Let's talk merwin and yale kokanee

[fowl smacker]

I don't run snubbers because I run really limp rods and don't feel the need.  If you do run them, they should be on your REEL SIDE of your dodger, up the line a couple feet, not attached to your dodger or between Dodger and lure, that takes away from the action.

[cavemann]

and the noodle style rods..  Helps give them a little relief in tention on the retrieve and sensitivity to see the bite..  As someone mentioned in lk stevens thread, the yellow Eagle Claws work great.  picked up 4 for $20 a piece.  Out fished my nice Okumas.

[carpsniperg2]

How about rod length I hear a lot of 7 and 7'6? light noodle action from what I am hearing.

what about line? all my line counters are braid 30/50lb line that going to be to rough on the fish? been tying stuff up with 10/15 mono for leaders.

[NorseNW]

Leader material - 10lb maxima ultragreen is my go to but really any 10lb will do.

Leader length - 1.5 to 2 times the size of your dodger (I'm a dodger and not a pop can fan as well) basically that means 8-12 inch leaders to allow the dodger to transfer the action back to the lure.

I started with snubbers and pop gear a few moons ago.  Lost a bunch of fish and couldn't feel them on the line.  Switched to 7'6" Okuma kokanee rods on downriggers with the dodger setups.  Much nicer and I can actually feel the fish and land it.

For trolling I would not suggest the braided line.  Not enough give for the soft mouths.  Maybe okay to use with the snubbers but still a gamble in my opinion.

Most popular place on Yale seems to be the opposite side of the lake from the Yale Lake park launch.  Run straight across to the other side and troll that side.  I launch out of the other launch (Saddle Dam) and do just fine circling around the coves and cuts on that end of the lake.

[carpsniperg2]

Awesome info thank you.

[h20hunter]

Don't thank us yet! Kokes can be the most frustrating little buggers out there. Jumping all over, coming unhooked.....can't wait!

[carpsniperg2]

I greatly appreciate starting up info so I’m not going in blind. I’ll have most the right gear and lots of options for corn and lures etc. So hopefully right place right time. Just got a bug and will spend some time after them when weather gets goodish lol

[Blacklab]

Merwin is beautiful! When the bites on it’s 🤑. Can’t really add anything. Speed,color, and scent is number one. Greens, pinks, and purples seem to be my go to. Hook size 2-4 mooching style. Maybe 6mm gap between hooks. Brads koke cut plugs work as well. Winter koes are in about the 10’ water column, warmer means deeper. Summer can suck with all the pwc. Hoping to get out there in the next couple weeks. Let me know when your thinking about making the trip. 😉🥃🇺🇸

[Blacklab]

Almost forgot 😂😂😂😂

[carpsniperg2]

lol no bananas for this guy I’m allergic to them!

Thank you for the info. I did grab a couple of those Kokanee cut plugs to give a go as well. They have s pretty sweet action to them.

[carpsniperg2]

Is there a good place to stay in the area?

[Buckmark]

Don't forget another important piece of fishing gear 

[Ghost Hunter]

Is there a good place to stay in the area?

Lewis River Inn, Woodland is a good choice.  Lone Fir Resort in Cougar has rooms.  I've got parking and turn around room in my driveway a mile from Speelyai Bay Rd.

[carpsniperg2]

Awesome thank you for the info and offer. All the info from everyone is appreciate nice to have a idea going into a new body of water and fishing for a new kind of fish.

[Curly]

Don't neglect to try for tiger musky while you are at Merwin.