First fishing opener one week from today

Three years ago, my wife, Garnet, and I were camping at Martha Lake. We arrived on Feb. 28, the day before the traditional March 1 opener and backed the travel trailer to the end of the long, narrow spit jutting into the lake.

Yes, I was able to back the trailer to the end, a feat which Garnet doubted capable of my skills. We consider this to be the best camping spot around the lake, plus the area around our trailer provided great fishing.

The opening day was on a weekday, so we really didn't expect much fishing traffic until daylight. This was an incorrect assumption. Officially the season opens a second after midnight. This affords working anglers a chance to catch some fish before going to the day job.

At the stroke of midnight the first two anglers arrived, caught a limit of five and left. A steady stream of fishermen, two, five and more, continued to arrive and depart throughout the rest of the night and daylight hours as well. This didn't bother us, as we enjoyed visiting with the anglers.

Fish and Wildlife provided the following fishing prospect for Martha Lake:

"This relatively small lake right along I-90 and just east of the town of George is 28 acres in size and one of the most popular early opening day lakes.

"Martha Lake is open from March 1 through July 31. This lake was rehabilitated in 2010 to remove nuisance fish species that affect trout survival. It annually receives a spring rainbow trout fry plant of around 9,000.

"Early season limits should be plentiful, but the fishery only lasts a month or so. Vehicle parking, boat launching, and toilet facilities are available at Martha Lake. Rainbow trout are in the lake and the prospects are considered excellent."

The weather forecast, projecting out nine and 10 days, indicates the Friday, March 1, high will be 51 and the low 34, with a Saturday high of 52 and a low of 33. Great news, both daytime and nighttime temperatures should be above freezing.

Garnet and I may be camping at the lake on Feb. 28 and March 1, but if we don't get the camper out of hibernation in time, we will make a day visit for sure.

Applications for spring black bear hunt due Feb. 28

Hunters may now purchase and submit applications for a 2013 spring black bear hunting permit, applicable to specific areas of western and eastern Washington.

To be eligible for a permit, hunters must purchase and submit an application to the Fish and Wildlife by midnight Feb. 28.

A drawing will be held in mid-March for 383 permits in western Washington and 314 permits for hunts east of the Cascades. Permit winners will receive their permit in the mail by March 31.

To apply for a permit, hunters must purchase a special permit application and a 2013 hunting license that includes bear as a species option. Hunting licenses, bear transport tags and bear permit applications may be purchased online at any license vendor, online or by calling 866-246-9453

Any legal weapon used during the modern firearm, archery or muzzleloader seasons can be used for spring black bear hunts. Bait or hounds are not allowed for bear hunting.

Commission seeks candidates for disabilities advisory committee

The Fish and Wildlife Commission is seeking applicants to fill three vacancies on its advisory committee for persons with disabilities.

The seven-member committee advises the commission on issues of concern for hunters and fishers with disabilities, including special hunts, modified sporting equipment, access to public land and recreational opportunities.

The vacant positions represent Fish and Wildlife Region 2, which includes Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan counties. Plus other parts of the state, other counties in the state, plus an at-large position.

Members serve four-year terms and are required to attend advisory committee meetings held at least twice each year. Members serve without compensation, but receive reimbursement for travel expenses.

To receive consideration, applications must be submitted by March 10 to Dolores Noyes, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 600 Capitol Way N., Olympia, WA 98501-1091.