Has anyone been out to any local lakes on the westside of the state. Got a new porta-boat and am itching to try it.

Also where can I find a listing of the lakes that opened early this year? I have some year round lakes near me but they won't be stocked until April.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Head east young man, for there are lakes out there that have an early opener. Check the fishing regs for lakes and use a highlighter as you find the ones with early openers.

Green Lake, yeah, the one with all of the pretty young coeds running around it in too small lycra outfits just north of the U district, is always a good bet. I have taken so many different fish out of there, browns, rainbows, a brown bullhead catfish on a trolled wedding ring spinner, and even an 8lb Atlantic Salmon with a spaghetti tag. They got tiger muskies, too.

Check out the WDFW.GOV website for catchable plants and stocking schedules. They will begin stocking year round and "opening day" lakes this month. I usually use these reports to target the bigger fish, like triploids and broodstock fish.

Have fun!

you can get the updated trout plants here

explore some of the shallower lakes nearest you as they will warm up a little quicker. also, dont forget to look at last years trout plants too and think about the carryovers.

Most of the lakes that open early are east of the mountains.

This side of the mountains has a lot of year round lakes. Look in the reg manual for which ones are open now.