Northwest Fishing

From the Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, we learn a Davenport angler who attends Gonzaga University reeled in an unexpected catch while fishing for walleye at Lake Roosevelt on February 11th.  Gavin Boggs was fishing with a college friend near the Lincoln boat launch that afternoon when he hooked into something very big.

Boggs said, “I was targeting walleye at a depth of around 75 feet using a four-inch swim bait and it was a pretty tough day on the water.  We did mark a lot of fish on the fish-finder but had only caught one walleye before this big fish took my lure.”

Boggs, whose family has a place at Seven Bays toward the southern end of Lake Roosevelt, continued his story, saying, “As soon as I hooked it, I thought it was a big walleye.  I carefully let the fish do its thing down below the boat and then when it came to the surface and we netted the fish, I was totally surprised. I’ve never targeted whitefish in Lake Roosevelt. It is my favorite place to fish for smallmouth bass and walleye, and this has changed my mind about fishing for lake whitefish.”

Gavin caught the fish in the late afternoon and he texted his father about the catch.  Gavin’s dad, Tony Boggs, did some research and told his son he might have a new state record on his hands.

According to WDFW, Boggs immediately iced the fish in a cooler and drove from Seven Bays to Davenport Family Foods, where an official scale verified the weight as 7.86 pounds. The store owner, a friend of the Boggs family, stayed late just so Gavin could have it officially weighed.

Gavin then took the fish to the WDFW Spokane regional office on February 14th, where biologist Danny Garrett measured this new state-record lake whitefish at 26.25 inches long, with a girth of 16 inches.

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The old state record weighed 7.50 pounds and was caught Feb. 19, 2021, by Jacob White at Cox Lake in Franklin County.  Gavin said Jacob actually reached out to him on Facebook to congratulate him and “pass the torch”.  

Will this record be broken again soon?  Possibly.  WDFW conducted a netting survey at Lake Roosevelt last fall and caught quite a few lake whitefish, including one that weighed 9.5 pounds.

Dropping gear down slowly so not to have it tangle is the key to catching salmon at the famed Buoy 10. Sure, there are a few other things, but if you do not put the gear into the water correctly all the rest that follows does not matter. It was a skill that I learned years ago while fishing on an August day just outside of Astoria’s East Mooring Basin. I use cannonball weights from 8 to 16-onces on a short dropper and slider, to an in-line flasher trailing a plug cut herring pierced with super sharp hooks. From the weight to the herring is nearly 4-feet of what could be a tangled mess, so it is best to slowly drop the gear into the water. Once you hit bottom, do a half crank up on the reel and then put it into the rod holder, and put your hands into your pockets. 

A few years ago, we started the day just like this and before my son could warm his fingers in his pockets, the rod doubled over and stayed down. This meant a big fish was on, and just as quickly as we had put out our gear, Ryan was lifting the rod and reeling. A battle that ensued much longer than we had already been fishing, and twenty minutes later an 18-pound Upriver Bright, or URB, came to the net. It was a hot fish with sea lice, and not even completely out of the ocean, with the incoming pushing tide bringing brackish water as far upriver as Portland, Oregon. 

This is Buoy 10 and though we are still several weeks away from the river opening, you need to get the gear, boat, and plans ready now. Start with motel or camping accommodations. By now about every motel, hotel, and VRBO will be full with no vacancy. The best you can do is get on a standby list. Camping is always an option, but that does not mean it will be close by. Most campgrounds and state parks will be full as well. Even if you venture to the outlying areas such as Ilwaco, Long Beach, Seaside, and other towns, the motels, hotels, and campgrounds will be full.

Another option is to call some fishing friends who had the forethought to get accommodations already and see if you can join them, or if they decide to cut their trip short, then take the rest of their reservation. If you are willing to travel a bit further, then look to Longview and even Kelso. It will add a few hours to your trip, but you can find places to stay. Two years ago, we spent the first night in Longview and made the trip to the boat ramp that morning, but we were jumping in with Jason Hambley of Pro-Cure, so we did not need to launch a boat as he was at the dock and waiting for us. 

Once you hit the water, be sure to look at the tides, as this will determine where to fish. With each incoming tide, more fish push up into the river. The tides here are so strong that when it is at high tide the fish will be facing downriver, as that is where the current is coming from. Do not think that you always must troll in one direction, and let the tides tell you which way to point the bow of the boat. 

