Lake Howard & Martha

[Tombraider]

Was out looking in-between rain/snow today. Stopped by Lk Howard shocked to see this, wonder if planting will happen.

 

[Ceviche]

It’s not the only one in the area. Martha is the same way. This isn’t good, as toxic algae is very rare there at Martha—and unheard of for this early in the year.

 

[Old Man]

I used to fish this lake quite regularly when I live half way close. Now it seems that all the small lakes in Washington are going to hell on the wet side of the state.

 

[Ceviche]

Inlet to Martha flows from Howard, at least that's how it looks on the map. I was at Martha last night - lots of algae and temps around 58.

Also a bunch of bait-fishers at the launch and a number of others on docks around the lake.

I hope you mentioned the toxic algae sign to the bait fishers.

Or did you take a “cull the herd” attitude?

 

[Tombraider]

Call 911 or mill Creek. I talked with game warden there Saturday on this. Told her same on ki boat launch about dark. Or tell the offenders of their wrong doing.

 

[Shaker Jake]

actually i felt kindof bad about that. that was not on my mind when i launched and while i pumped up my pontoons they landed a couple of stockers. it was not till i was down at the sw end of the lake that i put 2+2 together and realized i could have warned them if i had thought of it. i didn't notice a sign, but i wasn't looking. btw, shouldn't there also be a sign indicating it's a selective fishery?

There is a sign. The Evergreen Fly Club installed one on the message board when rules were changed. Folks are just “selective” readers.

 

[Ceviche]

actually i felt kindof bad about that. that was not on my mind when i launched and while i pumped up my pontoons they landed a couple of stockers. it was not till i was down at the sw end of the lake that i put 2+2 together and realized i could have warned them if i had thought of it. i didn't notice a sign, but i wasn't looking. btw, shouldn't there also be a sign indicating it's a selective fishery?

Both signs are there but not posted where people are most likely to see them. That big board needs to be moved right down to where the boat launch is.

 

[Tombraider]

I will have a look. Can't recall seeing one, I look in book before i fish.

 

[Tombraider]

Had a look. Should be another at launch.

 

[Irafly]

There is a packet sign anywhere that you buy your license that clearly states the rules. Having a sign at a launch should not be required.

 

[Dr. Magill]

Had a look. Should be another at launch.

This isn’t Howard is it?

 

[Shaker Jake]

This isn’t Howard is it?

No. Somehow the thread jumped to talking about Martha Lake and it’s selective gear regs and signs.

 

[Tombraider]

Howard flows into Martha. Both have the ick. I wish Martha was a release all trout lake.

 

[Stonedfish]

I wish Martha was a release all trout lake.

Any particular reason why?
SF

 

[Tombraider]

Easy, bigger fish to play with.

 

[Stonedfish]

Some of the best, big fish lakes are non selective fisheries. C & R fisheries don’t necessarily equate to big fish all the time.
SF

 

[Tombraider]

Well it's easy math. 6 lakes around it you can keep.

 

[Tombraider]

More Martha, took a rip on the bike. Hit some lakes, was a guy at Martha with his kid at the launch. Kid was swimming, maybe 5-6 old brr. Dad had a pole out fishing on bottom. Filled him in, sign on board. He pulled his gear ASAP. Told him to go to crab apple.

 

[Tim L]

2 general observations

Overpopulation is a much bigger issue than overfishing (WA lakes). I always used to say I'd love to rip out half or more of the fish in most lakes.

Martha WB had a really nice balance to it as a year round general regs fishery - Dave E (Ceviche) and I, among others, rather enjoyed chasing the 'Trifecta' when RB, CT and BT were all being planted. Not to mention the size many of the browns got to. Like Pass, you could expect Martha to give up 20+" browns reasonably often. The gear guys seemed to be part of that balance - they weren't in our way and vice versa. Seasonal Lk Ki up the road would tend to corral most of the yay-hoos. 2-3 weeks in late April and they were gone till next year.

 

[Buzzy]

Some of the best, big fish lakes are non selective fisheries. C & R fisheries don’t necessarily equate to big fish all the time.
SF

I completely agree with you, Brian. Many of the put and take lakes get hammered and then forgotten. The harvest early on in the season certainly thins things out for trout density but that thinning means there's more food for the trout that remain. More food, bigger trout? I don't mind seeing a gob of power bait floating by, mistaking it for a "strike indicator", eh @Wanative?