I decided to end my 4-year "holdout" on fishing. I was demanding a better contract, but they weren't going to give it to me. I started a little later than I wanted (about 7:30ish). That, combined with the fact that it would eventually get up to 90 degrees, contributed to a very slow day. Caught five smallmouths (probably 2 keepers) and a handful of small trout (probably 2 or 3 keepers). I'm an avid catch-and-release fan, so I don't measure. Besides, I've been told size doesn't matter.

The fact that there is no launch available helps keep the traffic on this lake to nearly zero other boats. If you have a small enough boat, it's possible to carry the boat down the hill on the east side of the lake about a half-mile north of Erickson's dock. I wouldn't suggest doing what I did - drag the boat WITH the trailer down the hill. It's a lot steeper coming up. :>) I scouted the dirt roads, and it looks like you can now get down to the lake with a truck (with good clearance), but you'll need 4WD to get back up - the dirt is soft and loose.

I caught the trout at the south end of the lake, and the bass near the island/inlet. As typical of Kawpowsin, I donated a few gadgets to the stumps in the bottom of the lake.

For all of you Erickson's dock fans, I talked to a guy who said that the 19th was the last day that Erickson's would be open. Apparently, the old man bought the farm, so to speak, and his family is selling the place so the money can be divided evenly. How is it that Erickson's is the only place on the lake? I wonder now if they'll re-open the public launch. I stopped by to talk to someone at the dock to confirm the guy's story, but no one was there. That convinced me.

Anywho, good luck ladies and gents. Remember, keep your pole high!

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