Hunting Washington Forum

Other Activities => Fishing => Topic started by: TeacherMan on December 08, 2008, 07:06:46 PM

Title: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: TeacherMan on December 08, 2008, 07:06:46 PM: Has anyone been out on Rufus Woods in the last couple weeks? I have the 19th - 5th off and I'm planning on going at least once maybe twice. We usually do good. This time I will be taking my new boat and a camera to take some pics so I can share. My biggest to date out there is 17.2 (trolling), they usually average around 2.5 pounds.

thanks for the info...
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: mossback91 on December 08, 2008, 07:27:07 PM: Not yet but I will probably be out there later this week and if not this week I will be out there this weekend atleast once so Ill let u know
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: TeacherMan on December 08, 2008, 08:43:43 PM: Thanks, thats just a fun spot...
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: DeerHarvester on December 09, 2008, 12:09:26 AM: Its been a while since I have been up there, but you can't go wrong by the fish pens. But if it was me I would be below the dam hookin some steelies, they are bright right now. Thats what I was out doing this morning.
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: Antlershed on December 09, 2008, 01:13:40 AM: Haven't been there since February and we did better fishing from shore than we did out of the boat. Can't wait to go back though.
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: TeacherMan on December 09, 2008, 08:43:29 AM: We have had days out there where we do better just anchoring below the pens and using bait.

What dam where you fishing below and how did you do? Thanks, I have two weeks off coming up and I want to use it.
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: Bearhunter on December 09, 2008, 09:19:47 AM: My boss went over this last weekend, he didnt fish up by the upper pens where I told him to. He camped at the state park down below a brewster, they only caught 5 fish all weekend, but I cant imagine it being slow this time of year up by the upper pens. With all that blacktail talk earlier, you ought to come over this way and try and find one, there still running around :)
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: TeacherMan on December 09, 2008, 10:49:02 AM: I tagged out on a 6x7 white tail. Just a little guy :chuckle: Next year and I really mean it... I need it to help with the WA grand slam ;)
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: TeacherMan on December 29, 2008, 04:50:28 PM: Rufus Report? I'm more intersted in knowing if you can even get there with the rd. conditions.
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: backyard bucks on December 29, 2008, 07:36:39 PM: i was out saturday and sunday for a couple hours each day.
took 2 on sat and 5 on sunday.
the biggest was a 4 pounder.
it was really slow compaired to last year this time.
i'm over here all week so i plan on hitting it again tomorrow and a couple more times.
we fished just up from the dam at bridgeport.
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: mossback91 on December 29, 2008, 07:45:02 PM: Went friday but it was so damn cold I was only out there for maybe an hour......caught one in that amount of time. Was also dissappointed bacause someone was in my normal spot but oh well.....Im gonna try and get out there again this week sometime
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: DeerHarvester on December 29, 2008, 10:59:31 PM: Roads are fine, it has warmed up a lot in the last day or two. Don't know about the fishing, but its never that bad.
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: JACKALL on December 30, 2008, 12:14:24 PM: I haven't been out lately, but have done really well upriver from seatons grove this time of year. Mostly fishing for walleye, and smallmouth. Just fishing the pocket water with jigs when the river is flowing good.
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: MuleySniper on December 30, 2008, 12:20:53 PM: I saw a post on another site of some guys that did real well there not too long ago. I'm definitely going to plan a trip over there within the next couple of months.
MS
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: backyard bucks on December 31, 2008, 10:11:33 PM: fished most of the day today with only 1 fish.
it was slow for everyone we were close to. a fish here or there but for the most part SLOW.
planning on going out again friday. hopefully we get a bit more luck.
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: rasbo on January 01, 2009, 07:13:50 AM: is there good fishing from the bank?Never been there
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: mossback91 on January 01, 2009, 11:35:35 AM: Quote from: rasbo on January 01, 2009, 07:13:50 AM
is there good fishing from the bank?Never been there

