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. 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. Boat anglers have been more successful when fishing in the deeper areas of the lake around Buck Island and near the dam.

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.