My fishing partner and I entered Lake Sammamish from the south end boat launch around 8:30 AM this morning. We immediately headed for the north end of the lake and cross crossed the lake trolling at various speeds, 1.5 to 3.2 MPH, as we worked our way south to the weather buoy area. We fished there for a short time and then decided to call it a day at 12:30 PM. We fished with 12# leaded line with 5 to 8 colors and an assortment of lures that usually produce fish. For the 4 hours that we were on the water, we landed and released one 12 inch Cutthroat, had a couple of strikes and landed and released one perch of about 8 inches. This was my third outing in recent weeks when the fishing has been quite slow. It certainly does not compare to the very good fishing my partners and I experienced in November and December. I think the fact the lake level has risen so significantly in recent weeks due to continuing rainy weather has a lot to do with the slow fishing. I've seen this same thing happen in years past when the lake level has risen in much the same way. Added to that negative is the fact the larger size Cutthroat are now entering their spawning period and will be in that phase of their life cycle through February, March and into April. Whether you catch or don't catch fish, its always nice just to be on the lake.

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