Lake Pend Orielle: GUSTO Fishing with Jack
Early start this morning. After coffee, Jack and I loaded up and drove out to Athol to the boat locker, gathering the gear we thought we’d need for another day aboard Gusto. By 7:30 a.m. we were easing out of the boathouse and making our way across the bay to McDonald’s Marina, where we topped off the tanks. Gusto took on about forty gallons of fuel before we pointed her toward open water.
Our first objective was lake trout. We rounded the corner near the Farragut boat launch and spent some time trolling in 85 to 100 feet of water, trying to keep our presentations close to the bottom where the Mackinaw should have been holding. After a hang-up and no signs of life, we decided to change tactics.
The remainder of the morning was spent searching for Kamloops trout, making long trolling passes from Goat Rocks to the Cement Plant and across toward Cape Horn. Once again the fish proved elusive. It’s becoming a bit of a mystery, as the lake seems reluctant to give up any clues.
Fortunately, not every success on the water comes from a bent rod. Mid-morning we fired up the galley and enjoyed bacon, egg, and cheddar breakfast sandwiches with fresh coffee. Sitting in the cockpit with breakfast in hand while drifting across Pend Oreille made for one of the highlights of the day.
We returned to the boathouse around 1:00 p.m., made a stop at Super 1 in Rathdrum for supplies, and later took the golf cart over to the Lightning Bar for a pint before settling in for the evening.
As the golfers filtered past the deck, Jack and I sampled a flight of whiskies, talked fishing strategy, and began researching new adventures. Lake Chelan and Priest Lake have both moved higher on our exploration list, each offering the possibility of new water and new discoveries.
Dinner was simple but surprisingly good: chicken thighs cooked in the air fryer with a coating of seasoned flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and spices that produced a wonderfully crisp crust.
No fish found the net today, but it was an enjoyable first full day with Jack. More than anything, it reinforced our shared philosophy of low-friction living—good food, good conversation, quiet exploration, and letting the week unfold at its own pace. The fish will come eventually. In the meantime, we’re already making memories.
