Howard Prairie is 86 percent full and rising. The upper reservoir near the horse camp is watering up for the first time in several years, which will mean a temporary jump in reservoir productivity. And the islands will be islands again this year. The marina boat ramp opened for use April 15th. The other boat ramps will be usable this year when they open to the public.

Trout fishing should be good this spring. Fishing was slow for bank anglers fishing near the dam on Sunday but should pick up quickly. Legal sized trout were stocked last week to add to the fish stocked last fall. Trout will likely be distributed widely around the filling reservoir, so anglers will have a lot of areas to choose from for fishing. The upper reservoir near the horse camp has provided good early season fly fishing in the past, so this is something to try. Otherwise, trolling lures like wedding rings tipped with bait can be very effective, along with still fishing with bait.

Remember to remove all vegetation from gear, boots and boats before leaving Howard Prairie.