Fishing

From Northern California to Canada, and the Pacific to Idaho, few secrets are as carefully guarded as uncrowded areas for spring bank-caught salmon. Each time one of my fishing buds gives the slightest hint of a clue of a lean in that direction, my phone goes dead, his email is lost, or I have to remind him, “I don’t text.” I turned the ringer off on my phone nine years ago. Even my wife, Suz, and I had a big fight over it. We were raised fishing the same rivers like the Molalla and Clackamas, and ocean reefs, so I guess it was only natural that sooner or later she demanded to know my springer spots. "Look," I said, "I bought you a diamond ring. Isn't that enough? I'm not giving you my secret fishing holes that took a lifetime to find. That kind of intimacy and trust takes years. If it's okay with you, I'd like to keep them between me and God." She said it wasn't okay.

"Let me get this straight," she said. "You trust me enough to marry me, but not enough to show me your secret fishing spots?"

"How it is," I said.

She responded by deliberately knocking off one of my big spring chinooks with the net (she swears it was an accident. Yeah, right.). Of course, we broke up over it. It was a nice fish that by all rights should have been in the box.

Now we are back together, and using her mermaid magic, she has my secret spots. Or thinks she does. I didn't tell her I learned from a Joseph Campbell video how Navajo US Army scout and storyteller Jeff King left out an essential piece of the story until the initiate was ready.

Why, you may wonder, are you so extreme as to not even tell your wife? The answer is these fish are my favorite to eat. At $18 to $27 a pound during prime season, I can’t afford to show up somewhere that previously had zero to three anglers and see 30 to 40. If that happened, I couldn’t get my regular 16 fish a season from rivers to get me through the year. In plain terms, a 20-pound cleaned springer is worth about $400. Add another, and that is an $800 morning. All of which is saying, springer fishing is serious business. Plutarch's Moralia notes that ancient Spartan mothers told their sons, “Return with your shield, or on it.” At least one Oregon mother told her son going after springers, “Return with your fishing rod, or on it”.

So what’s the point of this article? is the obvious question. The point is, if you want to catch a coveted bank-caught springer away from the crowds, put your time in hacking blackberry vines, searching maps, and getting permission from landowners; or get a boat, or hire a guide. However, if you want to go it alone bank-fishing after hearing all this, here is my advice.

Local Knowledge
Go where people regularly catch springers, and watch everything they use and do, right down to the gnat’s eyelash’s mite’s eyelash. I mean study gear, hook, bait, length and size, and kind of leader, exact placement and depth of lure, time of day, and if you are really serious, where they go to church and the color of their socks.

Study a Watershed
I found springers to be more picky than steelhead about where they pause in upriver migrations. In general, springers like it slow, dark, and deep, which makes sense if you consider these 10 to 30 pound brutes a short while ago had an entire Pacific ocean to forage. Chinook in our area travel as far as the Aleutian Islands past Dutch Harbor, into the Bering Sea. That is how they get so big and delicious.

Good Bait Makes All the Difference
After over 40 years of doing this, I see the same guys in the same spots at the same times of year on my springer travels from coastal rivers to Idaho. They are all expert anglers, but on some days one of them is slaying fish after fish while the rest of us look on in mouth-watering amazement. Why? It’s the bait cure the fish want that day, and to show how serious these fish are, they ignore everyone else’s bait, moving within inches of the same water. I asked one successful angler his secret, and he said it took over 20 years for an old-timer to share it, and there was no way in hell he was telling me. I said I understood. If you read my last article, “How to Outfit a Fish Car,” you know these fish “can smell parts per billion.” GrrlScientist, formerly of The University of Washington in Seattle and science writer for The Guardian, permitted me to include a SciLogs article “Salmon, scent and going home again” January 17, 2011, in which she noted:

"In the November 1978 issue of Pacific Search, author C. Herb Williams described a Canadian study where a nearly homeopathic solution containing one part of human skin dissolved in 80 billion parts of water was dumped into a river. Astonishingly, the scent from this solution was sufficient to stop migrating salmon for as long as half an hour. Additional experiments by Canadian scientists show that salmon will either slow or stop their migrations when certain human smells are present in the water, and trout — another salmonid — show distinct flight responses when a fisherman washes his hands upstream. [par break] This offensive scent was identified as the amino acid, serine, which — because human skin contains serine — has led to some fishermen to refer to this as 'the serine problem'."

This means when I catch a hen, I cure her eggs that night so I can fish them at daylight without being frozen. I keep my hands clean, and on sweaty days wear white latex gloves. One angler said I was Michael Jacksoning it, but I had a salmon, and he didn’t. Many years of experimenting led to my current egg cure recipe. Reel blazing runs, $800 fish mornings, and beet-red spring salmon steaks make it all worth it.

A Friends of William Stafford Scholar at the “Speak Truth to Power” Fellowship of Reconciliation Seabeck Conference, Scott T. Starbuck’s two books of fishing poems are River Walker, which sold out in less than a year, and Lost Salmon forthcoming from MoonPath Press. Starbuck’s writing focuses on the clash between ancient sustaining forces like wild salmon rivers with modern industrial lives. His most recent book is Industrial Oz: Ecopoems. His blog Trees, Fish, and Dreams is at riverseek.blogspot.com

More than two dozen lakes across Eastern Washington are set to open March 1, although unpredictable winter-like conditions could limit trout fishing options and success.

“We’ve had a mild winter, and early March can be a great time for early lake fishing opportunities,” said Steve Caromile, a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) statewide inland fish program manager. “As the days become longer, these early spring fisheries are a good way to start the year. Some eastside lakes may have some remaining thin ice, especially in the northeastern region of the state. WDFW doesn’t monitor ice conditions, so use extra caution before venturing out this year.”

Depending upon the severity of late winter weather, some lakes, especially those in the northeastern region, may still be iced over. WDFW doesn’t monitor ice conditions, so anglers should check ice conditions before heading out.

The initial best bets will likely be Martha and Upper Caliche lakes near George in Grant County. Each can be an excellent choice, and anglers should expect good fishing in 2026.

Martha and Upper Caliche lakes received 500 catchable 10- to 12-inch rainbow trout in the fall off 2025 and should be in the 13- to 14-inch range by opening day. WDFW planted another 325 catchable trout in time for the March 1 opener, and 3,900 fingerling trout (one- to three-inches long) were planted in April of 2025, and those that survived should contribute to spring-time catches.

It is not uncommon for Upper Caliche to still be frozen on March 1. However, there’s almost always plenty of open water on Martha Lake on the opener. The north section of Martha Lake is usually ice-free with plenty of shoreline space, and that’s likely where most of the trout will be concentrated.

In Grant County, Quincy and Burke lakes should both fish well this spring, and improved boat launch sites. Shore anglers should have plenty of room to fish with ample access to the lakes. Both lakes received 1,500 catchable-sized trout in February, and each was stocked with more than 21,000 fingerling in April of 2025. Most fish will be in the 10- to 12-inch range, with some carryover trout in the 13-to 15-inch range. Try casting spinners and small spoons from the shoreline.