Thats all i ever do and it seems to work for me
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: SHANE(WA) on January 09, 2009, 04:31:22 AM: Banks are best, the fish cruise the shelf closest to shore near the net pens, we only cast about 15-20 ft from shore.
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: Skyvalhunter on January 09, 2009, 05:56:03 AM: What do you usually use for bait? Green sparkly power bait?
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: stout on January 09, 2009, 11:25:05 AM: Drift sinker, about 3-4 feet of leader, and a great big glob of power bait (approximately 1/2-3/4" diameter sphere slightly teardrop shaped to cover the hook).

I have used multiple power bait colors including white, offwhite, yellow, orange, red, and green. All have worked, but have had the best luck on the offwhite-yellow colors(mimicing what I assume the pen food coloring is).

All of this is from last year, I live in Electric City and work at the Grand Coulee Dam, and I haven't made it out yet this year :DOH:

Oh, and if you want to wait it out for larger fish, you will need to debarb your hook and not use bait (anything that attracts fish using scent or taste) so that you can release the smaller ones back.

-Stout
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: Antlershed on January 09, 2009, 11:41:52 AM: Quote from: stout on January 09, 2009, 11:25:05 AM
Oh, and if you want to wait it out for larger fish, you will need to debarb your hook so that you can release the smaller ones back.
If you are using bait, you CAN NOT catch and release fish. With bait, even the ones you release count as part of your daily limit. So, you could cnr 2 on bait, but then you would be done fishing. The tribal cops have been out in force I have heard and they will write you a ticket for it.

When I go, I like to use three marshmallows and a chunk of Nightcrawler. Rig up with just a sliding egg sinker (size dependant on the current), a barrel swivel, and about a 3-4' leader and a #4 or #6 baitholder hook. Run the three mallows up your leader, put the worm on, pump it full of air, and then slide your mallows back down on top of the worm. Like was mentioned, you don't have to cast very far. Then set your rod in a holder (I just stack rocks around mine), and wait for the bite. The mallows don't last long in the water, so check your stuff if you don't have a bite after maybe 30 minutes. I have had the best luck on just Kraft mallows you buy at the grocery store, but I have also caught fish using the garlic flavored Atlas mallows.
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: Camo on January 09, 2009, 07:16:34 PM: Do the larger fish move back down towards the dam at all in the winter? I read that usually they catch some good fish down by the dam (though not as good as the pens). However, last summer the boats that fished down low, myself included, caught plenty fish but nothing over about 3#.
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: mossback91 on January 09, 2009, 07:18:45 PM: biggest I have caught by the dam was 9 pounds
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: Camo on January 09, 2009, 07:28:46 PM: Mossback- That's all the trout I need, was that in the summer? Are you able to catch fish 3-6# down there with any consistency?
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: mossback91 on January 09, 2009, 07:34:53 PM: Winter months....is the only time I go!! that was all last year I have only gone once this year and it was so cold I quit and came home after one small fish that was maybe 2 pounds......my dad and I went down quite often last year catching our limits everytime! most were around the 5 pound range......I will also use lures with barbless hooks most of the time so I can throw small ones back.......I havent been down there enough this year to tell you how consistant it is this year but last year was awesome! always from shore though. I need to get back down there....maybe Ill do that next week sometime
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: rasbo on January 09, 2009, 07:37:50 PM: Quote from: stout on January 09, 2009, 11:25:05 AM
Drift sinker, about 3-4 feet of leader, and a great big glob of power bait (approximately 1/2-3/4" diameter sphere slightly teardrop shaped to cover the hook).

I have used multiple power bait colors including white, offwhite, yellow, orange, red, and green. All have worked, but have had the best luck on the offwhite-yellow colors(mimicing what I assume the pen food coloring is).

All of this is from last year, I live in Electric City and work at the Grand Coulee Dam, and I haven't made it out yet this year :DOH:

Oh, and if you want to wait it out for larger fish, you will need to debarb your hook so that you can release the smaller ones back.

