PORT TOWNSEND — Anderson Lake is now open for fishing, boating and swimming, and the State Parks ranger in charge of the lake expects a busy weekend.
“The lake is open immediately for all recreational activities,” said Mike Zimmerman, manager of the state park, at noon today.
The popular trout-fishing lake between Port Townsend and Chimacum had been closed since May 3 because of high levels of anatoxin-a, a quick-acting nerve poison created by blue-green algae.
Two consecutive weekly tests showed the level of the toxin had fallen to safe levels.
That prompted a recommendation from Greg Thomason, Jefferson County environmental health specialist, that the state re-open the lake in Anderson Lake State Park.
“We’re both very comfortable with this,” said Zimmerman, who is the park manager for the Fort Flagler area and who oversees Anderson Lake State Park.
“It’s been low for two weeks now,” he added.
Zimmerman expects visitors to come out in force this weekend.
Many who fish “have been waiting and wanting to get a try at Anderson Lake,” he said.
Since there has been no fishing in the lake for several months, “the fish should be nicely sized,” he said.
And for those who just want to kayak or relax there, “it’s a beautiful time to be on the lake,” Zimmerman added.
Visitors will see “caution” signs at the lake.
That’s because the type of algae that can produce toxins remains in the lake, and the status of the lake can change quickly.
“We want folks to be aware that the algae is still there,” Zimmerman said.
He reminded visitors that a Discover Pass is required to park in the state park.
Daily passes can be purchased at the park for $10.
The $30 annual pass is available online at www.discoverpass.wa.gov/, at major state park offices and places that also sell fishing licenses.
Hours at Anderson Lake State Parks are 8 a.m. to dusk, according to the website at http://tinyurl.com/8w9gc7l.
