Sunday I found myself once again up north in Bellingham with a truck full of fly gear, a free afternoon, and a strong desire to fish. No I did not head south to the Stilly, Sauk, or Skagit rivers. Nor did I go to the venerable Pass or Squalicum Lake. Instead my desire to hold and thank a trout led me to the throngs of gas motors and powerbait where I fished a recently stocked Silver Lake off the Mt. Baker Highway. I know this fishery to be productive as 15,000+ rainbows are planted every March and I shamefully admit that is was drew me there as it was planted on March 29. I was the lone tube on the lake but there were over 50 boats out there to keep me company. Folks were nice and I was pleased to answer questions like "does that thing have a motor" and "do your feet get cold in that thing". There were all kinds of fishermen/women/kids out there--fly, bait, huge flasher lures that surely were meant for Tuna. There was room for us all. Anyway my fishing. In my 2 hours on the water trolling with a sink tip I caught 3 plants all 12-13" 2 on my Olive Wolley Bugger with a flash and the third on a small bead head caddis nymph. Shortly before I left the fish were active on the surface going after tiny midges, so I tied one on and decided it was too small--matched the flies on the water--but did it did not feel right. I kept the black theme and tied on a #14 mosquito I last used in the High Sierras of Northern California. Sight fishing, I waited for a rise then put my fly right on top of the ripple. I lack speed in my tube but when I actually was close enough to a rise and ready with my line I managed to fool one to take and hooked into yet another plant, this one a 12" as well. That got the blood going. A great way to finish the day. All good fish that fought well and usually showed off with great aerial escape attempts. A fun day, but not as many fish to the net as I thought I would get though. I am pretty sure my Grandfather (rest his soul) would be shaking his head telling me to get back on a mountain stream if I want to catch trout. Just trying something new Gramps! Brian ________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com
