MOSES LAKE — This concludes the two-part series about camping at Blue Lake during the April 24 fishing season opener.

With the trailers in place, we had four days to relax. I find it peaceful and calming to actually write my columns from inside the trailer.

A fantastic view of Blue Lake was framed by the picture window at the rear end of the Hideout. The weather was reasonable Wednesday afternoon and evening, with the wind blowing just a bit.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday the wind blew on and off with sustained power of around 10 mph and gusts above 20 mph or higher. The weather kept us in the trailers and away from the fire pit where we would prefer to visit. However, the wind, and other weather conditions, is the reason we have become trailer owners and have abandoned tents.

Early Saturday morning Anglers were lining the bank of the lake, but I saw few fish brought to net. A couple of fishermen were out in large boats, but the wind was causing trouble as they fought to control them. Wind makes angling tough and not a fun activity. I expect the number of fish caught per angler on the opening day will be way down this year, mainly because of the wind.

Saturday afternoon the wind subsided and boats of all sizes covered the lake. Still I saw few trout caught. Word reached our camp of a 20-inch rainbow on a stringer nearby.

Sunday the weather was perfect, with plenty of sunshine and no wind. I cast a Rooster Tail a few times with no strikes. Bob headed out in his johnboat to try casting a fly or two, but returned an hour later with no fish.

I needed to get fishing photos, so Garnet and I headed to Deep Lake. There several anglers reported the trout were not cooperating. On the way back from Deep Lake we spotted five mule deer, two does and three bucks. Their winter coat appeared scruffy and messy. Antlers were just beginning their annual growth, appearing as large bumps in front of the ears.

We then drove to Park Lake and watched as one angler pulled in an 18-inch brown trout. Two others in a boat arrived at the dock with seven trout. They claimed green PowerBait enticed the fish to bite.

Garnet and I passed through the Sun Lakes State Park campground, including the newest addition, and found all spots occupied. Again think of fishing and the Grant County economy at this point.

After we returned to camp, Kris and Bob headed out in their johnboat, returning in a couple of hours with two limits of rainbow trout, most in the 12-inch range. They caught them all on a small leech-type fly.
We kept the meals on this trip simple. Wednesday evening Garnet and I were in charge of cooking hamburgers, with all the trimmings. Thursday night Kris and Bob fixed smoked bratwurst. Friday night it was our turn again and we served spaghetti.

Saturday Bob fixed steaks and I feel a bit sheepish about it. I mean hamburgers and spaghetti don’t compare to steaks. Bob explained the steaks had been in the freezer for a while and he needed to use them up. Still I figure Garnet and I ended up with the better deal. We’ll have to reciprocate on our next outing.

Each couple fixed their own breakfast and lunch. This worked out great, because those who wanted could sleep until late in the morning. Garnet and Brenda were so inclined and so was Kris. Most of the time I was up by 6 a.m. having a cup of coffee while enjoying the view out the picture window.

I’m wrapping this column as anglers in boats pass by within yards of the shore. Garnet is using the Alpen binocular to get a close up view of the angling action. Little Brenda Starr is asleep on Garnet’s lap.

In a few minutes we will break camp and head for home. Kris and Bob have decided to spend another night at this spot. Garnet and I have commitments tomorrow morning or we would do the same.

Although it is difficult to pull myself away from this camping spot on Blue Lake, the fact we are only 40 miles from home assures me this spot can be reached in less than an hour to enjoy during future outings.