Icicle River kings

Published 12:01 am Friday, May 27, 2011

The Icicle opened to chinook on Saturday, between the Wenatchee at Leavenworth and the salmon hatchery, and with a lot of water coming down the hill it was mostly a plunking show. Pete Flohr at Hooked On Toys in Wenatchee said not a lot of kings were taken over the weekend, but that a high percentage of 5-year returns meant BIG chinook.

“There was a 38-pounder caught Sunday,” Flohr said, “and we heard of a 32 and a 30, along with several in the upper 20s.”

The fish were scattered throughout the river, he said, but added it was necessary to use 8 to 14 ounces of lead to keep your lure in place. Most anglers were using a big Spin N Glo followed by either a herring or eggs.

Flohr said he thinks the run is late this spring, and that the Icicle should be hot in about two weeks. Anyone considering a guide, he said, might contact Brad Wagner of Bobber Down Guide Service, on the Web, or by phone at 509-670-3095.