A Lake Full of Big Trout and No One Fishes It Anymore
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- Опубликовано: 20 мар 2023
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Omak Lake is one of the best lakes in the Pacific Northwest to target Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. It was formerly a destination visited by many anglers who often enjoyed great success catching many of the lake's large trout. However, in recent years participation and use of this fishery has declined dramatically. What happened?
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I remember fishing Omak with my Grandma, when I was about 10. I'm 53 lol. Good times!
First time watching this channel. Buddy knows how to properly land, net, and release fish. Well done.
Ashamed to admit that I haven't always been that way but have become better at it.
@Spilt Milt Productions it's a learning process for all of us! My son and I brought over 20 rainbows into the boat today, released them all. What an amazing day!
Looks like you have a good following bud. Keep it up.
I agree! He keeps the net and the fish in the water before releasing it.
That is so rare to see.
My time working for WDFW I quickly realized most anglers i encountered were middle class and well below. The raising of license and fees have had a profound impact on them. (Let alone the big increase in the cost of tackle)!
Ive been personally very critical of both Oregon and Washington in their approach. Seems like they are biting the hands that feed them. Anglers are getting fee'd to death.
Compare what fishing license cost in the midwest like Missouri. We pay 4-10 times here and they seem to have as good or much better managed fisheries.
Thank you for bringing this topic to light. Whether it be public, tribal or private.
this lake is on a reservation and has nothing to do with wdfw
@@pandorasboxg but his comment is spot on and apropos to the sport of fishing and the overall premise of exorbitant fees and deminished opportunities.
@@Northwestfishingfanatics I’ve long learned that WDFW haters are going to hate even when it isn’t the subject. It’s kinda like Obama or Trump haters are going to bring politic into the equation and bitch when the subject is really just the Easter Bunny.
And haters are gonna hate the haters and bitch about hating. An endless cycle. :-)
But the subject is about charging high fees which are diminishing opportunities for budget conscious anglers. I added my experiences with the State agencies to basically agree with the premise of the video. I don't "Hate" WDFW, ODFW or the Tribes. They all do somethings good.
But I don't agree with the increases in fees, licensing etc. I have a glovebox full of passes just to allow me to recreate on Public Lands. Add in all the licensing, launch fees etc. your unfortunately pricing a lot of people out. Just like Tyler pointed out in this video.
It's unfortunately trend on all lands in the Northwest.
I agree with Tyler, what's the purpose of the large price increases on Omak? Certainly not to promote more angling opportunities.
Just tried to watch someone else's kayak fishing vid but after watching your always great and steady camera work I had to turn them off and came back to your channel! Thanks for the all the great filming, content and education!!!
I appreciate you speaking on the Native Americans and the rez … I’m native so thx 🙏 👍
Love this video. I recently moved near Pyramid and have become obsessed with the trout. Good job putting this vid together!
Thank you for the video and the information on Omak Lake! Its now on my list for kayak fishing destinations 🙂
Lots of info, I like that you include the permits and fees, good job!
They did the same thing at Pyramid Lake in Nevada with the fee's. One day only fishing license no annuals, can only camp 3 days max, boat fee's up as well. Lots of people said no more and a lot of people couldn't afford to fish there.
That sucks.
Friends & I make an annual pilgrimage to Omak. A not-so-secret & amazing fishery!
I've seen a lot of guys catching nice fish out of that lake on YT. I used to live over there and regrettably never fished it..... Maybe I'll slip over there this spring or fall and give it a shot.
Nice video will be heading up there in the next couple weeks....thanks for your video and efforts.
Beautiful lake! I'm always envious of you guys up in the Rockies.
Cascades... which are even better 😉
No, not the Rockies. Cascades.
Excellent information on Omsk lake.
I lived in Okanogan for eight years, I remember when Omak Lake was off-limits. There was no fishing allowed up there. And there are some big Laotians in there. Another one is lake Lenore outside soap, Lake and Freda. Got some monsters in there, and I think juan cut is another one that has Laotians up there. Or spectacle one of them.
