Mathison Reservoir, Washington: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Mathison Reservoir lies in Chelan County, Washington. The ground around here is mixed forest. At roughly 4 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Supplies mean a trip to South Wenatchee, 5.2 miles off. East Wenatchee lies 7 miles off, Wenatchee another 7.6 miles. A county boundary sits nearby, which can matter for local access rules.

• Where to Fish on Mathison Reservoir

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Records held for Chelan County cover cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, sockeye salmon, Chinook salmon and largemouth bass. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. The shape of Mathison Reservoir rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 24°F to 62°F. The middle months are generous; the ends are demanding. Ice-out usually falls in late March, and the weeks after it fish hardest. On the long-run averages the water opens up around late March and starts locking again about late November. The shoulder weeks of the open season are the productive ones. It holds true on Mathison Reservoir more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. Access points are not mapped for this water, which suits people who like quiet. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Some banks are open only from a marked point. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Clear Lake sits 1.6 miles off and takes the overflow. Treat Mathison Reservoir as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.