The popular “April Fools” opening of many lakes in the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge is coming up next week, and hundreds of anglers will be heading here to take advantage of good early-spring fishing. Two of the most popular lakes, Upper and Lower Hampton, will not have fish in them for this year’s opener. These two and several other lakes were rehabbed and have not yet been planted with rainbow fry. There are plenty of other options, though. Of the dozens of lakes that dot the desert country in the refuge, many offer very good trout fishing, while others provide excellent spiny ray fishing. Two that trout lakes that should be particularly good this year are North and South Teal. One of the best spiny ray lakes in the state is Hutchinson, at the lower edge of the refuge. Another trout lake that always produces some big fish on the opener is Corral. If you plan to come and explore this area I would suggest you stop by the store at Mar Don Resort where you will find the best map of the area that I have found. It is very helpful. Don’t forget to pick up your new fishing license before you head out.