Nice rod ! I have the same one . Okuma Celilo
Welcome to the Okanogan, was surprised to hear you came to the area. You pretty much hit the nail on the head, don't think the Tribe wants us on the Res so are making the cost out of reach for so many. Came back from Spokane with the new boat and thought about Omak Lake as we went by, no longer. Being raised in the Methow, if it wasn't trout or Salmon it wasn't worth catching, so after many decades I have gotten an interest in Walleye and Koknaee. Came across your videos last year and am learning from your very informative videos. Working outfitting the new boat and will be trying places like Conconully and Spectacle. Who knows, may run into you some time, would enjoy talking to you.
Are you talking about the Okanagon valley in British Columbia? Fishing on native lands ?
@@squamishfish No, in Washington
@squamishfish hall okanagan is bc. Different spelling but same area. Just south of the border.
Fun stuff man that looks like a fun lake to fish!
Purchased a one day pass on the colville fish and wildlife website the passed weekend just for this lake and i was not disappointed!
Hitting the lake this weekend! Hoping its decent from shore. Nice vid man, we were able to purchase a Daily reservation access pass, so instead of $80 it was $20
Just got back from omak today, got 83 with my buddy, one 5 pounder and one 8 1/2 pounds!!
IMHO, the fees are too high. For my wife and me, it's over $250 annually to fish the CCT reservation. I wrote them to let them know, respectfully, that I thought the fees would reduce revenue, if the intent was to increase revenue. However, I never received a response.
Pyramid lake did the same thing as what happened up there. They shutdown the res to all non tribal members and then raised they prices 150% saying it would only be for the equivalent time the res was closed. Here we are way passed that time frame and they never lowered prices. They also got rid of their season pass.
It’s $25 a day to fish pyramid and on principle alone I will not do that. It’s a shame they have done this because like you said, it could benefit the area greatly.
Before covid I regularly targeted Lahontan on Omak Lake. I'd sight fish with fly gear. So much fun. Since they raised the prices for the tribal license I haven't been back.
That is exactly what I've heard over and over again. That sucks.
Glad they finally did that
I appreciate your insight and your time! YoU make your videos very informative and now that you showed where you live.. damn you put in the miles! Thank you for all your efforts! You seem to live a very fulfilling life! Cheers!
You said it not me. Class warfare thats pretty much what most of this has all been about. It sucks because it shouldn’t become like that but it is only pushing back and speaking out against it will help which i think you have done well.
Thanks for the story
Unfortunately a lot of water in Washington is mismanaged. Many places have little to no fish and never get stocked.
Come on. Most waters aren’t stocked at all where I live. Massive stocking is a very US thing.
The lakes on the west side of the mtn get plenty of fish!! 10,000 times the highest numbers stocked on the east side! Not 10,000x the fishermen...
Sounds like you guys are just spoiled with many great fisheries. I'm definitely envious.
Hopefully I can get out there in the next few weeks. I was just at one of my favorite westslope cutthroat rivers. And they were hitting hard. Got some lahotan sizes westslope cutties, all were over 14 inches with the best of the trip being 18...
Do you need native permits to your west slope river? I want to take my kids out omak area again but would probably cost so much to pay for family of five at omak
Just a license, it's all the way in Idaho though...
Nice video, sad the direction our state is heading in alot of aspects.Appreciate your insights as usual. 👀 📈
A fishing license on the reservation close to me in Montana went from $25-ish dollars for a yearly license to $46 before covid and then last year they started charging $126 for them. Needless to say I don't fish there anymore. I'm not paying $126 a year for the four or five times a year I would normally fish it.
Wud that be DUCK Lake,,, Those fish raised via Ur license fees...that's double charge plus
Then don’t go
@@bentoncushing8693 No, it's the CSKT reservation license for the lakes other than the south half of Flathead lake license.
I've been looking at property in the area around Okanogan up to Tonasket. I had no idea this lake was right where I was looking, that's awesome.
Yeah its a real gem and still ignored to this day. Went up a few days ago. Entire lake to myself. Slayed them.
That looked like too much fun.
It's an amazing fishery. I usually catch 4 or 5 fish in the 16-20" mark from the bank in just a few hours every trip.
last couple weeks i've been running over to Lenore and having a blast catching decent Lahontans from there. They're recovering pretty well i'd say. WDFW even did a recent survey and determined it to be underfished. The size isn't what it used to be before the netting but the numbers are certainly there. You should try hitting up the northern end right now. I hardly see any videos about Lenore and it's such a gem hidden in plain sight
Just finished filming there earlier this week.
