As the end of August approaches many families are busy winding up their summer and preparing for the school year. These last few days of summer and Labor Day Weekend are their last chances to get out and play on or near the water and enjoy some fishing together. Making plans right now is a good idea. Many of our more popular destinations fill up fast on the busy holiday weekends. Those who are willing to travel a bit will find room at the State Parks and even the resorts in Okanogan and more distant counties. I recently talked to someone who was considering a trip to Curlew Lake, and they were enthused after they saw how excited I got relating stories of my past experiences at the lake. My wife and I are considering a trip to Buffalo Lake, near Coulee Dam. This lake is never busy, even on the big weekends, and offers great fishing for kokanee, large rainbow and largemouth bass. Many travel here just for the crawdads. Those who want to stay close to home for the holiday weekend have lots of great fishing nearby. This is a particularly good time to fish the rivers in our area.