Coffee Pot Lake Hosts - David Williams & Eric Olson
Coffee Pot Lake is best known for its prodigious chironomid hatches that feed rainbow trout reaching nearly 24 inches long. In addition to those big trout, swimming under the fly fishers radar are plenty of largemouth bass that go up to 5 pounds. It has black crappie and some yellow perch as well. Coffeepot is located in a deep coulee a few miles northeast of Odessa, so a floating device is necessary.
You’ll want chironomids–some with weight and some without. If the water is still cool, then the fish will be working deep. Last June, the fish were cruising the surface. TDC’s, Ice Cream Cones, and your favorite chironomid patterns in size 14-18 work. Dragonfly nymphs such as Chickabou Dragon or Draper Dragon (Flies Of The Northwest pattern book) on a sinking line will take fish. Of course the ubiquitous black or olive rabbit bugger will catch most anything.
All you need to have the most topwater fun with the largemouth is The Hamster (Flyfishing for Western Smallmouth) and expect a nasty strike from a big rainbow as well. Add a white baitfish pattern (ask Eric Olson for his pattern) and you’ll be set.
This lake is in a remote location but there is a small BLM campground and boat launch available there. The campground has approximately 10 campsites with picnic tables and campfire rings, a large covered pavilion, plenty of parking for RVs, and a vault toilet. There is no potable water on site so each of us will need to bring drinking water, approximately 1 gallon per person per day.
Last years Coffee Pot Lake outing report may be found in the June 2023 Flypaper.
What to Bring for Fishing:
- Washington state fishing license
- Raft, canoe, pontoon boat, kayak, or float tube.
- PFD is always recommended for wading and riding in boats.
- 4-6 weight rods and floating lines.
- 3x,4x, and maybe 5x tippet depending on which flies you use.
- Check the local fly shops on what is working. You may want to bring Hares Ear and Lightening Bugs.
What to Bring for Camping:
- WA Discovery Pass
- Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad
- Clothes for warmish daytime temperatures and chilly nights.
- Rain gear
- Sun screen, hat, and dark glasses
- Flashlight(s)
- Folding Chair
- Water Bottle
- Drinking water, approximately 1 gallon per person per day.
Food & Beverages:
- The outing fee only covers Friday and Saturday night dinners and Saturday and Sunday coffee.
- Bring your own food for breakfast and lunch.
- Bring your own wine, beer, or hard stuff.
Getting There
- Take WA-21 north towards Odessa
- Get ice and other last minutes supplies in Odessa, continue north on WA-21
- Turn right (east) on Coffeepot Road
- Turn right at Coffeepot Lake. We will be staying at the campground at Coffeepot Lake.
Cancellation Deadline: Deadline for cancellation is 8:00 p.m. the Sunday before the outing. If you need to cancel, please contact the Outing Host(s). There will be no refunds after the cancellation deadline.
