Washington Fishing Reports ยท Lakes ยท Eastern Region
Rufus Woods is a Columbia River reservoir below Grand Coulee Dam, famous for very large triploid rainbows that escape from net pens.
Looking for the latest Rufus Woods Lake river report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Rufus Woods Lake.
Water level
There is no public daily water level gauge for Rufus Woods Lake that we can show here. Check with the managing agency or a local shop for the latest.
Wind forecast
Rufus Woods Lake fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
Fall and winter are prime time for big triploids.
Strip big streamers and leeches near the net pens and shoreline.
Stocking report
See the WDFW catchable trout plant reports for the latest stocking at Rufus Woods Lake and other Washington waters.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Rufus Woods Lake, bring: Woolly Bugger #2-6, Sparkle Minnow #2-4, Mini Leech #6-8, 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.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Rufus Woods Lake lake details
| Access | Ramps on the north side near Bridgeport and Chief Joseph Dam. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | About 950 ft |
| Nearest town | Bridgeport, Washington |
| Best season | Fall through spring |
| Fish | Large triploid rainbows and walleye |
| Regulations | The north shore is on the Colville Reservation and needs a tribal permit. 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, 1X to 2X tippet |
| Ice fishing | Does not freeze. |
| Camping | Bridgeport State Park |
| Kids | Partly. |
| Good to know | Know which shore needs a tribal permit. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Big triploids.
Spring
Spring triploids.
Summer
Hot and windy.
Fall
Fall triploids.
How to get there
From Bridgeport, follow State Route 17 and the north shore roads.