Icicle River (creek) Chelan County

WDFW says that Spring (hatchery) Chinook fishing will open here from May 22nd thru July 31st.

Does anyone know if this river is compatible for yak fishing? I'll be near Fish lake over Memorial weekend and was wondering if this would be a better bet than fish lake?
Or is this a better fishery from shore? I know it's quite small.

Would appreciate any info from you Warm siders (or anyone with a good story).

Thanks (in advance),

Kurt

I haven't fished this fishery, though I've observed others.

First thing that I would be concerned about, right now, is the high water. We got more snow, down to 4000', last night, and the melt has been slow and protracted. This is not a casual float, (at this time of the year) and there have been tragic consequences for people that have underestimated it. Might be good WW kayaking, but tough to fish from a yak. Best chance would be to use the yak for transport to a hole away from the crowds. I would recommend getting to know the area at low flows, before trying it at high flows.

It would also be my guess that the best fishing is still several weeks away. The run was late at getting over Bonneville.

Good Advise Pisco,

I haven't seen this river except in late Summer when it seems so docile. Probably best to avoid high water. Sounds like river rafting on the Wenatchee river might be a better choice, Woohoo!

What about Fish Lake? is this worth the effort or is it crowded and over fished?

Kurt

I haven't fished it in 30 years, but it has a reputation as a good lake, being worth it even if crowded.

Yellow perch, rainbows and browns, with bullheads on the bottom. Keep your gear above the bottom!

Kurt,
The icicle is one of my old stomping grounds. It can produce some nice fish. The problem is that it has a very small bank fishing area from the Indian fishing area downstream about 500 to 800 feet to the handicap platform, and beyond to the drift boat launch. Anything after that has to be fished from a boat because all property beyond that is private until you get to the take out spot about 2 miles. Itried to talk someone into doing a tandem kayak with me, one fishes as the other paddles. It is a little hard to fish and control the boat at the same time. Even when it is running slow it is still running and not easy to fish from a yak. I have fished with my buddy from the hatchery (one of the biologists) I think it can be done from a tandem. But if you are gona do that you might as well use a drift boat. It can be combat type fishing at times.
I would use a dive plug with a 2' 3' leader coming of that with a herrring or shrimp.
Fish lake is a fun lake it is stocked all year long and they put some nice plants in it. From a yak troll edges of the lake dragging a wedding ring with a worm on it. Or you can fish from the dock for $5. They do rent boats there. My avatar is my son with some fish he caught from fish lake.
Have a good time, my son loves to fish that lake.
Matt