Was going to head for the Skykomish on a rare weekday off, to chase Steelhead, but late arrival home the night before (12:30 AM) from Christmas celebration with our sons and their families in Tacoma left my body unwilling to respond to the 4:30 AM alarm. Instead, slept in 'til six, had a good breakfast with the wife and headed for Blackman's about 8:15. Crisp, cool winter morning (44 degrees at arrival), but not a smidgen of wind. Water temp at shoreline was 47 degrees, a bit cool for the Rainbow I was targeting. Began fishing from shore between the two docks at the park, at about 9:00. Lake was dead calm... three other fishermen on the shore with me, one on the northern pier. Put red Power Eggs on one rig, Nightcrawler on the other. About twenty minutes in, line on the PB rig began to tighten... picked up rod and waited about ten seconds and the line went taunt... set the hook and FISH ON! Headed across lake, had to tighten drag, and held on. About five minutes later, netted a Blackman's monster. Went 23", 5# 2oz on my digital scale at home. Rebaited and caught second Rainbow, a 13 1/2" er at about 10:30. Caught third fish (Blackman's limit), a 15" Rainbow at noon. Mine were the only fish I saw caught.
Was a real joy to meet fellow WA Lakes fisherman, "ilvcassidylake"... we fished together after he arrived about 9:30, until I left. Hope he caught fish after I was gone...! Loved hearing of his adventures fishing many of the lakes I do. He snapped my pic for me.
Was fun watching a pair of eagles hunting ducks on the lake...
The big Rainbow was not a Triploid, as it was a sexually mature buck, ready to spawn in the Spring. From the worn tail fin, I would guess from broodstock plant. All three Rainbows were brilliantly colored and prime fish.

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