Stretching more than 50 miles from the resort town of Chelan to remote Stehekin, Lake Chelan is one of the deepest lakes in the country and one of Washington’s most scenic multi-species fisheries. It’s a 3.5- to 4-hour drive from Seattle, making it better suited to a weekend getaway than a day trip.
Mackinaw are the headline species here, with the state record, topping 35 pounds, pulled from the lake. Kokanee are another major draw, alongside Westslope cutthroat, rainbow trout, landlocked Chinook and smallmouth bass. Seattle Fishing Company’s guide breaks down each season, from spring and summer kokanee action to fall’s quieter, post-tourist window and year-round deep-water mackinaw trolling.
It highlights top spots like the Mill Bay trench and Minneapolis Beach for trophy mackinaw, family-friendly shore access at Manson Bay and Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park, and several key boat launches. You’ll also find trolling setups for each species, from dodgers and Kokanee Killers to flashers, flies and plugs, plus tips on using a fish finder and watching for the valley’s strong winds. Whether you’re chasing a trophy lake trout or introducing kids to fishing off a dock, there’s something here for everyone.
Read the full post here: Fishing at Lake Chelan
Our guide to fishing the Cowlitz River
