Nunnally Lake

We have over the years fished a lot in Nunnally, Lenice and Merry lakes. For me the thing is I can haul-ass and get there in about two hours, so it is as easy as getting to Pass Lake for me, and I like it a whole lot better, it is much quieter. Although it is close and gets considerable pressure the short hike in eliminates many fisherman (about 150 yards or so). Also, if you hit Nunnally as opposed to Lenice the pressure is much less. Check out the dude with the helmet cam!? http://flyfishingfotography.com/lenice_fishcam_new_004.htm

The creek that runs through the chain does provide for some fresh water and movement, also some limited spawning, however it seems to keep a small supply of sunfish always there for the next explosion and poisoning cycle. The very first time I fished Nunnally I caught a smallmouth bass, a brown and a rainbow! All were nice fish. In addition to the sunfish cycle there seems to always be the specter of having your car broken into. There is an ever changing group of illegal workers in the area that occasionally swing through and do a smash and grab in the parking areas. The one time they hit cars on both sides of us but left my friend’s Chevy Astro van alone, which caused much laughter and teasing about him needing a new car. I have also seen some interesting police chases in the area and have noted many fisherman go packing.

In the past Nunnally would open in April and I had some of the fastest and most furious fishing of my life, it was truly amazing. Lately, it has had the March 1st early opening and we have started the year many times. It is so damn cold and early though the fishing is marginal most times. We often just think of this early opener as not really so much trying to nail fish but just get out of the house and blow off rust. It could be compared to the Polar Bear Swims some people do. In May, there can be hot Adult Damsel action. I have heard night fishing with streamers here can be amazing but the one time I tried it I was unimpressed.

Map_ http://terraserver-usa.com/image.aspx?T=1&S=13&Z=11&X=174&Y=3244&W=1
Topo_ http://www.gamefishin.com/topomaps/Grant_Nunnally.gif

So in closing I consider this chain one of my standbys. There is virtually no food or lodging nearby to speak of. Vantage is a sorry little carbuncle on the ass of I90. You can purchase gas there and at times a drive in or two is open. The one motel there is for emergencies IMHO. People do camp at the lakes in the parking lot. Some people sit in pup tents in the dusty miserable parking lots and look idiotic.