Astoria-Megler Bridge

The Astoria-Megler Bridge is the starting point for most anglers. Here, most of the fishing is done on the east side of the bridge, or “above the bridge”. This is because of the shipping channel on the south side of the river in front of Astoria, as well as a deep slot on the north side of the river near the Washington side. The middle is a big sand flat and be sure to be careful when crossing, as you could be in 10-feet of water one minute and the next in 6-inches of water. Again, know the tides, and if you cross at high tide, you might not be able to cross at that same place on low tide. 

Just downriver from the bridge is the church hole, aptly named for a church that can be seen along the shoreline. Keep going down the river towards the ocean and you will find other well-known spots, such as the checkboard and the jetties, until you find yourself at the Buoy 10 deadline. From there you are out in the open ocean, but do make the mistake of thinking Buoy 10 is protected water. About anything from the church hole downriver gets to be big water, and depending on winds and tides, it can turn quickly. 

As the tides start going out, the river returns to its normal course, and you fish it as such. The area above the Astoria bridge is good about any time, but it can be better during specific times such as the tide change, as the fish will once again be facing upriver and resting before pushing on when the water starts to slow with the onset of the incoming tide. The waters on the south side of the river by East Mooring Basin are similar. Here you will see large cargo ships anchored up, and it is easy to tell which way the tide is flowing by looking at the ships which will swing with the tide. 

When it comes to gear, leave the downriggers at home. Everyone here uses a dropper weight and trolling set up. The standard is a cannonball on a slider, and the weight will vary depending on the tides and current as well as how many rods you are fishing. Rods at the front of the boat need heavier weights so they do not drag back into the rear rods. 

Set-up

The set-up can differ a bit depending on what terminal gear you plan to use. One of the most popular set-ups includes a triangle flasher such as the Big Al’s Fish Flash from Yakima Bait Company or the UV Triangle Scent Flash from Mack’s Lure. The advantage of the UV Scent Flash is the ability to add extra scent. A brined herring that has soaked overnight in Pro-Cure’s Brine-n-Bite keeps the baits solid in warm and fast running currents.

It also as increases their shine, and that little bit of extra flash helps the salmon locate the bait, as the waters can be a bit murky. Some anglers also choose to dye the herring to a bright chartreuse color or blue, with Pro-Cure’s Bad Azz Bait Dye or their Brine-N-Bite Complete in chartreuse or blue making it a one-step curing and dyeing process. 

If you do not know how to properly plug cut herring or do not want to mess with bait, then you have a few other options. One being the Simon Cut Plug, which resembles a plug cut herring and is solid, but has a scent chamber that also holds a miniature chem-light that makes it more visible. Brad’s Cut Plugs are also popular here because you can stuff them with bait and scent.

Just be sure to check on this lure regularly as it is secured with a rubber band, and any missed bite means the lure could have been opened. Yakima Bait Company came out with the SpinFish a few years ago, and they have become popular at Buoy 10. The larger sizes mimic a wounded baitfish, while the small 2.0 and 2.5 sizes work much like a spinner but can be filled with bait and scent. Spinners are another option. 

When fishing spinners, small SpinFish, and the kokanee size Brad’s Cut Plugs, most anglers switch to a 360 flasher. These are the standard 11-inch flashers that saltwater anglers use. The flasher makes a large rotation, and using a short and stout leader of 40-pound monofilament, the spinner or small lure kicks out. Add in the spinning blade or action of the lure and it creates an impulse bite, where a salmon reacts to it and grabs it out of instinct as the prey tries to get away. 

Advantage

The advantage to using spinners or spinning lures is that if you miss a bite then there is no worry if it not working. You can leave it in the rod holder and keep fishing. With bait you need pull it in and use a new bait every time you get a bite, or every hour or two without bites. With the scent holding lures it is best to add more scent every few hours as well. 

The bite can be very tide and water temperature dependent. When the water is warm, such as during low tide, and the only water flowing is the summer Columbia River runoff, then the bite can turn off. The incoming tide pushes colder water into the tidal zone, and this helps with the bite as well as pushing in fresh fish. For days with a low tide swing, anglers often head to waters closer to the ocean where the fish will mill around before committing to the journey upriver. If the salmon fishing is slow, then be sure to toss a few crab pots out near Ilwaco: just be sure to use heavy weights to keep them from being pulled out to the ocean. You can also fish for other species if you decide not to salmon fish.

