Lake Howard & Martha

Tombraider · Apr 14, 2022

Was out looking in-between rain/snow today. Stopped by Lk Howard shocked to see this, wonder if planting will happen.

Ceviche · Apr 18, 2022

It’s not the only one in the area. Martha is the same way. This isn’t good, as toxic algae is very rare there at Martha—and unheard of for this early in the year.

Old Man · Apr 21, 2022

I used to fish this lake quite regularly when I live half way close. Now it seems that all the small lakes in Washington are going to hell on the wet side of the state.

dflett68 · Apr 25, 2022

Ceviche said:
It’s not the only one in the area. Martha is the same way. This isn’t good, as toxic algae is very rare there at Martha—and unheard of for this early in the year.

Inlet to Martha flows from Howard, at least that's how it looks on the map. I was at Martha last night - lots of algae and temps around 58.

Also a bunch of bait-fishers at the launch and a number of others on docks around the lake.

Ceviche · Apr 25, 2022

dflett68 said:
Inlet to Martha flows from Howard, at least that's how it looks on the map. I was at Martha last night - lots of algae and temps around 58.

Also a bunch of bait-fishers at the launch and a number of others on docks around the lake.

I hope you mentioned the toxic algae sign to the bait fishers.

Or did you take a “cull the herd” attitude?

dflett68 · Apr 25, 2022

Ceviche said:
I hope you mentioned the toxic algae sign to the bait fishers.

Or did you take a “cull the herd” attitude?

actually i felt kindof bad about that. that was not on my mind when i launched and while i pumped up my pontoons they landed a couple of stockers. it was not till i was down at the sw end of the lake that i put 2+2 together and realized i could have warned them if i had thought of it. i didn't notice a sign, but i wasn't looking. btw, shouldn't there also be a sign indicating it's a selective fishery?

Tombraider · Apr 25, 2022

Call 911 or mill Creek. I talked with game warden there Saturday on this. Told her same on ki boat launch about dark. Or tell the offenders of their wrong doing.

Shaker Jake · Apr 25, 2022

dflett68 said:
actually i felt kindof bad about that. that was not on my mind when i launched and while i pumped up my pontoons they landed a couple of stockers. it was not till i was down at the sw end of the lake that i put 2+2 together and realized i could have warned them if i had thought of it. i didn't notice a sign, but i wasn't looking. btw, shouldn't there also be a sign indicating it's a selective fishery?

There is a sign. The Evergreen Fly Club installed one on the message board when rules were changed. Folks are just “selective” readers.

Ceviche · Apr 25, 2022

dflett68 said:
actually i felt kindof bad about that. that was not on my mind when i launched and while i pumped up my pontoons they landed a couple of stockers. it was not till i was down at the sw end of the lake that i put 2+2 together and realized i could have warned them if i had thought of it. i didn't notice a sign, but i wasn't looking. btw, shouldn't there also be a sign indicating it's a selective fishery?

Both signs are there but not posted where people are most likely to see them. That big board needs to be moved right down to where the boat launch is.

Tombraider · Apr 25, 2022

I will have a look. Can't recall seeing one, I look in book before i fish.

Tombraider · Apr 26, 2022

Had a look. Should be another at launch.

Irafly · Apr 26, 2022

There is a packet sign anywhere that you buy your license that clearly states the rules. Having a sign at a launch should not be required.

Dr. Magill · Apr 27, 2022

Tombraider said:
Had a look. Should be another at launch.

This isn’t Howard is it?

Shaker Jake · Apr 27, 2022

Dr. Magill said:
This isn’t Howard is it?

No. Somehow the thread jumped to talking about Martha Lake and it’s selective gear regs and signs.

Tombraider · Apr 27, 2022

Howard flows into Martha. Both have the ick. I wish Martha was a release all trout lake.

Stonedfish · Apr 27, 2022

Tombraider said:
I wish Martha was a release all trout lake.

Any particular reason why?
SF

Tombraider · Apr 27, 2022

Easy, bigger fish to play with.

Stonedfish · Apr 27, 2022

Some of the best, big fish lakes are non selective fisheries. C & R fisheries don’t necessarily equate to big fish all the time.
SF

Tombraider · Apr 27, 2022

Well it's easy math. 6 lakes around it you can keep.

Tombraider · Apr 30, 2022

More Martha, took a rip on the bike. Hit some lakes, was a guy at Martha with his kid at the launch. Kid was swimming, maybe 5-6 old brr. Dad had a pole out fishing on bottom. Filled him in, sign on board. He pulled his gear ASAP. Told him to go to crab apple.