It is kind of like bass fishing, but for much bigger fish.
Sterile tiger muskies have been stocked into Mayfield Lake and Merwin Reservoir for decades to control populations of northern pikeminnow, and they provide a terrific catch-and-release fishery. The toothy predators feast on the pikeminnow, as well as big baits thrown by muskie-savvy anglers.
Since the big fish are there to keep pikeminnow populations in check, the length limit is 50 inches. By the time a muskie reaches that size he has done his job for years, and eaten a whole lot of pikeminnow.
Sterile fish are preferred so the population can be managed without them spawning. They do not want the population of non-native fish to expand.
Fishing guide Mike West has figured out these fish, and he offers his clients a chance at the fish of a lifetime. He reports that he never fishes these brutes without getting action, even if the fish do not bite.
“They are an odd fish,” said West. “We always go up there and have action. Sometimes you will get 20 chasers to the boat and not have a bite. Other days you might have three chasers and land one.”
Often the fish follow the bait and seize it right at the boat, a sight-fishing thrill.
On the really good days his clients might catch as many as five, and the battles are exciting.
“They jump a lot and tail-walk just like a tarpon,” said West.
It is an awful lot like fishing for bass. The idea is to cast the lures to shoreline cover and work them back. He targets them with fly and conventional gear, and big baits.
When fishing with fly gear he throws 6-inch flies with a specialized fly rod designed by Dave Calhoun of NorthWest Rods in Kalama. When conventional fishing he will throw big Senko’s, long Rapala plugs, swimbaits, spinners, and spoons with steelhead gear.
At times he will troll.
He has favorite areas to fish, but West said you can find the muskies all over these lakes.
Wind has a lot to do with his success, since muskies do not like calm days and clear water.
A medium wind, which puts a light chop on the water, is best. Conversely, high winds will also put them down.
Do it right, and you can find yourself attached to a fish that will often run over 40 inches and 30 pounds. West has caught them up to 48 inches.
Few fish grow larger than the size limit, so this is basically a de facto catch-and-release fishery. Still, if he ever gets one over 50 inches, West may be tempted to keep it.
“A fish that big is at the end of his life,” said West. “Why just let it go?
Guided trips:
Fish the West with Mike West, (360) 673-3474, https://www.artful-nature.com/
Dave Calhoun, NW Rods: (360) 931-9776 www.nwrods.com/
