Chelan boat launches: There's a small City launch down on the South shore of the Chelan River (outlet). I counted the parking slots several years ago, and it was something like 17. When I drove through this last May, on a Friday, it was full or close to it. There's another launch in town, on the North shore, just before you get to the Chelan City Campground (good campground).  That launch looked ok, but parking not too good. The gem is the launch on the point up toward Manson, across from the Casino. It's big, has lots of  parking, and could handle a weigh-in fine, tho you could also be out in a lot of wind and rough water.  I would prefer to launch on the river, due to the protection of the bridges and shore, and the close proximity to the fishing (from what I've been told). The current is fairly strong, but not like the wind. There must be a launch on the South Shore,  maybe around the old hydro pits, but I didn't see it.  Campground reservations would probably be a problem in June.  Most seem to want extra money to take a reservation, want the whole bill paid ahead of time, and won't give any refunds. Personally, I think they have a bad attitude.There is a visitors information hut in Chelan, but they didn't really have much useful information for Bass Clubs. Best bet would be to contact the Chelan or Wenatchee Bass Clubs for info.

C&R, Steve

So Russ are you going to be fishing any tourneys this year!

Is that why you didn't renew your membership Russ?

Chelan is a very good lake for big Smallies.  I have never had a problem getting a place to stay,  but it seems to be limited when it comes to housing all of us together for a tournament, ( i.e. 10 to 15 camp sites or rooms with electricity).

The Tri-Cities tournament this year was wonderful, but the one thing missing was the group together as a whole and the big potluck.

Also I am not sure how many launches are available, but all we need is one.  

It does have some nice smallmouth and I am sure all of us would love a shot at them.  Huge lake with more than enough room for any and all comers, but the limited access would be the biggest problem. IMO

Although I have been there many times,  I have only fished it once, (for smallies), does anyone else know much more about it.

Good topic, we need to look harder at this for an option.

BillB

Steve,

Never had any problems with getting a camp site. As far as pwc's are concerned well I guess i would deal with them just like we do on Lake WA or any other reservoir. Fishing for huge smallies is a kick. Much more fun than the dink fest at Banks in June.
RB

Russ, we actually had a permit for a Chelan T, can't recall what month it was, but it turned out to be the same weekend as a big boat race, so we went to Riffe, I think. The real problem with Chelan is that you about have to go in May or September to keep from being overrun by PWC's and Wake Boarders, full campgrounds, etc.

I went up there and looked over all the launches, most the campgrounds, and brought back all the info I could collect. No idea what happened to it, but I expect it got O filed. There are quite a few large lakes and reservoirs in Washington that we've never been to, or even explored, which I think is a shame. Maybe some of us who aren't really into the T's could form teams to explore some of these places? We need lots of info on a  place, before we apply for a permit.

C&R, Steve

8) 8)Guys,

I'm only knocking the Banks tourney in June because we allways fish that lake at that time. Sure you can catch lots of dinks there for a limit, as most people do and yes some bring in a few bags of big fish but rarely. But have you considered fishing a body of water that produces 20+ lbs of smallies regularly as well as seeing schools of 5-7lb Smallies in June??? Lets see here, that should be a no brainer for most. But most people have a tendancy to stay status quo. So if you want a shot at more big smally opportunities, give it some thought for a June event. I sure would like to see more than one 5+ fish come out of a tourney, wouldn't you???
RB 8)