More than 80% of Okanogan county is public land and open to hunting during the open seasons,
Lake Pateros has excellent hunting for ducks and geese and Dept. of Fish and Wildlife lands (over 7,000 acres) nearby on the Columbia river are managed for upland birds (pheasant, valley quail, chukar, and huns).
Okanogan and Douglas counties are home to the biggest Mule deer population in the state of Washington.
Okanogan and Douglas counties are home to the biggest Mule deer population in the state of Washington.
Fishing:
One of the best fisheries in the state! The upper Columbia River and the Methow River are once again open for Steelhead fishing. The opening date for Steelhead changes from year to year but is usually within the first couple of weeks in October, and is set according to the number of fish coming up river. Salmon fishing usually opens in July, and can be fished a short distance from Pateros. The Columbia River produces a variety of fish including, Walleye, Trout and Bass. Check with the Dept. of Fish and Wildlife for all opening dates and regulations. There are lots of other lakes close to Pateros such as Alta and Rat Lakes which are stocked with Rainbow Trout. And the fishing is always good up on Rufus Woods too.
