I forgot to mention that from Highway 154/19 about halfway (or more) to Sulphur Bluff, the road (Hwy 71) is under construction. Yesterday, it was mostly mud, and my Forester, pond boat, and trailer looked like I'd been four-wheeling in mud for a couple of weeks. If you're going to be fishing either Timber Lake or Deer Trail Ranch, do yourself a favor. After you turn north on 154/19, take the first right toward Mahoney. When you get to Mahoney, turn left onto Hwy 69 and take it all the way to Sulphur Bluff. It's a little farther, and there are some sharp turns in and near Dyke, but at least it's paved all the way. At Sulphur Bluff, turn left onto 71 and then right to the lakes.

thanks Tom for the info,, i am scheduled to fish there this next weekend and was concerned about getting down to lake since i have a van,, have never had problems before but i know a couple stretches to timber can be tough.. whats your take on the road to ramp?   also does lake look to be above normal? or normal level?

Phillip,

I had never seen the lake before last July, but compared to that, it's absolutely full - I'd call it above normal. The water is up in the weeds and grass that were normally (?) dry. The road is pretty 'iffy' until you get up to the top of the hill. From the hilltop to the lake, it's in great shape (Thanks for the gravel). From the gate to the top of the hill, it was slightly flooded in a couple of places with muddy water flowing across the road. Some of the puddles were quite big, but weren't deep enough for my Subaru Forester to bottom out in. I did slide back and forth sideways a little bit a couple of times, even with all-wheel drive in X (low) range. It might have drained by now, but I doubt it. There hasn't been nearly enough sunshine to evaporate those puddles, either. There is one place where there is a downed telephone pole (or something like it) partially blocking the road (on the left side going in) that you'll have to go around, but not leave the road entirely to do so. Also, IMHO, the water will still be too cold and cloudy to do much good. If you decide to go anyway, please be cautions - and good luck fishing. Hope you get a big girl!

Tom

thanks Tom, your info was enough to help me make a decision on my trip