Since duck season is ending on Sunday, I was thinking that it might be time to pick up the old fly rod again. I was planning a trip to Windmill Lake to harass the fish there. Has anyone been out there lately? Is there any water in the lake? The drive is a little far for just a scout around, and it would depress me too much to see that little lake without any water.

BTW duck season was rough, but I did get to shoot a few for some nice fly tying material. I hope to post some pics of creations from the feathers I saved.

ask this in the float tube forum as there are some grass land pals that post there often

Thanks Steve. I will do that.

Last 2 times I was at windmill lake I caught 1 fish total. Last I checked it's, by rules, bank fish only/fly fish only. I probably would not waste a drive out there. The 2 times I went it was close to work that day. Wanted to try it since it was fly fish only, but half the lake is lined with trees and the other half is pretty shallow.

yes it is a fly fish only lake, but we take our yaks there and have a good time. not my favorite grasslands lake, but a good one. i would call the park headquarters

I stand corrected. I misread the provisions the last time I looked.

Windmill lake

no problem. just trying to help.

I have fished the lake before. I always take the canoe and drift the trees along the east side of the lake. I catch a few bass, and then call it a day. Sometimes I just paddle around the lake and enjoy the day. It is never anything intense, but always important (you know what I mean).

TB, you maybe correct. Maybe I need to branch out and try some of the other lakes. I will try to remember to give a report upon my return. I mean, afterall none of these lakes are a big secret.

Windmill is my FAV ...have not been up there since early fall and the water level was getting very depressing. Poaching is always a problem there but with normal water levels bank guys have a hard time getting to the primo spots. Hopefully it has come up a little with some of the rains.

I can't wait to see your report.

Rather than start a new thread for the same trip, I just will post to the original:

I got out to Windmill Lake on Sunday afternoon 2-5-2012. The water was the color of chocolate milk. I floated around in the canoe and fished a poppper that makes some good noise. Got skunked (as I expected). I am not sure what fly to use for muddy water. I do know what to do for spinning gear, but I did not bring that gear to a fly-fish only lake. The water level looks about the same as I remember it, maybe a little low. Some pan fish were jumping and I saw a few tutles around. I also saw some Widgeons in the creek and some spent shotgun shells on the east bank (doesn't anyone reload anymore).