TRUTHS AND TAILS, HOW ABOUT THAT WEATHER?

  Spring, a constantly altered state that requires us to wear uncomfortable layers of clothes that limits our ability to move, only to shed them in a sweaty lump, scrambling to find a place in the boat that will prevent them from exiting on the next run like cockroaches when the lights come on.  Spring, when our hands can be nearly frozen, unable to detect that almost nonexsistant nibble from a fish as cold as we are, only moments later to have the rod nearly ripped from our frozen grip.  Spring, the time for feast and famine, sometimes within hours of each other. Yet, spring can be our favorite time of year, are we insane?  Maybe!

  This weekend gave us a taste of all that spring has to offer.  High hopes were held by almost all coming to fish either the TRIPLE FISH CHALLENGE, or the B.A.S.S. qualifier here on Banks Lake, but things were NOT what they had been just a few days before.  Not one but two major cold fronts raced thru this area, with bright warm days in between.  On top of that, the Rainbow and Walleye were both hard into the spawn, not willing to depart the orgy to chase down a bite to eat.  Tough conditions to be sure!  So what to do?  THINK!!!

  Some fishermen figured out what to do, some not so much.  But lessons emerged that allow for some insite into the complex enviroment that is a lake.  For example, Some bass anglers, casting rattle baits to submerged roadbeds, hoping for a big bite, got almost what they asked for, almost!  Several big walleye were taken this way, why? because walleye will spawn on those structures, and not all of them go at the same time, so some will still respond when an opportunity arrives.  Some nice rainbow were also taken from the boulder fields on hard baits meant for bass.  Some walleye anglers, plying the depths, found smallmouth willing to put a bend in their rods, so not all bass were "up".  Yet, many smallies were found on main and secondary points, and areas of pocket water that were willing to play.  So whats the lesson?

  Spring, a time to be flexible, think outside the box, and most importantly, a time to try to understand what the targeted species is trying to do on a given day.  Seasonal patterns are not set in stone, the are a guideline no doubt, but there are many variables that will effect how they play out.  Be aware of the prime range of spawning temps for your desired species.  Know that prespawn, up to that moment of actual spawn are prime target times.  Also know, that the actual spawn, and some period there after will be tough as nails!  Do you think about food when your xxxxxx.  Never mind, I really dont want to know.  The good news is, there will be a time, when those spawned out fish will awaken from their funk, and the feast will be on!!!  That may be a few days to a week or more, but it will happen.

  With a bit of stable weather, Smallies here on Banks will be ready to commit to a shallower life style.  Around the tenth of May, the trout and walleye should be rebounding, and with the release of 6 to 9 inch trout from the net pens this saturday, I bet they will be on the menu soon!  Craws are still a few weeks from their big spawn push, but their activity levels have been on the rise.  Several anglers spotted fry, (unidentifed) in the backs of some of the bays, I'm going to guess Perch, but that may not be the case.  A few Crappie being taken, not long for the spawn there either.  Sure wish I could get those anglers to put the bigger hens back, Crappie here need a bit of help to keep a solid foothold in this fishery.

  So, a tough enough TRIPLE FISH CHALLENGE,  No angler caught the required 3 fish string both days to win the Boat.  Sooo, next years prizes will get a boost from those not claimed.  Plan on it again next year on the last weekend of April.  Check out some cool photos and results on the Grand Coulee Dam Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.   Until next time, Just some TRUTHS AND TAILS from Lou at Playland, tight lines ya'll!!!