I just got done spending three phenomenal days at Takhlakh Lake. This will be my last vacation for about eight or nine months, so I decided to spend it at the beautiful and tranquil lake. I came across pictures of it last year, and was astounded at the view. Well, seeing it in person was even more breathtaking than I could have imagined. Sitting virtually at the base of Mt. Adams, the view the mountain leaves one in awe. The campground is very well maintained, clean and the campsites are spacious. I lucked out and got a water front spot! Everyone I encountered was friendly, respectful and courteous. For that matter, the wildlife is equally friendly. The ducks swam right by my kayak the entire time I was on the lake. In addition, the Chipmunks are so friendly they are a nuisance. I accidentally left my tent cracked (as in a few inches) and while I was on the lake, they managed to get into my tent and snag my hot dog buns -- so much for chili dogs.

Okay, enough about the view. Time for the good stuff! As mentioned, fishing was phenomenal, it just took a learning cure to figure it out. I couldn't get my camp spot until 2pm on Wednesday, and by the time I set up camp it was well after three. I managed to limit out before having to go make dinner though. Thursday was a great day. I released a few that were merely lip hooked, but caught two beasts -- 2.73lb and 2.37 lb. They measured somewhere between 18 and 20 inches. The best part of that was that they were both natives. When I filleted them out the meat was red and they were reproducing (as in sperm sacks). This means they were not the triploids that were stocked earlier this year!

My approach began with Kastmasters, which accomplished nothing. I tried worms, which also did nothing. Then I figured it out. This lake is fairly shallow. Out in my Kayak, I could see bottom quite often. I will also add that the water was warm -- as in there was steam until 10 in the morning because the water was hotter than the air temperature. On Thursday I found a hole, not too far from my camp spot, where my bait dropped very deep (I would guess thirty feet). It was by far the deepest part of the lake I had found. From here, the bite was on! I nailed the fish with salmon red power eggs on the bottom. Wind also helped a lot, as the fish seemed to love some movement. Using the wind to my advantage, I would bottom fish the hole, reel up, and continue again and again. This is how I picked up the majority of my fish. Oh, and yes, I limited all days.

One last thing to note! When you see the picture of my trout filets, cut me some slack (no pun intended). The only knife I had was a glorified butter knife. In addition, I was trying to use this butter knife on a log with wasps surrounding me. LMAO. Once it comes off the smoker, it will all taste the same, just not as pretty. The other fish cut cleaned the traditional way.

Tight lines,

Joe

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