Here's a report for a very unique fishery on the west side of the state.

Many people know about the brown trout stocking in Lake Martha, and most of them are caught as by-catch by other anglers fishing for typical stocker trout. I post this report to show that there is still some actual trophy trout potential out there besides Pass Lake for us North Sounders. And, while the warm weather makes the fishing tougher, they can still be coaxed into biting.

Martha is a rather deep, clear lake (10ish feet of vis) with a varied bottom structure; weedy in some areas, sandy in others, and rocky and ridden with wood debris in others. Focusing on the Browns, they are stocked as fry every fall in quantities around 4,500, and grow up in the lake. In the summer months, fishing DEEP is the most productive method of persuasion, as they will be milling in the cooler water feeding on abundant aquatic insects and small perch.

My depthfinder is combat inactive, so the exact depths where I caught them are unknown unfortunately. They are spread out throughout the lake it seems, with some areas holding a few more than others. Remember: As predators, they will be where forage is. This means if working deep isn't working, look for schools of minnows or small perch shallow and target them in the morning and evening. I know of guys that have caught them while fishing for bass against the docks as well.

While fishing today, I hooked and lost 1 large carryover and brought 2 browns (18" and 17") to the net. I had seven or eight more follow my lure right to the boat (like pike do) and one take a swipe at it; the rest veered off and disappeared. They bit better when the wind was blowing, and quit following as it calmed down... possibly moving elsewhere in the lake. With cooler water and the right technique, one could have a great day out here fishing for the brownies.

I CATCH AND RELEASE all of these fish using SELECTIVE TACKLE per the regs, and would hope that all reading the report would do the same and preserve this trophy opportunity. These browns come much bigger, and even the 3-4lb fish fight like berserk. Hearing of a bunch of guys heading to the lake and keeping 'em would make me regret posting reports. The lack of pressure and capture is what lets these fish thrive and provide this great opportunity.

This can be a very difficult fishery to understand, and requires some time and effort to become successful at. I do want y'all to go out and be successful, especially as the river closures loom until November. Have fun and respect the water and the fish.

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