The town of Brewster is a little-known destination for some of the region’s best salmon fishing. This popular fishery is located on the Columbia River, near the mouth of the Okanogan River. This section of the river is a favorite for anglers looking to catch summer Chinook, which must be released unharmed.
While the salmon are a big draw, this section of the river also offers up some outstanding trout fishing as well. The ponds here, including Sheep Pond and Rat Lake, are regularly stocked with several different types of trout to ensure that there’s always action for anglers seeking to catch their next meal on the fly.
Fishing is available year-round at these locations, but it’s at its peak in spring and fall. Striped bass are most common at these times, with bluefish coming in a bit later, around June. Trout stockings are frequent throughout the year at these spots as well, with a special focus on rainbow trout in spring and tiger trout in fall.
The best way to get in on this fishery brewster salmon fishing is to book a guided trip with one of the area’s many guide services. These professionals can help you to find the best locations, and show you some of the most productive techniques for catching these hard-fighting fish. They can even provide you with tips on how to keep the fish alive once you’ve caught them, so that you’re able to enjoy your catch at home.
There are multiple ways to catch salmon in the Brewster Pool, but trolling is the most popular method. This is because the fish are so plentiful in this stretch of the river. The key is to troll slowly, between 0.7 and 1.2 mph. This will ensure that your lures reach the right depth, while also allowing you to keep an eye on your lines for any signs of action.
Another thing to keep in mind is that this is a very popular fishery, so you’ll likely be sharing space with other boats. If this is something that you’re not comfortable with, then you should look for an area away from the main channel.
The sockeye run at the Brewster Pool has grown in popularity over the past decade, and this year was no exception. This fishery, located just 4 miles from the touristy town of Chelan, is a fun and fast-action fishery that produces thousands of salmon each summer. The reason this fishery has grown in popularity is due to a number of factors, including the Chelan Falls Hatchery ramping up the sockeye production and perfect water conditions this season.
The best time to catch sockeye at the Brewster Pool is in July and August. To target these fish, you can use a chrome flasher trailed by a Mack’s smile blade or a Coonstripe shrimp cured with garlic scent. The key is to shorten the leader and troll at a slow speed to increase your odds of hooking up.