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 22, 1973

Got tied up on a job the first of the week and I couldn’t leave so only got in Friday and Saturday on Dawson Lake. Did just fair both days. Got one crappie and some nice perch Friday and nothing but perch Saturday.

Thought how crazy I was fishing Saturday in the wind and snow until I talked to a man that was trying to play golf in the same snowstorm. He lost three balls out of four.

Ice is still good on Dawson. Have to be a little careful getting on to it. Brush and Smith should be in about the same condition as they are all the same altitude, but be careful!

The fishing is picking up on the river at the mouth of the creeks. It is similar to ice fishing. The main requirements are lots of hot coffee, a good lunch, a comfortable seat and lots of patience. They use almost any kind of fishing gear. Worms, salmon eggs, both clusters and singles, sucker meat and a host of other baits are used.

There are some real good fish taken at these places. I saw a rainbow taken a couple of years ago so big even I wouldn’t have had to lie about it. They are getting rainbow, dolly vardens, white fish and some tremendous squaw fish.

I will give you a rundown on the various lakes as I have fished them. I fish Robinson lake mainly for bass and sunfish. I like to catch these sunfish on real light gear and just imagine they would be ideal on a light fly rod. Don’t think of these sunfish as a kids’ fish as they are getting harder to catch all the time. I hunt them just like a deer!

You can see their backs sticking out of the water on a warm day and can usually get a few if you don’t scare the school. With Dr. Bowell a few years back we would fish for trout then just before we left the lake I would have him run in close to shore to get some of them to eat. He really enjoyed watching me fish for them.

I use worms for them. I use the plastic worms or nightcrawlers for bass and it is good bass fishing in this lake. When I get tired of fishing for the bass and sunfish I usually anchor and still fish for trout as I eat my lunch and take a nap. An electric motor is all one needs for this type of fishing.

McArthur and District 7 Refuges are filling up with waterfowl. Lots of geese and swans! Both very interesting place to visit. Take your binoculars.