The Quincy Valley Chamber of Commerce Trout Derby is March 27-28 at Quincy and Burke lakes. Cost is $40 per person over age 18 and free for youth ages 17 and under. For details, go to: https://quincyvalleywa.chambermaster.com/events/details/trout-fishing-derby-2026-1300. 

Lake Lenore in Grant County is also open on March 1 with a one-fish daily limit and an 18-inch minimum size limit. This is one of only six lakes in Washington with Lahontan Cutthroat.   

Other lakes and ponds in Grant County included in the March 1 opener are Cascade, Dry Falls, Lenice, Merry, North Potholes Reserve, Nunnally, Stratford/Brook, and Winchester Wasteway.

Also note that within the Quincy Lakes Unit of the Columbia Basin Wildlife Area, there are many walk-in lakes that open March 1. These lakes can provide not only good fishing, but also solitude.

With their boat launches, parking, and shore access, Quincy and Burke lakes tend to attract the most attention when these Grant County, Washington, waters open March 1, but WDFW biologist Michael Schmuck notes that he stocks several nearby smaller and less well-known lakes that grow footlong-plus rainbows.

“There is a good chance for anglers to have them all to themselves, and many are down in small canyons that afford good protection from the spring winds,” said Schmuck.

Hike-in Dusty Lake is a selective gear lake that has excellent rainbow trout fishing as well as brown and tiger trout. Just southeast of Dusty is a collection of small lakes that hold rainbow trout. Cliff, Crystal, Cup, and Lower and Upper Spring lakes are small enough that they can all be fished in a morning. All these lakes receive spring fingerling rainbow trout and produce good catches of fish in the 12- to 14-inch range, with some up to 20 inches.

The greater Spokane region has several March 1 openers, including Liberty Lake that can be good around the opener for brown and rainbow trout averaging 12 to 16 inches. Statewide rules apply at Liberty Lake.

There are other March 1 opener lakes managed under “selective gear rules”, but the action doesn’t generally pick up until the weather warms up. However, fishing can be pretty good, but not great, until warmer weather arrives. Those lakes include Amber and Medical in Spokane County; and Coffeepot in Lincoln County. Amber and Coffeepot are managed with an 18-inch minimum size limit and a daily limit one-fish regulation. Medical has a 14-inch minimum size limit and a daily limit two-fish regulation.

Downs Lake, located in south Spokane County, typically opens for early-season fishing on March 1, but it is not accessible to the public this season. Access to the lake is limited to a privately owned resort that is currently closed. No fish were stocked in 2026, and stocking will not resume until public access is available. WDFW is working to restore public access.

And finally, all seven human-made lakes off the Tucannon River in Columbia County –

Blue, Deer, Rainbow, Spring, and Watson — have open water and are stocked with rainbows weighing up to 1.5 pounds each. Pampa Pond in Whitman County is also open March 1 for rainbow trout fishing.

Trout plants by lakes

Grant County (general fishing regulations with season open March 1 through Sept. 30) –

Burke, 1,500 catchable-size rainbow trout stocked in February, and 21,226 fingerling rainbow trout stocked in April of 2025; 

Upper Caliche, 325 rainbow trout stocked in March, 500 catchable-size rainbow trout stocked in October of 2025, and 3,900 fingerling rainbow trout stocked in April of 2025; 

Cliff, 400 fingerling rainbow trout stocked in March of 2025; 

Crystal, 400 fingerling rainbow trout stocked in March of 2025; Cup, 200 fingerling rainbow trout stocked in March of 2025; 

Martha, 500 catchable-size rainbow trout stocked in March, 750 catchable-size rainbow trout stocked in October of 2025, and 8,400 fingerling rainbow trout stocked in March of 2025; 

Quincy, 1,500 catchable-size rainbow trout stocked in February, and 21,177 fingerling rainbow trout stocked in April of 2025; 

Lower Spring, 200 fingerling rainbow trout stocked in March of 2025;

Upper Spring, 200 fingerling rainbow trout stocked in March of 2025.

Grant County (selective fishing regulations with season open March 1 through Nov. 30) 

Dry Falls, 4,670 fingerling rainbow trout and 1,500 fingerling brook trout stocked in March of 2025; 

Dusty, 3,000 fingerling rainbow trout, 2,500 fingerling brook trout, and 2,200 tiger trout stocked in May of 2025;

Lenice, 2,250 catchable-size rainbow trout to be stocked in April of 2026, and 3,000 catchable-size rainbow trout stocked in October of 2025;

Lenore, 72,125 fingerling rainbow trout stocked in October of 2025; 

Nunnally, 2,750 catchable-size rainbow trout to be stocked in April, and 3,000 catchable-size rainbow trout stocked in October of 2025.

Spokane County – Liberty, 4,000 catchable-size rainbow and 350 jumbo rainbow trout stocked in spring of 2026, 15,000 fry rainbow trout, 35,000 fry brook trout and 1,200 broodstock eastern brook trout stocked in fall of 2025; 

Amber, 7,500 fry rainbow trout and 1,000 fry cutthroat trout stocked in spring of 2025; 

Medical, 2,500 put-grow-take brook trout to be stocked in April 2026 (these trout are 2.6 to 10 fish per pound in size and should be in the catchable size by mid-summer), and 5,000 fry rainbow trout stocked in spring of 2025; 

Coffeepot, 5,000 put-grow-take rainbow trout to be stocked in spring of 2026 (these trout are 2.6 to 10 fish per pound in size and should be in the catchable size by mid-summer).

Other useful information and resources

• Many westside year-round lakes are also being stocked with trout in early spring. Visit the WDFW website at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/reports/stocking/trout-plants for specific weekly fish stocking numbers.
• Mark your calendar for the highly anticipated 2026 statewide general lowland lakes trout opener on April 25.
• The WDFW Trout Derby will be held from April 25 through Oct. 31 at more than 100 stocked lakes and ponds across Washington. In 2025, more than 100 statewide businesses offered an estimated 1,091 prizes valued at around $54,858 and worth about $50.28 per prize, which was up considerably from previous years, dating back to 2016. WDFW is currently preparing for the 2026 trout derby and will have updated information soon. The success of the trout derby would only be possible through WDFW’s ongoing partnerships with business dealers/vendors throughout the state. The derby, held for the past 10 years, has generated close to 55 to 60 percent of the tags turned in for prizes. To help boost catching a tagged trout, WDFW will have a list of all the lakes in real-time where prizes are left to be claimed. Be sure to share your derby success on social media using the hashtag #watroutderby. The WDFW Trout Derby webpage https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/contests/trout-derby should be updated soon with 2026 information.
• You can find information on statewide lowland lake locations by going to the WDFW webpage at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/locations/lowland-lakes. Basic trout fishing techniques on the WDFW YouTube webpage at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9A5UiJJMks&list=PLo22nBM4mjeStU58nRnZFYCys3hAtT2Yg. More trout fishing tips can also be found on the WDFW webpage at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/locations/lowland-lakes.

Steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss), Washington’s iconic anadromous rainbow trout, return from the ocean to freshwater rivers to spawn. Across the state, they exhibit two general seasonal runs, winter and summer, though exact timing varies by river and region. 

Run timing is critical when pursuing these coveted fish, so it is important to understand when the fish will begin to return, and for those of us looking for the largest, natives, it means timing it perfectly.

