Forever Fishing Washington State: Tiger Muskie Anyone?

State Record Tiger Musky?

Chris Gades and his 50" from Lake Curlew!!

                                                             Full story on the home page.

             Tiger Musky In Washington!!!!
          Yes we've got'em and here's the proof.

48"+ Merwin Magic

38"+ Merwin Tiger

Mayfield in May, ok!

Tiger Musky Missile at Merwin

Please release me, let me go.

Mastering Muskies, a life time pursuit.

Tackling Tigers at Tapps

The fish of a thousand casts and worth everyone of them!

Mike Floyd, one dedicated Musky Chaser!

Norm Dillon and his monster from Merwin!!

“Muskie Mayhem at Merwin”

5 boats + 10 fisherman = 20 Tigers

The headlights glanced from fir tree to fir tree. A parade of “coffee fueled” Muskie hunters traveled the winding Lewis River Road

to Lake Merwin. Darkness still hung on. One by one, boats and trailers clanking, the Chapter 57 hopefuls pulled into an empty boat launch parking lot. The (rarely ever seen) Western Washington sun peeked over the mountain as mist rose off Speelyai Bay. Five boats slithered their way into the waters. Typical fisherman bull was already flying and previously caught Tigers were growing larger with every story.

Silver Lake, one fish caught. Pend Oreille River had its challenges. Mayfield Reservoir, one fish caught. It’s been a skinny year so far. But something seemed different this day. There was no confusion at sign up, everyone had their banners, boats were in the water and ready to go at six straight up. As the day unfolded we would realize that the “Great Muskie Gods” like the sun, would shine brightly on us. The “perfect storm” of conditions had broken our way as the barometric pressure was dropping and the moon phase was just right, Tigers were hungry!

Mike and John were off to some secret spot where only the weathered and wise dare tread. Perry, by himself, chooses a familiar bay to toss his favorite lures and enjoy the peaceful waters of Lake Merwin. Bob and I took off across the lake. We settled on a far bank where several stupid fish were known to be lurking. Miles and “Jump’n” Jon headed west to several bays and banks that were sure to produce some action. Mike and Dan, we’re not really sure where they hid out but there was fish there.

Like a “Montana Forest Fire” stories of big fish spread up the Lake. Spinners, swim-baits and “Cuda Man Specials” were tearing up the weed beds, logs and sunken stumps. Eager Muskies were hitting everyone’s lures and those memories of being skunked melted away. Deep water, shallow beaches or sparse weed beds it didn’t seem to matter much, we were getting thumped at every turn. When it was all said and done 20 fish made it to the boats. Eight fat fish over 40”. Wow! They were measured with care and posed for a ceremonial picture with the proud fisherman before returning to their watery home.

As the victorious hunters returned to the docks there was a bit of sadness as this great day had come to an end. We gathered in the parking lot, stories of just how many Tigers were caught, lost and fought were relived. I overheard one member of many years exclaim “I’ve never seen anything like this before, maybe never again”. The lasting story was on everyone’s faces, sun tans, smiles and pure satisfaction.

Doug Porter, Muskie Novice.

Newman Lake planter.

Buddy and his first Tiger.

Tiger Musky, Lake Tapps.

Fat 41.5" Tiger, Lake Merwin

Merwin Musky, Happy Hunter

Speelyai Bay, Lake Merwin Merwin

South end at Merwin

Craig Dowdy + Newman Lake = 44" Tiger Muskie.

Report from Yankin Jaw Guide Service 7/31/11

Well after hearing Sunday was suppose to be the best fishing day of the year you know there was no way we weren't going to be on the water. Melodie and myself headed out about 8;30 and fished till 1:30. Started fishing S-wave's and bucktails in about 10-15ft water. The water temp is 73.8 in the areas we were fishing. We weren't there 15minutes and Melodie caught a nice 35" Tiger. We fished for about an hour longer when I caught a small 30" Tiger. The wind started to blow so we moved to get out of the wind and Mel hit a 28" and a 35.5". I ended up with a 33" and a 36" from the same area. Not a bad day of fishing, catching 6 fish total. Had a couple other fish follow in and figure 8 for a few seconds and then leave. Mel actually had a nice fish hit her Swave and come off when she set the hook. We have caught 14 Tigers in the last 2 trips, not a bad weekend of Tiger fishing. I guess they were right when they said the fishing was going to be hot Friday through Sunday. Good fishing everyone
If you want some fantastic Tiger Muskie fishing in Eastern Washington let Craig at Yankin Jaw be your guide.
Phone: 509-999-1708

Catch, Revive, Release, Rejoice!

Buddy Hartman, endures the Western Washington rain to land this beauty from Merwin.

Another one, some days your just smoke'n hot.

Jack Tipping with a couple of Mayfield Muskies. Jack a former WDFW employee was instrumental in the introduction of Tiger Muskie in Washington State. Truly without his passion and persistence we would not have that special fishery!