.
Carl

[Mudman]

you need to fish the last 1/4 mile above the Rez. hard to get to. Just below the stone quarry place.
Carl

Exactly right!

[throttlejocky20]

There is some good size cutthroat in there never fished it at low water though.

[wapiti hunter2]

Thanks. It is tough access to get to that area. not sure I'm up for it.

[Mudman]

Not really.  The road up to quarry used to have several trails down to river...  If you have permit access you should be golden.  Try the res. too on that end.

[257 Wby Mag]

PM's are a valuable resource here.... Caint believe the info folks share for 1000's of people to see.... WOW +P

[BigGoonTuna]

it's not like just anyone can get in there now, just the ones that pay weyco's extortion fees.

not that west side trout fishing brings in hordes of people.  the upper skookumchuck isn't exactly some secret steelhead spot.

[Mudman]

PM's are a valuable resource here.... Caint believe the info folks share for 1000's of people to see.... WOW +P

Understand the point but---- with weyco permits in effect now which I refuse to buy I feel screw it!!  Buy the permit, support weyco and fish with the other 3 hundred guys...  Why should we cherish and protect land that we grew up on recreating when its reserved for the wealthy and lucky.  I have more tips too!  Anyone??

[257 Wby Mag]

It's all good.... Laffin

[wapiti hunter2]

Not really.  The road up to quarry used to have several trails down to river...  If you have permit access you should be golden.  Try the res. too on that end.

The road to the quarry is marked no entry and they close and lock the gate early. I could walk in past the gate but it's a long way for some trout. I would love to get on the lake in my Float tube.

[Mudman]

I didn't know they started that.  Prolly cause I don't have permit, lol.  You can hike up from bottom by damn but its not an easy hike in and then you have to walk the res. to other end.  I have done it and it is a long hike.  If you do walk quarry road to fish it I will tell you fish are good at right times.  Good sized fish!  Try talking to quarry guys, drive up ask em.  Used to be good group of guys.  Hope ya fill your smoker, good luck.  If you walk the res. shore you might be surprised how many cougar tracks ya see!