LAKE REPORT - 10/9/26

The Cascade Lakes are moving deeper into their fall transition, with fishing conditions varying considerably between lakes. Paulina continues to be a good option, while East is shifting toward subsurface and streamer fishing as kokanee move into spawning areas.   Low water and changing weather remain important considerations, especially for boat access.

Dry-fly opportunities are becoming more limited, although beetles and ants remain worth having available around the shorelines and shoals at Paulina. Callibaetis are winding down at East, where leeches and streamers are becoming the better options. Chironomids remain an important part of the mix, particularly when surface activity slows.

Subsurface fishing continues to offer opportunities with balanced leeches, chironomids, scuds, and smaller nymphs. Paulina's weed beds and deeper ledges remain good areas to focus, while larger streamers and baitfish patterns are worth having in the rotation at East as brown trout become more active around spawning kokanee. Smaller leeches and chironomids remain options at Crane Prairie, although fishing has been less consistent. Crane Prairie closes to angling November 1, while East and Paulina remain open year-round.

Recommended Flies

• Foam Beetle (#12–16)

• Flag Ant (#14–16)

• Callibaetis Cripple (#16–18)

• Chromie Chironomid (#14–18)

• Red Ice Cream Cone (#12–16)

• Callibaetis Cate (#16–18)

• Olive Scud (#14–18)

• Balanced Leech – Olive (#10–14)

• Red Two Bit Hooker (#14–18)

• Kreelex Minnow (#4–8)