I join a fishing buddy at Ballinger. It was my first time at this lake. The water was really green and scummy looking at the launch. My friend told me the last time she had been there is was not so. I could not tell if it was toxic algae but no signs up if it was. It was throughout most of the lake. We got on the water about 1130. We headed towards the island. I was trolling a green blade with an eye with a worm behind. My friend was trolling worms. The wind was really bad and kept moving us during one of these I began to reel up my line and suddenly fish on! It hit hard and fast. Not sure on depth but probably still at least 10-15 feet. I brought it up and and I found it to be a thick looking cutthroat of 12 inches. It was very healthy looking without a single worm or other sign of parasite. I decided to keep it and cleaned it really well, The meat was nice and firm and the color a really rich pink with a touch of orange. Other than a small perch that was it. No other fish caught. Maybe the wind who knows. My friend said the last time on the lake they did really well. I might try again more into fall for the cutthroats and wait for the bloom to go.

---