Wouldn’t you know it. Here it is March 1st, the annual opening of several lakes in the Columbia Basin and it appears that all the lakes are frozen over. Everyone is so eager to get out on Burke, Quincy and Dusty in the Quincy Wildlife Area, but it may be a while. The other popular lakes near George: Caliche and Martha lakes are also frozen. Fly fishers are also going to have to wait to fish Lenice and Nunnally. The annual Burke Lake Trout Derby sponsored by the Quincy Valley Chamber of Commerce has been postponed. They announced the new date for the derby, March 23rd, a couple of weeks ago. Cabin fever is running rampant, but there is little relief due to the very chilly temperatures and occasional snowstorms that we are getting throughout the region. Just be patient. The weather has to change for the better. Meanwhile, you can try the many frozen lakes a try by drilling holes through the ice. Lake Roosevelt is ice free, and when the water starts dropping the fishing will improve. Rufus Woods is another option for anglers while we wait for the ice to clear off the Quincy Wildlife Area lakes.