Bottom fish such as black sea bass and lingcod lurk along the jetties. This makes a multi-day and multi-species fishery option for those that want to make it a vacation. This year, there will be a few days in late August where salmon fishing is closed, to help with chinook escapement. If you find yourself at Buoy 10 during this time in August, then maybe spend a day or two out crabbing and bottom fishing. 

Be sure to check for in-season updates and know the rules. Either Washington or Oregon fishing licenses work, but the catch codes of the record cards are different depending on which license you have. This year both chinook and coho must be clipped (hatchery only) below Puget Island, and there is a two-salmon daily limit with only one being a chinook. Once September rolls, around the chinook fishing will be closed but the coho fishing gets good and the daily limit is increased. Buoy 10 is almost here, and now is the time to plan and prepare.

The image of a trout rising to eat an aquatic insect, usually a mayfly of sorts, is the encapsulation of what drives most anglers to pursue fly fishing. I remember as a young boy seeing it happen for the very first time. What seemed like a gargantuan brown trout rose from an abyss to chase, crush, and inhale a grasshopper. I think I was 7 years old. So in reality, that fish was probably only about 17-18 inches long, and the abyss it rose from was more than likely just a plunge pool that was as deep as I was tall. Nonetheless, it impacted my angling future by putting me on a path to learn fly fishing at a very young age.

Almost as quickly as I started, I found out just how difficult enticing a trout to eat a fake fly could be. My grandfather and my dad were kind enough to allow my pursuit of relentless frustration just to the breaking point before they insisted I fish with bait. At 8 years old, my patience wasn't virtuous at all. However, I did have the persistence and drive to succeed, just not the patience to figure out what I was doing wrong. God bless my grandfather and my dad for tolerating me during that time.

Fast forward 43 years and I have a much better idea of how to help new fly anglers get started. There are a couple of key ingredients that reduce the learning curve. First, buy some equipment that works. Notice I didn't say buy some expensive equipment, I said buy some equipment that works. For example, a 9’ 5 weight fly rod is the most universal of all rods. It is the perfect trout rod as well as panfish, and my favorite dry fly fish, the Arctic grayling. Just make sure your 5 weight rod has a 5 weight fly line on it, matched up with a 5 weight size fly reel.

Putting this together accordingly is literally the difference in casting and flailing. There will be some flailing, but not nearly as much if you match everything accordingly. If you are not sure if your set up is right, visit a fly shop for assistance. Any reputable fly shop will be more than willing to help you fuel this latest version of insanity.

So, you have visited the local fly shop, you have everything matched up. You probably bought some leaders, tippet, and a few flies. If it was a really super reputable fly shop, you probably got loaded up on a healthy dose of sarcasm and ridicule. The best shops always seem to have that air about them, but they will steer you in the right direction. It comes from a good place. Armed with your newfound knowledge and gear you need to proceed to step two: find some dumb fish. Really dumb. The dumbest. Find an entire village of idiot fish to cast to. Panfish make some of the best beginning dry fly fish to cast to. They aren't spooky, they eat willingly, and they taste delicious.

There is also absolutely no shame in following the local trout hatchery stocking schedule. Trout raised in a concrete raceway seem to fit the description “village of idiots.” They are used to looking up to eat the food served to them twice a day in the very pleasant, controlled environment of the hatchery. In addition, hatchery trout aren’t typically too spooky. What we are looking for here is bang for the buck on opportunities. In the beginning of your dry fly fishing pursuits, you need a lot of opportunities to fail without punishment. The more times you can make a cast and get results, the more you learn. The more learning opportunities you get, the faster you become a better fly angler. Don’t be bashful about fishing to the village idiots. We can all learn something from them.

Once you have found your village to fish in, you need to consider what exactly you are trying to do. You are attempting to imitate an aquatic insect that is resting on the surface of the water above the meniscus. If you are lucky enough to live somewhere that has legitimate bug hatches on the trout creeks, stop and watch the bugs float downstream. Watch the trout that rise to eat them. Also watch the trout that rise for the intent of eating an insect but refuse at the last second. That’s just as important. The bugs that are floating downstream with trout eating them are the ones you want to imitate.

