Someone's got to represent Yakima County, LOL.

I hit up Dog Lake again today with my Grandfather and Uncle. It was cold! But, at least it wasn't snowing this time, as compared to last weekend. The bite was slow. It was raining off and on most of the day, with a very cold head wind.

That said, you are probably wondering why the heck did I rate this a 5. Four reasons. I got to spend some quality time with my Grandfather; Secondly, I caught my limit; Thirdly (more importantly), I caught my biggest Rainbow of the year -- 18.5 inches. 2.05 pounds. It was a fighter and I was afraid I'd snap my leader landing it. Finally, I also caught the biggest Brook Trout out of Dog Lake to date. While it may have only been 12 inches, it far surpases the many 6-9 inch Brooks I usually catch out of there.

So, good day. Fun times. Cold beer. I didn't even have to drive, and was denied cleaning the fish. WIN! My grandfather flat out refused to let me do any of the fish cleaning (in a nice way).

As mentioned, conditions were rainy, cold, windy, etc. From the spot that I will post on "Hotspots," a large amount of weight is required to get out past the shallows, to where the nicer fish are. In addition, I recommend a good sized leader. Dog Lake (at 4000 feet in elevation now has Milfoil). That stuff is spreading to some very pristine lakes and that is very unfortunate. The long leader allows the pink Power Eggs I use to float above the weeds so that the fish can see the bait.

Tight Lines, cold beers!

Joe

---