In general, winter steelhead runs tend to follow the following schedule.

• Begin: Typically, in late fall (around November), as ocean-migrating fish start moving upstream. 
• Peak: Most winter steelhead arrive in December through February, with some systems seeing strong numbers returning into March and April. 
• Best for big wild fish: Many of Washington’s large native (wild) steelhead, especially in coastal rivers of the Olympic Peninsula, are most abundant mid-winter through early spring. Local guides note that hatchery fish often peak earlier (e.g., December), with wild steelhead showing up in good numbers soon after and extending into early spring. 

While both hatchery and wild steelhead can contribute to runs, depending, of course, on the river system, native (wild) fish, which are often bigger and more prized, tend to peak slightly later than hatchery fish in most systems. For example:

• On the Olympic Peninsula and coastal rivers: Hatchery fish are known to start trailing in around Thanksgiving and trail off in January, whereas large wild steelhead often show up in their prime numbers from late December through February, into March, and even April. 
• In Puget Sound watersheds, winter runs that include wild fish also peak in December–January, but local timing can vary by watershed, and even by year, depending on weather, ocean, and river conditions. 

Note that after entering their natal waters, steelhead often remain in the river for many months prior to spawning and returning to the salt. The length of time that they stay in the river really depends on the river system, the run timing, and their genetics and instincts.

Unlike salmon, steelhead can return to the salt water for another cycle, and some steelhead have been recorded returning to spawn for 3 or 4 spawning cycles. Of course, a 3 or 4-salt fish will often tend to be larger than a 1 or 2-salt fish; thus, these fish are highly sought after and chased by serious anglers.

When reviewing the WDFW or ODFW regulations, you will often see rivers closing at the end of January, mid-February, or in March. There is a reason for this. The recreational seasons are generally set to provide anglers with opportunities to fish for steelhead, whether that be for catch and release of native fish or a retention fishery for hatchery fish. The seasons are timed to close about the time that the main runs of native fish are expected to return based on historical run timing. For this reason, the fisheries are closed to protect the native fish in an attempt to restore runs back to acceptable numbers.

A great example of this is the Sauk River. The Sauk has long been a coveted fishery since it is an all-native river, and the fish tend to be large, genetically mean, and extremely aggressive. These fish are wired differently, and catching one is unlike any other fishery that I have experienced. The Sauk River winter/spring wild steelhead fishery has experienced multiple closures due to low wild returns, with significant closures occurring around 

2008, 2010–2017, and 2020–2022. The fishery often closes or faces restrictions when wild steelhead forecasts fall below the 6,000-fish escapement threshold, as noted by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. A few years ago, WDFW and NOAA agreed to a ten-year plan based on return data, in an effort to offer a recreational catch-and-release fishery on the Sauk. We finally received some long-awaited good news. Unfortunately, our current governor and his cabinet slashed budgets for 2026, and this fishery was taken from us, as there was not enough budget to staff and monitor the fishery. This is devastating for the local communities and the anglers who enjoyed spending time on this epic river system. The Sauk is not the only system experiencing this fate. Good for the fish, bad for us anglers!

Speaking of big, mean, native winter steelhead, in early April 2025, I fished with guide Cary Hofmann on the Sauk. We were bobber dogging 20mm beads that day, and I hooked the largest steelhead of my life. My float was just above the drift boat as we entered the bottom of a run, and my float disappeared. I jumped on my reel, and as I did, my float popped back to the surface. I opened my bail to let out some line, and after a moment, my float dropped again and started racing upstream through fast water. My bail was open, and as I tried to close the bail and slow the fish, my hand got hung up for a moment, and the fish broke a 15lb fluorocarbon leader like it was nothing. I have hooked into some 20lb class steelhead and landed a few, but this was another level of mean and powerful. Even though I did not see this fish, just the experience of feeling it on the end of my line was a moment that I will never forget. For die-hard steelheaders chasing big, native fish, this is what we live for.

Some of the best opportunities in Washington to encounter large native steelhead (especially in late winter through spring), focusing on places known for quality wild fish rather than solely hatchery-enhanced fisheries include:

Olympic Peninsula Rivers

These are widely regarded as some of the best wild steelhead runs in Washington, often producing larger native fish and extended late-season opportunity.

• Hoh River – Classic wild steelhead water with deep pools and strong late winter/early spring runs. 
• Bogachiel River – Known for productive winter steelhead fishing and scenic access. 
• Sol Duc River – Holds big wild fish; excellent spring timing as flows moderate. 
• Quillayute / Calawah / Clearwater tributaries – Smaller but good opportunities for spring natives. 

Run Timing: On the Peninsula, steelhead enter these rivers from late fall through spring, with some of the largest natives arriving in January through April. I have found that Mid-March through early April can be prime for large wild fish entering holding water behind hatchery runs. I try to time my trip for mid to late March, and I am never disappointed unless we get rained out. This is not uncommon due to the immense rainfall that hits the coast, as much as 16 feet per year in places.

Coastal & Southwest Washington Rivers

Smaller coastal systems (outside the Peninsula proper) can also be excellent in late winter when conditions calm after storms.

• North River, Naselle River, Willapa River system – Offers wild runs with spring opportunity. 
• Grays Harbor rivers (e.g., Satsop, Wynoochie, and Humptulips) — though smaller, they can produce quality fish from late fall into the spring. 

These fisheries are more dependent on rain and water clarity, but when conditions stabilize in late winter/early spring, fish concentrate in holding water.

Puget Sound Area – Wild Runs

Puget Sound tributaries see winter and early spring returns of wild steelhead, though overall numbers are lower than on the coast. It is also important to note that most North Puget Sound rivers are closed for 2026 by January 31st, so no recreational fisheries to enjoy this year. As mentioned, this is primarily due to budget cuts, so please remember this the next time that you vote.

• Skykomish River – Historically decent winter/wild runs; larger fish possible early season. Small, hatchery broodstock program still in effect from the Reiter hatchery near Goldbar. Like the Cowlitz, this is not a secret spot, but if you have not fished it, it is epically beautiful and a fun bank fishery.
• Stillaguamish & Snoqualmie Rivers – Smaller, technical fisheries that can hold native winter steelhead. Tokul Creek also has a hatchery program that is winding down, but returns that continue to produce.

It is important to mention that many Puget Sound wild runs are sensitive and subject to stricter release regulations, so as always, check WDFW's current rules before going. 

Lower Columbia Tributaries (Late Winter–Early Spring)

While many lower Columbia systems are enhanced by hatchery programs, wild components, especially winter runs, still migrate in:

• Cowlitz River – Huge late winter steelhead opportunity; big fish show up in February–March. The Cowlitz is renowned for its hatchery program and generally strong A and B run returns. Note that this is not a secret spot, so when the steelhead arrive, it is very congested.
• Kalama & Lewis Rivers – Good late winter spring runs; mixed hatchery/wild.
• Washougal & Elochoman – Smaller systems with winter fish in March–April. 

Note: While these fisheries include hatchery fish, big overwintering wild fish also pass through in late winter/early spring, especially on bigger tributaries like the Cowlitz. 

