First time fishing Banks lake and I didn't do too bad. Caught 2 smallmouth one of them a 4 pounder. Fishing was very slow as the result of a cold front that had moved through earlier. Largemouth fishing was almost non-existent. All the reeds in the bays were exposed, so they were tough to find. The lake had been drawn down to aid the salmon run. It didn't make any sense though, only half an inch was going into Rufus Woods, while 10 FEET was being drawn out of Banks. I don't think that 1/2 an inch will help the salmon any. On the other hand, almost all the other cover for the largemouth was disappearing. Whoever is running the show has got their heads up their @%#! If you are ever in Electric City stop by the Coulee Playland Resort and make a donation to B.L.E.P. (Banks Lake Enhancement Program) and offer your support. B.L.E.P. is devoted to preserving and improving one of Washington's best warmwater fisheries. The statistics say that in 5 years the largemouth bass in Banks L. may disappear completely if spawning habitat is not maintained. If you want to learn more about B.L.E.P. talk to Lou at Coulee Playland.

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