Just an FYI, recent surveys have found that the average size of Lahontans in Lenore is nearly identical to what it was in the 80s and 90s.
Here is a thought offered up - not in hostility but in the spirit of thinking differently about a lake fished rarely. There is value in fishing in solitude, nothing wrong with allowing some fisheries to remain or descend into providing that experience for anglers. There is also value and adventure in earning the benefits of a prized fishery through self-discovery - without the aid of a screen or the inter-web. This is getting harder and harder to find and/or accomplish. Many of the places I once loved to fish because they provided these benefits and experiences are now gone. Something to think about.
Agreed but using $$$ as way to create that experience is where I draw the line. Omak Lake isn't a secret by any means. Just google it and you'll get thousands of blogs and videos on the lake. However, I fish in many places but I don't film in all of them for the reasons you mentioned above.
@@spiltmilt OK - well thought out... thanks for the reply. I still miss the solitary fishing experiences.
The cutthroat trout in Pyramid lake can get huge...like in the double digit in lbs. huge.
I drive by the lake weekly and I learned that the fishermen soaked the fish in tap water for a day. That leaches out the alkali from the fish meat. Seems like I see fishermen there often enough.😊
A Dream trip for me.
Fished it last year. Stayed in Omak and had stuff stolen from around my RV. The town is super sketchy, and the license was a bit much. Great fishery, but I likely won't be back.
Yeah Omak is a dump and always has been but its gotten much worse than it has been. The other day I drove into town and there was a house burning on the south end. No one around putting it out just letting it burn.
Thank you for the video. For myself I can see how the added cost of fishing would reduce the use of fishery. I on the other hand would go there to target the specific Lahotan Cutthroat species. Same reason why I would spend the money to go to Henry's Lake in Idaho. My biggest question is if Omak Lake is accessible for ice fishing?
Due to its alkalinity and depth it never freezes
We were just there!
I've been there once coming from the backside to see balancing rock. I stopped by and saw so many big trout. Did you put a link to buy the liscence and fees. I didnt realize its controlled by the natives until I saw one of the signs coming out of the road. I came from the back side of the reservation and didnt realize I was in it.
What a huge lake.
Most of Europe is completely private because they have a massive population and low land spaces, unfortunately with bigger populations comes privatization…. In my neck of the woods, they privatized a massive fishery Lake Simcoe, I believe biggest fresh water ice fishing fishery in North America, by charging heavily for parking. Hi fees are often used to cut down traffic. However, good news is where there is a will, there is a way, at least in North America one can still find some decent water with effort.
Pricing the average person out has no downside for fisheries managers, it reduces fishing pressure and human presence on the waters, and allows the few people who don't care what it costs to have a more pleasant time recreating. Much like trophy hunting in the west, fishing in Washington is quickly accelerating toward the only-the-affluent-need-apply model. Same model in Whatcom county, restricting power boats and adding layers of cost to boating through AIS inspection fees, to reduce the number of users and allow the landowners on the lake to enjoy it more fully.
Well this is the tribes not Washington state. They have tried to increase our fishing license costs but the legislature blocked it. We have no AIS inspection in this state nor fees associated with it but that great liberal bastion of Idaho does!
I used to live in that area .
Always wanted to fish that lake but between the $90 for acccess + license, gas coming from the westside, etc it'd be a $150+ day for me. I can see how it really deters anyone but locals.
Have you ever fished pyramid lake in Nevada? It’s full of huge Lahontans, I hope to go there eventually.
No I’ve not maybe someday
$24 a day to fish Pyramid lake, $26 to launch a boat/kayak.
Crazy !
Went for free years ago with a native guide, went to places that only tribal members can go, huge fish there... Can catch them at the "ladders" too on wolly buggers...those fish aren't hard to catch .. I used to live in the bay area so it's not that long of a drive
Yes also wa st fishing license expires at the end of March no matter when you purchased it.
It schould be prorated by what month you bought it dec-dec etc etc
I’m with you on that.
