I saw a very good weather report for today (low winds and overcast) and made plans to either hit Lost Lake or Rattlesnake after work. Went with Rattlesnake because I need gas and Costco was on the way and I needed to learn more about this lake as I love the setting, plus it’s a select gear lake which is a huge plus for me.

As I am backing down the launch, a Angler in a Kayak is just returning to shore. Right away I figure it’s the person who posted the nice 16” from the other day. So I ask, were you the one that posted on NWFR? Yes he says as he looks at my car and goes, your Bob correct? It turns out to be Paul who I meet up at Lake Boren and who I enjoyed talking with. We talk for a few as two other boats come in. Not a good sign when everyone is coming in and your just going out.

I quickly worked the area just right if the launch and picked up a fish on a Pink/Silver Rapala but then not much else so I headed down the shoreline but far enough out to avoid any stumps on the ridge side. A few strikes but no hook ups as I tried a few different lures. I switched to a small Rapala Brown Trout (not sure what model) and I got strike after strike but never a solid hook up. Finally hooked a few only to see they shake loose when they did their aireal displays. Man, I could not get a fish to the boat it seemed...frustrating but I am still excited at all the action. The Rapala ended up getting me 3 more fish, one on a reel up.

I switched to some new lures that I ordered online and hit pay dirt. Orange was the color and it was non stop action the rest of the day. The ratio was low for netting a fish compared to strikes and Lost fish but it was fun. Ended up with over 30 with a few decent sized fish. Guessing 13-15”. Lost a few that you could tell were bigger than the norm but I would say there were about 14-15” also.

There was some wind out there and most strikes happened while I was going down wind. Then it totally flatten out like glass and the action slowed down. Plenty of swallows chasing midges as there was a hatch going on.

What I found interesting about the fish at Rattlesnake was that they are very Chrome looking. Very few dots, or color. Bottom fins had a tint of Orange to them. Only the largest fish I caught had some dots and minor Rainbow color to it. Why is this? Does the water have something to do with this? Did not see any diving Birds which I have seen plenty of when I had fished from the shore. Only 2 eagles in a tree together.

I am so glad to know that I can fish this lake and be successful there, as I really like the pure outdoors experience with some stunning backdrops. Feels more natural. A very fun evening for sure. Was on the water by about 4 and off by 7:15 range. Looking for the next calm day to enjoy this lake again.

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