Paul,

Pick up a "Washington Atlas and Gazzetteer". It will show you just how close you are to a number of lakes, and it really heps when you are exploring.

Hicks Lake and Ward Lake in the Olympia area have always been good producers for me. There are no water skiers on Ward Lake.

If your kids are under 14, take them to Long's Pond on Pacific Avenue in Lacey. It is a "kids only" fishing lake where the fish are suckers for powerbait.

Ward and Hick allow boats, Long's Pond does not.

Have fun!