Lake Chelan Lakers (Updated 4/18/10)

[Skillet]

I have 500 feet of cable on my riggers.  Deepest I've ever caught a laker there has been just over 300 feet.  Some guys go down to 400-ish... but I don't know anybody that fishes deeper than that.

[huntergreg]

what size of balls do you guys use for 300 feet??

[lokidog]

what size of balls do you guys use for 300 feet??

Man, what an opening for some crazy responses....   

I would use the largest that your downrigger can handle to reduce the amount of blowback and allow you to more accurately follow the depth contours.

[huntergreg]

 

what size of balls do you guys use for 300 feet??

Man, what an opening for some crazy responses....   

I would use the largest that your downrigger can handle to reduce the amount of blowback and allow you to more accurately follow the depth contours.

[Skillet]

I got big balls.  12 to 15#'ers.   

Trolling for these guys is very slow, typically never over 2.0 mph, so blow back isn't too bad - but it's still there.  I also run an "outrigger rod" down the middle with a snap weight on it... in 220 feet at 1.5 mph, line counter says I have 600 feet of line out.  Almost hate to see that one get hit at the end of the day!

And, I run manual riggers.  Really makes you think twice about putting that extra bit of bend in your downrigger rod when you're over 200 feet.  Pretty much why I don't often fish alone out there -"you gotta crank the downrigger, I have to steer the boat!" 

[lokidog]

I got big balls.  12 to 15#'ers.   

Trolling for these guys is very slow, typically never over 2.0 mph, so blow back isn't too bad - but it's still there.  I also run an "outrigger rod" down the middle with a snap weight on it... in 220 feet at 1.5 mph, line counter says I have 600 feet of line out.  Almost hate to see that one get hit at the end of the day!

And, I run manual riggers.  Really makes you think twice about putting that extra bit of bend in your downrigger rod when you're over 200 feet.  Pretty much why I don't often fish alone out there -"you gotta crank the downrigger, I have to steer the boat!" 

Did that for years, the electrics were well worth the price especially as I did most of the driving and cranking.

[BC CHASER]

Two good fish from last year.

[huntergreg]

Big old fish! 

[huntergreg]

Heading out to try and catch some lakers tomorrow on lake Chelan. I will let you know if i get anything!

[huntergreg]

I only ended up catching 1 fish in two days.    I guess it wasn't to bad for the first time.  better than getting skunked. I also was able to land a big white towel.     So i will be heading back this coming weekend. Will be going with a guide Friday for a 4 hr. trip and get to know how it is done.  with Lake Chelan Adventures.  Then go out with my boat Friday afternoon and sat.