The general opening season of the lowland lakes is just a couple of days away, and I hope you are prepared. I made a trip up to Fish Lake recently, just be sure I have everything I need to venture out on the water this season.

Got all the life jackets on board, made sure we knew where our licenses for the season were handy. I also checked out my tackle to know that I had what I needed to catch trout.

We caught a bunch of nice fish on everything from Scott West's High Lake Special to Wooly Bugger flies, by the way.

I also saw a pair of anglers struggling with their motor at the dock. They were still trying to get the bugs worked out when I left.

They were smart. They were getting their "issues" sorted out prior to launching on opening weekend. All too often I have seen a boat loaded with youngsters, all bouncing off the walls with excitement for a day of fishing, while dad or grandpa tried to get the motor started. Do everyone a big favor and check things our before you launch. It will assure a pleasant and successful opening day.