When targeting large native fish, we are generally seeking quality, not quantity. For this reason, our approach tends to change a bit. Upsizing gear and presentations are common. Sure, you can catch a 20lb native steelhead on light tackle, but we try to match the gear to the fish. Keep in mind that big fish are big for a reason; they are not stupid. Their instinct is strong, and they don’t bite at everything that passes by them. I cannot think of a bigger example of survival of the fittest. My mantra is that big fish are not stupid, so I do my best to fool them, or more likely, piss them off. An aggressive fish will protect its territory and extinguish any threat that appears, so I try my best to threaten them with bold presentations that best match the water conditions.

Some tips for targeting the big fish:

• Focus on deep holding water — tails of runs, deep holes, and structure. 
• Watch river conditions — post-storm clarity often improves by late winter, improving bite windows. 
• Check seasonal regulations — wild steelhead protection varies by river and year; WDFW updates are important. 
• Upsize your gear – Examples include swung spoons, large beads, worms of different colors to match the water clarity, plugs and spinners. Don’t be afraid to go old school either. Throw your Oki drifters, spin n glo’s and tackle of yesteryear. Yes, Herzog is correct, it all still works.

Many wild steelhead populations in Washington, especially coastal and Puget Sound runs, are protected and often catch-and-release only with seasonal closures. Always consult current WDFW regs for the specific river you plan to fish. In addition, we are not allowed to remove wild fish from the water in Washington, even for a picture, so please practice safe handling and return the fish as quickly as you can. Think head in the water for that quick picture to commemorate your catch.

Good luck and happy fishing to you all.

The emergence of the Western March Brown marks the end of winter for many trout fishermen. It may still be cold outside, but this mayfly can heat up the fishing when it makes its first appearance in March. These mayflies live among the rocks in swift-flowing currents. Look for insect activity in slower water adjacent to riffles. Present emergers like the March Brown Spider to rising trout, dead-drift a gold-ribbed Hare’s Ear or Pheasant Tail nymph beneath a strike indicator. If the fish are feeding on top, cast dry flies like the March Brown Upright to surface-feeding fish. 

Use the March Brown Parachute when casting to finicky feeders in shallow water. The parachute presents a lifelike silhouette when viewed from a trout’s living room. Be ready with a Pheasant Tail spinner if the flies are falling, spent, to the water. In March, a Blue Winged Olive hatch might happen at any time. And in some waters, you might see both BWOs and March browns on the water at the same time. In Oregon, surrounded the way we are by hundreds of great places to fish, it is hard to remember that there are some great waters off on the eastern horizon. At this time of year, places like Chickahominy, Beulah Reservoir, and the Owyhee River spring to mind. If you crave solitude under an azure sky, the last weeks of winter often bring early green-up to the desert, awaken the aquatic insect life, and fire the appetite of rainbows and browns. And not a lot of people are back on the water yet. 

Chickahominy fished well the last couple of years with a restock of hatchery rainbows. Chickahominy grows fish fast. A hundred miles east of Bend, it is a narrow reservoir with many coves and fingers and lots of shallows. Early in the season, dragonfly nymphs, scuds, and leech patterns will be productive. The reservoir reaches a maximum depth of 25 feet, but early in the year, the shallows hold the most fish. One of the best trout fishing destinations in early spring is the Owyhee River below Lake Owyhee. Rainbows are in the riffles, and browns are everywhere else. Owyhee rainbows average 14 to 18 inches, and browns run to 24 inches. Right now, with water temperatures still low, small red and black midges produce fish. But go armed with March browns, blue-winged olives in both emerger and dry patterns. 

Another early spring fishery is Beulah Reservoir. Fed by the North Fork Malheur River, this big reservoir, from now until Memorial Day, is a good bet for holdover hatchery rainbows. Bring a float tube or a small boat because the low water may limit the usefulness of the boat ramp. Prowl the shorelines, fishing just outside of the shallows, or explore around the inlet. Fish can grow big in this food-rich reservoir as well. Use leech patterns to spark a strike from the bigger fish. If you land a bull trout, it must be released unharmed. 

Other good early spring bets include Krumbo Reservoir and the Blitzen River. Krumbo is one of the lakes that gets early stocks of hatchery trout. 
Flowing out of the Steens, the Blitzen River can grow trout big. Spend some time watching the water for clues and for feeding fish. 
Put gas in the tank and string the rod. There is nothing like a road trip to greet the early spring green-up. And what better reason to take to the highway than hungry trout?
 

Chasing the Elusive Burbot in the Dark of Winter

There's a certain kind of angler who willingly trades sleep, warmth, and convenience for the chance to tangle with a fish most folks have never seen, let alone pursued on purpose. If you ask me why I have spent so many nights sleeping on the lake, hunched over a glowing hole, waiting on a creature that looks sketched from a memory of someone who had once seen an eel. I will say this, burbot fishing isn't a pastime – it's a pilgrimage.

Most species reward you with a mid-day sun or an early morning bite window. Burbot prefer the dark. Truly, the dark. The kind that settles over the lake like a wool blanket, thick and muting everything else around you, except for your breath. That's when they slip across the lakebed, hunting and haunting the edges of structure, and that's when you need to be present and on top of them. 

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Preparing for burbot means dialing in gear that feels more expedition than recreational. I've come to rely typically on a Medium-Heavy rod with enough backbone to wrestle a surprised, twisting fish from 30-80ft. But enough sensitivity to detect that soft, hesitant pickup burbot are notorious for. A quality reel with a dependable drag is key; these fish, at times, will take runs and have vicious head thrashes, while spinning and twisting in a ball. Pair your reel up with a braided line and a fluorocarbon leader for minimal stretch during deep water hooksets.

The tackle box for burbot is its own mystical museum of creature baits. The uglier the bait, the better! I've noticed over the years, fishing these bottom dwellers, that GLOW is better. Everything should GLOW that you fish. From Spoons, Rattle Traps, Blade Baits, Jigs, Tubes, Curly Tail Grubs, whatever it may be, it had better be GLOW! I've spent more time charging baits with a UV light than I care to admit. But in the dark below the ice, that soft halo of light is key to helping these fish to find your offering. It can be the difference between a passing glance and a decisive strike.

The technique is nothing graceful, just constant jigging. With burbot, it's almost like putting in a day’s work. You drop your jig or spoon and bang it on the bottom several times, lifting it to pause. Keep repeating that cadence over and over, disturbing the bottom. They use the noise and vibration to home in on your offering, giving them the illusion of something rummaging in the territory. When they do bite, it's subtle -- just a faint pressure, followed by a heaviness on your line. When that burbot takes hold of your lure, you realize patience has been your best asset. 

I've been known to set up spreads of Tip Ups when I find where they are hanging out, waiting for the burbot to come to me, take a dead stick, or cut bait below the tip-up. I do prefer to stay mobile and hunt them, jigging one or two holes aggressively. If I set up camp for the night, I will drill a constellation of holes around my shack in various depths, fishing those holes throughout the night, till I find them.

Burbot are a special species, and anglers should be selective on harvest, especially depending on the body of water. What makes burbot special isn't their fight and rarity, or even their nocturnal mysteries. It's the commitment they demand. They ask you to be patient, to be uncomfortable, to embrace the cold and quiet and the uncertainty. They ask you to show up when most people are heading home. And when they finally arrive, slithering out of the dark to take your lure, it feels earned in a way few catches do. 

