Rufus Woods Reservoir Fishing Report | January 2026
The report at a glance
Presentation
Float fishing and jigging with Hawken gear. Austin ran Hawken Aero-Floats and Hawken Aerojig hackle jigs, and also scored by pitching the slightly heavier jigs.
Lures and baits
Hawken Aero-Floats
Hawken Aerojig hackle jigs
Heavier jigs (pitched)
Other techniques
Pitching a heavier jig.
Advice for this week
Do not overlook pitching a heavier jig. Along with the float and jig program under the Aero-Floats, going heavier put extra fish in the boat during cold-water conditions.
Next week
The Rufus Woods winter fishery is in full swing and kicking out big triploids. Cold water and proven float and jig setups should keep producing quality fish.
Notable catch
A true 13-pound triploid was the standout of the day, part of a bunch of big triploid trout.
The Rufus Woods Reservoir winter triploid trout fishery is in full swing, giving up big, deep-colored fish including a 13 pound triploid. Capt. Austin Moser is catching them on Hawken Aero-Floats and Aerojigs, plus pitching the heavier jigs. Cold water and proven gear are producing the trophy trout Rufus Woods is known for.
What is biting at Rufus Woods Reservoir right now?
Big triploid rainbow trout, and the winter fishery is in full swing. Capt. Austin Moser had a phenomenal day catching a bunch of big fish, the largest a 13 pound triploid. The fish are healthy with deep, rich color in the fillet.
What lures are working at Rufus Woods Reservoir?
Austin caught them on Hawken Aero-Floats and Aerojigs, as well as just pitching the slightly heavier jigs. This float-and-jig approach is the proven winter program on Rufus Woods.
How do you fish for Rufus Woods triploids?
Run a float setup with Hawken Aero-Floats and Aerojigs, and also pitch the heavier jigs directly to fish. It is a cold-water fishery, so proven gear and patience produce these big triploids. Exact depths were not specified in this report.
How big are the Rufus Woods trout?
They run big. Austin caught a bunch of large fish on this day, and the standout was a 13 pound triploid trout. These fish fillet out with a deep, rich color inside and are exactly what Rufus Woods is known for.
What is the outlook for Rufus Woods Reservoir?
The winter fishery is in full swing and producing well in the cold water. Austin is having a great time boating big triploids. Water temperature, trolling speed, and specific depths were not specified in this report.
Watch the full report
Rufus Woods Reservoir January 2026 FAQ
A 13 pound triploid trout was the standout on this trip.
Hawken Aero-Floats and Aerojigs, plus pitching the heavier jigs.
Yes, it is in full swing and producing lots of big trout in the cold water.
Big triploid rainbow trout, known for their size and deep, rich fillet color.
An exact depth was not specified in this report.
Capt. Austin Moser, a Washington State trout specialist.
