by Bob Johansen, March 21, 2007

The featured lakes section of washingtonlakes.com is a growing and very important section of the web site. Anglers wishing to visit a new lake can check in and view some photos and find some other important information about the lake in general.

A good description of the lake should include its size in surface acres, the maximum depths and the elevation. Water description should note whether the water is clear or stained or somewhere in between. This could be helpful on lure selection. It could also be helpful to suggest some successful lure or bait used in the past. And, a listing of all fish species known to be in the lake is important.

The public access is probably one of the most important pieces of information to anglers wanting to visit a new lake. Note the type of access. Is it a WDFW access, a DNR access, a street end access or maybe just a side of the road access area? Anglers will want to know about the boat launch area. Is there a concrete plank boat ramp, a solid concrete ramp or maybe a gravel access? If it is a gravel access, is it solid or loose gravel. If it is loose gravel, is a four wheel drive tow rig recommended. Is the slope steep, shallow or just about right for launching a water craft? Is it well suited for trailered boats or better suited for hand carried craft? Is there adequate room to maneuver a trailer and tow rig? Does the access area have plenty of parking spaces? Are there toilets located in the access area?

Bass anglers will want to know about aquatic vegetation in the lake, especially around the shoreline. Are there lily pad fields, reeds, cattails, tall grasses or overhanging trees and brush? Are there any old logs, stumps or wood in the water? Is there any rock rip-rap on the shoreline? Are there many shoreline homes with docks or off shore floats?

Angler’s overviews should also hold negative opinions about the lake or its fishery to a minimum. It is unfair to negatively judge a lake or its fishery after only a trip or two. A lake can seem to be an excellent fishery one day and seem to have no fish a week or a month later. Time of the year, time of the day or the weather could have a huge impact on the fishing success.

A detailed description of how to get there is always helpful. Yes, I know that maps are available but maps generally don’t tell the whole story. Some small roads and turn offs are not even shown on most maps. It is not fun to get lost on a back road towing a boat with no place to turn around.

Photos are a very nice part of the site. Scenic shots are nice and are encouraged but some shots should include the boat ramp, the access area, the fishing docks, shoreline features and etc. Submit at least 6 photos. A few more are desirable so the editor can select the ones best suited for the site. Fish photos are best taken on the lake and a live fish is much preferred over a dead one. Fish photos should include a good side view of the fish, some water, some sky and some angler joy. Photos of dead fish shot in the kitchen or out by the garage are really not very impressive.

To make the “Featured Lakes” a complete success, anglers from all over the state are encouraged to participate. (even if you don’t follow these guide lines.)

*Editor's Note: Thanks Bob for some excellent suggestions and guidelines. You never know when we may throw a Featured Lake Article Contest. Mike