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I don't even know where to begin so let's start by giving Mike Carey, Salmon Barry, Rseas, and Wafisherman20 a HUGE shoutout for giving us their report on the success they had the other day! It encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone this winter and venture elsewhere than Kirkland.

I must say Lake Wa has been pretty good (sorry for the lack of reports) but the action does not compare to what I experienced today. A few fish caught over a 3 day period is what I was getting from Lake Wa. This winter. Nice 3-4lbers coming out which makes it all worth the grind.

Taking a look at Mike's hotspot I scratched my head a bit wondering how I was going to make it all the way there from the boat ramp in my little pontoon and electric trolling motor. So... I played it safe and stayed closer to the launch. I started right in 60ft of water trolling towards the middle of the lake about 15ft down. The fish finder had a few arches there so I thought why not make that my starting depth. After an hour with no bites I switched my red wedding ring out to a Kokabow lure in Blue and Green with a Chartruese blade tipped with a night crawler. Dropped the wire down to 25ft and no longer than 30 seconds the first fish was netted. At this point I was right where the lake begins to bottle neck and I was trolling to the west shoreline. Over the next hour I long released 3 fish and managed to bring in four more for my limit trolling from shore line to shore line. Once I found the fish, it was ON! I stayed right in that same spot the entire time. Last two fish measured 17inches and 18 inches and had lots of fight to them. The meat was amazingly firm and cut perfectly. I seasoned them up right after filleting all the fish and got them ready for our dinner party for our out of town guest who have never had Trout before. Hoping they like it!

Ran into another NWFR member Chuck (nice meeting you sir) as I was loading up. We exchanged some info and techniques. Very nice guy. I also chatted with the Park Ranger who was checking for illegally caught Kokanee. Apparently he had busted a few boats that kept a few the other day. Be smart and make sure you can identify your species, otherwise a nice fat fine will be waiting for you. Anyways, it was an outstanding hour of catching fish and I plan to make one more trip out that way before work gets hectic for the new year! Tight lines to you all. Be safe out there and stay warm. God Bless.

rmrauscher

12/30/2016 7:00:00 PM

Well I guess the best kept secret in town is out!!! Sammamish fishes great year around. In case anybody is wondering there is a very prominent sign with pictures posted by the pay station that shows what a Kokanee looks like and says "Release Kokanee". How hard can it be!!!!! Hate to think what the fine is. Congrats djbutler. Its about time you made it out to Sammamish. Sure have missed your Lk Washington reports.

wafisherman20

12/30/2016 7:13:00 PM

DJBUTLER: I saw you out in your pontoon! glad to hear you had such a great day, as did we (report to follow). yes, seems like the secret is out Rmrauscher, there were a ton of boats out today.

tight lines in your future endeavors on the lake!

DjButler

12/30/2016 8:14:00 PM

RMRAUSCHER: Ya I finally did it man. I remember back when you told me about it but I was and still am hooked on those monsters from Lake Washington. I needed to switch it up this Winter, sure glad I did. Have you been out lately?

Wafisherman20: Holler at me next time you see me out there. Thanks again for your reports. To be fair, the amounts of boats out there today was nothing compared to what I've seen at Stevens or Meridian. Wasn't too bad at all, but then again I never really fish Sammmamish so I don't know what type of pressure it gets. Sorry if I offended anyone by posting another report. Cheers!

JoshH

12/30/2016 8:20:00 PM

Nice report DJ. Finally going to get out on the water tomorrow myself.

salmonbarry

12/30/2016 9:40:00 PM

Great report DJ! Funny was thinking of giving you a jingle to see if you wanted to join me today out there but was worried I wouldn't make due to that four letter word (work) and yes, it got the best of me today- kept me from getting home in time to make it! Glad you got the experience and knew you would figure it out once on the water!! Happy new year brother!!

wafisherman20

12/30/2016 11:19:00 PM

I totally will next time! I believe it was salmonbarry who used a Koka-bow when we went out to shoot that video, but it really did the trick! May have to get me a few... so glad you had a great time on the water... would love to fish it with ya sometime when I am back from college next. Tight lines my friend

eddiebishop

12/31/2016 6:48:00 AM

Good stuff, DJ! Getting enthusiastic about Sammamish after seeing all these great reports! Thanks, man!

Cozmo4196

1/3/2017 9:27:00 AM

Nice work. How fast were you trolling?

greenboater

1/4/2017 9:58:00 AM

Nice job D j ya I've got a few more weeks before I'm going to have a strong enough leg to be able to launch my boat by myself again It's been hell waiting at least I can drive a little now , the numbness and most of the pain are over a whole lot of re hab every day heart and back serg back to back wow ! I just wana get out there like the rest of group and fish on . Again D j seeing your reports really helps inspire those who have difficulty making it to the ole fishing hole Thanks ,man

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