The Seattle Times: Reel Time Fishing Northwest

Latest northern coast hatchery chinook catch figures

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:44:19 PDT

Here are the latest figures from the brief four-day northern coastal hatchery-marked chinook fishery:

La Push

May 10-11: 143 anglers caught four chinook for 0.03 fish per rod average.

May 17-18: Four anglers caught no fish for 0.00 fish per rod average.

Neah Bay

May 10-11: 486 anglers caught 68 chinook for 0.14 fish per rod average.

May 17-18: 343 anglers caught 64 chinook for 0.19 fish per rod average.

Coastwide

May 10-11: 629 anglers caught 72 chinook for 0.11 fish per rod average.

May 17-18: 347 anglers caught 64 chinook for 0.18 fish per rod average.

The summer hatchery chinook fishery will be reopen daily on June 8-22 off Ilwaco and Westport, June 22-28 at La Push and Neah Bay. Last year, this early summer fishery generated close to a chinook per rod average for most of the time it was open.

Full summer salmon fishing seasons for chinook and hatchery coho will open right after the early summer season.

Where they're biting, where they're not

Tue, 21 May 2013 14:04:50 PDT

This is an interactive map that shows the best and worst places to cast a line in Western Washington. It's usually updated on Tuesdays.

State Fish and Wildlife Columbia River regional fishing reports

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:16:07 PDT

Salmon/Steelhead

Elochoman River from mouth to West Fork and Grays River from mouth to South Fork and West Fork from mouth to hatchery intake/footbridge – Under permanent rules, open to fishing for hatchery Chinook and hatchery steelhead beginning the first Saturday in June (June 1st this year).

Green River from the mouth to 400’ below the water intake at the upper end of the hatchery and South Fork Toutle River from the mouth to the 4700 Road Bridge – The ending date for the early hatchery steelhead season that opens the last Saturday in May is incorrectly listed in the 2013-2014 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet. The correct ending date is the Friday before the first Saturday in June. This year, the ending date is May 31, 2013. Selective gear rules apply during this fishery.

Cowlitz River – Anglers are catching some spring Chinook, mostly near the barrier dam.

Last week Tacoma Power recovered 456 spring Chinook adults, 51 jacks, 52 winter-run steelhead and 18 summer-run steelhead during five days of operations at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.

During the past week Tacoma Power employees released 189 Chinook adults, 16 jacks and five winter-run steelhead and into the Cispus River above the mouth of Yellow Jacket Creek and 81 spring Chinook adults, 25 jacks and two winter-run steelhead into Lake Scanewa above Cowlitz Falls Dam.

River flows at Mayfield Dam are approximately 5,240 cubic feet per second on Monday, May 20. Water visibility is 11 feet.

Blue Creek from mouth to posted sign above rearing pond outlet – Effect June 1, the trout daily limit is 5 fish. Up to 2 fish over 20 inches may be retained. Release wild cutthroats. Night closure and anti-snagging rules will be in effect. Open to all anglers.

Kalama River from Summers Creek upstream to 6429 Road (about 1 mile above gate at end of county road bridge) – Effective the first Saturday in June, up to 2 hatchery steelhead may be retained. Fly fishing only.

North Fork Lewis River from Johnson Creek (located downstream from Lewis River Salmon Hatchery) upstream to overhead powerlines below Merwin Dam – Through May 31 CLOSED TO ALL FISHING. On June 1^st this section will reopen to hatchery steelhead but remain closed for Chinook.

East Fork Lewis River from the mouth to 400 feet below Horseshoe Falls (except closures around various falls) and the Washougal River from the mouth to Salmon Falls Bridge – Under permanent rules these areas will be open to fishing with bait for hatchery steelhead beginning the first Saturday in June (June 1st this year).

Washougal River- Slow for hatchery summer run steelhead.

Wind River – Boat anglers at the mouth are catching some spring Chinook, mostly jacks.

195 spring Chinook returned to Carson National Fish Hatchery over the weekend, including 69 fish last night. The hatchery has 952 adults on hand. The hatchery escapement goal is 1,500 fish.

Last year, a total of 80 spring Chinook had returned to Carson National Fish Hatchery through May 21.

Drano Lake - Boat anglers averaged a spring Chinook per every 5 rods last week. About 35% of the catch were jacks.

Klickitat River – Including fish released, bank anglers below Fisher Hill Bridge averaged about ½ fish per rod. Jacks comprised about 1/3 of the salmon catch. A few steelhead were also caught.

Under permanent rules, the Klickitat River from the Fisher Hill Bridge downstream will open 7 days per week beginning June 1. The salmon daily limit will be 6 fish of which no more than 2 may be adults. Two hatchery steelhead may also be retained. Release wild Chinook.

The section from 400 feet upstream from # 5 fishway upstream to boundary markers below the Klickitat Salmon Hatchery will open to fishing for hatchery Chinook jacks and hatchery steelhead beginning June 1 under permanent rules. Again, release wild Chinook.

Sturgeon

Estuary – Charter and private boat anglers are catching some legals. Still about a 50/50 chance a fish landed will be legal size.

Lower Columbia mainstem below Bonneville Dam – We sampled 62 sturgeon anglers (including 19 boats) with 6 legals kept. All the legals kept were caught by boat anglers from Vancouver to Cathlamet.

The Dalles and John Day pools – Slow for legal size fish.

Walleye and Bass

The Dalles Pool - Boat anglers averaged 2 walleye and 7 bass per rod when including fish released. Bank anglers also caught some bass.

John Day Pool – Including fish released, boat anglers averaged nearly 2 walleye and a bass per rod. Bank anglers also averaged a bass per rod.

Shad

Lower Columbia below Bonneville Dam - We sampled 75 shad anglers (including 5 boats) with 70 shad kept and 5 released.

Trout

Lake Scanewa (Cowlitz Falls Reservoir) – Beginning June 1, open to fishing for hatchery rainbows. 20,000 catchable size rainbows expected to be planted from June through August.

Vancouver Lake- The flushing channel and the lake shoreline 400 feet east and west from the channel exit are closed to all fishing through May 31. It had been through May 30. The regulation was changed during the recent permanent rule process.

Some streams in Region 5 that open to fishing the Saturday before Memorial Day (and scheduled plants of catchable size rainbows) are Canyon (5,500), Bird (1,000), Outlet (1,000), and Spring (3,000) creeks and the Little White Salmon River (3,000).

Skate Creek and Tilton River from mouth to west fork – Under recently adopted permanent rules, effective the first Saturday in June the daily limit was reduced to 2 trout. Release all cutthroats. No longer planted with hatchery rainbows (see Rainey Creek below).

Rainey Creek from mouth to Hwy. 12 – Effective the first Saturday in June, the trout daily limit is 5 hatchery (adipose clipped) rainbows. Release all cutthroats. Scheduled to be planted with 2,000 catchable size rainbows this summer.

