Editor’s note: For 27 years, beginning Feb. 8, 1973, Ralph Anglen of Bonners Ferry wrote an outdoor column for the local paper that was widely read and used as a source of fishing and hunting information. It was called “Anglin’ with Anglen,” and was the real deal, the genuine item, written by someone whose socks were wet, whose toes were cold and who pulled no punches. We will continue as space allows to reprint Anglen’s column solely for its pleasure and historical significance. Any typos, we leave as is. Readers are reminded that this column was written almost 50 years ago and conditions, including state fish and game regulations, have changed.

March 15, 1973

Spring must be close if it isn’t here! The crocus are blooming, snowdrops are up. Fishing is good but we are going to have to change our style. Two people got wet at McArthur last week. The ice there is definitely dangerous but it closes this week. It will open with the stream season.

That gives the ducks and geese time to come off their nest unmolested and that is what that lake was created for. The geese are flying over it every day looking for open water. Saw a big flock of them at Herman one day last week. Fish and game department are busy with wood duck nests.

Was at McArthur Monday and got six big perch but that is my last trip there for awhile. Was on Herman lake one day, got two small bass, one perch and a sunfish.

This is aggravating fishing for me because I know there is a lot of big perch in this lake and I never have located them. Jess Jantz and his wife were there and we drilled holes all over that lake but no luck. Got enough to eat so I guess I shouldn’t complain. Jantz’ have caught several good bass out of this lake this past winter.

Was on Dawson Thursday, had quite a few fishermen but not too many fish. I finally go a nice mess of perch and a baking bass. Don’t know how they did after I left. Was back on Dawson Saturday, raining and snowing to beat the dickens. Sat in the car for awhile then said to heck with it, put on my rain clothes and went fishing. Caught a nice mess of perch and one crappie. Wasn’t there too long but did enjoy it.

Now is the time to check over the fishing tackle, clean out the boats, get the garden work out of the road because when the season opens and the weather gets warm I don’t want anything interfering with my fishing.

I have several things I would like to get done this summer. Would like to catch a seven pound bass. Would like to fish Priest Lake for those big trout and would like to be along when a big sturgeon is caught. We caught sturgeon on bass tackle in Montana years ago and they jumped just like trout. I just wonder how many of us really appreciate the fishing we have in this country. I was cussing the small bullheads in Smith lake one day last summer when a stranger told me, “Boy we had a lot of fun catching bullheads out of this lake last night, we got over a hundred!”

So once again what one fisherman will run down other fisherman will rejoice in. Rainbow are hitting in the mouth of the creeks now!