Washington Fishing Reports ยท Lakes ยท Central Region
Lake Chelan is a 50-mile, deep glacial lake with lake trout, kokanee and cutthroat.
Looking for the latest Lake Chelan fishing report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with current conditions, wind, stocking news and the flies working now at Lake Chelan.
Water level
Wind forecast
Lake Chelan fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Lake trout are moving shallow in fall.
Streamers along drop-offs near Chelan and Manson.
Stocking report
See the WDFW catchable trout plant reports for the latest stocking at Lake Chelan and other Washington waters.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Lake Chelan, bring: Sparkle Minnow #2-6, Woolly Bugger #4-8, Balanced Leech #10-12, Balanced Bou Leech #10-12, Slump Buster #6-8, Egg #12-14, Scud Bomb #12-16, Clouser Minnow #2-6, Pitching Leech #10, Circus Peanut #4.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Lake Chelan lake details
| Access | Public parks and ramps around Chelan and Manson. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 1,100 ft |
| Nearest town | Chelan, Washington |
| Best season | Year-round |
| Fish | Lake trout, kokanee, cutthroat and smallmouth |
| Regulations | Check the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations and emergency rule changes before you go. A Washington fishing license is required for anglers 15 and older, plus a catch record card for steelhead and salmon. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 3X tippet |
| Ice fishing | Does not freeze. |
| Camping | Lake Chelan State Park |
| Kids | Yes. |
| Good to know | Very deep water. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Lake trout.
Spring
Kokanee.
Summer
Deep fish.
Fall
Lake trout shallow.
How to get there
From Wenatchee, take US-97A north to Chelan.