State Fish and Wildlife Columbia River regional fish checks

Mon, 20 May 2013 21:31:08 PDT

Columbia River below Bonneville Dam – May 13-19: 298 bank anglers caught two jack spring chinook and seven steelhead, and released five spring chinook and four steelhead; 22 boats with 45 anglers caught six steelhead and released two spring chinook; 21 bank anglers caught no sturgeon; 19 boats with 41 anglers caught six sturgeon and released 48; 26 bank anglers caught 65 shad; five boats with 10 anglers caught five shad and released five.

Columbia River in The Dalles Pool – May 13-19: One bank angler released one sturgeon; five boats with 12 anglers released 46 sturgeon; three boats with seven anglers caught 12 walleye; three bank anglers caught three bass; two boats with four anglers released 27 bass.

Columbia River in John Day Pool – May 13-19: 20 bank anglers caught no sturgeon; six boats with six anglers released five sturgeon; two bank anglers caught no walleye; 12 boats with 23 anglers caught 40 walleye and released three; 34 bank anglers caught 23 bass and released 13; four boats with seven anglers caught one bass and released six.

Cowlitz River – May 13-19: 167 bank anglers caught eight spring chinook; 14 boat anglers caught two spring chinook.

Washougal River – May 13-19: 47 bank anglers caught no fish; three boat anglers caught no fish.

Wind River mouth – May 13-19: Four bank anglers caught no fish; 87 boat anglers caught 12 spring chinook and released five.

Drano Lake – May 13-19: Three bank anglers caught no fish; 232 boat anglers caught 46 spring chinook and released two.

Klickitat River – May 13-19: 85 bank anglers caught 24 spring chinook and five steelhead, and released three steelhead.

(Checks provided by state Fish and Wildlife are taken randomly and do not reflect all fish caught during that period.)

State Fish and Wildlife saltwater fish checks

Mon, 20 May 2013 16:16:04 PDT

Salmon and saltwater

Don Armeni ramp, West Seattle — May 14: Three boats with six anglers caught three lingcod and 20 flounder; May 16: Two boats with four anglers caught 16 flounder and three lingcod; May 19: 13 boats with 25 anglers caught four lingcod and 47 flounder.

Eddie Vine ramp, Shilshole Bay — May 17: Four boats with 10 anglers caught one lingcod.

Everett ramp — May 14: Two boats with three anglers caught three lingcod and 11 flounder; May 15: Six boats with 11 anglers caught three lingcod and 17 flounder; May 18: 27 boats with 66 anglers caught two halibut, 48 flounder and seven lingcod.

Mukilteo ramp — May 15: Two boats with four anglers caught three lingcod and 10 flounder; May 19: Six boats with 14 anglers caught 71 flounder and four lingcod.

Glenn Street ramp, Bellingham — May 17: 10 boats with 28 anglers caught seven lingcod; May 18: 15 boats with 42 anglers caught 15 lingcod and five halibut; May 19: 12 boats with 28 anglers caught 12 lingcod.

Cornet Bay ramp, North Whidbey Island — May 13: Three boats with six anglers caught one lingcod and two kelp greenling; May 18: 96 boats with 202 anglers caught 18 lingcod, 31 halibut and three cabezon; May 19: 23 boats with 50 anglers caught 17 lingcod, one cabezon and six kelp greenling.

Washington Park ramp, Anacortes — May 14: One boat with two anglers caught one lingcod; May 17: 21 boats with 49 anglers caught six lingcod, one halibut and one kelp greenling; May 18: 45 boats with 120 anglers caught 19 lingcod, six halibut and two cabezon; May 19: 21 boats with 49 anglers caught 21 lingcod, four cabezon and eight kelp greenling.

Swinomish Channel ramp — May 17: Two boats with five anglers caught two lingcod and two kelp greenling; May 19: One boat with two anglers caught no fish.

Olson’s Resort, Sekiu — May 16: Four boats with seven anglers caught three rockfish, three lingcod and two flounder; May 18: Six boats with 16 anglers caught 12 rockfish, three lingcod and two Pacific cod; May 19: Five boats with 16 anglers caught 26 rockfish, one red Irish lord, two lingcod and one sculpin.

Van Riper’s Resort, Sekiu — May 16: Three boats with four anglers caught two lingcod and one flounder; May 18: Three boats with four anglers caught two lingcod; May 19: Four boats with nine anglers caught 19 rockfish and 12 lingcod.

Freshwater Bay ramp — May 16: 28 boats with 52 anglers caught 18 halibut, 57 kelp greenling and two lingcod.

Ediz Hook ramp, Port Angeles — May 16: 111 boats with 246 anglers caught 92 halibut; May 17: 103 boats with 239 anglers caught 45 halibut.

Port Angeles West ramp — May 17: 39 boats with 90 anglers caught 26 halibut; May 18: 63 boats with 153 anglers caught 40 halibut.

Port Townsend Boat Haven Marina ramp — May 18: 27 boats with 60 anglers caught seven halibut.

Point Defiance Park ramp and Boathouse, Tacoma — May 13: Two boats with five anglers caught no fish; May 14: Two boats with two anglers caught 14 flounder; May 15: One boat with two anglers caught no fish; May 18: Nine boats with 27 anglers caught 205 flounder; May 19: Five boats with seven anglers caught one chinook, two flounder and nine herring.

Narrows Marina — May 15: One boat with one angler caught one lingcod; May 18: Four boats with nine anglers caught two lingcod and two flounder; May 19: Five boats with 11 anglers caught one chinook.

Steilacoom ramp — May 19: One boat with one angler caught no fish.

Zittel’s Marina — May 18: One boat with three anglers caught no fish; May 19: Four boats with 12 anglers caught 47 flounder.

(Checks provided by state Fish and Wildlife are taken randomly and do not reflect all fish caught during that period.)

Port Angeles area halibut fishery reopened with good results but faded by Saturday

Mon, 20 May 2013 15:31:05 PDT

The halibut fishery in the eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca reopened last Thursday (May 16) with good results but began to slowly fade by Saturday mainly due to bad weather.

“We had a couple decent days of halibut fishing, and then it dropped off as the weather kind of got crummy and foggy,” said Larry Bennett, the head state Fish and Wildlife checker in the Strait.

On Thursday (May 16), 111 boats with 246 anglers at the Ediz Hook boat ramp in Port Angeles had 92 halibut, and on Friday (May 17) 103 boats with 239 anglers caught 45 halibut.

At the Port Townsend boat launch, 27 boats with 60 anglers on Saturday (May 18) caught seven halibut, and 63 anglers at the Port Angeles West ramp had 40 halibut.

Halibut fishing in the eastern Strait is open this Thursday to Sunday (May 23-26), and May 30-31 only.

