A few of you in and around Spokane are familiar with this lake and probably aware that it has been closed all summer for a complete update to the facilities. What most people are not aware of is that the lake is managed for juvenile anglers and senior anglers and those with a disability. Krusty and I fished it in the spring before it closed and I counted 22 fishermen on the lake. Three of us were fishing legally and the rest completely ignored the regulations.
As I was leaving more were on the way. Parked next to me were 2 rigs with 6 adults and 2 young boys in the 6-8 year range. The two families had 6 spinning rods, tackle boxes, coolers and bait and clearly intended to fish themselves, illegally. With so many lakes in and around Spokane County it is a shame that the only one reserved for kids and the elderly has to be poached by so many adults that should know better. There is no enforcement or warning signs that I have noticed.
The same thing at Medical Lake which is a selective gear only lake. There are always bankies fishing there with power bait and worms and no attempt made to deter them. It would seem that a local enforcement officer could go through there once a day and write enough tickets to generate a decent revenue stream until the poachers got the message and got the hell out.
For you old guys be aware that Bear is now partially open for winter activities which include fishing from the new docks or out of a floating device that you can walk in there. Full completion of the facility is scheduled for May but many of us know how elusive those target dates can be, the contracts seem to be written on sheet rubber.
As I was leaving more were on the way. Parked next to me were 2 rigs with 6 adults and 2 young boys in the 6-8 year range. The two families had 6 spinning rods, tackle boxes, coolers and bait and clearly intended to fish themselves, illegally. With so many lakes in and around Spokane County it is a shame that the only one reserved for kids and the elderly has to be poached by so many adults that should know better. There is no enforcement or warning signs that I have noticed.
The same thing at Medical Lake which is a selective gear only lake. There are always bankies fishing there with power bait and worms and no attempt made to deter them. It would seem that a local enforcement officer could go through there once a day and write enough tickets to generate a decent revenue stream until the poachers got the message and got the hell out.
For you old guys be aware that Bear is now partially open for winter activities which include fishing from the new docks or out of a floating device that you can walk in there. Full completion of the facility is scheduled for May but many of us know how elusive those target dates can be, the contracts seem to be written on sheet rubber.