Get out there, enjoy the peace and quiet of the dark, as it's like nothing else. The Elusive Burbot is elusive for a reason, and it takes those mystic midnight hours to pull them up from their depths. OH, did I mention that they are really good eating?
Reel In The Memories! 
 

Are you into ice fishing? Do you have a competitive edge? Then consider fishing one of three ice fishing events happening in North Central Washington this winter.

MOLSON ICE FISHING DERBY – SIDLEY LAKE – January 17 – 8 am to 1 PM 

This is an annual event strongly supported by members of this small community just south of the border of Canada. Last year, 200 anglers participated, including 25 youth anglers.
Things kick off at the Molson Grange with a pancake breakfast for $12 from 7 to 10 AM. Sitzmark provides lunch in the grange in the early afternoon. Raffles take place for ice fishing gear and 25 different baskets with donated items and gift certificates. 
Prizes for the biggest fish, smallest fish, and for the participant who traveled the furthest are awarded here. The biggest fish is worth $500 cash and a $500 gift card to Country Store. Registration costs $15 for youth up to 12 years of age and $30 for adults. You can also add an extra $20 and win at least $300 for the heaviest weight of up to five rainbow trout. Register online at the Oroville Chamber of Commerce website.  www.orovillewachamber.com/events

BONAPARTE ICE FISHING DERBY – BONAPARTE LAKE RESORT – January 24 

This is another popular annual derby, and this will be the fourth year the event is being held.  Last year, 280 participants and another 120 lookers-on were there. There are three divisions of fish. They include the Adult Biggest Fish and an Adult Multi-species. There is also a category for the biggest fish caught by youth anglers. 

There are six species of fish in the lake (tiger trout, rainbows, brook trout, kokanee, lake trout, and smallmouth bass). The angler who weighs the biggest weight of 3 to 6 fish wins. There is a combination of ice fishing gear and cash given to winners. Last year, an ice auger was given to the biggest fish winner, and a one-man ice fishing shelter to the adult multiple species winner. Register through the Bonaparte Lake Resort Facebook page.
In addition to the resort restaurant that will be open, there will also be a number of other vendors on site. Last year, there was one vendor who was grilling up reindeer sausage for customers. There are no cabins available (they sell out a year in advance), but there are potentially some RV spots available.

CATCHING FREEDOM - OPERATION HARDWATER – BONAPARTE LAKE RESORT – January 31

Operation Catching Freedom is a non-profit that gets veterans, active-duty soldiers, and their families out for no-cost fishing trips. This will be an inaugural event and different in that there are no registration fees and no cash prizes awarded for the biggest fish, smallest fish, or any other category.
Tony Warren, the President of Operation Catching Freedom, said that he just wants veterans and the community at large to come out and go fishing. 

There is an in-person registration from 8 to 10 AM. Fishing takes place from 8 AM to 2 PM, and raffle prizes will be given away throughout the day. The event is taking place at Bonaparte Lake Resort, and there will be a BBQ for all attending between 11 AM and 1 PM. You can find further details at the Operation Catch Freedom Facebook Page.

HOW TO CATCH THEM 

Want some advice on how to catch these fish? Eric Magnuson, a well-known ice fishing angler and pro-staffer for Mack’s Lure, says, “Just like open water fishing, it’s all about forage and matching the hatch.” Magnuson continued saying, “If I notice the fish are after gorging more on bugs, I’ll tie on a 3mm or 4mm tungsten jig and tip it with plastic or a couple of maggots.  If I notice they are in more of a minnow feeding pattern, I might up my profile to a Swedish Pimple or Mack’s Sonic Baitfish spoon.”
And if that does not work, you can always tip a jig with a worm or nightcrawler, which will catch about anything. The bottom line is this: whether you just want to fish and have fun, or win cash or prizes, three great opportunities are waiting for you at North Central Washington’s Sidley Lake and Lake Bonaparte this winter.
Editor’s Note: Check out Eric Magnuson’s article on ice fishing for burbot at night on page xxx

John Kruse – www.northwesternoutdoors.com and www.americaoutdoorsradio.com 
 

Winter Steelhead fishing in Washington has long been a passion for serious anglers. After all, fishing in inclement weather for a species that is hard to catch is not for the lighthearted. It takes serious motivation to pursue these fish, and for those who understand, it often becomes an obsession. With the winter steelhead season almost upon us, historically, Thanksgiving usually marks the beginning of the winter run on the Washington Coast, with opportunities inland that last deep into the spring. My rule of thumb is to start on the coast during the late fall, early winter, and move inland to the Puget Sound and SW Washington rivers in March and April.

I have many friends today who grew up steelhead fishing. Many of them are older than me and remember the days when there were lots of fish and the fish were big. Danny Cook from Wooldridge Boats told me a story of hooking a wild steelhead just below the Sultan launch on the Skykomish that tipped the scales at over 30 pounds. This was during a time when you could kill wild fish. Danny is a legend among steelheaders and has caught no less than five steelhead over 30 pounds, but the likelihood of repeating that today is not very good.

I will never forget my first steelhead trip. It was the late 1970s, and my dad decided that we were going to try fishing the Skagit River for steelhead. You see, he had a coworker who was obsessed and was willing to give my dad some tips. As a result, we planned a trip and set a date. The gear that we used was very primitive. We cut out the plastic lid of a coffee can to act as a spreader, to which we punched three holes and attached paper clips. I still have one of these today. To one paper clip, we connected the mainline. To another, we connected a short dropper to a pyramid weight. To the final paperclip, we attached a leader with a large spin-n-glo and a gob of eggs that my dad’s coworker gave to him.

We set out early on a Saturday morning with the intent to plunk a piece of private property on the Skagit. We set up camp chairs, cast out our gear, and sat down to wait for a passing fish to take our setup. It seemed like forever, but then again, I was about eight years old. When a bite finally came, it was my rod that went off. My dad yelled, and I jumped out of my camp chair to grab my rod. Once I had control of the rod, the line started to peel off the reel, and the fish was pulling me down the riverbank. Eventually, the fish found some wood and got me tangled. That was the end of my first steelhead encounter, but I will never forget it. What stood out most was the power of that fish. Unfortunately, that was the first and last time that we targeted steelhead until I became an adult, and it was the only time that I steelhead fished with my dad.

So, what has changed, and why is steelhead fishing today a shell of what it once was? The answer is simple: almost everything has changed. We don’t need to get too deep into the issues steelhead face, but let’s just say that the deck is stacked against them. To me, the greatest challenge has been fish politics. We once had robust hatchery programs that helped to sustain the populations, but most of those are now gone due to wild fish advocacy. There are still some hatchery programs, such as the Cowlitz, that offer prolific opportunities to catch and keep steelhead, both winter and summer runs. Also, the hatchery programs on the Quinault and Queets Rivers on the Olympic Peninsula offer some of the best steelhead fishing opportunities that exist today. Outside of the limited systems that have active hatchery programs, it has become a guessing game from one year to the next as to whether we will have opportunities for catch and release of wild steelhead. There may be opportunities on Washington’s coastal rivers, to the inland rivers of the Puget Sound and SW Washington, and even the interior rivers that feed the mighty Columbia.

