by James Brauch, April 01, 2002

Each year I attempt to predict which of the many lakes in the area are going to be the "hot" opening day lakes as well as the consistent producers for the trout season. These predictions are based upon stocking rates, access, past success and possibility of "holdovers" or fish left from the last years stocking. I sometimes do not list a lake which may be another's favorite because I have no experience with that lake. If I do not list your favorite lake and you wish to share it with me, please call me or drop a line with me-we can learn it together. The lakes are listed in alphabetical order in Snohomish County and Skagit County. Try them, you may like them.

SNOHOMISH COUNTY


Armstrong This smallish lake will be crowded early in the season as people attempt to catch some of the 5,000 large trout to be planted the week of 4/22-26. If you can find a spot, be ready for some action since 480 triploids were placed there in 2000 and the lake may have some real lunkers. This years' fish will be planted just before opening day so look for some great top water action-troll flies or lures.

Blackman's This year round lake used to be a "quality" lake but scrap fish have caused it to diminish in quality. Last year there were 8050 trout stocked by the first week of May (to include 1500 "superbows" and 550 triploid trout) but this year only 7800 will be planted with the first group 3/25-29. This may be a good lake for the week before the general opener and again in June since the next plant is scheduled for June 3. Also has great dock access at the launch and at the park.

Flowing Another year round lake planted in March. There should be some holdovers in this large, deep lake since 14,500 went in last year with 4,000 superbows and 500 triploids and 14,300 this year (4,000 superbows and 300 triploids). Try fishing the shallow waters in the south end (this will also keep you away from the water skiers) either with bait on the bottom or trolling a fly or wedding ring spinner outside of the water ski markers. There is also good dock access at the county park and the state launch.

Goodwin My favorite lake after the second week in May with a plant of 12,000 (down from 15,000 in past years) to be split between March 15 and May 13. This large lake also has many "holdover" trout commonly up to 2 pounds and more as well as perch and bass. There is limited beach fishing off the point at Winberg State Park but the best bait fishing is at "double hedges" across the lake from the park (you'll need a boat). Early in the season fish a streamer fly, a small spoon or a wedding ring spinner right on or just below the surface almost anywhere on the lake. Later, June or into July, after the water has warmed, fish the hedges in about 25-30 feet of water right on the bottom. I took my four year old granddaughter on her first fishing trip last July and she caught three over 17 inches as well as many smaller fish.

Howard Small lake and will be crowded for the opener but with 4,000 superbows planted just before the opener and only 27 acres to put them in, this lake may be good for a few weeks after the opener. Troll on the surface with an olive streamer fly and hang on.
Lake Ki This has never been one of my favorite lakes and I don't fish it often but I know people who do and they catch fish. I mention this lake because it will be stocked with 14,000 fish for the opener (down from 15,000 last year and 18,000 in prior years) and they are supposed to be superbows. Rough launch and some beach access.

Martha (AM) This 59 acre lake will have 8950 fish (to include 2000 superbows and 950 triploids-down slightly from last year) and nearly that number of people trying to catch them. If the weather holds, fishing could be great. If you have a boat, fish along the east shore either trolling flies or still fishing in close to the beach. Good dock access at the county park and a very narrow boat launch.

Storm No beach access to speak of and a limited boat launch but you should be able to catch trout for about a month after the opener in this lake. A plant of 9,700 (which includes 2000 superbows and 700 triploids) helps make this a good possibility for the opener and beyond. This lake is across the street from Flowing so if it fails, move!

SKAGIT COUNTY


For some reason, the hatchery trout seem to be much larger in Skagit county than they are in Snohomish County so, since I like to catch big trout, I spend much of my time during the early part of the season in Skagit County at the following lakes.

Lake Erie South of Anacortes, this shallow lake will be very crowded for the first few weeks but may be worth the trip. It has little beach access and a small, poor boat launch but there will be fish caught there if you want to fight the crowds fishing over the 12,000 "superbows" (down from 14,000 in past years) to be planted for the opener-troll flies.

Heart Lake This lake has excellent beach access and will be surrounded with people just after midnight on opening day and for the next few weeks, going after the 11,500 "superbows" to be planted there the week before the opener. The lake is close to Lake Erie and will be crowded but may be worth the trip.

Lake McMurray This is my favorite opening day lake in the state. I usually catch many large trout and have a great day trolling a fly in my float tube. If you want to avoid the massive crowds which will magically appear before daylight, show up about 10 a.m. after the early risers have either killed their 5 trout and gone home happy or have decided they will not catch anything and have gone home angry. Either way, parking will be easier and fishing will be good with 17,000 "superbows" to be planted. (Hint: stay in the top half of the lake where the launch is, not at the other end.) This lake can get windy! Later in the season, fish bait across from the boat launch in about 20-25 feet of water.

Lake Sixteen On the way to Lake McMurray from I-5 you pass the entrance to Lake Sixteen on the left. The 6,000 fish to be planted in this 42 acre lake may tempt you but I only go to this lake if Lake McMurray doesn't produce or is too windy. Lake Sixteen is more sheltered from the wind and is often calm when McMurray can't be fished.

These twelve lakes should keep you busy catching trout through the season-good luck.