The sockeye fishery is going strong in the Brewster Pool this summer. The fishing has been fast-paced, and the boat limit of four fish is easily achieved by most anglers in just a few hours. The sockeye are modest in size, but the meat of these salmon is rich and flavorful, even after the fish travel hundreds of miles to their destination on the Columbia River in Canada.
Guide Austin Moser of Livin’ Life Adventures says brewster pool sockeye fishing this is one of the best Sockeye seasons he has seen in his long career. “We have caught a ton of sockeye in the last few weeks and it’s only getting better,” he says. “If sockeye returns continue like this, 2022 could very well be a record year for the Brewster Pool.”
Sockeye passage through Bonneville Dam peaked in late June, and counts are currently less than 5,000 fish per day. However, the fish are still entering Lake Wenatchee and anglers are having a blast catching them.
The sockeye fishing is very good right now, but the kings are also present and anglers must be careful to not hook any of these larger fish. A short, light leader behind a Mack’s Double D Dodger or Cha Cha is a great recipe for success. This rig is designed specifically for this species of salmon and will help you land more fish than a standard salmon rig.
A few tips to keep in mind while fishing for Sockeye in the Brewster Pool:
Keep in mind that this is a public fishery and it’s important to be respectful of other anglers, especially in busy areas. Also, be sure to leave enough time to get on the water and get set up before the rush. This is a popular fishery, and the launching facilities are limited.
It is also important to have a long handled net along for the fish you do catch, as these fish are not known for fighting hard. They usually run from the boat and head for deeper water, so having a net that is long enough to reach them is crucial. Finally, it is important to be out there early, as the summer heat can drive most fishermen off the water by mid-morning. By going out at first light, you can avoid the crowds and enjoy a fun day of sockeye fishing. Be sure to bring a full tank of gas and plenty of snacks and drinks, as it is often a very long day on the water. Also, don’t forget sunscreen and a hat to protect you from the sun. It’s also a good idea to take a rain jacket in case of unexpected showers.