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The good news right now is that it seems that steelhead are faring a bit better in some areas with better returns. It is a far cry from the numbers that we saw return during the period from the early 1970s to the early 2000s, but things are looking up a bit. Politics are still playing a key role in creating obstacles for steelhead, and that will not likely change, but current ocean conditions have been favorable, and the resulting returns have been up in some areas over the past few years.

When we evaluate our salmon and steelhead returns, we measure the returning fish according to a forecast and a 10-year average. For the most part, sockeye, pink, and coho salmon runs have been improving. Chum salmon runs are improving in some areas, but are still threatened. Chinook returns continue to struggle for more reasons than I wish to share, but for some reason, this species faces the most pressure of the five species of salmon. Steelhead, both winter runs and even more so for summer runs, are in a similar situation as chinook, with continuous decline. In my opinion, mirroring the broodstock programs employed on the Oregon Coast could help our steelhead populations since so many hatchery programs have been sued into submission and shut down. This alone could make a huge impact on the process of restoring our returns. Another option, an option that anglers don’t want to hear, is that we shut down river systems that are facing critical issues. This is not popular, but look at the Sauk River as an example. It was shut down for many years to recreational fishing, and the population recovered on its own to the point that we now see a somewhat consistent opportunity for catch and release. As far as 2026, that remains to be determined.

Either way, for those of us who love to chase steelhead, whether it be winter or summer runs, we will find opportunities, and we will travel wherever we need to go. For those new to the sport or considering becoming a steelheader, here are some tips and some information that I would like to share. To start, keep in mind that steelhead are more elusive than our migrating salmon runs and less predictable, making them more difficult to catch. Changes in river conditions during the wet, winter months are constant, forcing us to drop what we are doing and go when the conditions are best. We also need to change up our techniques based on river conditions. Scheduling a trip in advance can often result in disappointment when the river blows out or it gets cold, and the river drops to very low and clear conditions. This is steelhead fishing, so you must get used to it.

Most of my Steelhead fishing has been done in the rivers in from Everett north, the Chehalis Basin, the Cowlitz, and the Washington Coast, specifically the Forks area and the Quinault and Queets Rivers, within the reservation as well as Olympic National Park. There are still many options available all the way to the east in Idaho on the Snake and Clearwater rivers, so I recommend that you start with a river that interests you and is open for either retention of hatchery steelhead or catch and release of wild fish. Check the regulations for opportunities and, most importantly, some good guides who know the river well. I encourage you to spend the money to fish with a guide to learn what works and understand how to target fish in different conditions. Time is money, and the learning curve to catching these fish can be steep, so reduce the curve and spend a few days with a guide so that you can learn and then go practice what you learn on your own. Know that every guide has a different opinion and approach, so I recommend that you try a few to gain a broader perspective.

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If you are new to steelhead fishing, I recommend that you NOT go out and buy all your gear before you learn the basics. You can spend a lot of money only to find out that you didn’t need a lot of what you bought. Mirror what your guide uses, as their methods are tried and true. Watch YouTube and pay attention to fishing shows such as Northwest Fishing. You will learn a ton that will help reduce the learning curve and get you into opportunities. To start out, I do recommend that you purchase a nice pair of waders and wading boots and a jacket that is waterproof. Getting cold and wet will ruin your day in a hurry.

There are many popular techniques for catching Steelhead, such as casting or trolling plugs from the bank or shore, throwing spoons and spinners, float fishing beads, bait, jigs, and other offerings, drift fishing or bobber dogging beads, yarnies, bait, and other offerings, and much more. So many different options to choose from, and they all work. Again, keep it simple and choose 2-3 methods that you are taught, such as bobber dogging beads, float fishing jigs, and casting spinners and spoons. Many guides only use a few methods and do very well.

Now, you have learned the basics from one or more guides, you have learned how to fish a specific river system, you have purchased a handful of the gear that you need, and the time has come to go out and give it a shot. Believe me, you don’t have to go buy a drift boat to fish. There are plenty of opportunities to wade and bank fish. Also, I encourage you to continue to fish with guides if you want to boat fish or make a friend who has one. Believe it or not, many fishermen who own boats are looking for fishing buddies, so join a Facebook group to make some friends.

Also, I will emphasize again that time is money. Some of us have more time and others more money, but either way, our days on the water are limited, so it is my opinion that we should make the most of them. Pay $200-300 to fish with a guide and let them do the work. Also, they spend every day on the water, so they know where the fish will be and how to catch them. You can easily make 10-20 trips without a bite on your own if you don’t know what you are doing. With a guide, that learning curve might be eliminated, and you may catch a fish on your first trip. I can promise you this: you will never forget a steelhead that you catch. The encounters are memorable and, to me, unlike any other species encounter.

Steelhead fishing is an amazing pastime, and until you have spent some time doing it, you really don’t realize how special it is. I can say that they are very special fish, and you will never forget your first or for that matter, any Steelhead that you catch.

You can contact me on Facebook if you need additional tips or want to be connected to a guide near you. I am always happy to help and more than anything, I want you to learn and to have fun

Get outside. It’s as simple as that. If you come across Joe Pesci defending a pair of kids in a court of law, he might refer to them as “the two yutes”. Those same youth might phrase it as “touching grass”. I stretched for that one, admittedly, but you can guess which 90’s classic movie I watched recently and had a good chuckle about. The grass part is what I especially want to highlight, particularly given the changing seasons and time for many of us to shift our focus away from fishing to other activities. Don’t get me wrong, fishing in the fall and winter months can be tremendously fun and also yield quite a bite if you know what to target, where to target it, and when to do so. Some might make an argument that it's the best time to go fishing, given the abundance of baitfish swimming around and the reduced number of anglers as the temperature drops.  That aside, I’d like you instead to think about the wind on your face, the sound of birds calling one another from a distance, and the rustle of the trees and grass as animals follow their trails. Here in Montana, Fish, Wildlife & Parks' slogan, among others, is that “The outside is in us all”. Whether that be on the water fishing for dinner, hiking a trail, or hunting, we shouldn’t shy away from enjoying the outdoors even when the temperature begins to dip.

Hiking

To those fortunate enough to live near a mountain, or at least a small hill, hiking has to be one of the “go-to” activities as the calendar flips to fall and winter. Early in the fall, the air is crisp, and a light coat or even a t-shirt can be more than enough to keep you comfortable while exerting yourself up thousands of feet of elevation. Like many aspects of the outdoors, the payoff is often found in the culmination of the hike. Reaching the summit. Getting to the top. Climbing the mountain. Being able to take a few minutes to soak up the sights from a mountain peak is something that everyone should experience with some level of regularity. If not an everyday or week type of trip, certainly one that should be done annually. And what better time to do it than when the colors start to change, a light snowpack covers the foreground, and a beautiful mixture of early descending sunsets shines just perfectly on the horizon with the moisture in the air. As many of you know, I am fortunate enough to live in Montana with what are certainly thousands of trails scattered throughout the state. In just my hometown, I can take an afternoon hike up nearly 5,500 feet and over 36 trails.  It’s a palace I’ve been to many times - with my dog, with my kid, with my brother. Sometimes with a goal of reaching the top and other times just to see how far I might get and who all I might say hello to as I spend some time with the rocky gravel beneath my feet. If you have not explored a good mountain recently, take this as your sign to do so.

