Have to head over to Methow/Chelan area on business this weekend and thought I would bring the pontoon and 5wt...any good fly only lakes that are not zippers anyone would like to share. I enjoy the pursuit of big fish so lakes where quality is their over quantity is ideal...cheers.

I live in the Methow and Big Twin is the lake that would usually fill your bill. It did apparently have some winterkill, this year, but I have fished only one evening, so far. Got a few in the mid-teens. When winterkill is not an issue, it's not uncommon to find 20"+. Chronomids, for now, with some decent hatches in the evenings.

If you have some extra time and gas, there are some lakes up in the Sinlahekin (North of the Methow; west of the Okanogan) that are worth checking in to. Blue, a few miles N of Conconully, is one.

Thanks Pisco, I heard blue is solid I might go check that out along with Big Twin. Any word on the fall Steelhead on Methow?

Fall steelhead is opened on an "emergency" basis. There has to be a large enough wild run escapement to allow for a hatchery season. (This despite hatchery fish being listed, too.) We've had a few seasons, but not last year. (The Columbia was open.) It's my understanding that the state has to negotiate each season with NOAA Fisheries, after they see what the run looks like coming over the dams. The state usually makes a statement around late Sept., early Oct.

Good luck this weekend, tell us how you do. I'll be on the wetside, with a bunch of kooky kayakers, chasing 'buts and lings.

Enjoy, I will let you know how it goes. Thanks for the info, good luck on the lings and butts...hopefully I can find a nice 100-130lb ewash 'butt this weekend:)