"Pelican Point" to Chief Joseph Dam | Fishery of the Month



Hike of the Week - Okanogan County Tourism Council

"pelican Point" to chief joseph dam

Brewster, WA

Best Places to Go Fishing in Eastern Washington

Photo Credit: Jason Wettstein

overview

Pelican is the point across the Brewster Pool from the mouth of Okanogan River, where the Columbia turns to run up stream to Chief Joseph Dam. The point is known as Pelican due to the number of these white birds that gather here. A few boat launches are scattered throughout this stretch of the Columbia River, along with many places along the shore to fish or watch for wildlife.

fishing & waterway notes

There is an excellent fishing area along the south shore for trolling up to the shallow point where the river narrows. Above here the “white pump” is another spot that attracts anglers. The next best known fishing area is the deep pool (100 feet) next to the rock cliffs. Anglers also troll off the “Blow Hole”, which is the outlet of the Colville Tribal trout hatchery. There are some other good trolling spots on the west bank of the Columbia below the Highway 17 Bridge, just below Chief Joseph Dam. Two excellent boat launches are near the town of Bridgeport. One is at the City Marina, and the other just down stream, which is a WDFW site. This stretch of the Columbia is busy during the summer run salmon season. There are excellent places to fish from a boat with a bobber and jig and also some of the best plug fishing water on the upper Columbia. Folks can fish for trout, chinook & sockeye salmon, sturgeon, walleye, large mouth bass, and small mouth bass along this length. Be sure to reference your WDFW fishing regulations for general and special rules for the areas.


Best Places to Go Fishing in Eastern Washington

wildlife viewing

For those of us that find more fun in carrying a pair of binoculars than a fishing pole, find tons of flora and fauna to view from the banks of the Columbia River. Okanogan County is the largest in the state and hosts many wildlife viewing opportunities year round!

Photo Credit: Jason Wettstein

driving directions

From the town of Brewster, turn south on Hwy 17 which runs along the east side of the Columbia River. Or Turn south onto Hwy 173 towards the Brewster Boat Launch. While you're here, cross the river to the south to check out the Bridgeport Bar Widlife Area!

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