We got an earlier-than-usual start on the lake, arriving just after the sky began to light. The weather was overcast with FOG with a very slight breeze to move the fog but not disturb the lake surface. During the drive to the lake we saw several mule deer alongside the road; we seemed to have surprised them as they milled around.

We began our piscatorial pursuit as soon as we got to water deep enough to troll into. During past outings, we have had fish strikes within throwing distance of the boat launch---today we experienced quietness only an electric-motored boat can offer. No waves, no putt-putt of an outboard motor to disturb the peace; only the lapping of the water against the boat and the cacophony of disagreeable seagulls to listen to (besides my usual fish stories…) My fishing buddy brought some pepperoni sticks to share so we broke them out and munched on them as we fished---another tasty treat for fishing that DOESN’T GET SOGGY (unless you fall into the lake while you are eating it).

That other fishing fellow in the boat was using his usual bait and haulin’ the fish in, catching a couple of fat rainbows after a few minutes of fishing. I was using a new bait attached to my trusty wedding ring pattern---and just watched my fishing pole act as though it was frozen and thinking the wedding ring lure had fallen off of my line… Suddenly I shuddered and gasped “Oh, NO!!” I was in danger of getting skunked at Fishtrap Lake!! I think the fish at Fishtrap proved to me (by their refusal to bite) that the bait I was using was the trout equivalent of lima beans (to its defense, there ARE people who eat those!). After over two hours of making the bait soggy, with no bites (!!), my fishing buddy gently suggested (after listing the people he would tell that I failed at Fishtrap Lake) that I switch to the tried-and-true maggoty treats fish everywhere love, so lo and behold! I did, and got my limit in less than an hour. HAH! I might be a little stubborn, but I AM a good listener…

Funny thing about the weather, it did not seem cold. That is, until we pulled a fish from the water and it felt as though it was warm-blooded. Ever have THAT sensation before? Once the hands got wet, we did notice a bit of chill in the air…

Weather, water temperature, position at the lake, and BAIT all play their parts as variables in the guessing-game that is fishing. THE LEARNING: Don’t use lima beans as bait at Fishtrap Lake. Learning can be tough; ain’t it fun, though? The Same To You, and Thanks, WDFW.

P.S. A POX on those who litter along the edges of Fishtrap Lake (or any lake, for that matter). You litterbugs ever wonder why most places alongside lakes are posted NO TRESSPASSING? It is because of litterbugs LIKE YOU who leave your trash on the ground and in the lake; you mess it up for everybody else. A POX ON LITTERBUGS!!

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