Here's my tardy Rattlesnake Lake report...
Arrived at the lake on Friday, 7/19, around 8:30pm and parked outside the gate. Water temp was around 68 according to my thermometer. Had moderate success in the waning daylight on a size #22 midge emerger fished on a 16-inch dropper behind a #16 Parachute Adams and a well-greased leader. When darkness fell, the fishing got even better. Nothing fancy -- I just pulled a #10 black Woolly Bugger behind my tube and waited for the violent strikes. All fish were in the 8" to 11" range, save for one feisty rainbow that pushed 13" or 14" and was absolutely full of piss and vinegar. Fished until 11pm and lost count of how many fish I landed (10? 15? 20?), just enjoying the quiet and the darkness. All in all, a good trip, but...
With the warm weather we've had for the past week, I imagine the water temp is now 70 or higher, which means I won't be fishing the lake for a good while -- probably not until cooler fall weather. Any fish hooked in these 70+ water temps is likely in mortal danger.
Why is it that the ONE lake in the Seattle area with special regs has been built up so much -- with such nice facilities and easy access -- that it brings out barbecuers, screaming kids, howling adolescent swimmers, beer-swilling party pals? Mind you, I have nothing against barbecuers, screaming kids, howling adolescent swimmers or beer-swilling party pals -- I just find it ironic that on the one lake that's intended to cater to fly fishing and single-hook lure fishing -- generally considered quiet and peaceful endeavors -- there's zero peace to be found until well after darkness.
Arrived at the lake on Friday, 7/19, around 8:30pm and parked outside the gate. Water temp was around 68 according to my thermometer. Had moderate success in the waning daylight on a size #22 midge emerger fished on a 16-inch dropper behind a #16 Parachute Adams and a well-greased leader. When darkness fell, the fishing got even better. Nothing fancy -- I just pulled a #10 black Woolly Bugger behind my tube and waited for the violent strikes. All fish were in the 8" to 11" range, save for one feisty rainbow that pushed 13" or 14" and was absolutely full of piss and vinegar. Fished until 11pm and lost count of how many fish I landed (10? 15? 20?), just enjoying the quiet and the darkness. All in all, a good trip, but...
With the warm weather we've had for the past week, I imagine the water temp is now 70 or higher, which means I won't be fishing the lake for a good while -- probably not until cooler fall weather. Any fish hooked in these 70+ water temps is likely in mortal danger.
Why is it that the ONE lake in the Seattle area with special regs has been built up so much -- with such nice facilities and easy access -- that it brings out barbecuers, screaming kids, howling adolescent swimmers, beer-swilling party pals? Mind you, I have nothing against barbecuers, screaming kids, howling adolescent swimmers or beer-swilling party pals -- I just find it ironic that on the one lake that's intended to cater to fly fishing and single-hook lure fishing -- generally considered quiet and peaceful endeavors -- there's zero peace to be found until well after darkness.