The Port Angeles Halibut Derby is this weekend (May 25-26), and is hosted by the Port Angeles Salmon Club. The largest halibut is worth $5,000, and there are 30 cash prizes total.

Cost for the derby is $40. For details, call 360-452-2357.

The western Strait of Juan de Fuca at Sekiu opens for halibut fishing this Thursday to Sunday (May 23-26); May 30-June 1; and June 8 only.

Kokanee Derby at Lake Stevens lures 220 anglers on Saturday

Mon, 20 May 2013 14:31:07 PDT

The Lake Stevens Kokanee Derby hosted by the Snohomish Sportsman’s Club and Lake Stevens Lions Club was held this past Saturday (May 18), and 220 anglers turned out to try their luck.

The biggest kokanee was caught by Bronson Rowe weighed 1.68 pounds, and earned him $1,000. Second place was Wade Purdy, 1.62, $500; third was Taylor Derns, 1.59, $250; and fourth went to Ryan Gese, 1.52, $100.

Top winners with the biggest kokanee limit of 10-fish was Bruce McCall, 12.54 pounds, $500; and second was Frank Linskey with 12.16, $250.

Winner of the largest trout was Kevin Edwards with 5.38 pound trout and won $500.

In the Kids Derby Division, first place was Parker Jeanes, 1.40, kokanee, $100; second was Max Hill, 3.15 rainbow trout, $75; and third was MacKenzie Ramsey, 2.52, smallmouth bass, $50.

The largest kokanee landed by a www.Gamefishin.com member was Nathaniel Evans, 1.43, $100.

Ballard angler hooks big halibut out of kayak off Neah Bay

Mon, 20 May 2013 11:46:10 PDT

Another big fish story has been reeled in, and this one ranks in the lore of David and Goliath.

One of the hardest challenges for boat anglers is catching a giant halibut, but just imagine doing it aboard a 14-foot kayak.

That is just what Brad Hole of Ballard did May 9 while fishing off the Northwestern coast.

Hole and a group of friends from the Northwest Kayak Anglers organization spent a few days fishing for halibut, lingcod and bottomfish outside of Hobuck Beach at Neah Bay.

A couple weeks before, Hole and a friend had taken their Hobie Pro Angler Kayaks up to the area to fish the lingcod opener when he hooked, but never saw, what he thought was a big halibut in 25 feet of water.

“I knew the fish were hanging in shallow water so when we returned I stayed within a couple miles from shore in 40 to 90 feet of water,” Hole said.

It didn’t take long for Hole to hook into something big.

On the first drop of the morning, Hole let his bait — an 8-inch whole flounder — on a spreader bar with a 12-ounce weight down to the bottom in 40 feet of water.

“The fish fought hard for about 15 minutes, and pulled me around and then I finally got it to the surface,” said Hole who prepared to try out his homemade harpoon attached to a crab float.

“I tried to get my kayak in position, and threw the harpoon toward the halibut and missed,” said Hole. “The water exploded around me, and then the fish began peeling off fishing line.”

“The fish went several hundred yards out to sea, and I yelled at one of my buddies nearby to grab my harpoon,” he said.

His friend followed nearby, and Hole managed to bring the giant fish back up to the surface. He got into position again, and this time the harpoon struck the fish.

They tied the still-thrashing halibut to the back of the kayak, and made it back to shore where the fish measured almost 55 inches and weighed an estimated 80 pounds.

“That was definitely a fish of a lifetime to catch in a kayak,” Hole said. “My friend (Rory O’Conner) caught a 71-pound halibut on his kayak (last season).”

That same day, three of his friends also managed to hook into some halibut, each weighing about 30 pounds, and they all caught their limits of lingcod.

Hole says the halibut could be the biggest landed in a kayak in the Lower 48 states.

Hole has also been pursuing cutthroat trout in Lake Washington with decent success.

"I've been fishing Lake Washington extensively since last October for cutthroat trout and just getting into them pretty good," Hole said. "I'm pulling lead lines with spoons or a full size herring, and the cutties coming out of there are up to 23 and 24 inches."

Hole fishes out of a 14-foot Hobie Pro Angler, which he jokingly calls the "yacht" of kayaks. It is pedal powered (unlike the normal paddle types) and weighs about 120 pounds and measures 30 inches wide. The kayak has a fishfinder, GPS unit, downrigger, and has five tackle boxes, can hole six rods.

"It's a total fishing machine, and allows you to go hands-free fishing and travels at 4 to 5 mph," Hole said.

(Photos courtesy of Brad Hole and Rory O'Conner)

Sno-King CCA meeting guest speaker Matt McCullough to discuss Olympic Peninsula steelhead hatchery program

Sun, 19 May 2013 19:01:06 PDT

Everyone is invited to attend the Sno-King Coastal Conservation Association meeting 7 p.m. Thursday (May 23) at the Sammamish Grange Hall, 14654 148th Ave. N.E. in Woodinville.

Matt McCullough with the Olympic Peninsula Guides Association will discuss the steelhead broodstock hatchery program.

After 25 years on the Sol Duc River System's Snider Creek the program has been moved to the Bogachiel River.

For details, call Rick Lindquist at 206-465-6905 or email Rick_Lind@comcast.net.

Outdoor writer Dave Graybill points rod to Yakima for salmon

Sun, 19 May 2013 14:01:08 PDT

Here is the latest fishing report from Dave Graybill, longtime Eastern Washington outdoor radio host and angler:

Spring salmon runs have been on the rebound on the Yakima River for several years now, and two sections of the river are open to fishing again this season.

One is from the I-82 Bridge in Richland to the Grant Avenue Bridge in Prosser, about 1,000 feet below the Prosser Dam. This section is open through June 30^th. The other section is from the I-82 Bridge in Union Gap to Railroad Bridge about 500 feet below Roza Dam. This section is open from May 18^th to July 15^th.

There is a pretty good list of special rules and reminders that anglers should review before heading for the river. These can be found on the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife web site.

I would look under “Latest News” to find the news release with the details. Also, it has been announced that Upper Wheeler Reservoir, near Wenatchee, is now a fly fishing only lake.

Through an agreement with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, Wenatchee Heights Irrigation District and the Wenatchee Valley Fly Fishers public access has been granted. It will be open to fishing from May 18^th to September 14^th.

For details or Graybill's weekly report visit his website at http://www.fishingmagician.com/.

Two kids fishing events coming up early next month

Sun, 19 May 2013 11:16:05 PDT

There are some kids fishing events coming up soon to get them hooked into the sport.

Heart Lake in Anacortes is offering the 20th annual Kids Fishing Event Saturday (June 1) which is sponsored by the City of Anacortes Parks and Recreation and the Fidalgo-San Juan Chapter of the Puget Sound Anglers.

Kids age 14 and under can enjoy and learn about fishing who would otherwise not get the chance. There will also be a free BBQ for participants. For details, call Nicole Johnston, city of Anacortes Parks and Recreation at 360-293-1918.

