Spent the last week at Alder Lake searching for Crappie. Alder is an amazing lake and I enjoyed the great weather we had. I only managed to boat one fish (Kokanee). I was really focused on the Crappie. I know they are there but I couldn't figure out the bite. Fished the main channels and the flats looking for staging crappie. Unfortunately, the water level just came way up in the last three weeks and I think that threw the bite off. On the other hand, the Kokanee fishing must be great. They were jumping all over the place. Stayed the week in the campground at Alder Lake Park, thoroughly enjoyed it and its a great facility.

Over all great day of fishing. Set in around 11am and fished till dark. Spent some time trolling around the lake with a down rigger ranging from 30-45'. First time fishing this lake and at first was not impressed. Hours without a strike and constantly on top of fish. Almost ready to call it a day but figured might as well see if it picks up around sunset. Hour before sunset with light rain coming down we decided to throw anchor at 20'. Switching up our gear and adding some white shoepeg corn on the hook, first cast fish on. With almost every cast, you could feel little nibbles. Between two of us caught 12 Kokanee's by dark. Sizes ranging from 9''-12''. Smaller fish but put up reasonable fight.

Alder Lake has had a 10 kokanee limit for years in an attempt to reduce the population and allow the remaining fish to grow larger on the limited plankton available. Today I saw the classic example where fish are maturing at 9",
because koke are forced below the plankton growth by high temperatures that stunt their growth. My best three were 11".

The first thing I did at 0600 (the gates at Alder Park were open) was to motor out into 100' of water and run the thermometer down. At 80' it was 67 degrees. The koke are starting to turn, 9" fish with egg development, and they are schooling. It would be beneficial if every koke fisherman would go as often as possible and catch a 10 fish limit. This would reduce the population and allow remaining fish to grow larger, which is what the State is trying to do.

Although smaller, they were running rather than jumping and still fun to catch. The best places were the bay straight out from the launch and the bay to the left of the launch. Most were marked between 15' and 40'. Even with surface water at 75 degree, some were surfacing for bugs at 4:00pm. The last two times I was here the best bite period was 10am to 4pm.

Fished Alder with a friend and caught and released 25 or 30 of fingerling perch and 2 smallmouth bass that went about 16" each. I usually don't keep bass but I wanted some fried fish for dinner.

Camping Trip out at Alder Lake this weekend. Took Father in Law and Grandfather in Law out fishing on my new boat this year for the first time. Went and tried catching some Trout or Kokanee trolling around the island by the Damn and got a couple but very slow fishing. So I said lets try for some bass. Pulled up in the grass and told them this is a good area to look for bass and just as I say that I look over and there's a Lmb sitting 2 feet from the boat then I noticed it was on a bed. Through a Senko at it he ate it i set the hook got him to the boat and he jumped the hook. kept trying for another hour and finally got him again this time i double set the hook. got him in the boat after about 5 minutes of fighting him the weeds and the wind. Took a quick picture and the the Father in Law said I want a pic of him to so I said sure thing then set him loose. Caught on Purple senko with emerald flake 63 degree water 3.2 feet deep. Then Sunday morning right oof the boat Launch up againts shore had another shot on a LMB but wasn't able to catch him but did get to see him guarding his nest. Ran out of time.