FINS, FUR & FEATHERS: Some lakes getting the real big ones

Published 10:00 am Wednesday, April 24, 2002

For over fifty years, Washington anglers have always looked forward to the last Saturday in April. This day marks the opening of many lakes for the annual fishing season. While some lakes are open year-round, these special season lakes are usually loaded with rainbow trout by the state to entice more people to get out there and fish. This year will be no different, with nearly 50,000 fish being planted for anglers within and easy drive from Oak Harbor.

The state expects over 300,000 people to wet a line this weekend and believe me there will be crowds at most local lakes. Do not despair; there should be ample fish to go around, with good fishing usually lasting until the hot lazy days of summer. If your cabin fever has not been cured, then read on to find your best chances at landing some of these pan-sized treats.

Seventy-three lakes will be planted with triploid trout. These fish are genetically altered so they do not reproduce. All of their energy goes toward growth so where many of the trout planted will be in the seven to twelve inch range, these brutes will tip the scales at a hefty pound to pound and a half. If these fish are not caught early in the season, they have the potential to grow to some serious rod bending size.

Here on the island only Lone Lake will get these big fish. The state planted about 350 of them a couple of weeks ago. If you don’t mind a little drive, then head over the bridge to Clear Lake in Skagit County. This impoundment will get over 1,200 of the bigger fish and for the fly angler, Pass Lake got 500 of the fish. If you want to drive a little further, flip a coin. Heads for north, tails for south. In Whatcom County, Lake Terrell will get 950 of the big boys, while Squalicum Lake will get 200 of them. If you are going to Snohomish County, Bosworth Lake is getting 700 triploids, while Blackman, Flowing, and Silver Lakes are getting 300 each. The big winners are both Gissburg Ponds and Martha Lake getting 950.

If quantity of fish is what you are after, then you are in luck. Many local lakes are getting substantial plants of fish. Here on the island Lone Lake is getting 4,000 fish in addition to the triploids, Goss Lake is getting 5,500 fish and the lake getting the most here on the island is Deer Lake. This impoundment is getting a whopping 8,000 fish! Cranberry Lake is slated to get 10,000 fish, but this will take place in May to reduce losses to cormorants. Many anglers though will head across the bridge to Skagit area lakes, and with good reason.

Historically Skagit County has some of the best early season trout fishing this side of the Cascades. Without a doubt Lake McMurray is the leader in sheer numbers of fish. This lake near the Snohomish County line is to receive 17,000 fish for the weekend. Favorites of island anglers are Erie (12,000), and Heart (11,500) lakes. These are within easy range for island anglers and put out loads of fish. To get there take Highway 20 off the island. Turn left on Campbell Lake Road. Drive past Campbell Lake on your left. As the road curves you will see a “Y” in the road and a corner store. The left fork will take you to Erie, the right to Heart.

You will need a boat to fish Erie, but there is quite a bit of room for the shore-bound angler on Heart. Be prepared, these lakes will be packed on the opener. It is not uncommon to see lines of vehicles in the early morning hours at both of these lakes. Don’t let crowds dissuade you; there are other lakes in Skagit County that will hold fish. Lake Sixteen (6,000), Volger & Everett Lakes will each get a plant of 500. These smaller lakes will not be as crowded as the big boys. Skagit and Whatcom counties have numerous lakes planted for the opener. The biggest in Snohomish are: Ki (14,000), Goodwin (12,000) and Gissburg (10,000). For Whatcom: Padden & Silver Lakes (17,000 each), along with Toad & Cain Lakes (6,000 each).

The planted rainbows will be shallow soon after planting. Most anglers target the upper six feet of water early in season. As the water warms, the fish will move to deeper, cooler water.

Baits vary, but the most common is Power Bait. This commercial bait comes in numerous colors and most anglers have jars of many on hand. You just never know what mood the fish are in from day to day. Marshmallows and night crawlers are other very common baits. Some prefer to toss spinners like Roostertails in various colors.

Keeping the bait in the strike zone is key, so vary your retrieve. Some anglers like to troll both bait and artificials. Be forewarned, in the early days it may be difficult to find room on the water. A simple hook/bobber method can be very good in the first couple of weeks and is easy for youngsters to use. Most of these fish are not too picky so get the kids out early.

The opening of the fishing season has been a tradition in Washington for years. Yes, the crowds seem to grow, but if we each practice a little courtesy and patience a great time can be had by all. You will see anglers of all types out on the water for the opener, but if I may recommend, take a youngster out. Get them hooked on fishing.