McGinnis Lake brookie
Omak sits about eight miles southeast of Omak. It’ s 3,300 acres and 300 feet deep in places. Native American legends of sea monsters in this majestic stillwater could almost be believed. Its uninhabited shorelines are a joy to roam and the wildlife viewing is excellent.
Omak can be fly-fished literally any month of the year. However, there are some peaks in the fishing, starting in mid-March with a spike in April and May. At that time Omak’ s Lahontan cutthroat come right up to the beaches. Depending on the winds and the sunlight, the fish can be seen easily by any beachgoer. Of course, this also means that they can see you. So, during these episodes, if you intend to hook one of these beauties, make sure that you see them before they see you. That means you have to use stealth when approaching them and you have to watch your shadow— if it crosses a fish they’ ll take off for deep water.
Early on in their beach trekking routine, they don’ t spook easily but by mid-April they are edgy. We’ ve found that making one’ s profile smaller, as in ducking down when fish are approaching, can make your presentation more successful. And wading at this juncture is patently unwise. If using sinking lines or flies, you can anticipate fish approaching and place your fly ahead of the fish. You can impart action when the fish nears, meaning when the moment is right, you can twitch and strip, and the chase is on.
Average fish in this lake are considered trophies in just about any other. If you haven’ t broken the 20-inch mark while landing a dozen fish, well, it’ s just not your day. As already mentioned, these trout can weigh 10 pounds or more, so be careful not to downsize your tippet too drastically. Omak cutts are large and sharp-toothed predators that can break you off with ease. Think 2X and 3X instead of the standard 4X or 5X.
Omak is managed by a catch-and-release season that runs April through June. The rest of the year selective gear is required and bait is forbidden. A reservation license is required to fish Omak. When purchasing your Colville Tribal Permit, be sure to retain the rules pamphlet, as it contains a map detailing beaches, bays and accesses that