I had a chance to fish Lake Meridian today for the first time from my trusty float tube. I'd just received the new Cortland fly rod in the mail courtesy of Cabelas and thought I'd get out and put it through it's paces. It was a nice warm afternoon, around 2:00 p.m. and I didn't expect much. I was fishing a Black Matuka about 100 yards offshore, watching the local bald eagle swirling lazily around the blue sky when suddenly my rod tip dipped hard. Next thing I know I'm into fairly large fish who begins to take line and tail walk. I couldn't believe it. After about a 10 minute battle, I boated a 23" Rainbow trout. I'm not good estimating weight but it was a heifer, 4 to 5 lbs. easy. Although fairly new to the area, I have been to the lake a number of times and have never seen anything close to this pup in terms of size. I have heard the stories though.....Another great afternoon in the great state of Washington......Needless to say, I will be back soon.

---