MOSES LAKE — Recreational fishing reopened across the state last Tuesday, May 5. The state had closed fishing as a measure against the coronavirus in mid-March. Anglers have flocked back to the waters, excited to return to their pastime.

Talking with fishermen as they came in last week, Marilyn Meseberg, an owner at MarDon Resort, said it appeared the fish were active and she was happy to see boats back on the water.

“It’s very healthy, and boats are big,” Meseberg said. “The average boat is probably 19 feet long, so it’s pretty easy for people to keep their distance in a boat. I’ve always maintained that the majority of fishing partners are also the same people they’re sheltered with, they’re family members.”

Meseberg said the docks at MarDon are still being worked on but feels the 10-foot-wide dock should be all right for people to pass one another. Markers have been added to floors in the store and office in the resort to encourage social distancing between anglers, she said. While the dock is currently being worked on, Meseberg said she feels the 10-foot wide dock should be plenty of space for anglers as well.

She added that, while the first day back wasn’t too much of an issue, they’d most likely have to keep someone outside these spaces on busier days to ensure there isn’t overcrowding.

Neil Livingston made the trip to the reservoir on the first day back last Tuesday, looking to catch some carp with his bow. Livingston said he’s just relieved to be back out on the water.

“I was even more excited the day they finally let us get back out here is such a nice day, not much wind and nice and warm,” he said. “Yeah, I’m just excited to be able to get back out and get rid of a little bit of the cabin fever. It’s been a long time since you’ve been able to do anything outdoors.”

Livingston said he’d passed the time while he couldn’t be out in his boat working on it. Now that recreational has returned, he said he expects to try and get out on the water with his friend, John Higbee, on any nice day they can.