Invariably someone out there is currently saying “match the hatch.” It is a catch phrase that I have come to detest and loathe but it does bear some legitimacy. We can worry about the catch phrases later. For now, you just need to focus on making a cast so that your fly looks right to the fish. Ultimately, that is the most important part of the equation. Casting your fly with it splashing the water upon impact has the same impact as the brute squad knocking your front door down with a battering ram. If that happened at your house, you probably aren’t gonna want to hangout, hold hands, and sing kumbaya. Try to be soft on approach. A live insect doesn't even weigh fraction of an ounce. No way it can make a giant splash when it hits the water. Your fly shouldn’t either.

Lastly, in regards to presentation, there is this thing you need to learn called “drag free drift.” Yeah, I know, another catch phrase. This one is tolerable though only because it carries weight with it. Obtaining a drag free drift absolutely ensures that your presentation looks as good as it can possibly look to the fish. It’s imperative to seducing a fish to eat your fly. What is this drag free drift, you say, and how do I obtain it? The drag free drift is achieved by manipulating the fly line with upstream or downstream in order to make the fly travel at the same speed at the river current on the surface where the fly is positioned. Great. Now here it is in layman terms, you are going to cast your fly and there will be a V-wake coming off of it. V-wake is bad.

V-wake tells the fish that your fly presentation does not look right, therefore, the fish does not eat your fly. This is, of course, not what we are trying to accomplish at all. The act of “mending” your fly line, or manipulating the fly line, upstream or downstream of your fly will either speed up the fly or slow it down to the point of eliminating the V-wake. Trying to put in to words how to mend fly line in order to achieve a drag free drift is like trying to write down instructions for riding a bicycle for the first time. Hands on handle bars, feet on pedals, pedal fast, hold tight, and hope for the best. Mending fly line is best learned through visual aid. Hire a guide or watch a video from Rio Products on YouTube. It will be the difference in catching and flailing.

We have covered a lot of ground here, but one last thing. What do you do when the fish does actually eat your fly? You’ve made a good cast, good drift, and a trout graces your ego by taking your synthetic offering as if it were a tomahawk ribeye. Dear baby Jesus, this actually worked. What now? I’m willing to bet the first time it happens, you will set the hook well before the fish has the fly in its mouth. Most anglers react upon the visual of the fish breaking the surface resulting in the fly being pulled away from the fish before it has time to come down on top of the fly to ingest it.

If you can somehow force yourself to wait on the hook set until after you can see the dorsal fin, your success rate will increase substantially. I once had an Alaska client that came every year only to fish Arctic grayling on dry flies. He would stand in the run and say “God save the queen” every time a grayling rose to his fly. After he said the words, he set the hook. That was his way of metering his hook set so it wasn't too quick. After about the 50th time hearing it, I was hoping for a new phrase or no phrase at all, but it worked for him.

It's summer. Get your gear sorted out, find a village of idiots, have some fun, and God save the queen.

Much of my love for fishing has to do with the way it pushes me to explore new places in the great outdoors. Every chance I get, I am researching the waters that meander through the arid lowlands of the Columbia basin here in my home state of Washington, or expanding my search down to the many coves of the Sonoma coast in California in search of new fishing opportunities. But how can we broaden our range of opportunity without only being limited to bank fishing or having to deal with towing a heavy and cumbersome boat behind us everywhere we go?

To me, the simple solution has always been the kayak. Most fishing kayaks can be stored in the bed of a pickup truck or racked on top of a car as small as a Prius. In my case, I store mine on a ladder rack that sits above my truck-camper conversion. With set ups like these, travel becomes simple and stress free, and allows us to move further into the great unknown. There are many considerations to keep in mind when stepping into the world of kayak fishing. As we progress in this mode of angling, the options (and investments) become unlimited, but for now, I want to list off some basics that will help set up the new kayak angler with the foundational knowledge required to enjoy an immensely fun and freeing form of outdoor recreation.

The Kayak the first item on the list will be deciding what type of kayak you want to purchase. There’s an endless list of fishing kayaks from a number of manufacturers. The factors that might inform your decision on what to buy are likely the type of fishing you plan to do, where you plan to do it, and the price you’re willing to spend. For bass fishing in calm waters, you might want to purchase a stable sit on top kayak with a wide pontoon style hull. These kayaks offer plenty of deck room for storing fish and gear, and typically allow anglers to stand while casting.

