Coffee Pot Lake Hosts - Wytold Lebing, David Williams, and Eric Olson

Coffee Pot Lake is best known for its prodigious chironomid hatches that feed rainbow trout that reach nearly 24 inches. In addition to those big trout, plenty of largemouth bass up to 5 pounds swim under the fly fishers’ radar. It also has black crappie and yellow perch. Coffee Pot is located in a deep coulee a few miles northeast of Odessa, so a floating device is necessary. 

You’ll want chironomids–some weighted and some not. If the water is still cool, the fish will be working deep. A few years ago (in June), the fish were cruising the surface; last year (in May 2025), surface activity was pretty limited. TDCs, Ice Cream Cones, and your favorite chironomid patterns in sizes 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 largemouths is The Hamster (Flyfishing for Western Smallmouth). Expect a nasty strike from a big rainbow, too. 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. The campground has approximately 10 campsites with picnic tables and campfire rings, a large covered pavilion, ample RV parking, 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. 

A previous Coffee Pot Lake outing report may be found in the June 2023 Flypaper

Cancellation Deadline: 8:00 p.m. the Sunday before the outing. If you need to cancel, please contact the Outing Host(s). No refunds will be issued after the cancellation deadline. 

What to Bring for Fishing 

• Washington state fishing license 
• Raft, canoe, pontoon boat, kayak, or float tube. 
• A PFD is always recommended for wading and for riding in boats. 
• 4-6 weight rods and both floating and sink lines 
• 3x,4x, and maybe 5x tippet, depending on which flies you use. 

What to Bring for Camping: 

• Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad 
• Bring clothes for warmish daytime temperatures and chilly nights. 
• Rain gear 
• Sunscreen, hat, and dark glasses 
• Flashlight(s) 
• Folding chair 
• Camera (in Ziplock bag) 
• Water bottle with liquid NOTE: There is no campsite fee at this campground 

Food & Beverages: 

• The $30.00 outing fee covers only 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 

• I-90 east to Exit 206 
• Take WA-21 north towards Odessa 
• Get ice and other last-minute supplies in Odessa, then 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, though some have commuted to a hotel in Odessa.