North 40 Fly Shop eMagazine September 2018 | Page 23

When fishing the Okanogan, I prefer to take two
rods with me, one is a 6-weight and the other
is an 8-weight. I use the 6-weight when I’m
stripping or jigging small to medium minnows,
crayfish, or bugger patterns. The 6-weight
is also used when I am using an indicator to
help dead drift a balanced leech, crayfish or
minnow pattern. Popper fishing with a 6-weight
is awesome on the Okanogan too, especially in
the mornings and the evenings. The other rod
I carry is an 8-weight. This rod handles heavier
streamers and sinking lines. The 8-weight will
handle heavier streamers and some of the
bigger bugs that may come into play.
Fishing the Okanogan for smallies is definitely a
great way to spend a day. The fish are plentiful,
fat, and very fun to catch. Smallmouth bass are
not wanted on this river by some since they do
feed on salmon and steelhead smolts. However,
whether they are wanted or not, it is a nice
opportunity to get out and catch lots of fish.
ONCE YOU FIND ONE, THERE IS A
GOOD CHANCE TWO OR THREE MORE
WILL BE IN THE SAME LOCATION.
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