It should just be good for one calendar year from the day you purchased it.
I've wanted to fish that lake, but it's a long ass drive and then dealing with rez license and access on top, it's never really made sense. With a boat, if I'm going east it's probably going to be Chelan or Roosevelt or Banks. Maybe I'll go out of my way to get out there at last once.
We just fished it. We just bounced around got fish and left.
Good stuff !! Which ramp were you near, N.End Omak lake rd. or near the S.E. end of the lake ?
North
I'm more than happy to buy a CDA reservation license each year. But the tribe makes it difficult to buy them in early spring by making retail locations wait on forms. A lot of people fish anyway. 😢
Didn't know y'all had Lahontans up there
I like the high fee to fish the Indian lake. Takes the pressure off the fish. Maybe lower it to 50$ so it`s a once a month trip.
What LB test? Is the bite best in M/N/Afternoon?
Our Fish and Game commissioner is appointment by the Governor. And we all know where he stands on fishing and hunting. The WDFW is currently being sued for not adhering to their charter of promoting fishing and hunting opportunities. Instead they are dismantling or eliminating seasons, driving up prices, and closing access. Riffe Lake and Alder Lake access and the elimination of last years Spring Bear hunt are only a couple prime examples of their preservation over conservation mentality. Soon only the wealthy will be able to afford our sports, just like it is in Europe and although this lake is managed by the tribe, the direction is similar to that of the State. Nice video.
I am going to Spain in August. I can't believe how complex and expensive it to arrange permits for fishing. It's ludicrous.
@@spiltmilt Good luck.
I live in northern Ontario Canada and do not believe in the spring bear hunt. It is unethical and unnecessary. Just pure greed not the right way to keep a stable moose population in this area.
Moose are like Unicorns here... 😀
@@thierrynolevaux9268 same. I don't believe in bear hunting or apex predator hunting period.
Funny you posted this today - I just arranged to fish there soon with a friend from church. Unfortunately, it won't be until April. BTW, do you know if the launch area in Mission Bay is accessible?
It is gated about 75 yards from the water. There is no parking except alongside the road.
@@spiltmilt Thanks. Someone told me it was open, and the last time I launched at Nicholson I almost got stuck in the sand, so I was hopeful. Now is a good time to fish from shore there, as you pointed out.
Awesome and a beautiful lake. What bait were you using?
No bait
Here I was thinking 4 hours isn’t too bad for a long weekend camping/fishing trip for 20” trout. Not for $100 on top of the cost to drive, boat and camp…
Hello - Nice video with lots of comments. One question though that hoping might get answered quickly. Is it catch and release only, or can you keep and cook? Thank you for your time.
U can keep 2
It's April 13th and you still cannot launch a boat on Riffe Lake it is so low I don't think there's enough snow pack and enough rain coming before summer to fill the lake. Completely mismanaged it's disgusting! Omak lake is so far out of the way that's why nobody goes there. I think I'll hit Rufus Woods this summer and then head up to Omak thanks for the video
After the Mossyrock Dam were told to lower the lake for safety concerns, its never going back to old levels.
It's cheaper for me to buy an non resident Ohio license that getting a Pennsylvania one where you have to buy a trout, salmon, and Lake Erie to fish in special creeks and rivers.
I learned years ago to not say "Never live there..." we've said it a few times and within a few months did actually move there.
Quick question regarding boat launch fees, are you paying to use the boat launch or to put a boat out on the water? Does a kayak or small inflatable boat count toawrds the fee if you're not using the launch? Thanks for the great video as always!
I’ve always just beach launched and never had an issue with my kayak and not paid the fee
i probably wont fish it because im looking for fishing and hunting near thurston county. You also talked me out of it with the rez fees.
What state is it in and what town is it close to
Interesting video, thanks for sharing!
I recently tried to purchase a tribal permit online (I believe this is the only way to buy now?) and could not get the website to work. 🤷♂
Correct this is the only way. I've had problems as well.
@@spiltmiltIve been planning to fish this lake for a while now... I wasn't aware of the "use fee". this definitely makes me think a little harder about making the trip. I live on the west side and would likely only hit this lake once or twice per year. The fish are amazing but the fees + fuel, etc make this a tough trip to justify.