-Stout
HOW BOUT FILLET AND RELEASE :yike:
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: TeacherMan on January 10, 2009, 09:30:21 PM: There have been lots of game wardens around down there under cover. They are looking for guys taking more than two fish and even more often guys catching them with non artificial baits and letting them go. I hate to say it, but if you catch it you keep it unless it is with artificial. Try a black jig with a red neck, no bobber and just bounce it on the bottom with the drift. 1/4 ounce.
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: stout on January 12, 2009, 03:08:35 PM: Thanks for the clarification Antlershed, you are correct, you can't use bait if you want to hold out for bigger fish. I edited my original post with bold to hopefully prevent misinformation.

-Stout
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: Antlershed on January 12, 2009, 03:13:27 PM: No worries. When we went over last year we cnr'd a few trolling steelhead spoons around by the upper pens. I'm thinking about planning another trip over there sometime, but will probably leave the sled at home.
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: rasbo on January 12, 2009, 03:15:23 PM: how long does it take to get there from graham area,
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: yelp on January 12, 2009, 04:13:24 PM: 4-5 hours...I'm guessin. Fishing is just starting to get good. The next few months will be awesome down there. Quick limits.
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: rasbo on January 12, 2009, 04:27:25 PM: So from this side sounds like an overnighter,thanks
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: Antlershed on January 12, 2009, 04:28:45 PM: It is about 2 hours from Eburg to there. I made it there from Seattle in about 4 hours I think, but that was towing the sled.
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: Jerome on January 12, 2009, 09:34:33 PM: I will be there saturday through monday.
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: SHANE(WA) on January 13, 2009, 01:14:10 AM: if in a boat boon dogging works great, slow current to move you, little bit of weight and a whole night crawler with air in it or steelhead/salmon roe works awesome down there in the winter months. tip feed this fish line when you get a bite, dont set on first or hard strike, give them line
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: rasbo on January 13, 2009, 05:47:02 AM: is there a motel around there..Im going to do it one of these days
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: stout on January 13, 2009, 08:51:42 AM: There are hotels in Grand Coulee (about 30 mins drive from the pens)
http://www.grandcoulee.worldweb.com/GrandCouleeWA/WheretoStay/HotelsMotels//index.htm

Also hotels in Omak (about 45 mins drive from the pens)
http://www.washington-hotel.org/cities/Omak/?source=1100~G~Omak-hotels-Exact&gclid=CIn9tv3-i5gCFQ6jagodwTRJtg

Listed a couple of sites with some hotels, just try Googleing the city/town names for hotels.

As for the Grand Coulee side, you can look for Hotels in Grand Coulee, Coulee Dam, and Electric City. All three towns are within about 5 miles of eachother.

From the Omak side, you can look for Hotels in Okanogan(add about 5-10 minutes drive time to the pens)

If you wanted to boat there, you can Launch above Chief Joseph Dam (not sure how long it would take to boat to the pens) and stay in Bridgeport or Brewster.

-Stout
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: TeacherMan on January 13, 2009, 09:04:57 AM: I'm going on Sunday!!! Maybe Monday also.
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: Antlershed on January 13, 2009, 09:12:28 AM: Quote from: rasbo on January 13, 2009, 05:47:02 AM
is there a motel around there..Im going to do it one of these days
I can't remember the name of it, but the one right next to the Casino, I would not suggest. The rooms are tiny and the people at the front desk aren't very pleasant. We had a room with two beds, and with three of us and our gear in there (didn't want to leave fishing gear out in the boat), we could barely walk around our room. The food at the casino isn't too bad, but I'm sure you could find much better food.
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: mossback91 on January 13, 2009, 09:14:36 AM: you dont have to be right next to the pens to do well fishing either! I tend to stay closer to the dam and fish on the "whiteman" side so i dont have to buy a reservation liscense.