At Lake Sylvia in Grays Harbor County near Montesano there will be a kids fish-in event Saturday (June 8), and about 350 kids are expected to turn out. For details, call 360-249-4628.

For a list of other events, go to http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/kids/events.html or http://www.castforkids.org/.

Public meeting May 29 to discuss the state of Cowlitz River fisheries and hatchery

Sat, 18 May 2013 16:01:10 PDT

State Fish and Wildlife is hosting a public meeting to discuss the Cowlitz River fisheries and hatchery programs 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 29 at Centralia College in Washington Hall Room 103, at Washington Ave. and Pear Street.

State Fish and Wildlife and Tacoma Power officials will discuss the Fisheries and Hatchery Management Plan for the Cowlitz River and recommendations for next years’ hatchery production.

In November 2011, the group outlined their plan to maximize wild fish production in the Cowlitz River while still providing a chance to sport fish.

The plan sets goals for building wild salmon and steelhead in the Cowlitz, while maintaining hatchery production and other programs.

To view the plan, go to http://1.usa.gov/14tdhC2.

Latest Columbia River northern pikeminnow reward catches

Sat, 18 May 2013 11:16:06 PDT

Here is the weekly update on the Northern Pikeminnow Sport Reward Fishery Program happening on the Columbia River.

The harvest total from May 6-12 was 6,019 pikeminnow (Compared to 3,299 the week before) from 1,295 anglers (999) for a catch average of 4.6 fish per angler (3.3) with two tags recovered (six).

There was one tagged fish for every 3,010 pikeminnow caught.

The harvest season total is 9,318 pikeminnow from 2,294 anglers for a catch average of 4.1 fish per angler with eight tags recovered.

The best catches this past week occurred at Maryhill with 18.7 fish per rod; Giles French with 8.9; Lyon's Ferry with 8.8; PortCo (Marine Park) with 8.0; Bingen with 7.7;Kalama with 7.6; and Boyer Park with 6.5. Highest catch area for the season so far is Maryhill with 13.4.

Northern pikeminnow, a large member of the minnow family, are known to eat millions of young salmon and steelhead, and other fish like bass, walleye and shad in the Columbia and Snake rivers each year.

There is a reward program through Sept. 30 that offers a bounty on fish measuring 9 inches or longer.

The more northern pikeminnow an angler catches, the more the fish are worth. The first 100 are worth $4 each; the next 300 are worth $5 each, and after 400 fish are caught and turned in, they are worth $8 each. As an added incentive, specially tagged fish are worth $500.

Only fish caught from the Columbia mouth to Priest Rapids Dam, and from the Snake mouth to Hells Canyon Dam are eligible.

There are 21 check stations along both rivers. Anglers must register each day before fishing.

Catches must be checked in at the station each day, and reward vouchers will be given. For details, call 800-858-9015 or visit www.pikeminnow.org.

(Photo by Seattle Times staff photographer)

Columbia River estuary sturgeon catch was good last weekend

Sat, 18 May 2013 10:31:06 PDT

The Lower Columbia estuary sturgeon fishery got off to a fairly good start last weekend (May 11-12).

"Pretty good opening weekend on the Washington side," said Joe Hymer, a state Fish and Wildlife biologist. "Almost a 50/50 chance a sturgeon caught would be legal-size (41-inch minimum fork size length to maximum 54-inch fork length)."

Fish checks

Ilwaco-Fort Canby: One charter boat May 11-12 with seven anglers caught no fish.

Port of Chinook: 11 private boats May 11-12 with 32 anglers caught 10 sturgeon and released seven; one charter boat with five anglers caught one sturgeon and released eight.

Perch and bass fishing picks up at Potholes Reservoir

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:46:08 PDT

Here is a report from Mike Meseberg with MarDon Resort in the Potholes Reservoir of Eastern Washington:

Improved perch fishing has been reported all over Potholes Reservoir. This past week many fishermen have limited on perch up to 12 inches at the MarDon Marina. Othello Resident, Levi Rodello, reported a 13 inch jumbo perch from the MarDon Dock, this was the largest Perch we had heard of all week.

Sand dune bass fishermen, while having good bass action, are commenting on clouds of bluegill and crappie throughout the dune area.

Serious walleye anglers are catching good numbers of walleye, many of which are miniature under the 12 inch legal minimum. Walleye fishermen trolling, using spinners and night-crawlers behind bottom cruisers are reporting a number of perch under 6 inches being caught. At this time 80% of the walleye caught are small males. Many Lind Coulee and Crab Creek fishermen trolling are reporting walleye limits.

Surprisingly, trout fishermen trolling at the mouth of Frenchman’s Wasteway are beginning to have good trout action near the surface with spinners and night-crawlers. This week trout action has been occurring with Needlefish and Rapala Shad Rap’s.

After the amazing March and April bank fishing for rainbows we can only expect some quality trolling as the May weather warms the lake.

Crappie action continues to be challenging. On May 15th one of the many secret holes in the seep lakes produced 10 crappie over 12 inches…….this report was anonymous so you can draw your own conclusions.

Upcoming MarDon Events:

This weekend is our MarDon Bass Open Tournament. Weigh-in’s times: Saturday from 3:30 and 4 p.m.; Sunday from 2:30 and 3 p.m.

This is a Fish Habitat Fundraiser and will also offer a great raffle with lots of fishing tackle and equipment. The raffle will take place on Sunday after the weigh-in’s are over. For more information please call (509) 346-2651.

May 24-27: Memorial Day Weekend

June 8-9: WA State Free Fishing Weekend

June 15-16: 2013 WA Bowfishing Championship

July 5: Golf Cart Parade & Fireworks at Dusk

August 24: Lake Poker Run and Beach Party

For additional details, call MarDon Resort at 800-416-2736 or visit the MarDon Resort website.

Quincy Valley Pikeminnow Derby this weekend

Fri, 17 May 2013 13:16:08 PDT

Here is the latest fishing report from Dave Graybill, longtime Eastern Washington outdoor radio host and angler:

The Quincy Valley Tourism Association’s annual Pikeminnow Derby kicks off this weekend, and if you haven’t registered for the event you still have time. Registrations will be taken at the Crescent Bar Derby Headquarters until 5:30 today.

This popular event not only offers a weekend of fishing fun on the Columbia River, there are two boats being raffled and over $9,000.00 worth of cash and prizes awarded to those who participate.

It also serves another important purpose. It will help remove hundreds of northern pikeminnows from the Columbia River, and they are a primary predator of salmon and steelhead smolt making their way down the river to the ocean. Anglers not only experience the fun of fishing, they get a chance to win some cash and prizes and really help out our fisheries. Everybody wins with this one.

