You may be right in your analysis.  The only thinking is the club event three years ago when giant fish were caught in the late August time frame.  We thought that the boat traffic could have caused some of the problems and Russ's thinking would fit nicely.  Still good fishing, just not what I have experienced in the past.  Yes, Carlos, the west wind carried a tone of smoke into the area on Saturday evening and Sunday morning.

I think you guys caught all the fish already Russ.

You know Chelan can be like that. It is an amazing fishery in June and July as you can see from my and Madero's reports. I think those fish go on a feeding binge after the spawn and then they settle down in their deep water haunts for the summer.

I have found that the conditions have to be perfect for the top water bite and that certain areas of the lake produce better for that type of bite.

Russ

Bob and I were there on Sunday with the same results. Was the smoke out of control or what? On a side note Potholes was great after we left at 3 from Chelan.

Carlos

Tried to call you Sarge for a report as we were leaving town on Saturday.

I fished Chelan from August 6-8 and had the same experience as Kirk. I went out one day while it was still dark in the morning and dead calm, and I only got one dink to rise to a topwater... kind of unbelievable. On the last day I ended up getting a smallie over 4 pounds in 20 feet of water dragging a splitshot rig. I also had one of the same size come unbuttoned about 5 minutes before. Certain areas of the lake have MASSIVE pieces of wood, and that is what I caught the fish on. Other than that, I caught many 1-2 pound fish on dropshot and splitshot rigs. Shaded point areas were good. Those fish were in any depth down to 20 feet. I didn't spend much time deeper. I think the September tournament is gonna be hot, baby, HOT!

I was hanging out with a couple of old friends that don't like to fish that much, so I didn't get to check out any new areas, but had a blast nonetheless. I also developed what I think are lower unit problems with the ol' brown note, so that cut my running capabilities way down. I should be hearing from the shop any day...

Chris

Hi Gang,
Liz and I were sitting around on Saturday with nothing to do, so loaded the camper and boat and left the house 30 minutes later.  Figured to stay at Kamei, but decided to simply stay in the casino parking lot with the rest of the rv'ers.  Went out Saturday evening around 6pm.  Caught 12 fish, biggest right at 2lbs.  Disappointing top water bite.  Oh well, went back to the casino, lost 20 bucks and we went to bed.  Up at 4am, and threw top water in all the usual locations, and did not even have a sniff.  Liz was dragging the trusty zoomie, and nailing them pretty good.  I was throwing everything at them, but there was no reation bite AT ALL.  Had to drop shot and hula grub them.  Caught 15 fish today, Liz took honors with a fatty 3lb 2oz.  Fishing was ok, not what I expected.  Boat traffic was I-405 at 5pm.  Early today was fine, but man, it can be tough on you.  Should have hit Wapatoad, but it was a blast for a quick trip.  Always love fishing that clear water.