Crazy Hot Sockeye Salmon Bite: Brewster Pool

Sports

Introduction

Good morning folks! You're probably reading this in comfort, but as I write, it's an unholy hour of the morning, before 3:30 AM. I'm awake and headed to the Brewster Pool. Today is going to be a scorcher—it's expected to hit 103°F, and I like to get out on the water as early as possible before the heat becomes oppressive. It's already in the mid-70s.

My mission this morning is to find a saky bite. I'll be starting early, with my 360 white light on behind me and a headlamp to avoid getting run over. Despite the early hour, it's kind of cool being out here in the dark, seeing all the lights twinkle on the Brewster Pool as everyone arrives, hopeful for a day of salmon fishing, fun with friends and family, and putting some meat in the freezer.

Some people shy away from this fishery due to its combat nature, but I accept it for what it is. We're all here to have fun and share the same goal. The thermal barrier in this cold pool traps the fish, making it an exciting event worth experiencing. As a kayak angler, I can really feel the temperature difference from the Okanagan River's warm water to the cold Columbia River water. Even the slightest breeze off the cold water gives a noticeable chill.

Getting my gear ready, I start with a 2 oz weight and a 3 oz weight for fishing in the dark. I'm marking fish at 15 to 25 feet right now, so I'm prepared for action.

My deeper rod got a bite but the fish got off. Another bite on the same rod also resulted in losing the fish. It’s clear that the deeper rod is attracting more attention. I might drop the other rod deeper if it continues to get no bites.

A fantastic hit just now—unfortunately, the fish snapped off. I've never been busted off by a saky here before, but that fish was smoking hot. Another bite followed shortly, but no luck again. This is turning out to be quite a day.

Finally, success! I caught a good one, although it was a rough start with several bites missed. I managed another hit after that, proving the moon jelly spinner's effectiveness. It was a decent-sized fish, getting me excited and hopeful.

As morning progresses, it seems the bite is steady. I caught a few more, bringing my count to four fish in no time. The final success came just after 5:00 AM, securing my four-fish limit for the day. The best setup included a big Dodger with pink tape and a moon jelly spinner. I also had success with a homemade orange and chartreuse combo.

In summary, it was a highly productive morning with the right gear and a little patience. Fish smarter, not harder!

Keywords

  • Brewster Pool
  • Early morning fishing
  • Sockeye salmon
  • Thermal barrier
  • Fishing weights
  • Kayak angling
  • Moon jelly spinner
  • Dodger setup
  • Orange and chartreuse spinner
  • Fishing strategy

FAQ

Q: Why go fishing so early in the morning? A: Fishing early helps avoid extreme heat and increases the chances of catching fish when they're most active.

Q: What is the Brewster Pool known for? A: The Brewster Pool is famous for its combat fishing atmosphere, where many anglers gather to fish due to the thermal barrier that traps fish in colder water.

Q: What gear was used for this successful fishing trip? A: I used a combination of a big Dodger with pink tape, a moon jelly spinner, and a homemade orange and chartreuse combo.

Q: Why did the deeper rod get more action? A: Fish were marked at 15 to 25 feet, closer to where the deeper rod was set up, making it more attractive to the fish.

Q: How many fish were caught during this session? A: I caught a total of four fish, reaching the limit by 5:00 AM.

Q: What made a significant difference in attracting the fish? A: The moon jelly spinner and the homemade orange and chartreuse spinner, assisted by the right weights and setup, played a crucial role.

Q: Is the combat nature of Brewster Pool fishing a deterrent? A: For some, yes. However, accepting the nature of the fishery can lead to a fun and rewarding experience.