In brief
Fishing potential
Pacific Lake near Odessa is starting to fill with water for the first time in years.
“There’s not enough water yet to stock it, but one more good, wet winter and it might be back,” said Chris Donley, Fish and Wildlife department district biologist.
“Trout will grow like crazy in the lake when it eventually fills enough so we can plant it with trout again.”
Fewer tigers tanked
A shortage of young tiger muskies from out-of-state hatcheries has curbed the stocking program in North Idaho lakes.
“We haven’t stocked any for about five years,” said Ned Horner, Idaho Fish and Game Department regional fisheries manager. “The exception is Hauser, which got a plant last year.”
Blue (near Priest River), Dawson, Freeman and Shepherd lakes also have tiger muskies, but while the size of those fish is large, the densities are low, Horner said.
In Washington, tiger muskies are found at lakes such as Curlew, Newman and Silver.
Tiger muskies are a sterile cross between northern pike and muskellunge. They grow to trophy proportions.
In Idaho, the minimum size for keeping a tiger musky is 40 inches. The minimum size in Washington waters is 36 inches.
Boat safety courses
The Spokane affiliate of the United States Power Squadrons is offering a Boat Smart course starting May 16, and fishermen are likely to make up a large portion of the class.
This comprehensive course offers practical information on boat operations and regulations as well as incorporating the latest marine technology for both experienced and new boaters.
The Boat Smart course satisfies the requirements in the Washington State law that will require a boating safety certification for all boat drivers in the state on a schedule to be phased in over the next 15 years.
Contact: Jim Roeber, 328-6165 or Jim Wihlborg 998-7104.
On the tube
Three cable TV fishing shows are produced here in River City:
“ “Columbia Country,” produced by ob Asbury, has been running Sundays, 4 p.m., on KAYU Fox 28 in Spokane.
“ “Angler’s Experience,” produced by Seth Burrill and Mickey Hough, airs Sundays, 4:30 p.m., on KAYU Fox 28 in Spokane.
“ “Fishing with Ladin,” produced by Ladin Langeman and Steve Ronholt, airs Saturdays, 6:30 a.m., on KAYU Fox 28.
Cool isn’t enough
Fish, especially trout, begin to deteriorate quickly once they’re caught and dispatched. The best way to protect the taste and texture of the meat is to cut the gills to bleed the fish immediately after it’s caught. Even in cool weather, quickly put the fish in a cooler on ice. Keep the cooler drained so the fish don’t eventually float in water.
Fisherman’s prayer
Lord, let me catch a fish so big that even I won’t have to lie about it.