[#19]

Descending from Cathedral Pass to Squaw lake we noticed fish surfacing. The light was right and the water very clear and we could see fish in the lake 30 yards out. As we approached the shoreline, a couple of them swam directly to us within 5 feet of waters edge and just sat there (looking at us?). We were not quiet either. I didn't know whether stick my hand in and shake it's fin or just say HI! I went for the verbal greeting. "Hello fish". I am not the most prolific high lake visitor, but I've been to more than a few and never seen "friendly fish" before. Usually they swim away. Is it unusual for fish to swim towards you and hang out that close? Anyone else experience this before?

[kleet]

Pappy, I used to see this phenomenon all the time. Of course, my dad worked for the Department of Game and we lived at a fish hatchery. The fish would absolutely swarm and the water would boil with thrashing fish because they associated the sight of humans with getting fed. Sort of doubtful that these are hatchery plants, though... hey, is that a fish in your pocket or are you just glad to see me?

[McPilchuck]

Occasionally, fish get lonely in seldom-visited high lakes that were stocked by men carrying them in on their backs (Trail Blazers) and like to just say hello or thanks for the spendid Alpine home...grin. McPilchuckblazer

[ajgoodkids]

Those are smart trout. They figure if they come over, shake your hand, pat you on the back and light your cigar, you'll feel too guilty to hook and eat them.

[salish]

It was those pesky Mountain Bluegills defending their nests!

[#19]

Hardy-har-har. I didn't know we had so many comedians at the board. But seriously folks, I swear these fish swam right to us like they were looking for some chum. Anyhoo, as this is no more than 3 miles from the trailhead, it'd be great place to take a kid on a hiking-fishing trip. The TROUT were definately "keepers" - if you had a mind to.

[polarbear]

Sounds like the guy who almost got skunked at the trout farm in 1 rst grade might even be able to catch something there. I may have to head up there.

[Dslayer]

I've seen this happen, too, about this time of year, particularly struck me at Tatoosh Lake. There at least, there is some type of hopper hatching out and the fish seem to orient themselves facing the shoreline and they don't seem very afraid unless you make some quick, threatening movement. It seems as if fish get rather fixated on a particular type of feed, particularly if it's in abundance and is a favored food. My theory on fish is that they are basically stupid, brain about the size of a kernal of corn, they not looking at the shoreline contemplating quantam physics. This, of course, is what gives me a chance to catch them. If they were smart, I'd be in trouble.

[Bushwacker]

I've never seen that before. Been to a lot of lakes and see the occasional fish jump. I'm going to be looking for this in the future. I hope it isn't me that the fish are afraid of. Just to be safe, I'll bring my friendly hiking partner with me. Maybe that will help. BW