The weather was almost summer-like last week, and there are more good days in the forecasts. That is very good news, as the biggest fishing day of the year is coming up this weekend. The fourth weekend in April sees thousands of anglers hitting the hundreds of lakes that open at this time every year. The annual opening of the lowland lake is a celebration of trout and this species has a huge following. Lakes that are in the heart of large cities and towns to those that are in remote corners of the state will have their banks crowded with folks eager to put the first fish of the season in their coolers.

In spite of the challenges presented by the restrictions that have come with the COVID 19 crisis, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has kept up their schedules of planting fresh batches of rainbow trout and other species in our state’s lakes. Anglers can expect good fishing at their favorite destination on opening weekend.

I have visited several lakes on the opening weekend for many years just to talk to folks and ask about their experience. It is not unusual to find family groups that have been coming to the same lake and staying at the same park or resort for decades. It is really fun to see these anglers introducing the third or fourth generation of young fishers to the sport. Trout fishing has been creating memories for these families year after year.

I want to remind people to get their license. Don’t wait until the last minute, or heaven forbid, forget to get one altogether. It happens. Most people get their license at their favorite sporting goods store, while stocking up for the first big fishing trip of the season. Many people just get theirs online now. It really isn’t that difficult. Just log onto the WDFW website and look under licenses. It is a good idea to have your old license handy so you have your Wild ID number, although you can usually get by without it.

Be sure to pick up a copy of the Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet. I have one in my desk, in my truck and my boat. It is good reference to see what the rules are for the lake you want to fish. Many of our lakes have special limits, gear, or size restrictions. Although there was a rule simplification process, there are still many rules that can surprise anglers. Especially if not familiar with a lake or an area that is new to them. I also suggest that you download the free FishWA App. You can view the regulations, learn about the species available in the lake you are fishing and much more—right on your smart phone.

The importance of having the rules pamphlet handy was made obvious to me last Sunday. I was driving up to Banks Lake, and while passing by Blue Lake I stopped twice to tell people that were fishing from the shore next to the highway that the lake was closed. It will open this weekend, but these folks were jumping the gun, because they didn’t know when opening day was, or when this Blue Lake opened to fishing. They were glad I stopped and let them know. I didn’t want anyone to get a ticket. On the way home I saw three more groups fishing from shore! I was in a hurry to get home and didn’t stop and I hope they didn’t get pinched, or maybe someone else let them know they were fishing out of season.

Also, if you plan to take your boat out on opening day, there are a couple of things that you need to do. Number one is to be sure your battery is charged, and the motor will start. Sometimes you just need fresh gas in the tank or a new plug. Nothing is worse than clogging up the boat ramp with your boat full of eager anglers and a line waiting behind you and your motor won’t start.

Another detail that is super important is to have enough lifejackets on board for the number of people that are in your boat. Remember, all kids 12 years old and under must be wearing a life jacket when in a boat. I have been on “ride alongs” with WDFW enforcement officers, and they are often very forgiving for the violation of certain rules, but they draw the line when it comes to boating safety. Another thing they have no tolerance for is littering. Be sure to pick up after yourself before you leave for home.

I was thrilled to tow home from Bob Feil Boats and Motors the Smoker Craft Phantom 20 X2 model that I will be driving this year. I like the way Smoker Craft builds their boats, with a wide beam and deep gunnels. The deep gunnels make it very comfortable when you are using downriggers and they also have toe holders that really help keep you stable when reaching over the side to retrieve the downrigger ball or netting fish. It is powered by a 150 Mercury Pro XS and has a 9.9 Pro XS kicker. On the bow is the Minn Kota Ulterra 112-pound thrust powered with 36 volts. There is a Garmin fish find at the helm and in the back of the boat. This week’s photo is of the boat on Fish Lake.

My wife always wants to go along on the first time I put a new boat in the water, to be sure everything is working right before I take anyone else out on the water. So, we ran up to Fish Lake for the maiden voyage. It was a beautiful calm day, with snow-capped peaks in the distance. Bald eagles were soaring and ospreys snatching fish off the surface.     

I decided to start the break in process with the main motor. I am sure that people were wondering what the heck I was doing. I would do slow laps then faster laps up and down the lake, as required to break in the motor in properly. I also ran the kicker and the Minn Kota bow mount electric. Everything ran perfectly. I was also very pleased with the performance of the Garmin fish finders, too.
I can’t wait to get out on the lake and do some fishing next time!