I want to remind folks that there some great fishing events for kids coming up soon. One is the annual Fishing Kids event at the National Fish Hatchery in Leavenworth. To register for the events just click on the Pepsi logo on my web site and follow the links.

Don’t miss this one!

For details or Graybill's weekly report visit his website at http://www.fishingmagician.com/.

Low cost life jackets for sale this Saturday at Evans Pool in Seattle

Fri, 17 May 2013 13:16:08 PDT

Water safety is the high priority when it comes to boating, and the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department is offering high-quality life jackets for sale 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday (May 18) at Evans Pool in Green Lake Park.

This event will be the first of five sales dates that Seattle Parks and Recreation and Seattle Children’s Hospital who have partnered with Mustang Survival and the Coast Guard Auxiliary to to sell low-cost life jackets.

State law requires children ages 12 and under must wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket or life vest on vessels shorter than 19 feet long. There must also be a life jacket on board that fits for every person over age 12.

Cost is $20 for infant to youth large life jackets and $30 for teens to adult size XXXL. No refunds or returns will be allowed during the sale.

Kids under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian to purchase a life jacket. Fitters will be on site to help choose the correct size.

Other dates are June 15; July 20; Aug. 17 and Sept. 21. For details, email Diane Jones at diane.jones@seattle.gov.

Final spring coastal razor clam dig is Memorial Day weekend at Twin Harbors

Thu, 16 May 2013 17:46:03 PDT

Coastal razor clam diggers will get one more shot, and this will be the absolute final digs of the spring season.

Twin Harbors will be open May 24-26 on Memorial Day weekend. Digging will be allowed until noon each day.

All other ocean beaches - Long Beach, Copalis and Mocrocks - are closed for the season.

Since the season opened last October, diggers have harvested more than five million razor clams, making it the most productive in more than 20 years.

Low tides: May 24, Friday, 6:34 a.m., minus-1.7 feet; May 25, Saturday, 7:21 a.m., -2.2 feet; and May 26, Sunday, 8:09 a.m., -2.4 feet.

Lake Stevens Kokanee Derby is this Saturday

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:31:08 PDT

The Lake Stevens Kokanee Derby is this Saturday (May 18), and the fishery has started to improve with good catches in recent days.

“Overall the derby has had a little less interest, but the kokanee fishing has been pretty good, and most of the regulars are getting their limits,” said Mike Chamberlain, owner of Ted’s Sports Center in Lynnwood. “Most of the kokanee are 11 to 13 inches with an odd fish up to 16 1/2 inches.”

The fish have been caught from the surface down to 30 feet, and right now anglers have fared better using blades with white corn or maggots. Usually the preferred choice are small sized pink hootchies laced with anise scent.

Cost for the derby is $20 for those over age 15, and free for kids 14 and under.

First place is worth $1,000 sponsored by Dick Nite Spoons; second is $500 sponsored by Ted’s Sports Center; third is $250 sponsored by John’s Sporting Goods; and fourth is $100 sponsored by Triangle Bait and Tackle.

The largest trout -is worth $500 sponsored by Trout Lodge, and biggest kokanee limit is $500 sponsored by Three Rivers Marine and Tackle. Largest Kokanee caught by a gamefishin.com member is worth $100. Largest kokanee caught by active military member is $100 sponsored by gamefishin.com.

In the kids division the largest kokanee is worth $100; second is $75; and third is $50.

Tickets are available at Greg’s Custom Rods; 3 Rivers Marine and Tackle; John’s Sporting Goods; Ted’s Sports Center; Holiday Sports; and Triangle Bait and Tackle.

(Photo by Mark Harrison, Seattle Times staff photographer)

Oregon Fish and Wildlife Columbia River regional fishing reports

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:16:06 PDT

COLUMBIA FISHING REPORTS BY OREGON FISH AND WILDLIFE

Weekend Fishing Opportunities:

Angling for summer steelhead and spring Chinook jacks opens Thursday, May 16 between Tongue Point and the I-5 Bridge.

Shad angling opens Thursday, May 16 between Buoy 10 and Bonneville Dam.

Sturgeon angling is good in the lower Columbia as the population migrates from the Willamette down to the estuary. The estuary sturgeon season is open seven days per week during Saturday May 11 through Sunday, June 30 (or catch guideline) below the Wauna Powerlines.

Walleye angling is excellent in the The Dalles pool.

STURGEON:

Sturgeon anglers fishing the Portland to St. Helens area averaged 1.03 legal white sturgeon caught per boat. On Saturday’s (5/11) flight, 268 sturgeon boats and 42 Oregon bank anglers were counted.

Troutdale Bank:

No report.

Troutdale Boats:

Weekly checking showed four legal white sturgeon kept, plus 22 sublegal sturgeon released for six boats (13 anglers).

Portland to Longview Bank:

Weekly checking showed one oversize and one sublegal sturgeon released for 15 bank anglers.

Portland to Scappoose Boats:

Weekly checking showed 40 legal white sturgeon kept, plus one legal, two oversize and 382 sublegal sturgeon released for 40 boats (120 anglers).

Estuary Boats (Puget Island to Buoy 10):

Weekly checking showed five legal white sturgeon kept, plus one legal, one oversize and 55 sublegal sturgeon released for 20 boats (51 anglers); and no catch for 12 charter boat anglers.

The Dalles Pool:

Weekly checking showed five sublegal sturgeon released for 10 bank anglers; and one legal white sturgeon kept, plus one oversize and 43 sublegal sturgeon released for eight boats (23 anglers).

John Day Pool:

Weekly checking showed no catch for eight bank anglers; and one legal, one oversize and 15 sublegal sturgeon released for nine boats (21 anglers).

WALLEYE:

Troutdale:

Weekly checking showed no catch for one boat (one angler).

The Dalles Pool:

Weekly checking showed no catch for two bank anglers; and 22 walleye kept for five boats (11 anglers).

John Day Pool:

Weekly checking showed no catch for one bank angler; and six walleye kept, plus two walleye released for 13 boats (22 anglers).

Two sections of Snake River to close for spring chinook, and one will remain open

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:31:05 PDT

The lowered spring chinook forecast has affected the Snake River fishery in two sections that will close immediately while another will remain open.

State Fish and Wildlife officials reduced the spring chinook forecast from 141,400 to 107,500. The updated run size means anglers were nearing the total catch allocation.

In the two closed sections, sport anglers have caught more than 130 hatchery adult chinook.

The two areas closing are below Ice Harbor from the South Bound Highway 12 Bridge at Pasco upstream about seven miles to the fishing restriction boundary below Ice Harbor Dam; and below Little Goose from Texas Rapids boat launch (south side of the river upstream of the mouth of Tucannon River) to Little Goose Dam.

The closure also includes an area between the juvenile bypass return pipe and Little Goose Dam along the south shoreline of the facility (includes the walkway area locally known as “the Wall” in front of the juvenile collection facility).

