Northrup

[raffensg64]

I learned this year that Northrup Lake (actually a pond) is not the "secret" lake that I previously believed! Being well off the beaten path, to the tune of 3 uphill miles through rattler country, and not shown on maps, I believed it to be nearly unheard of. But on a recent trip there we ran into two kids who came in from the opposite direction. When we asked them how the came in they told us about an old private road, through private property, that comes within a few hundred yards of the lake. The owner grants passage to only a privileged few....needless to say I'm not one of them! I think the pressure is still light, though. My partner and I fished all day, on a Saturday, and had it all to ourselves until these kids showed up in the evening.

Regardless, it's still one of my favorite lakes, and the 1-hour hike with packs, gear and tubes adds to the experience! The fishing is still good despite a decline in total numbers from previous years. We got 40 or so rainbows on our last trip, ranging from 6-20", with the average running 14" or so. These fish are fat, strong and healthy....the best I've seen in eastern Washington! All were caught on chironomid and nymph patterns and released. Judging from the varied size we guestimated that we were seeing three, possibly four years worth of the 1000 fry that are stocked there annually.

[Bodofish]

I used to fly hangliders and paragliders all over EW, which meant my share of of driving the chase rig and I've found that if you tread lightly and close the gates after yourself most of the folks are very friendly and cool about using their roads. It helps to have a cooler of cold beer on a hot day. Best to be prepaired, fire extiguisher, shovel....... Very careful around cheat grass, your mufler can start a fire. Obey posted roads! it's like a $147+ fine just for being there.