- Steve Joyce, Red's Fly Shop
CALL NOW (509)933-2300
CALL NOW (509)933-2300
Fly Fishing for Largemouth Bass
At 35 acres in size, Hilltop is just the right size for a small craft. The lake itself is long and relatively skinny with great Bass habitat including cattails, Russian olive trees, and weed beds surrounding the entire shoreline. This creates an unlimited number of pockets and undercuts to probe with a variety of flies as you work the edges from a drift boat, pontoon, or float tube.
While fishing is fishing, and they can inexplicably become lock-jawed at anytime, the fact that we restrict angler days and allow fly fishing only on Hilltop Lake gives anglers a "better than average" chance at experiencing something special. Most days the fishing is anything but technical. Largemouth bass are predators and when they set their sights on eating something, they're going to get it done! Given the dense riparian foliage surrounding the entire lake and soft mud bottom throughout, bank angling is simply not an option. Pontoon boats, drift boats,prams, float tubes, and even small rowable sleds work well and are necessary to effectively fish the lake.
Cost & Trip Details
Anglers should consider time of day as they plan their trip. In the early spring we tend to encourage fishing during the warmest part of the afternoon into the early evening, but not until dark. In the late spring - summer, dusk provides the greatest frequency of action assuming we don't have high winds or a cold front. In July and August, early morning trips and hitting the lake at dawn for the first few hours of the day can be a huge advantage!
Guided Trips vs. DIY Access
- Non Guided Access - $150 per angler/day
- Guided Trips - $650 per day (1 or 2 anglers - 4-5 hours fishing)
Guided Trips Include:
- All Flies and Accessories (leaders, tippet, etc.)
- Rods and Reels if Needed (6-8 weight rods with appropriate lines)
- Non-Alcoholic Drinks (help us Kick Plastic by bringing your own reusable water bottle!)
"The high population of Largemouth have led many to refer to Hilltop Lake as The Disneyland of Largemouth fishing."
SAGECLIFFE LODGE & SPA
While many of our guests choose to stay at our home base, Canyon River Lodge, it's worth noting that the lodge is located about an hour from Hilltop Lake—our premier warmwater fly fishing destination. For those looking to maximize convenience and enjoy a luxurious stay just minutes from the lake, we recommend Sagecliffe Resort and Spa. Nestled above the Columbia River with stunning views and upscale accommodations, Sagecliffe offers the perfect blend of comfort, relaxation, and proximity to the action. It’s an ideal basecamp for early morning bass missions, group lessons, or a relaxing getaway that still includes a bit of adventure. Guests can pair their fly fishing experience with wine tasting, fine dining, and full-service spa treatments—making it a fantastic option for couples or groups looking for more than just a fishing trip.
The Red's Fly Shop Guide Team
We are unapologetic about proclaiming the prowess and professionalism of our fly shop staff and guides. Between our shop staff and subcontractor guides we have approximately 30 team members. Their blend of ambition, competitiveness, kindness, fishing skill, work ethic, and patience are like no crew we've ever seen. Our staff is the ultimate team. This means teaching each other, sharing secret fly patterns, insider fishing reports, and helping our other guides on the river get into more fish.
Red's has been at this for a long time and putting together a franchise like this was no accident. We look for talent, character, unique skills, and a strong sense of "customer first" attitude. We're here to serve the customer. That's our mission.
Deposit and Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made by the customer less than 72 hours from the start time, will forfeit 50% of the total cost. If you cancel more than 72 hours from the start time, you may reschedule or request a refund minus 5%. Cancellations within 24 hours or failure to show will forfeit 100% of the trip cost. If Red's decides to cancel the event due to adverse conditions the customer may request a full refund.