The following is in response to a question asked by a user which is no longer in the database:
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I've been there as a passenger and am hoping to fly in this summer myself as well. From what I remember, you must land southwest and depart northeast. Even though you might have the performance on paper to depart, the lake is notorious for causing downdrafts (due to temperature differential between the COLD lake and the ambient summer air) right after overflying the departure end when taking off. The fellas I know who have frequented this strip don't ever plan on departing the same day they arrive. It's a mandatory camp-out with an early morning departure to avoid a bone-chilling swim!

Last I heard, there is an ornery Moose up there who has an affinity for Ce185s. The story goes that if you leave her alone, she will depart the pattern in her own good time without doing damage. But if you confront her, she tends to take it out on the 185 she has selected for shade that day! Ouch!

Matt

I wasn't a pilot yet when I flew in there as a passenger but I remember it being fairly sporty. Also I do know that there is more than one airplane at the bottom of that lake.

Good to hear from you Punkin, how's the bird doing?

Hey Speedbump,

I actually posted that a while ago, but thanks!

The bird is still in Houston. A very long story encompassing a very long time frame; Good for a couple Moose Drools by a campfire. I have real hopes for a trip home in January, weather permitting...

M

Sporty is a good way to describe it A lot of folks seem to underestimate it because it looks pretty easy, and I've heard more than a few tales of ruined seat cushions. Its some of the prettiest country around here though. If you haven't read it, Galen Hanselmans "fly Idaho" is a pretty decent rescource. take your camera! --AJ

I have flown into fish lake many times for float tube fly fishing. In addition to the sinking air over the lake which can cause some good downdrafts on departure the wind must also be minded. The prevailing wind aloft in that area is almost always coming from the west (a tailwind on takeoff). The wind typically picks up during the day from the west and then gets calm just before dark. At least the wind near the ground and windsock gets calm towards dark... the wind you can't see at 100agl is typically still blowing pretty strong from the west which becomes a nice tailwind just as you get over the lake and try to climb. Many times I have departed in the evening after a day of fishing with a limp windsock only to pick up a 20+ mile an hour tailwind just after takeoff and the resulting sinking sensation. Watch the wind... if it looks iffy depart in the morning.