The Clarkston area will remain open Sundays and Mondays of each week only for spring chinook fishing as it had no catch allocation limit.

This area is from the intersection of Steptoe Canyon Road with the Wawawai River Road on the Whitman County shore up approximately 12 miles to the Washington state line (from the east levee of the Greenbelt boat launch in Clarkston northwest across the Snake River to the Washington/Idaho boundary waters marker on the Whitman County shore).

Daily limit is five hatchery-marked chinook and no more than one may be an adult chinook. Anglers must also stop fishing once they keep their catch limit. Minimum size of chinook is 12 inches. Barbless hooks are required, and only single point barbless hooks are allowed when fishing for sturgeon. There is a night closure. Hooks cannot be larger than 5/8 inch (point of hook to shank) when fishing for all species except sturgeon.

Commercial chinook troll fishery improved just as recent storm blew them off the water

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:16:04 PDT

The northern coastal nontribal commercial chinook troll fishery was just starting to see an increase and then a storm blew them off the ocean.

“The trollers had got into them just before the storm hit, and had a couple of good days of fishing and some pretty good hits,” said Doug Milward, the state Fish and Wildlife coastal salmon manager.

“They were sitting good until the weekend, and licking their chops and the rumor was the fish were everywhere,” Milward said. “Although that wasn’t the case for everyone as you can tell by how the (May 10-11) sport fishery went at Neah Bay and La Push. Catches are really light in the sport fishery, and all the fish are farther from shore. The fish tend to be deep at first.”

The data at La Push had 143 anglers with four hatchery chinook for 0.14 chinook per angler trip; and Neah Bay had 629 anglers with 72 hatchery chinook for 0.11 chinook per angler trip. The hatchery chinook fishery at both areas reopens this Friday and Saturday (May 17-18) only.

“The good news is there are fish up (off the northern coast), and things did get better,” Milward said. “We also saw some fish coming out of Westport, where trollers had been catching 10 to 15 daily and sometimes as high as 20 fish. That is not stellar but not too bad if you think about it.”

So far, the trollers have caught 5,000 chinook with a catch quota of 29,300 for May and June fishery.

Milward also points out that the fish are getting bigger than when the fishery first started and they averaged 8 pounds.

“The fish are getting a little bigger and their size is improving, and it is usually around now that the small fish start to go away,” Milward said. “Once that storm hit you have to reset the button, and the trollers will need to search the pasture again. The good news is the storm could have warmed up the water, and the third and fourth week of May is when the fishery tends to take off, and were coming right into that.”

The selective hatchery-marked chinook fishery at Neah Bay and La Push is open May 10-11 and May 17-18.

The early summer hatchery chinook fishery will be open daily on June 8-22 off Ilwaco and Westport, June 22-28 at La Push and Neah Bay. Last year, this early summer fishery generated close to a chinook per rod average for most of the time it was open.

Full summer salmon fishing seasons for chinook and hatchery coho will open right after the early summer season.

Lake Chelan kokanee top spot in north central Washington

Wed, 15 May 2013 18:31:06 PDT

Here is the latest fishing report from Dave Graybill, longtime Eastern Washington outdoor radio host and angler:

Kokanee fishing has been spectacular at Lake Chelan this season, and it continues to be one of the best fisheries in the region. If you haven’t tried this yet, or don’t think you are getting your share you’ll want to attend the free seminar at Town Ford on Thursday, May 23.

Bobbie Loomis, of Macks Lure Company, is an expert on kokanee fishing and will be there to give anglers detailed instruction on how to catch them. He has caught limits of these dandies on Chelan this season and can tell everyone how he does it.

He will cover rods, reels, lines, attractors and baits. He will also tell folks where to look for them on Chelan.

Also appearing at the seminar will be Shane Magnuson, of Upper Columbia Guide Service. He will be there to tell people how to catch spring salmon on the Icicle River.

There is a chance the Wenatchee will be open this year and people will want to how fish this river, too. The seminar will be held at the dealership in East Wenatchee, beginning at 6 p.m. For information call Town Ford at 509-663-2111.

For details or Graybill's weekly report visit his website at http://www.fishingmagician.com/.

Westport halibut fishery will get one more day of fishing this weekend

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:01:05 PDT

The Westport halibut fishery has enjoyed a brief season, and after this Sunday (May 19) it will be shutdown completely.

“The decision after looking at preliminary catch estimates (from Tuesday, May 14) is that we could get through one more day of fishing on Sunday,” said Heather Reed, the state Fish and Wildlife coastal halibut manager.

“An important point is that while we’ll get one additional day for halibut we’ll have to use up the (nearshore halibut fishery’s) 2,000 pound catch quota, which means that we’ll close everything,” Reed said. “That could change if we get some crummy weather, and we’ll have to adjust after we look back on it, but at this point that is our expectation.”

As for the northern coastal halibut fishery at Neah Bay and La Push it will remain open Thursday and Saturday (May 16 and 18), and state fisheries managers will meet again next week to review

Columbia River anglers can add shad to the fishing menu starting Thursday

Wed, 15 May 2013 16:31:05 PDT

The shad fishery in the Lower Columbia River opens Thursday (May 16) and the counts at Bonneville Dam have started to increase.

That should be good news for those tossing shad darts into the rolling waters below the dam. Through May 14, 14,596 shad have crossed Bonneville. Single-day counts have been 3,630 on May 14; 3,105 on May 13; and 3,446 on May 12.

In other news spring chinook catches have increased mainly at Drano Lake.

“They have been catching a few spring chinook both adults and jacks in Drano Lake, and the bobber fishermen are starting to catch fish too,” said Joe Hymer, a state Fish and Wildlife biologist. “The Wind River is still pretty slow at the mouth for spring chinook. Effort had kind of dropped off.”

“The Lower Cowlitz is pretty slow for steelhead and spring chinook, but they are getting some spring chinook near barrier dam,” Hymer said. “There are also some spring chinook being caught on the Lower Klickitat.”

Hymer says there was a few sturgeon caught in the Vancouver-Kalama area (during the opener last Saturday, May 4), and they’ve set some time for fishing in June in Bonneville Pool.

That sturgeon fishery will be open June 14-15 and June 21-22 in Bonneville Pool. If catches are slow than more days could be added to the season in early July.

Coastal razor clam digs might get two more days at Twin Harbors in what has been a record breaking season

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:16:08 PDT

The most recent coastal razor clam outings May 8-14 at Twin Harbors and Long Beach produced excellent digging, and another short series is just on the horizon.

“I have recommended a couple more days of digging (this month) at Twin Harbors, and the final word should be out in the next day or two,” said Dan Ayres, the head state Fish and Wildlife coastal shellfish manager. “We are done on all other beaches (Long Beach, Copalis and Mocrocks) for the season.”

