There hasn't been a big change on the water in the last couple of weeks.  Yesterday I did see some pond smelt gathering down by the dam, but for the most part it's still pretty dispersed.  Fish are scattered and we are covering lots of ground to find them.  The plants from the Department of Fish and Wildlife are providing quite a bit of fun for people trolling the surface down at the dam.  We are seeing increased bass boating activity and a few green footballs are being caught.  Afternoon surface temps are approaching the mid 40s and with this week of predicted warm temps, I wouldn't be surprised if the smallies start getting active.  I've been trolling the perimeter of the lake pulling smelt imitations with success.  Yesterday we landed and released about 8 fish on the day with the two biggest coming in at 7lbs and 6.75 pounds.  I haven't heard of any sustained success happening in the west basin. With warming temperatures it's just a matter of days before fish move into the shallows and start gorging on larvae.  Up in the Hamilton branch there is quite a bit of activity around the fish pens.  I did notice about 30 midge flies on my windows during the warmth of the day yesterday.  That's a sizeable increase of the single digits I have noticed to date.   Of interest, the osprey have returned and there is a nesting pair on the east side by the Dorado Inn.

The fishing is steady, the weather is improving.  It's time to get on the water and enjoy the bite before the jet skis and surf boats join us.