Well my turn to be the doofus...

I was originally heading for Storm, just to mess around in the Jon Boat. I decided mid-run to instead take a look at Chain Lake. I do not remember ever fishing this lake and I believe I would have remembered at least the launch as it's a bit of a nightmare. First off, just finding the lake was interesting as there was no sign I could see and the turn towards the launch looks and feels like you are heading down someones driveway! Partially you are, as I drove down I felt more apprehensive that I was in a driveway and was preparing to be confronted by justifiably irritated homeowners when I saw a gate! That's it! I whipped a right and headed down the steep, rutted path to the lakes edge and the unimproved tiny launch. The road I was initially on does continue off to someones driveway but the launch turnoff is just before it. One rig was already parked there and he had a small trailer. I got wiggled around and dropped the boat. Parked up above this guy next to a big tree and headed out onto the lake.

Pretty neat looking but TINY lake. All of the typical habitat and very bassy looking! First nibbles came on the Senko and the first fish came on the Rapala, but it was only slightly bigger than the Rapala... Larger fish (1-2 lbs) came on a spinnerbait. I completed the first lap and boated maybe 10 bass on Senkos, Rapala, spinnerbait and flipping with flipping being the best bite. Water reminds me of Storm Lake, fairly clear with a very brown bottom. Water temps were 74 degrees.

The trailer rig had left by this time so I moved my truck into his spot in case someone else wanted to park at the launch. Shortly after this another truck came down and parked next to the tree as I was starting lap 2. The guy started hitting rocks out into the lake with a stick. As I approached the launch about 30-45 minutes later as it was getting pretty dark the gentlemen engaged me in conversation and that's when he informed me that I was illegally parked! Oops. Apparently I was so excited to see the launch I drove right past two signs at the gate that read "No Parking Beyond This Sign". I explained to him I completely missed them and he was cool about it. He departed and soon after I packed it in. Never touched a fish over two pounds but will more than likely be back to explore this little bathtub of a lake as it has some interesting dynamics about it....don't worry Johnathan, I will park in the correct spot next time! I get just as irritated when knuckleheads do that at Clear Lake in Skagit County as it makes launching very difficult at times!

The signs are pretty faded but still legible and on either side of the gate. Apparently after launching you are supposed to park above the gate in a wide area just before the private property, duly noted.

bob johansen

8/24/2017 7:34:26 AM

I was a bit surprised to see that you was fishing this little lake. I fished it 4 times - April '83 - May '89 - Aug. '90 and May '92. I caught several small largemouth bass up to 13 inches. Think all of the bass and a few sunfish all came on a floating Rapala 11 s. I also remember that strange access area. I was fishing from a canoe -- And, I did part in the right place:)

8theB8

8/26/2017 7:18:28 AM

It was a little humbling but an honest mistake. My Jon Boat is modified to the point now that it's an absolute pleasure to bass fish out of. It's nice to hit the little lakes and not have to fuss with skiers and crowds, or worry about the type of launch you're going to encounter. I used to have a rule of one NEW lake per month... I may have to go back to that plan.

Jamesb

8/31/2017 6:41:20 PM

I was there yesterday the launch was all torn up with big ruts and had to go slow to turn around and launch the boat. I have fished there a lot over past 20 years and a lot of times I find someone park at the launch and tough to turn around. Parking lot is at the top on left before you head for the launch down the hill. Surprisingly, I have never had to move out of the way on long drive in which is one lane in all the years fishing there. Its a fun lake lots of small bass anything over 12" is big there. It does have lots of reeds on edges so might be where the bigger bass hide during spawning.

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