“We had two days (May 10-11) of digging at Long Beach with 5,600 diggers who had 84,600 clams, which comes out to 15 clams per person,” Ayres said. “There was some clam wastage (where diggers discard smaller clams on the beach) at Long Beach, but nothing horrible.”

At Twin Harbors there were 7,400 diggers trips May 8-14 with 113,000 clams dug with 15 clams per person.

“It has been a great season, and if you look at Twin Harbors specifically we offered 78 digging days (since the season began in October),” Ayres said. “We haven’t offered that many days in the past 20 years so it was a record breaker.”

Fisheries shellfish managers will begin assessing clam populations and surveys during the summer, and will then come out with proposals by late August or September.

“We’ve got some real good low tides during the first part of October, and we’ll be looking at possibilities,” Ayres said.

(Photo by Mark Yuasa)

Hoh River on northern Olympic coast closed to protect poor wild chinook returns

Wed, 15 May 2013 14:01:05 PDT

Here is a news release from Olympic National Park on the immediate closure of chinook fishing on the Hoh River:

Olympic National Park has released its sport fishing regulations for 2013-2014 and announced the closure of recreational fishing in the Hoh River watershed effective immediately.

Approximately 56 percent of the Hoh watershed lies within Olympic National Park boundaries; the fishing closure includes only those portions of the upper Hoh River, South Fork Hoh River, all tributaries, and the Hoh River mouth within the park.

The closure in the Hoh River system is designed to protect a unique population of wild Chinook salmon that has declined in recent years. This year’s forecast for Hoh River spring/summer Chinook predicts another year when the returning population will fall below the established escapement floor of 900 adults. The population has failed to meet the escapement floor five times in the past six years.

The recent pattern of low escapements and low productivity of Chinook highlights the need for additional conservation measures to better protect these salmon that are highly prized in tribal and non-tribal fisheries.

“While we strive to provide fishing opportunities to park visitors, we have significant concerns about impacts on wild Chinook in light of the forecast low return to the Hoh this year,” Olympic National Park Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum said in a news release. “Conservation of this population is a high priority and the closure will provide some relief and protection for Chinook that spawn in Olympic National Park,” explained Creachbaum.

Hoh River spring Chinook are an integral component of the park ecosystem and contribute ecologically, economically, and culturally.

Specific changes that will go into effect immediately include:

The Hoh River mouth will be closed to fishing thru Aug. 31; and the upper Hoh and South Fork Hoh Rivers and their tributaries will be closed from May 1 to Oct. 31, and will reopen on Nov. 1. Sport fishing opportunities are available throughout other areas of the park.

Updated regulations are available at http://www.nps.gov/olym/fishregs.htm and at all park visitor centers, fee booths, ranger stations, and area fishing stores.

Chef Tom Douglas offers a nice halibut recipe with a little kick

Wed, 15 May 2013 13:16:06 PDT

Halibut fishing is now in full swing, and Douglas offers a recipe for this firm, sweet tasting white fish.

Douglas will contribute some of his tasty recipes for the Reel Time Fishing NW blog in our Catch of the Week each Wednesday through October. Catch of the Day will also include recipes from other local chefs, tackle shop owners and fish-market owners.

Douglas is owner of Lola, Palace Kitchen, Dahlia Lounge, Dahlia Bakery, Etta's, Serious Pie Downtown, Seatown, Brave Horse Tavern, Cuoco, Serious Biscuit and Serious Pie Westlake. Another new Douglas restaurant, Tanaka San will open in June at the Via6 Apartment Complex in downtown Seattle.

Grilled Halibut with Charred Jalapeño Honey Vinaigrette/Tom Douglas

Makes four servings

This fresh tasting jalapeño vinaigrette spooned over a beautiful chunk of grilled wild halibut lets the flavor of the fish shine through and tastes so much better than a rich, heavy sauce.

Ingredients for the vinaigrette:

2 tablespoons minced shallot

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

¼ cup olive oil plus 1 teaspoon (for charring the pepper)

1 red jalapeño pepper

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

½ teaspoon Dijon mustard

½ teaspoon minced garlic

Freshly ground black pepper

Ingredients for the halibut

1½ pounds halibut fillet, cut into 4 portions

olive oil as needed for brushing

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

To make the vinaigrette, combine the shallot, vinegar, and ½ teaspoon salt in a bowl and allow to sit for 10 minutes. Then whisk in the honey, cilantro, mustard, garlic, and ¼ cup olive oil. Season to taste with black pepper and more salt if needed.

Meanwhile, heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a small pan over high heat. When the oil is hot, add the jalapeño and cook, turning, until charred and blistered on all sides, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool. When the jalapeño is cool, slip off the charred skin, cut off the core end, cut the pepper in half, and scrape out the seeds. Then finely chop the jalapeño and add to the vinaigrette.

Fire up the charcoal grill for medium-high direct heat. Lightly brush the halibut on both sides with oil and season the fish on both sides with salt and pepper. Lightly brush the grill grates with oil, then grill the halibut until just cooked through, turning once, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.

Transfer the halibut to plates. Whisk the vinaigrette, spoon some over each piece of fish, and serve.

(Photos by Greg Gilbert, Seattle Times staff photographer)

Icicle River opens Saturday for hatchery spring chinook fishing

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:46:05 PDT

The Icicle River near Leavenworth opens May 18 through July 31 for hatchery spring chinook, and a modest return of 4,000 fish should produce some glory moments although not like in years past.

The daily limit is hatchery-marked spring chinook with a minimum size of 12 inches.

The Icicle is open from the closure signs located 800 feet upstream of the mouth to 500 feet downstream of the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Barrier Dam.

The Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery has a spawning escapement goal of about 1,400 spring chinook.

There is a night closure rule, and no gear restrictions are required.

(Photo by Ron Judd, Seattle Times staff reporter)

Two areas of Puget Sound to reopen for spot shrimp for one additional day

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:01:06 PDT

The sport spot shrimp fishery will reopen Wednesday, May 22 in south central Puget Sound (Marine Catch Area 11) and central Puget Sound (10) outside of Elliott Bay which is closed.

On that day fishing will be allowed from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. only.

Elliott Bay inludes all sections east of a line from West Point to Alki Point.

State Fish and Wildlife says last week’s openings in several Puget Sound fishing areas saw a 30 percent increase in fishing pressure compared to past years.

In all areas still open, the daily limit is 80 spot shrimp daily.

Other areas still open for spot shrimp are:

Hood Canal is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 18 and 22.

Discovery Bay is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 18 and 22.

The Strait of Juan de Fuca east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line, and Sekiu, Port Angeles and southern Puget Sound (excluding Discovery Bay) are open daily and will closes when the quota is achieved or Sept. 15, whichever comes first. One exception is southern Puget Sound which will close for spot shrimp on May 31.

San Juan Islands east and south region are open now through May 18, and May 29-June 1.

