Friday, April 29

The biggest fishing day of the year starts tomorrow, with the opening of the lowland lakes season. It's a huge celebration of fishing in Washington State when over 300,000 anglers visit their favorite lakes.

When I tour the lakes in our region on opening weekend I always meet families that have been going to a certain lake for over 30 years. I often see three or more generations in their group.

This is true at lakes from Okanogan to Grant to Chelan County. It's a family affair, primarily. Some have reserved the same cabin for the same day for decades. They have a huge breakfast following an early-morning try for trout.

Many of the youngsters are catching their first rainbow, and I like to see these families starting the tradition of making fishing part of their lives.

To be sure you have the best possible fishing experience, make sure you have your new license, know the rules for the lake that you plan to fish, and remember every child 12 years old and younger need to wear a lifejacket while in the boat. Make sure the kids are dressed for the weather and have snacks on board, too. Keep safe and have fun!