Originally posted by: silversalmon on 5/5/2005 9:53:05 AM

Area rivers and streams are shedding their ice, and most lakes still have a layer of unsafe ice <!--graemlin::(-->. Quartz Lake ice has moved 15 to 20 feet off shore so rainbows should be biting there . Depending on wind direction over area lakes, shore fishing is often possible, but remember northern pike season does not open until June 1st. The wind will blow the ice pack right into your fishing hole <!--graemlin::(-->

River levels are still pretty high, so fishing will probably not be very successful <!--graemlin::(--> , but when the waters drop and clear, things should pick up. Grayling fishing in the Chena River and its tributaries is catch and release only for the entire year. In the Salcha River and its tributaries, grayling fishing is catch and release until May 31st. Grayling are still migrating upstream, so good opportunities exist for hooking one of these fiesty, little fighters. Try spin fishing for grayling using size 0 or #1 spinners. Check your regulations for daily bag and possession and gear restrictions.

Several area lakes will be stocked between now and Memorial Day with catchable size rainbow trout. Some of the stocked lakes include: Bathing Beauty, Birch Lake, Chena Hot Springs #30, Pile Driver Slough, Little Harding Lake and more. <!--graemlin::D-->