What You'll Find at Conconully Reservoir

Conconully Reservoir sits in north-central Washington's Okanogan Valley, about 30 miles northwest of Omak. The lake holds rainbow trout, brook trout, and kokanee salmon, with rainbows being the most reliable catch. The reservoir spans roughly 1,000 acres when full, though water levels drop significantly in late summer and fall as irrigation demands pull the lake down. The shoreline becomes rocky and exposed as the water recedes, which changes where fish hold and how you'll need to fish.

The lake sits at 2,200 feet elevation in semi-arid country, so expect hot, dry summers and cold winters. Spring and early summer bring the best fishing, when water temperatures favor active feeding and the lake is closer to full pool. Fall can be productive too, though the dropping water level concentrates fish and makes navigation trickier. Winter ice-out typically occurs in April, though timing varies year to year.

Key Takeaways

  • Conconully Reservoir holds rainbow and brook trout year-round, with spring and early summer offering the most consistent fishing.
  • Water levels drop dramatically in late summer and fall due to irrigation withdrawals, exposing rocky shorelines and changing fish location.
  • The lake has two public boat launches—one at the main recreation area and one at the dam—both requiring a Discover Pass for parking.
  • Trolling with small spinners and spoons works well for rainbows; shore anglers do best with bait or small lures near structure in spring.
  • A Washington fishing license is required; check current regulations for daily catch limits and any seasonal closures before you go.

Getting There and What to Bring

Conconully is reached via Highway 97 north from Omak, then west on Conconully Road. The drive from Omak takes about 45 minutes. The town of Conconully sits on the lake's south end and has a small store, gas station, and a few lodging options, though services are limited. The main public access point is Conconully State Park, which has a boat launch, picnic area, and parking. A Washington Discover Pass is required to park at the state park—you can buy a day pass or annual pass at the ranger station or online.

Bring a fishing license, which you'll need before wetting a line. Washington issues licenses by mail, online, or at sporting goods stores and ranger stations. The lake is exposed and windy, so sun protection and layers are essential even in summer. If you're launching a boat, check water levels before you go—the lake can be too low for safe launching in late August and September. A depth finder is useful for locating trout, especially in spring when fish suspend at mid-depth.

Spring and Early Summer: The Prime Window

From April through June, Conconully fishes best. Water temperatures climb into the 50s and 60s, triggering active feeding. Rainbows move into shallower water and respond well to trolling. Small spinners in silver or gold, spoons in the 1/4-ounce range, and small crankbaits all produce. Troll slowly along the main basin and around the submerged creek channels—a depth finder helps you stay in the 20- to 40-foot zone where trout often hold.

Shore anglers do well in spring too, especially early in the morning. Fish the rocky points and shallow bays with small spinners or live bait—worms, minnows, or salmon eggs work. The inlet creek on the north end can hold fish when water flows through it. By late June, as water warms, fish move deeper and feeding slows during midday. Early morning and evening become more important.

Summer: Deeper Water and Midweek Trips

July and August bring warm water and lower fish activity during the day. Rainbows move to 50 feet or deeper, making them harder to reach from shore. Boat anglers should troll deeper, using heavier spoons or small jigging spoons. Early morning and late evening are your best windows—fish move shallower to feed when light is low. Midweek trips often produce better results than weekends, when boat traffic increases.

Brook trout and kokanee become more relevant in summer. Kokanee are small landlocked salmon that school in open water; they respond to tiny jigging spoons and small spinners. Brook trout often hold near structure—rocky points, drop-offs, and submerged logs. If the water level is dropping fast, fish the deeper holes and channels where trout concentrate. Avoid the shallowest bays entirely in midsummer; they warm too much for trout.

Fall: Lower Water and Concentrated Fish

September and October bring cooler water and dropping levels. The lake can lose 10 to 20 feet of elevation as irrigation demands peak. This exposes rocky shorelines and makes the lake look barren, but it also concentrates fish into the remaining deeper water. Trolling becomes more productive again as water cools. Focus on the main basin and the deepest holes—a depth finder is critical now because the lake's shape changes dramatically.

Shore fishing becomes harder as the shoreline becomes rocky and steep, but it's not impossible. Fish the remaining accessible points and the inlet creek if water still flows. Fall can produce large rainbows, as fish feed heavily before winter. By late October, water temperatures drop into the 40s, and fishing slows. Winter closures may apply—check the current Washington fishing regulations before planning a late-fall trip.

Tackle and Technique for Different Situations

Trolling is the most consistent method at Conconully. Use a medium-light spinning rod with 6- to 8-pound monofilament or braided line. Small spoons (1/4 to 3/8 ounce) in silver, gold, or copper work year-round. Spinners in sizes 1 and 2 are effective, especially in spring. Troll at 1.5 to 2.5 miles per hour—slow enough to feel the lure working, fast enough to cover water. Vary your depth by trolling at different distances from shore and adjusting your line length.

Shore anglers should use light spinning gear and cast small spinners or spoons near structure. Bait fishing with worms or minnows works well in spring and fall, especially near the inlet. Use a simple slip sinker rig to keep bait near the bottom in deeper water. If you're fishing from the dam area, the water is often deeper and colder—fish hold lower, so adjust your depth accordingly. Jigging with small spoons works for kokanee and deep-holding rainbows, though it requires a boat.

Regulations and Seasonal Closures

Washington's fishing regulations change annually, and Conconully may have specific rules that differ from statewide defaults. Rainbow trout daily limit is typically five fish, but check the current regulations before you fish—limits can change. Some areas of the lake may have seasonal closures or special restrictions. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife publishes a detailed fishing guide that covers Conconully specifically; download it or call the Omak office to confirm current rules.

Catch-and-release is always allowed, and many anglers practice it to preserve the fishery. If you keep fish, keep them on ice immediately—the desert heat spoils fish quickly. Barbless hooks are not required at Conconully, but they make catch-and-release easier and reduce injury to fish you release.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Conconully Reservoir open year-round?

Conconully is open year-round for fishing, but winter conditions can make access difficult. Ice forms in December and January, and the road can be snowy. Spring (April through June) and fall (September through October) are the most reliable seasons. Check current conditions with the Omak ranger station before a winter trip.

Can I fish from shore, or do I need a boat?

Shore fishing is possible, especially in spring and fall when water levels are higher and fish move shallower. Summer and winter are harder from shore because fish move deeper. A boat gives you access to deeper water and more of the lake, but it's not required to catch fish.

What's the difference between the two boat launches?

The main launch at Conconully State Park is the primary access point and has facilities. The dam launch on the north end is smaller and more exposed but can be useful when water levels are very low. Both require a Discover Pass. Check water levels before launching—late summer levels may be too low for safe launching at either site.

Do I need a guide to fish Conconully?

No guide is required. The lake is straightforward to fish, and the techniques are basic. If you're new to the area or want local knowledge about current conditions, a guide can help, but many anglers fish Conconully successfully on their own.

What's the best time of year to visit?

May through June is the most reliable window—water levels are high, temperatures are moderate, and fish are actively feeding. September and October offer good fishing too, though water levels are dropping. July and August can be productive early and late in the day, but midday fishing is slow.