San Juan Island western region is open Wednesday through Saturday each week through June 1. After June 1 the area will be open Thursday through Saturday each week until the quota is achieved or Sept. 15, whichever comes first.

Here are the preliminary Puget Sound spot shrimp catch estimates for the Wednesday, May 8, which looks to have been very good fishing. The “average” recreational boat fishes ~3.5 pots (four is the maximum) and carries ~3.3 anglers on board:

Everett/Saratoga Pass, Marine Catch Area 8 (18,000 pounds is recreational quota):

Estimated number boats shrimp fishing: 510 on May 4 and 410 on May 8 in 2013; and 373 on May 5 in 2012.

Estimated catch per boats in pounds: 18.6 on May 4 and 1.83 on May 8 in 2013; and 18.6 on May 5 in 2012.

Estimated count of spot shrimp per pound: 12.5 on May 4 and 10.7 on May 8 in 2013; and 11.5 on May 5 in 2012.

Estimated catch in pounds: 9,457 on May 4 and 7,577 on May 8 for total of 17,034 in 2013; and 6,933 on May 5 in 2012.

Northern Puget Sound, Marine Catch Area 9 (6,000):

Estimated number boats shrimp fishing: 283 on May 4 and 182 on May 8 in 2013; and 202 on May 5 in 2012.

Estimated catch per boats in pounds: 16.7 on May 4 and 16.6 on May 8 in 2013; and 19.6 on May 5 in 2012.

Estimated count of spot shrimp per pound: 14.6 on May 4 and 13.1 on May 8 in 2013; and 13.3 on May 5 in 2012.

Estimated catch in pounds: 4,730 on May 4 and 3,017 on May 8 for total of 7,747 in 2013; and 3,971 on May 5 in 2012.

Central Puget Sound, Marine Catch Area 10 (5,500):

Estimated number boats shrimp fishing: 119 on May 4 and 67 on May 8 in 2013; and 91 on May 5 in 2012.

Estimated catch per boats in pounds: 17.4 on May 4 and 16.8 on May 8 in 2013; and 20.9 on May 5 in 2012.

Estimated count of spot shrimp per pound: 12.3 on May 4 and 13.5 on May 8 in 2013; and 12.4 on May 5 in 2012.

Estimated catch in pounds: 2,060 on May 4 and 1,125 on May 8 for total of 3,185 in 2013; and 1,898 on May 5 in 2012.

Elliott Bay, Marine Catch Area 10 (4,500):

Estimated number boats shrimp fishing: 161 on May 4 and 101 on May 8 in 2013; and 116 on May 5 in 2012.

Estimated catch per boats in pounds: 18.9 on May 4 and 18.3 on May 8 in 2013; and 19.3 on May 5 in 2012.

Estimated count of spot shrimp per pound: 10.2 on May 4 and 9.8 on May 8 in 2013; and 10.8 on May 5 in 2012.

Estimated catch in pounds: 3,041 on May 4 and 1,845 on May 8 for a total of 4,886 in 2013; and 2,241 on May 8 in 2012.

South central Puget Sound, Marine Catch Area 11 (2,500):

Estimated number boats shrimp fishing: 65 on May 4 and 60 on May 8 in 2013; and 85 on May 5 in 2012.

Estimated catch per boats in pounds: 10.2 on May 4 and 10.8 on May 8 in 2013; and 8.1 on May 5 in 2012.

Estimated count of spot shrimp per pound: 12.9 on May 4 and 13.0 on May 8 in 2013; and 16.4 on May 4 in 2012.

Estimated catch in pounds: 867 on May 4 and 646 on May 8 for a total of 1,513 in 2013; and 685 on May 5 in 2012.

Hood Canal, Marine Catch Area 12 (95,000):

Estimated number boats shrimp fishing: 1,722 on May 4 and 1,101 on May 8 in 2013; and 1,510 on May 5 in 2012.

Estimated catch per boats in pounds: 18.0 on May 4 and 17.5 on May 8 in 2013; and 17.8 on May 5 in 2012.

Estimated count of spot shrimp per pound: 13.9 on May 4 and 13.8 on May 8 in 2013; and 14.1 on May 5 in 2012.

Estimated catch in pounds: 31,005 on May 4 and 19,231 on May 8 for a total of 50,236 in 2013; and 26,889 on May 5 in 2012.

Discovery Bay Shrimp District (2,000):

Estimated number boats shrimp fishing: 79 on May 4 and 27 on May 8 in 2013; and 50 on May 5 in 2012.

Estimated catch per boats in pounds: 12.5 on May 4 and 9.8 on May 8 in 2013; and 10.2 on May 5 in 2012.

Estimated count of spot shrimp per pound: 16.6 on May 4 and 16.6 on May 8 in 2013; and 17.4 on May 5 in 2012.

Estimated catch in pounds: 987 on May 4 and 261 on May 8 for a total of 1,248 in 2013; and 505 on May 5 in 2012.

San Juan Island East and West, Marine Catch Areas 7 (40,500):

Estimated number boats shrimp fishing: 183 on May 4 in 2013 and 107 May 5 in 2012.

Estimated catch per boats in pounds: 10.4 on May 4 in 2013 and 4.4 May 5 in 2012.

Estimated count of spot shrimp per pound: 11.6 on May 4 in 2013 and 11.7 on May 5 in 2012.

Estimated catch in pounds: 1,912 on May 4 in 2013 and 470 on May 5 in 2012.

San Juan Island South, Marine Catch Areas 7 (13,000):

Estimated number boats shrimp fishing: 98 on May 4 in 2013 and 92 on May 5 in 2012.

Estimated catch per boats in pounds: 10.8 on May 4 in 2013 and 9.9 on May 5 in 2012.

Estimated count of spot shrimp per pound: 11.5 on May 4 in 2013 and 12.6 on May 5 in 2012.

Estimated catch in pounds: 1,056 on May 4 in 2013 and 914 on May 5 in 2012.

For more information on the spot shrimp fisheries, go tohttp://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/shrimp/.

No decision yet on reopening Columbia River mainstem for spring chinook fishing

Tue, 14 May 2013 19:46:04 PDT

Here is a link to the Vancouver Columbian outdoor reporter Allen Thomas' story on possibly reopening spring chinook fishing in the Columbia River mainstem.

According to the story Washington and Oregon fisheries haven't made a decision either way, but sport fishing could reopen between May 22 and May 25. Fishing in the Lower Columbia has been closed since April 12. On Monday, fisheries officials downgraded the run size from 141,400 to 107,500.

For additional information see the Columbian story at http://www.columbian.com/news/2013/may/14/states-delay-decision-lower-columbia-spring-chinoo/.

Where they're biting, where they're not

Tue, 14 May 2013 18:16:05 PDT

This is an interactive map that shows the best and worst places to cast a line in Western Washington. It's usually updated on Tuesdays.