Hunting

I’m sure many of you circle particular days on your calendar. Birthdays, holidays, celebratory events, or sad anniversaries get a little easier as time goes on. One day regularly circled on my calendar, in fact, even added as an event on my work calendar, is opening day for bird hunting. Like clockwork, that second Saturday in October comes around, and pheasant season is open to any hunter with a 12-gauge and a good hunting dog. Similar to the hiking experience, those who partake are going to be putting some mileage on their bodies, most likely. The combined benefit of a good cardiovascular workout as you trek through varying terrain cannot be overstated. Many times during those early-season hunts when I’m not quite in shape, I’ll noticeably feel the strain in my quads and hamstrings after having kicked around cattails taller than I am for 3 hours in pursuit of a rooster. Maybe hunting small game isn’t your thing. That’s fine, too. For those who enjoy filling a freezer, the start of hunting season can mean adding some precious wild game to your diet for the coming months. Nothing quite tastes as exquisite as a good elk steak… except for maybe some elk burger. And, of course, deer are an abundant resource to be harvested along with herds and herds of pronghorns running along the freshly cut farmland.  If you’re looking for a surefire way to make or keep friends, sending some fresh venison jerky or a few pounds of frozen elk is a quick way to do it. Like the experience of hiking the mountains, hunting provides a level of solitude that cannot be matched or described unless you’re fortunate enough to experience it yourself.

The Triple Threat

The solitude and reflection, I think, are what make all three of these fall and winter activities as special as they are. Whether hiking, hunting, or, of course, fishing, we get to experience something in the moment that many others yearn for. Connection with the outdoors. Time away from the hustle and bustle of “real” life. The chance to think about how we fit into the bigger picture of life and the world. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll get to do all three in these next few months.
 

Sure, the weather outside is frightful at this time of the year, but that won’t stop thousands of anglers from skipping out on the shopping malls and opting to go trout fishing instead!

“The holidays are great to spend quality time outdoors with family and friends, avoid the mall shopping madness and maybe even catch a fish,” said Steve Caromile, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Inland Fish Program manager.

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The fishing wish list just grew twofold as WDFW hatchery crews have been busy leading up to Black Friday by shuttling 64,350 jumbo-sized rainbow trout, averaging 1 to 2 pounds apiece, into 25 lakes around the Puget Sound region and southwest Washington, as well as several Eastern Washington lakes and ponds.
The Black Friday program, created more than a decade ago by WDFW, came up with a creative way to stock thousands of rainbow trout for a late-season fishery in year-round lakes. The post-Thanksgiving holiday fishing option has been a hit for anglers looking to wet a line at a time when the choices are sparse.
In October, a good number of other year-round lakes around Washington were also planted with trout for anglers who want to head before Thanksgiving. You can find trout stocking information that is usually updated weekly by going to the WDFW webpage at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/reports/stocking.

Black Friday trout plants include:

• Chelan County: Roses, 20,000
• Clark County: Battleground, 2,000; and Klineline, 2,000.
• Cowlitz County: Kress, 2,000.
• Island County: x-Cranberry, 4,000.
• King County: x-Alice, 1,000; x-Beaver, 2,500; and x-Green, 5,000.
• Klickitat County: Rowland, 2,000.
• Lewis County: Fort Borst Park Pond, 2,000; and South Lewis County Park Pond, 2,000.
• Pacific County: Cases Pond, 300.
• Pierce County: American, 2,000; and Tanwax, 1,350.
• Snohomish County: x-Ballinger, 3,000; x-Blackmans, 1,500; x-Gissburg Ponds, 1,500; x-Silver, 3,000; and x-Tye, 2,000.
• Thurston County: Black, 3,000; Long, 1,000; and Offutt, 1,000.
• Yakima County: I-82 Pond #4, 2,000.

(x-Around 50% of the planned trout stocking occurred in October in the noted lakes, and the remainder will be stocked in time for Black Friday)
There are four Eastern Washington lakes opening on Black Friday that were stocked with trout fry this past spring that should be averaging 8 to 10 inches, plus some other larger fish were stocked of late.

Eastern Washington lakes trout plants include:

• Stevens County: Hatch Lake, 15,000 fry stocked in May, and 600 trout averaging 1 pound apiece stocked in October; and Williams Lake, 12,000 fry stocked in May, and 1,500 trout averaging a quarter pound apiece stocked in mid-April.
• Adams/Lincoln County: Fourth of July Lake, 60,000 fry stocked in May, and 18,000 trout averaging a quarter pound apiece stocked in mid-April.

• Spokane County: Hog Canyon Lake, 20,000 fry stocked in May, 10,000 trout averaging a quarter pound apiece stocked in mid-April, and 1,600 trout averaging 1 pound apiece stocked in October.

   

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Before you go

When fishing for trout, don’t overthink the necessary fishing gear.
A basic trout rod and reel averages $50 to $90, and a higher-end set is about $100 to $200. The rod should be light and limber in the 6 to 7 foot range with a 4- to 10-pound line weight range. A medium-sized spinning reel with a capacity to hold more than 100 yards of 6- to 8-pound test fishing line will do the job right.

From the mainline, attach one or two number 8 or 9 egg sinkers with a rubber bumper just above a small barrel swivel. Avoid the cheap store-bought pre-tied 12-inch leaders that are way too short in length. Either tie your own leaders or spend a few extra dollars on pre-tied versions in 3- to 8-pound test that measure 18 to 30 inches long. A smaller size 12 or 14 egg hook is the best choice when using a moldable dough bait or nugget, salmon eggs, worm pieces, or maggots. For live bait such as a whole worm, nightcrawler, or marshmallow, the optimal hook size is a size 8 or 10 worm hook. If you use an artificial fly, the stick with a size #14 hook or smaller. A hook that is too big or exposed may scare away the fish, and one that is too small may result in fewer hook-ups. Lastly, make sure your hooks are sharp and sticky.

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Most anglers casting from the banks or in a boat will stick with the popular moldable dough baits, which come in a variety of colors, and some are shaped like a salmon egg, marshmallow, maggot, or worm. The old school baits include salmon eggs, worms/nightcrawlers, maggots, and marshmallows.
From a boat troll a gang-flasher with a hook tipped with a piece of worm, maggot, or salmon egg, along with a tiny piece of scented dough bait or a liquid scent. A small spoon or spinner also gets its fair share of bites.

From the shoreline, cast out a small-sized bobber with your bait sitting just below the surface in 3 to 8 feet of water. Others like to go deeper, where it hangs just a few feet off the bottom, where the larger-size carryover trout lurk. Recently planted trout tend to hang around near or just under the surface of the water at depths of 3 to 10 feet. Once the stocked trout acclimate, they’ll eventually spread out and move into deeper areas of the lake. Anglers often look for schools of trout right where the hatchery truck placed them, usually near the shore, boat ramp, or dock areas. 