The downside to wider kayaks like these is that you sacrifice some speed for stability. You can purchase these types of boats with the traditional paddle option or with a pedal drive system, the latter typically being the pricier of the two. For saltwater fishing you might consider a pedal drive kayak that has plenty of length and a slightly narrower hull which affords you the speed needed to cut through strong currents and choppy waves. These are only two examples out of an almost endless list of fishing kayaks. My advice to a new kayak angler would be to plan out your budget, then visit your local kayak dealer and explain the type of fishing you intend to do and the type of environment you plan to be paddling or pedaling in.

Safety

Perhaps the most important part of kayak fishing is keeping safe while on the water. Safety on a kayak involves knowledge, skillset, and gear. Knowledge of Conditions: Having a proper understanding of incoming weather and tides and how those will affect your fishing location should be the first step before loading up the kayak. Utilize weather apps, wind predictions models, and tide charts to determine conditions for that particular day. Always know before you go.

Skillset

Knowing how to right a capsized kayak and how to properly re-enter the kayak are two essential safety skills for any kayak angler. To practice, bring your kayak into a pool or any other chest deep body of water that is of comfortable temperature. From a sitting position: practice capsizing your kayak. Once the boat is upside down, and while using the buoyancy of your life vest, place your palms under the coaming (side of cockpit) of your kayak, and in a quick and forceful motion, throw your kayak over.

Once the kayak is righted, work to keep your body horizontal on the water by kicking your feet. Instead of pulling down on the nearest coaming and running the risk of flipping the boat back towards your face, kick your feet and reach towards the far coaming and pull your body (belly first) onto the kayak. Once your hips are over the kayak and your weight is centered, you can then flip yourself over onto your butt. Repeat this until you’re confident you can do this in a non-practice situation where stress levels are much higher.

Safety gear. A few things I keep onboard when kayak fishing are a manual bilge pump for removing water in the event that it makes its way into the hull, a waterproof and floating VHF radio for radioing coast guard during an emergency, a reliable PDF, a high visibility kayak flag mounted on a pole, a first aid kit, and flares. In the PNW where I live, a wetsuit or a dry suit are both non-negotiable items to wear while out on the saltwater. There is much debate about which is the better of the two for kayak fishing. If I plan to be in and out of the water often, like during surf launches on the coast, a wetsuits work best for me. Conversely, if its winter and below 40 degrees outside, a dry suit will allow the kayaker to layer up in warm clothing beneath their suit. During a midsummer day, when the weather and waters present zero risk of hypothermia, it's better to dress according to the weather and stick to lightweight clothing that provide both UPF and SPF protection.

Helpful Gear

Fishing kayaks will always come with one or two built in rod holders, but they are often located stern-side of the cockpit and are not advantageous for trolling. Because of this, its helpful to take advantage of track mounting systems that not only allow for additional rod holders, but also allow for accessories like fish finders, cell phones, and other navigational devices. Most tracks will mount on the coaming of your kayak next to the cockpit. Use the rear

rod holder (or at least one) for your fishing net.

Fish storage is a key component to any kayak fishing set up. Early on in my kayak fishing days, I landed a sizable lingcod that wouldn’t fit onto my already maxed out fish stringer. After dispatching the fish and cutting its gills, I stored it in a shallow well on the deck of my boat. For 30 minutes I pedaled around with my eye on this gorgeous ling, and imagined the melodic sizzling from the fryer as I turned my catch into fish and chips for the family. Without warning, the “dead” lingcod’s nervous system kicked into full gear, and in true zombie fashion, the fish thrashed violently until it made its way overboard and left me, a sad angler, watching helplessly as it sank deep into the waters of the Straits of Juan de Fuca.

Don’t be like me on that unfortunate day, and always prepare yourself by having ample storage for the fish you catch. This can be done with portable coolers, insulated fish bags, multiple metal stringers, or a combination of all three. The air and water temperature should guide you in your fish storage technique, just be sure your storage is ample and secure. 

So if you’re looking to go beyond the confines of the shore and out into the vast expanse of the open water, but you’d also like an option that imparts a bit more freedom and flexibility then what is typically found with larger and more traditional fishing boats, then a kayak might be exactly what you need for your next fishing adventure. 

