Fly Fishing Medical Lake

[Marc Martyn]

While out on Medical Lake and you see poaching or anyone not paying attention to the regulations of the lake, you can call the Medical Lake Police Department to report it. They respond quickly to reports of violators. Here is their number:
Medical Lake Police Department
565-5003

Put that number in your cell phone memory.

[Lotech Joe]

Marc,
I enjoy fishing Medical Lake. What I don't like about it is that I usually run into a family that thinks the ramp is their private picnic grounds. Uncontrolled babies and dogs included. I wonder, Is that against one of the city of Medical Lake's laws. A friend of mine used to be a cop in Medical Lake. I should maybe ask him. What do you think?
Regards,
Lotech Joe

[Marc Martyn]

If you run into that problem again, just call the ML police and they will be down quickly. They usually patrol the lake several times a day. I have been at the launch unloading and they have come by and politely reminded me that the launch area has to be kept clear and that all parking is up above. They also have dual control over the launch area at West Medical. If you experience any problems over there, give them a call and they will be over shortly.
Since Medical Lake is such a small town, they concentrate on the lakes, since that is where most of the problems with people occur. The state hospital security cruise through the West Medical access area also to see if people are trespassing on hospital grounds on the east side of the lake. So, all in all, the area is pretty well covered by enforcement.
I was out on Medical one evening and spotted some worm soaking poachers out on the water. They hauled in about 6-8 fish in a matter of about an hour. I reached into my side bag of my pontoon boat, pulled out my cell and called the Medical Lake police. They showed up on the running path on the west side of the lake in about 5 minutes, called the boat to shore and gave them both tickets. BUSTED!=d>

[raffensg64]

I concur with all.....565-5003 is committed to my memory and will get a prompt response. I've had to call in the heat on both poachers and knuckleheads in motorized boats and witnessed citations being issued. We have to police our own ranks if we are going to maintain Medical Lake in its present condition. The WDFW, in conjunction with caring, rule-following anglers, has turned this gem into an awesome selective gear fishery. On the opener a partner and I got rainbows, browns, AND tigers, the first time either one of us has been that fortunate. Being a ML resident, I go for a run nearly every morning on the walking trail and always scan the banks and cliffs near the launch for nonconformists (one of their favorite hideouts, along with the benches and treed areas on the west bank). They often get cute and poach in the early morning hours when nobody is around. I see their types at Medical, Amber and Coffeepot. I spent 23 years in Uncle Sam's Army and have first-hand experience that "hitting them in the wallet" will get their attention and bring about reform. If only they'd read the regs and comply accordingly......but then again, most poachers are fully aware that their activities are illegal. The Poaching Hotline # may come in handy, too. It's 1-800-477-6224. I haven't used it yet but suspect I will before the year is over. Good luck to all and let's do the right thing.

[raffensg64]

My partner, who stands well over 6 feet, commands respect and is very imposing, went ballistic on a guy using bait at the south end last night. Got the usual response...."I didn't know...did they just change it this year"? At least he can speak, now if he'd just learn how to read!

[bustin]

I am not a fly fisherman, but I second that about policing our own and keeping our lakes protected from poachers. I have fished medical and comply fully with all rules. I work nearby at the womens prison, so it is an excellent fish 2 minutes from work. By the way I have never caught anything out of medical from the banks, but I keep trying. I have only lived in the area since August and only fished Medical twice, but plan on fishing it a lot more.

[Marc Martyn]

Bustin-
If you are fishing from shore, go over to the east side of the lake and try off of the rock cliff. The bottom drops off very fast there. I have seen several guys over the years catch and release some very large fish casting from that area. Look at the topo map on this site and you will see the fast drop off on that bank.

[bustin]

Marc,

Thanks for the tip. I will be trying the cliffs within the next couple of days. It is so close to work I can get there in a about two minutes or less. I will let you know how I do.

[Marc Martyn]

Bustin-
I'll be out there tomorrow (thurs) late morning through the afternoon. Most likely be on that side of the lake. I'll be in green South Fork pontoon boat.