The Legend of Walter

052109: The fishermen at Topaz Lake have specific names for different areas on the lake. Such as "Sheep's Pen," "Alcatraz," "Painted Rock," or "Corn Patch," to name a few. It is not uncommon to hear them talk of their approach to fishing: Example: "We trolled back and forth between Painted Rock and Corn Patch, using 3 colors at about 20 feet."

Well, of course you did.

And there are some fishermen who talk of "Walter," the elusive big fish that always manages to get away. Walter is a fishing legend amongst the fishermen who, real or not, represents the big fish that every fisherman wants to hook up. It is touching to hear an old fishermen (who for some reason or another knows he will not be back to fish at Topaz Lake) ask his fishing buddies to catch Walter for him, and when they do to think of him.

Today, Frank caught a Walter, Jr! The flood of 1997 really hurt the fishing at Topaz Lake for a number of years. Just before the flood in the early 90's it was not uncommon to see 4, 5, 6, 7 or larger pound fish. This Walter, Jr. was a mere 3# 12oz. But despite it's puny size, Frank didn't seem to mind at all and proudly showed off his catch.