Fished Sunday at Priest Rapids.  First time trip.  Launched in below Mattawa.  Great trip.  Caught 11 smallies up to 3lbs even.  There is a TON of great water here that I cannot wait to further my knowledge on.

I must admit that I had heard the same thing and kept it under control, not wanting to damage anything and will continue to do so until I learn the water enough to be comfortable.    Basically kept to the 90 degree angle and unless I was in the dead center, I did not run.  I spent way more time idling around than fishing this day.  Pretty smart as there are no "maps" of the area that I can find.  There are some dandy bass in this area that make the trip worthwhile and I will continue to venture forward in this area.  I think it is one of those hidden jewels that is kept pretty quite or that anglers won't fish due to the healthy respect to the shoals and rocks.

Yeah, I have thought that this might be a good June or August lake to hit.  Good warm weather and fighting smallies on a body of water that doesn't get pounded all the time.  Could be an idea for next years tourney schedule.

Mark

Does not need a tourney to be a destination.  I think it is just a wonderful location for a summer gig.  We could stay here and bbq, hit vantage/priest rapids for the weekend.  That maybe kinda fun.

Dang Rob, somehow you've mastered time travel...... you posted a message today at 10.04pm and it's only 9.41pm in Edmonds  

Even weirder... I posted the reply at 9.41pm and it comes up at 10.35pm!!!

I have fished there twice and it is a really good smallie spot. Navigation can be tricky especially if the water levels are low. Both times I was there it was not bad. There was lots of current and if you know how to use it to your advantage it is more of an aid than a hinderance. If you guys get a trip together over there I would love to go if somebody has room for a back seater. The fishing was great both times I was there. Lots of 2 lb + fish and several in the 3 and 4 lb bracket. I have not fished there in a lot of years. Since I had to sell my boat. Would love to go back again.........