This is a big day for anglers in the Columbia Basin with a whole bunch of lakes opening to fishing. I got the word that the two Teal lakes are going to be one of the better bets this year. The lakes were rehabbed and are once again supporting healthy populations of rainbow. Last years juveniles were already hitting 14 and 15 inches, so don’t be surprised if the carryovers will pass 16 to 17 inches. The Hampton lakes will offer slow fishing this year. There is a rehab planned for them this fall. The fish anglers catch on these lakes will be big, though. Rainbow of 18 to over 20 inches are possible. I want to remind anglers that they can still sign up for the new Triple Fish Challenge on Banks Lake. They will take registrations at derby headquarters at Coulee Playland Friday evening and Saturday morning. Cash prizes for the adult big fish each day could be $600.00 and biggest stringer up to $1,000.00! I will be sharing some tips on how to catch the trout, bass and walleye in the NCW Nickel that comes out on Thursday, so be sure to check it out.