The wife decided she wanted to fish for Mother's Day so we decided to finally check out Downs lake. Not too much of a drive from Spokane, and lots of biodiversity according to WDFW.

Got on the water around noon in pretty high winds. Started by trolling upwind and achored off the big lily pads in the middle. Played with a variety of spoons, spinners, crankbaits, plugs, senko's, worms, and powerbait. Not even so much as a nibble!

Switched up to a pink rooster tail and a green rooster tail and drift trolled down the channel. Landed 3 on the pink rooster tail not far from the resort dock with 3 passes. Switched out the green rooster tail for a wedding ring and landed another in pretty much the same spot.

Our in-laws were also out in a 2nd boat and had moderate luck on powerbait and a wrom. Between the two boats, we each caught 4 total in about 5 hours. Each Rainbow averaged 12"-14" and very healthy.

Probably would have been a better day if not for the sustained high winds. There was so much bottom turbulence that my fish finder showed nothing but static most of the trip. Nice scenery, however.

On another note, I met the new owners of the resort who apparently just purchased it last fall. Talking to him, it sounds like theyre planning to put a good amount of time, money and work into sprucing the place up. They have great rates for tent, rv and cabin camping right alongside the lake. We will likely camp and fish this again in the summer.

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