I fished yesterday at a central WA lake that opened March 1. My original plan was to sneak out on Thursday but the forecast changed my mind. We pick our days in March in central WA and when Windy.com shows multiple models predicting sustained mid-20’s with gusts to 40mph…what’s the saying about a good day at work? Anyway…
I fished out of my tube 9:30-4. Water temp was 41-43. Air temperature was mid 30’s when I started and 50 in the afternoon. W was mild and switched directions often. With limited options available to take shore breaks, I overcompensated on layers on my upper body in hopes of keeping my feet relatively comfortable, and it worked out.
It was a keep moving, keep grinding kind of day. Fish were definitely around but without a big hatch or consistent breeze to concentrate food, there wasn’t much benefit to stopping. I picked up several fish casting to the edges and stripping back until about 1pm. When that slowed down I visited several likely spots and tried a micro leech and chironomid combo under an indicator. I did get some interest in my micro leech. There were a few chironomids popping but the fish I brought in didn’t eat a #16 chromie or a #14 blood worm. One throat sample suggested I could have done more to figure out the blood worms.
This time of year it’s common to catch male rainbows coloring up and developing a kype. I found a few like that along with the silvery variety. Overall, just an outstanding day to be out.
I fished out of my tube 9:30-4. Water temp was 41-43. Air temperature was mid 30’s when I started and 50 in the afternoon. W was mild and switched directions often. With limited options available to take shore breaks, I overcompensated on layers on my upper body in hopes of keeping my feet relatively comfortable, and it worked out.
It was a keep moving, keep grinding kind of day. Fish were definitely around but without a big hatch or consistent breeze to concentrate food, there wasn’t much benefit to stopping. I picked up several fish casting to the edges and stripping back until about 1pm. When that slowed down I visited several likely spots and tried a micro leech and chironomid combo under an indicator. I did get some interest in my micro leech. There were a few chironomids popping but the fish I brought in didn’t eat a #16 chromie or a #14 blood worm. One throat sample suggested I could have done more to figure out the blood worms.
This time of year it’s common to catch male rainbows coloring up and developing a kype. I found a few like that along with the silvery variety. Overall, just an outstanding day to be out.
