FISHING -- For the first time in more than 15 years, Pacific Lake north of Odessa, Washington, is full of water -- good news that didn't escape the region's fisheries biologists.

A winter and spring of far-above average precipitation has brought back a hint of the years before deep-well irrigation lowered the area's water table and drained once wildlife-rich Lincoln County potholes.

Delzer Falls, a basalt-cliff waterfall on private property downstream from Pacific Lake, has been putting on a show that's been on hold for a decade or more.

And anglers who might remember the once-fine fishing for stocked trout are getting their little piece of scablands heaven back.

About 10,000 rainbow trout in the 9- to 10-inch range were stocked in Pacific Lake last week, said Randy Osborne, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife fisheries biologist.

"I didn't stock it heavy," he said. "But the lake should be very productive and the fish should grow fast since the lake bottom has been grass and vegetation for years. It should be full of nutrients.

"I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the lake will hold water for at least a couple of years."

A public boat access and campsite is provided by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management's Lakeview  Ranch Recreation Area Ranch House site.