Thankfully there are other options when it comes Lahontans in Washington state
Nice video, but, uhm... How did they get Lahontan cutthroat trout in Washington? They used to only exist in two lakes in the world - both of which are in Nevada, and those being the two remnants of ancient Lake Lahontan - Pyramid Lake and Walker Lake. Walker Lake no longer has enough water to keep the salinity level low enough to support fish due to the tribe in Shurz, Nevada's greed.
How did Lahontan's get in Washington? Did the tribe up there buy some from the Pyramid Lake tribe and ship them all the way up there?
What color pattern was the rooster tail in this video? Rainbow??
Yes Rainbow
@@spiltmilt just used that exact same one today and caught 8 rainbows at Fish Lake! You should make a video there
is this lake in eastern Washington
I just noticed you mentioned the increase of cost to fish on the Rez it's because there the poorest Rez
Maybe a quick mention of the lure your using, it would helpful.
It’s in the description
Do you use twitch jigs at Omak lake????
Yes they work great.
Vancouver island has great Cutthroat Trout lake very big Cutties , they are not fished that often most people living on the island are more into Salmon fishing
Agreed. Makes no sence. Great video though. 👍
😊😊😊
There is never any boats in the lake any more because that is not a boat launce anymore its basically just part of the lake now.
First time catching one of your videos as you post it. :) When will we start to see on the water kokanee fishing videos?
Not sure. Most of our lakes, aside from Roosevelt and Chelan, are closed until end of April.
Are they ice free yet?
It's on the way to the net pens where the record for trout is 39.9 pounds google trout record of Rufus Woods
I think it was 29 lb
I was at the taxidermist shop of the lady who did that record fish as I saw it first hand frozen coming off a UPS truck as they delivered it to her at her shop up out of Tonasket WA by the Sitzmark ski area. I think it was back in about 2001 or 2002. Her name was Kayla Beltrami I saw the fish in person not 2 feet away. It was about 30 inches long and almost 30lbs if memory serves me correctly. It's listed on the WA department of game site under fish records.
Is that $80 access fee, per person or per group, and is that per day? Those are some very nice cutthroat trout.
Per person. It is valid for 1 year
Most of the fish are fill of mercury and pfas and most consumption advisory guides now say do not eat. So why would I go through the expense to pursue fish that will give me cancer and kill me in short order,????
What value is in it for the average human to pursue fishing in 2023?
Just to say I caught a master angler fish and apply to the dnr to grt another master angler patch?
Starting in 2023 the dnr is making hunters in michigan pay $8.00 per patch for successful hunters. Most of the deer are sick with end etc designed rendering it useless to eat. Or if you do eat it it could kill you. Come quickly Jesus the deamoncrats in high places are killing our society and thinking they can hide in bunkers while everyone else gets nuked and radiated. Then come out in 10 years and restart the populations.
We are in end times all over the world and nothings slowing down. Its all ahead full and damn the torpedoes!
I will be looking for Jesus and listening for that Trumper to sound, looking up cuz all the biblical signs have been fulfilled.
Jesus is lord! Trust Jesus!
Peace be with you!
@@chriskourlos4407 you’re crazy.
Crazy that it cost that much. But it only money. I’d pay it.
What state is this in
Is it a online only purchase for license and use fee or can you purchase from a local business around there. Or is there a listing of vendors on a site?
No vendors. They moved to online only several years ago. I've been having trouble logging on but was recently told they will be introducing a $20/day Reservation Use Pass after April 1 to make things more affordable. So if you plan on fishing for 1 day with 1 rod from shore it will cost you $30/day
@@spiltmilt thanks for the info. Have you ever Kokanee fished buffalo lake just north of coulee dam
Many times. Its a good Kokanee fishery but an excellent trout fishery
Have you fished banks lake at all? I'm also from Washington state and would like to know where all the trout are I know around Yakima area nothing around Moses lake until u get up higher lakes I just got my first on on banks lake jetty 13&1/2"
I fish Banks for Walleye and Bass but don’t target the Rainbows there much
Well I'm heading to the campground there in coulee city in 13 days so if you are around let me know please
7 hours away from me ya sheesh i just wanna land a brown trout for once
I believe that kids aren't into fishing like we did in the 80s but perhaps the younger generation will be next to take the helm .
