Folks, this is a story and a learning lesson as much as it is a fishing report. I fished the north end of Medical from 10:30 to 3:00, getting several browns and rainbows on nymphs. Browns ran to 19" and rainbows to 23". Water temp 57 with winds from the south. The bite was hatch-dependent and came and went accordingly.

As I fished I could see several people fishing off the cliffs on the south end, and a few pontoons coming and going. In my experience, which is not at all limited for this is my hometown, people on the cliffs usually means illegal fishing activities. For those of you who fish there legally, disregard my comments! Upon my departure, I decided to drive to the south end just out of curiousity. The sight that I came upon at the parking lot will keep me smiling for days.....both a local PD cruiser and a Fish and Game F-150. I drove down to the launch to get a better view. From there I saw three people with the local cop while the GW carried a stringer of 5-6 large rainbows and browns back to his truck. I then drove back up the hill, rolled down my window, and told the GW "Thank You, Sir!" to which he replied the same, possibly assuming I was the person who made the call. Sadly, he then unceremoniously threw that stringer of big, beautiful fish into the back of his rig, probably as evidence. While I don't know the whole story, I can only assume all those fish were caught illegally, hence confiscation by the GW.

Once again, Medical is a "Selective Regulations" lake, meaning artificial lures and flies with a single barbless hook. The use of bait of any kind is prohibited. For those of you who are having trouble getting the message, maybe this will help. Read the regulations that the WDFW provides and comply accordingly. The locals and other concerned parties will call you in! If you are unconvinced, please understand that I'm a horrible story teller. I did not make this up.

To the person who made the call, if in fact a call was made, I say "THANK YOU", We have to police our own ranks.

Jay K

5/12/2010 9:37:00 PM

Wow, I'm so surprised a local PD cruiser would show up. I've called the number on the back of the parking license only to hear that the offices were closed on weekends or that I should call local PD. Didn't know local PD would really take the call.

raffensg64

5/12/2010 9:55:00 PM

In my experience, the Medical Lake PD is quite prompt when called about illegal fishing or motor boats. The MLPD officer was probably there as backup at the request of the Game Warden. I've witnessed several busts over the years at that very location, and more often than not, the local PD is involved. Another witnessing officer adds credibility to the case, too. I just wish they'd patrol that area more.....it gets hammered on a regular basis. I don't even like to fish the south end anymore due to what I see there.

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