Tyler Dunn rarely misses opening day at Hinkle and Deegan Lake and Saturday was no exception. Getting his line in the water at about 7 a.m., he had caught a handful of nice trout by 11 a.m. Dunn’s favorite fishing spot at Hinkle Lake is on the damn. He’s not alone. Several anglers lined the dam throughout the day; the heaviest concentration being at sunrise. In fact, several said they camped at the site to ensure a prime fishing spot at dawn. 

 

Fishermen and fisherwomen of all ages had their own preferred spots at the lakes; some on the shore and others from their own

 kayaks and jon boats.

 

Chester Cozad was pleased with his catch, especially an 18-inch golden trout which he proudly showed off.

 

“I don’t know whether to eat it or put it on the wall,” said Cozad, whose most prized lake catch to date is a five-pound, 23-inch rainbow trout he caught in 2001.

 

A trio of young children were having the time of their lives and reeling in more fish than anyone else along a strip of prime Deegan Lake fishing area.

 

The lakes are now open on a regular basis. Those age 15 and older are required to purchase a fishing permit for Hinkle and Deegan lakes. Permits can be purchased for $25 each at the Benedum Civic Center. Proceeds from fishing permit sales are used to stock the lakes and fund the Bridgeport Volunteer Fire Department. Following a major trout stocking on March 12, Indian Lake Fisheries will stock again on March 24 and April 14. See more photos at the gallery below.