Also we just got a brand new hotel in Omak it looks really nice....I have no clue what the name is though
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: yelp on January 13, 2009, 10:56:54 AM: There maybe some room in Nespelem... :chuckle:
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: mossback91 on January 13, 2009, 11:35:55 AM: Quote from: yelp on January 13, 2009, 10:56:54 AM
There maybe some room in Nespelem... :chuckle:

Thats a great place to stay if your not native! :chuckle: awesome town lol
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: Antlershed on January 13, 2009, 11:39:50 AM: I don't think I'm brave enough stay in Nespelem. The guy who runs the little store is nice though. He's told me the same hunting story both times I have been in there. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: mossback91 on January 13, 2009, 11:42:26 AM: Quote from: Antlershed on January 13, 2009, 11:39:50 AM
I don't think I'm brave enough stay in Nespelem. The guy who runs the little store is nice though. He's told me the same hunting story both times I have been in there. :chuckle:

Which store?? I do strongly advise all to stay away from the trading post a bit.....they dont welcome ppl who are not from around there very well....

jacksons The gas station is a good place to stop though
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: Antlershed on January 13, 2009, 11:43:24 AM: Jackson's is where I always stop.
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: yelp on January 13, 2009, 08:21:01 PM: Just remember the three T's...Triploids, Tee Pee and Tetnus.. Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things! :chuckle: :chuckle: Oh and have fun...whatever you catch...ok thats enough... Nespelem had a bar called the War bonnet at one time I believe. Great place for a cool one. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: Antlershed on January 13, 2009, 08:50:12 PM: Quote from: yelp on January 13, 2009, 08:21:01 PM
Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things!

I really hate when I get those two mixed up.... :chuckle:
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: TeacherMan on January 20, 2009, 09:22:36 PM: Buddies fished all day Saturday and they caught several over five pounds, but it was cold and foggy. They went back sunday and caught 8, the biggest 7 lb 11oz didn't start fishing until 11:30 left at dark.

I couldn't go because I've had the flu, missed two days of work even. :'(
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: TeacherMan on January 22, 2009, 11:25:27 PM: Buddies did ok last weekend so since I'm not sick this weekend I'm going to try and go saturday. I'll bring my camera. About 1 fish an hour from the bank.
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: Antlershed on January 27, 2009, 10:14:42 AM: My girlfriend and I will be over there fishing from the shore on president's day weekend/Valentine's Day. :IBCOOL: Anybody else going to spend Valentine's Day at Rufus? ;)
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: Jburke on February 05, 2009, 03:35:50 AM: I'll be there during the middle of next week. Any advice from anyone who's been there recently? :dunno:
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: wastickslinger on February 05, 2009, 07:21:17 AM: I heard it was a bit slow last week. The water temps are pretty cold. You can always catch a few 5-7 pounders though.
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: Antlershed on February 05, 2009, 09:58:57 AM: Turns out I'm not going to head over there afterall. I'm gonna stick closer to home and do some fishing.
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: alanger on February 08, 2009, 12:47:54 PM: damn how'd she talk you out of it. Or did she tell you out of it! :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: yelp on February 08, 2009, 06:09:00 PM: Its valentines remember....I don't think she talked him out of it! :chuckle:
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: alanger on February 08, 2009, 06:13:06 PM: it sounds like everyone is working the area though. good spot for fishin :)

notellem creek ;)
Title: Re: Rufus Woods Fishing
Post by: wastickslinger on February 08, 2009, 09:39:34 PM: Quote from: duckfvr on February 08, 2009, 06:16:00 PM
pretty slow right now not like it was 2 months ago. 1 fish every couple of hours from the bank or in a boat use white jigs can produce 10 or so a day per person, remember catch and release artificial only, but bait u have to keep your fist 2

thats why we jig most of the time. Not much fun to take the time to put the boat in to have to take it back out in an hour after everyone limits.