Lake Jennings opens for night-fishing

Cars lined up for the first weekend of night-fishing at Lake Jennings on May 17. The lake — actually a water-supply reservoir — is open until midnight every Friday and Saturday night until Labor Day. Lake Jennings was stocked with about 8000 pounds of catfish two weeks ago (the lake is also stocked with trout and bass).

Ranger Dave said the warm weather brought out families to the lake and campgrounds right away. "We had people lined up at the gate at 5 [p.m.] sharp," he said. "There's been a steady stream of people throughout the evening.”

Fisher folks tend to cluster up in Hermit's Cove and Eagle Cove, both on land and in rented boats. Since they're required to have lanterns (and fishing permits), the two coves are gently lit by the people fishing there — a contrast to the darkened areas with fewer fisherman.

"I just catch and release," said Mike Froelich, who came from the South Bay to meet his friends. "Some people catch 'em and eat 'em, but I don't really want to deal with all that."

Fishing costs $8 per person, and boats can be rented for between $14 (for a half day's use of a row boat) and $40 (to rent a motor boat all day). You can also bring your own boat and pay an $8 launch fee. Somebody who just wants to watch will pay a $2 entrance fee. The lake ranger station is stocked with bait, lures, snacks, and hot and cold beverages.

Click here for the latest fishing report.