No family unit to guide them into the sport !
The same is happening in California. I used to live in Seattle and fished fresh water regularly. Trout fishing is overlooked in Wa. California is trying to run the fisherman and hunters out of the state. Pay more money and we “the state” will do less.
Wow, an $80 recreational fee per day? I was going to fish it just last year (had to cancel my trip) and I thought it was like a $20 or $30 dollar vehicle fee per day, plus the fishing license. A few years before that it was just the fishing license….
The recreational fee is good for one year
@@spiltmilt That makes it a bit more tolerable, but as you noted, unless you live close it really isn’t economical for just a day or two.
I just found out they are going to allow one day fees in 2023. $20/day but you still have to buy a fishing license on top of that. So min $30/day to fish
This lake was on my list years ago. I will not pay such ridiculous fees and drive the distance..
Once anglers find out a spot is shut down….. they won’t come back till they learn it’s open. Everyone probably thinks it’s still closed. We had this effect happen turning away business when the deer processing filled up. They won’t ever come back and they tell all their friends not to go there cause it’s full, for ever. They don’t realize we will process what we got and take deer again soon.
reminds me of Pyramid Lake minus the people.
W O W ! ! ! That $$$ is crazy, my brother and I fished Omak 4-yrs ago. It was $10.00 each per day w/ the tribal license. We had a blast, the fish are H U G E. However it's mainly catch and release as the LOCALS won't eat them and they should know? It has a very high alkalinity residue issue, you should run your motors in fresh water after you fish Omak. We ran them clean at Upper Conconully the Kokanees there are nice size when you get into them. We mostly caught trout there, but a couple 14" - 15" Koke's took our offerings. Back to Omak, there is NO real boat launch, and I hit the concrete slab where most people enter their boats. Coming out I had to wade in the water to straighten my boat on the rails, I'm complaining however these HUGE Trout fight like crazy!!! We stayed at a local hotel next to the Mexican / Chinese restaurant. food was pretty good. ;-) There were 3 old timers from Idaho that come every year to Omak for fly fishing. They were sight fishing and the guy that caught the LEASE said he released over ( 50 ) he was the LOW man. LOL. Great video. The $90.00 to fish that lake is going to price me OUT. SAD.
So what’s wrong with eating this type of fish from this lake?
@@Dano896 I DON'T know personally, because I never kept them. However I talked with the locals, and said I would be catching those Omak Trout and if anyone would like some for dinner that I will bring they back. The locals being Indians and the experts. Said as poor as they were and hungry as they were. From past experiences they knew it wasn't any good to eat. That was the answer that I was given. I hope that answers your question.
@@Dano896 I've heard that fish from high alkali waters like this can taste bitter, some people also have described it as muddy or soapy. Go find a piece of limestone and suck on it, and you'll get the idea.
Also the reason no one goes there anymore is because the new rules are you have to pay $80 per car plus either $11 a day or a year round fishing license thats around $50-60 dollars i believe so almost $100 for one day is not worth it for being in the middle of nowhere you qre lucky that no game warden was there that day
😂😂😂 why are you assuming he has no permit or license?
What lake is this
Do these trout taste good or muddy.
Muddy
@@spiltmilt thanks, fun to catch though! Thank you for all the hard work you put into quality information filled videos!
Can't you keep them and eat them? I love trout
Pyramid lake Nevada my favorite spot no longer sale yearly license $25 a day after Covid!
Low license fees in Iowa, Not the greatest 😑 fishing in the world, but the Iowa great lakes in the northern part of the state over 100 ft deep, have trophy pike, smallmouth, and walleye.
Silverhood lake right
I’ll go where is it
I just looked up the "rules" for Omak Lake on WFDW's fish Washington app, and it says it's managed as part of Tribal Government. Probably why no one goes there. Doesn't that mean you need an "invite" by the Tribal Government, or at least some sort of permission? I know there are places like that on the Peninsula like that...I just don't know anything about Omak area. Ok, good reason not to comment until the end of the video...You address this around @5:30. Thanks! :-)