Trout like to rise to the top of the water column to gobble up insects on the water’s surface. This is where artificial flies come into play, like a Woolly Bugger in black, dark green, or black-olive in a size 8 or 10 with a 5- or 6-foot leader. They can be cast from shore or trolled weightless close to the surface behind a boat or floating device.

A fishing license – https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/login – is required for anyone age 16 or older. A Discover Pass – https://wdfw.wa.gov/licenses/parking – is required to park a vehicle at many state lands, including the state park system, WDFW lands, and the Department of Natural Resources lands.
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission Boating Program – 
https://parks.wa.gov/find-activity/activity-search/boating – would also like to remind anglers to take a boater safety education course, if you haven’t already, to be prepared for spring and summer. In Washington, boaters who operate a vessel with a 15-horsepower engine or greater must carry a Boater Education Card to prove they passed an accredited boating safety education course.
 

Coastal razor clam enthusiasts should be able to find a treasure trove of bivalves this fall and winter.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers announced 47 days of tentative razor clam digs from Oct. 6 through Jan 6 for Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, and Mocrocks beaches.

“This recreational razor clam season will see similar digging opportunities to the past two years, with a full digging schedule again for this fall,” said Bryce Blumenthal, a WDFW coastal shellfish biologist. “The tides this year will allow for clam gathering opportunity in the lead up to the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, along with harvestable daylight digs for the late afternoons of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.”

Summer assessment surveys conducted by WDFW and tribal co-managers showed a relatively stable population of razor clams on all four beaches. Kalaloch Beach along the northern Olympic Peninsula coast won’t be open due to continuing issues with depressed populations of harvestable clams.

All beach openings are dependent on final approval of marine toxin testing, which usually occurs about a week or less prior to the start of each digging series. The Washington Department of Health requires two test samples taken seven to 10 days apart, and domoic acid levels must fall under the guideline level before a beach opens for digging.

Domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae, can be harmful or fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities.

Most successful digging occurs between one and two hours before the listed time of low tide. No digging is allowed before noon during digs when low tide occurs in the afternoon or evening.

Here are the tentative series of dates:

• Oct. 6, 7, 10, and 11 at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, and Mocrocks; 

• and Oct. 8, 9, and 12 at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, and Copalis. 

• Oct. 22, 23, and 26 at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, and Mocrocks; and 

• Oct. 20, 21, 24 and 25 at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, and Copalis.

• Nov. 3, 4, 7, and 8 at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, and Mocrocks; 

• and Nov. 5, 6, and 9 at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, and Copalis. 

• Nov. 19, 20, and 23 at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, and Mocrocks; and 

• Nov. 18, 21, and 22 at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, and Copalis.

• Dec. 3, 4, 7, and 8 at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, and Mocrocks; and 

• Dec. 2, 5, and 6 at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, and Copalis. 

• Dec. 19, 20, and 23 at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, and Mocrocks; and 

• Dec. 18, 21, and 22 at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, and Copalis. 

• Jan. 2, 3, and 6 at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, and Mocrocks; and

• Dec. 31, and Jan. 1, 4, and 5 at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, and Copalis.

During the 2024-25 season, a total of 109 digging days at the four beaches were offered from Oct. 3 through May 15. During that time, 312,716 digger trips were made with a total harvest of 3,957,859 razor clams harvested. At Long Beach, 96,152 digger trips saw 1,253,207 razor clams harvested for an average of 12.7 clams per person; at Twin Harbors, it was 98,096 with 1,369,969 for 12.7; at Copalis, it was 66,628 with 804,903 for 11.9; and at Mocrocks, it was 51,840 with 629,781 for 12.0.

On all open beaches – Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, and Copalis – the daily limit is 15 clams per person. Each digger’s clams must be kept in a separate container, and all diggers must keep the first 15 clams they dig, regardless of size or condition.

“It's important that diggers keep the clams they dig to prevent wastage (includes discarding small clams, clams with broken shells, or reburying unwanted clams),” Blumenthal said. “It's not unusual to encounter some small clams, especially this early in the season.”

All diggers age 16 or older must have an applicable fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Licenses can be purchased from WDFW’s licensing website and from hundreds of license vendors around the state. WDFW recommends buying your license before visiting coastal beach communities.

WDFW reminds beachgoers to avoid disturbing nesting snowy plovers – a small sand-colored shorebird – by staying out of the dunes and posted areas along the sandy beach coastline. Snowy plover nests are nearly invisible, and it is vital to give birds the space to live and thrive during the nesting period, especially along the southern end of Twin Harbors, known as Midway Beach, and north of Second Avenue in Ocean City to the north end of Copalis Beach and the north end of Long Beach. Avoid leaving leftover food or trash on the beach and picnic areas, keep pets on a leash, stay out of dunes, and avoid areas marked with posted signs.

When driving on the beach, please respect the 25-mph speed limit and enter only at designated access points. Stay on the hard-packed sand near the high tide line to avoid crushing clam beds, buried female Dungeness crab, and snowy plover nests. The 2025-26 Razor Clam Management Plan will be available soon on the WDFW’s website. WDFW welcomes public input on proposed razor clam schedules and considers this feedback when finalizing each season’s digs. Public comments may be emailed to razorclams@dfw.wa.gov. For more information, refer to the WDFW's razor clam webpage at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfishing-regulations/razor-clams.

Look for decent October trout fishing

It’s beginning to feel a lot like autumn as temperatures drop, the sun fades away much sooner, leaves are falling, and trout have become active in many statewide lakes.

While the bulk of trout plants occurred back in spring, many of those fish are still waiting to be caught, and some have grown larger in size, plus WDFW hatcheries continue to add more fish into lakes. The seasonal lakes remain open for trout fishing through Oct. 31, while others are open for year-round.

Some fair to good seasonal westside lakes include Pine, Wilderness, Langlois, Toad, Margaret, Whatcom, Steel, Summit, Bosworth, Ki, Storm, McMurray, Sixteen, Erie, Silver (Whatcom County), and Padden.

The top lakes east of the Cascades are Jameson in Douglas; Ellen in Ferry; Starvation in Stevens; Wapato in Chelan; Pearrygin; and Conconully Lake and Reservoir in Okanogan. You can track trout plants on the WDFW website at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/reports/stocking/trout-plants.

To sweeten the deal, WDFW’s Trout Derby continues to offer anglers a chance to catch a tagged fish and win a prize through Oct. 31.

The derby – which began in late-April – features more than 100 lakes planted with fish that have an orange tag attached near their dorsal fin. If you catch one, be sure to keep the tag to claim your prize. For derby details, go to https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/contests/trout-derby.

Heading into November, WDFW hatchery staff will be busy leading up to Black Friday by stocking thousands of jumbo rainbow trout, weighing up to three pounds apiece and measuring longer than 14 inches, in lakes covering an area from the Puget Sound region to southwest Washington, as well as a few eastern Washington lakes and ponds.

The Black Friday program, created more than a decade ago by WDFW, looked at ways to raise thousands of rainbow trout for a late-season fishery in select year-round lakes. This post-Thanksgiving fishery has been a hit among anglers looking for options to go fishing at a time when choices are skinny.

Before heading out the door, be sure to check for lakes that are open or closed, and regulations at https://wdfw.wa.gov/.