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QUINCY LAKES STARTING SLOW – SHOULD GET BETTER
by John Kruse, March 18, 2006
By John Kruse – For Washingtonlakes.com
The Quincy Lakes opened on March 1st to Trout fishing but so far, the fishing in these Central Washington waters has been decidedly slow.
Quincy and Burke Lakes are favorites with most anglers on the March opener. However, checks of these lakes revealed the fishing was more akin to single shot than rapid fire for the five thousand 8 to 10-inch catchable rainbow trout planted in each of these lakes. Both lakes were rehabilitated last fall to get rid of perch in the lakes and planted just before the March opener. On the bright side, a few nice brood stock rainbow were planted and caught. One was a seven and a half pounder reeled in from Quincy Lake by Mary Holmberg of Quincy, WA.
Dusty Lake, a hike in lake with selective regulations, reportedly kicked out a few nice trout and a few more carryovers were taken from some of the other small hike-in lakes in this 15,000 acre wildlife area. A slow warming trend should turn on Quincy, Burke and Dusty Lakes to better fishing in the next couple of weeks.
Warmwater fishing hasn’t fared much better. With water temps below 40 degrees, the bite was definitely not on at Evergreen Reservoir on March 1st. Come April, when irrigation water starts flowing into this reservoir, this may well be a good bet for walleye, bass and even a shot at a tiger muskie. WDFW Biologist Jeff Korth describes the walleye population as "dandy" and suggests that even a novice with the right gear and a little knowledge should be able to tie into a muskie this year if they put in the effort.
Stan Coffin Lake, at the north end of the wildlife area, will also be worth a visit then for catch and release bass fishing. Jeff Korth states bass to six pounds have been caught herre. You can also try your luck for panfish, to include nice sized pumpkinseeds, as well as the occasional channel catfish. These fish are okay to take home. Little Cree Lake and three of the four Ancient Lakes (hike-in destinations in the Wildlife Area) also hold warmwater species like bass, crappie, bluegill and perch.
Spring is on the way….it’s just taking a little longer than usual in Eastern Washington this year. As it arrives, you may want to consider making the drive over to the Quincy Lakes. With sunshine and sagebrush in abundance, these waters make a fine early spring fishing destination!
John Kruse
Pacific Northwest Outdoors E-Zine
pacificnorthwestoutdoors.com