Opening weekend at Downs Lake was again a very enjoyable experience. Many of the regulars showed up along with some new faces. Parties from Spokane, Tacoma, Yakima, Prosser and the Tri cities certainly enjoyed their weekend. The atmosphere in the camp ground was great. The new and old faces spent time around the campfire in the evenings enjoying each other's company. During the day it was fishing and even some horseshoes. It appeared that everyone enjoyed themselves as I did. Several of the new visitors said that they will be back due to the relaxed, friendly and down to earth atmosphere.

The weather was ok, temp in the mid to high 50's. The wind was not our best friend though. The water was pretty rough most of the weekend. Saturday evening was calm.

Everyone caught some fish. Several boats came in with a few TROUT and lots of smiles on their faces. I only kept one PERCH which was a nice fat 11 1/4 inch. It's a bit early for the perch yet. No word on any CRAPPIE caught; there are big ones here and the Game Dept. planted about 6000 more last fall. The BASS fishing was great for a couple of boats. One caught and released about 50 on Saturday; they were fishing back in the pads near the shore. One group of young fishermen caught several nice CATFISH.

This year Downs Lake is under new management. Already we have seen improvements and are being told that more is to come. We thank Lee and Gerri, their family and friends who got things ready for the weekend. There's no question that I'll be a regular at this lake.

The best of fishing and camping to you.

Kris K.

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