I hiked into lake Talapus in May with a friend and we threw in a line. There was some activity, a few risers here and there, but no luck. I had intended on continuing up to Olallie but my friend had to split early so we turned back. I have wanted to go back ever since.

The hike in is uphill but not particularly steep. Between Talapus and Olallie there is a trail that spurs off to Pratt lake, and I made a note to take that trail next time up.

Approaching Olallie, I came upon a few older people who just loved my dawg and we chatted while we walked the last little bit to the lake. I set up my spinning rod while one of the ladies in the group played with Halle. Just as I was about to throw my line in, they up and left and I quickly realized why. Here came a man and woman with what appeared to be an entire daycare. They just tromped on down and were all over the place, with no regard for the fact that they weren't the only ones there. I packed up and headed out in search of a quiet spot.

I worked my way around the lake and ended up doing some bushwhacking. It was pretty slick and there was a lot of standing water in the grasses around the lake's edge from recent rains, so I was glad to have gore-tex boots. Halle got a little hung up in some of the brush, but we made it around the lake and found a nice spot in the shade with a good bank. I had set my line up with a reddish woolly bugger and a water bobber with about a 5 foot leader. I threw out about a dozen casts and got nothing. No bites, no chases, no rises. I do believe that there are fish in this lake, as there is a network of old fishing trails around the lake. I left thinking that I would like to give it a shot from my pack raft.

The hike is beautiful, the views are lovely, it is abundant with fresh water and fresh air, and I didn't go home disappointed. It is a little busy for my taste, even aside from the kids. I believe there were about 12 cars in the parking lot when I got back, which is a bit for a Thursday. In all, it was a great day in November for a hike, 60 degrees and sunny, and I'll take it ;)