Last fall Howard Prairie was stocked with over 150,000 six-inch trout, followed by 10,000 legal-sized trout this spring. These fish are 9- to 13-inches now, and are growing quickly on the abundant food available in the full reservoir this year. Fishing should be good, especially with the holdover trout up to 20-inches still being caught.

Still fishing by boat with PowerBait, or trolling flashers like a ford fender with a worm or a wedding ring/worm combination should be good. Bank anglers continue to have steady success at the jetty (a universal access fishing platform is available) and at the dam. Trout anglers need to be prepared for light bites because the fish are feeding very well on natural food items.

Fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass should be improving as the water warms. The lake is full. The marina (boat rentals and moorage) and restaurant/store are open, as are the Jackson County Park campgrounds and boat ramps.