I arrived at the lake at 7:30 and was immediately taken with it’s beauty. Marshall Lake is nestled in the mountains with the steep forested hills of a national forest surrounding most of it’s shores. It has a 5 mph speed limit, the benefits of which are attested to by the presence of loons. I saw two that day. It’s a perfect lake for a pontoon boat, canoe or kayak. I was trolling a size 10 claret colored bead head nymph with a full sink line on my 9’ 4 weight TFO. I had no less than 20-25 hits on that bug, half of which I hooked and half of those I landed. Marc was there video taping the lake and he was fishing a gold ribbed hare’s ear nymph with a soft hackle on a 5 weight sink tip. He fared every bit as well as I did, probably better. In the morning the surface water temperature was 58.5 and by mid afternoon it had risen to 62. There is a resort there run by two charming people, Clarence and Peggy, who have owned it since the mid 50’s. They have camping available, boat rentals and a small snack shop. The public launch is excellent with room for several boats to launch at the same time. Most of the fish (all cutthroat) ran from 8-12 inches and were eager to please. If you are after nothing but trophy fish Marshall Lake is not for you. But, if you are ready for a relaxing day on one of Washington’s most beautiful lakes then this is the place for you. All fish were released.

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