DETROIT RESERVOIR: Trout

Refilling the reservoir for the summer began on Feb. 1. The reservoir is slowly filling up. Last week's rain helped with that. Water levels are currently about 80 feet above the low water ramp at Mongold State Park. The crowds are mostly gone this time of year, especially during the week, so anglers can find fish as well as have some solitude. Pretty much any technique will catch fish, but it might take some experimenting to find out what is most effective on the day you're out there.

The reservoir gets stocked with trout during the late spring and summer. As a reminder, anglers are allowed to keep up to five trout, with an additional five kokanee. Kokanee fishing can be good this time of year as the water temperature and their metabolism begins to rise. The same goes for juvenile chinook, which are also increasingly hooked in spring. Anglers need to be able to tell them apart and release any chinook unharmed.

It's always a good idea to check the water levels at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website before using the boat ramps. For the latest information on water levels at Detroit Reservoir check with the Army Corps of Engineers' website for more information.