First Lake Planting of 2012

Fish and Wildlife Employees planting fish in Angle Lake

Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife report they have completed on March 13, 2012 the first of four planned Rainbow Trout plants. This initial plant released 4250 fish or an average of 2.5 fish per pound. Annual planting makes Angle Lake one of the top three trout waters in the Seattle area, according to "Washington-Oregon Game and Fish Magazine."

This early plant provides plenty of time before the 2012 Angle Lake Shore Club Fishing Derby for the fish to become acclimated to their new surroundings, greatly improving the opportunity for all derby participants to land at least one prized trout.

Besides fishing for trout, anglers can also target kokanee, largemouth, pumpkinseed, rock bass and yellow perch.

• Rainbow Trout: Planters, as in freshly planted trout, often attract a crowd and that's no different here at Angle Lake. Power Bait, worms and Power Eggs will work well here in the cooler months. The public fishing pier is a popular spot, but don't be surprised when a catchable trout runs seven inches. There are holdovers that manage to reach weights of 5 pounds.
• Bass: Besides fishing with live worms--which will work for all the lake's species--largemouth bass can be taken on plastics such as grubs and finesse worms shaking on the bottom and around structures. The L-shaped lake offers shallow water for sight fishing.
• Pumpkinseed and Perch: To have success on panfish such as pumpkinseed and yellow perch at Angle Lake, rig up with light line, minijigs and small lead-head grubs tipped with cutbait-like worms. Bounce these plastics or simply put a small piece of worm on a bare hook and drop the offering into view of panfish.
• Kokanee: Kokanee is another option at the 102 acre lake. Troll a Kokanee Killer over the deeper spots for a shot at these land-locked salmon. The area in the middle of the wider arm of the lake offers the deepest water and the best bet for kokanee.
• Catfish: Catfish also call Angle Lake home. They can't resist cutbaits such as worms, liver, shrimp or any other stinky bait like cheese or blood bait. Try squid as well. Catfish will find any smelly offering on or near the bottom.

Keep watching this blog for further details on the upcoming 2012 Angle Lake Shore Club Fishing Derby scheduled for Sunday, April 29th.