We arrived at Lower Hampton Lake a little later than planned due to getting lost on these once familiar roads. If unsure about finding the Hamptons stop by the Mar Don Store at the west end of the O'Sullivan Dam for directions and to look at a local map of the many lakes available in the area, fish reports, ect. Lower Hampton already had quite a crowd on it. Being the first Saturday that the lake was open, I fully understand why. After loading the gear in the boat and getting some coffee we started fishing. Most everyone out there was very helpful with suggestions as to what to use and what had worked the day before. Most trollers stayed away from pop gear and opted for the wedding ring and worm combo. Action was slow in the morning and became fast and furious around 11am. Most of the boats were off of the water by noon. Shore fishermen staying away from the southerly cliff section, seemed to be doing the best, they still fished with power bait. Robyn D. and I retained our 12"-16" troll caught limits by late afternoon, we took a couple breaks, and released the smaller 10" trout. The weather was nearly the best that I have encountered on the March opener, light wind and very sunny. Remember to bring the sunglasses! Day 2 we fished the Potholes Reservoir catching nothing while trolling. We still fished from the boat near the Mar Don fish rearing pens and caught one "dark" carryover about 20" long and very fat. He must have been ready for a spawn session, spewing milt everywhere. The shore fishermen at Mar Don bagged the big stringers of monster trout. I figure that the bite was slower for trollers due to the cold water hence sluggish trout. This weekend belonged to the bait fishermen sitting on the shore! Thinking that my next trip will be to Lake Roosevelt, any suggestions?
Mark R. MarkFromSea@aol.com

---