We’re going fishing! The gear is stowed, trailer lights checked and working, you’ve topped off the fuel tank, and the ice chest is full of food, drinks and bait. When going through the checklist, did you consider your first-aid supplies? I know you’re just going out to pull crab pots or fish the last few hours of the tide change, what can possibly happen?

In 2022 the USCG statistics show that there were 2,222 reportable boating injuries. Who knows how many unreported injuries there are. This year it is estimated that 55 million Americans will embark on a fishing trip. While the plan is to make it back to the dock without so much as a thought about a boating or fishing injury, they happen, and you should be prepared. 

While the most common injuries are largely preventable, there are many “oh crap” moments any time you are on the water. Some preventable mishaps are as follows:

Falls, Pulled Muscles/Sprains - Many injuries can be prevented by wearing proper footwear and keeping the deck organized. I don’t know how many times I have slid down a ramp float at 2:30 in the morning because I was wearing worn out flip-flops or sandals. Make sure the tread on your footwear is serviceable. Boat organization is important in the prevention of injuries. Everything should have a place and be kept there. Loose ice chests, loose gear, or weights have caused many falls related injuries. Fish slime and blood should be cleaned up immediately. A few years back while fishing for winter blackmouth, I slipped on a puddle of chinook slime we hadn’t cleaned up yet. If not for a quick handed atomic wedgie by a fishing buddy I would have gone swimming. 

Back injuries

Many times, back injuries are caused by twisting under load- if the seas are rolling don’t pick up a heavily loaded ice chest to clear the deck. Pulling crab or shrimp pots should be done with a plan. Use a puller if you can but if not possible keep your chin over your knees while pulling pots. Be aware of your posture as you swing the pot into the boat. When downrigger fishing, use a retriever setup, don’t lean over the edge of the boat to manage the downrigger clip. Anchoring is another activity where an extra dose of caution should be prescribed. Never just throw the anchor and hope for the best. Always have control of the anchor line and then once it hits the bottom, slowly feed it out to get the appropriate scope. Keep the deck clear when managing the line and if you don’t have an anchor locker use a milk crate, anchor bag, or even a 5-gallon bucket to manage loose line. Finally, consider the potential for cumulative abuse injuries to you or your passengers’ backs.

Here in the Pacific Northwest, many of us are running aluminum boats. While a great option for general recreational use, they typically ride rough. As the skipper you may have some form of suspension seat but it is likely your passenger does not. For that matter it is likely that you have passengers on cushioned seat boxes. I mention this because Repetitive Lumbar Injuries (RLI) are a real possibility when boating in choppy conditions. Basically, the tissue between your lumbar vertebrae can break down and pinch the nerves when running in heavy seas. 

Short of installing high end suspension seats there are a few things you can do to help prevent RLI. The key is to slow down and practice what I call “Become one with the sea”. You can also run a bit bow up to push the impact point towards the stern for a smoother ride. Both will slow you down, but eventually you’ll get where you’re going and your backs will thank you for your extra efforts. On a personal note; I have pretty severe arthritis and my lumbar region is a mess. For work, I run a small aluminum boat 6 days a week year-round. For the most part, I make the run independent of the weather conditions. There are days where I have to stand to run the boat. If I sat down while running in the heavy, unsettled seas I would be paying for it later.  

Many boating accidents are preventable, keep an organized deck, limit your passenger’s alcohol consumption, secure knives, gaff hooks, and anything else that can swing or roll around. A 12# downrigger ball rolling around could do some serious damage if you got in its way. Even consider what a 3-ounce jig can do swinging from a rod in the rocket launchers can do (I know…) Stay alert, try to get some sleep the night before an outing, again, limit alcohol consumption, and stay hydrated. A key in preventing boating accidents is knowing your limitations as a skipper and what your boat and crew can handle. Don’t be afraid to put the boat back on the trailer if the conditions warrant. 

Establish a general safe boating routine for your boat and share it with your passengers. It should include location of the PFDs and a throwable device, location and use of your firefighting equipment. Possibly address the docking procedure: Things like, secure the stern line first when docking, no jumping from the boat to the dock, watch your fingers, and watch for cleats and other dock hazards. Any time the seas are questionable have everybody wear their PFD and stay seated. If it’s really bad, have them sit on the floor to lower the overall CG of the boat. When running in the dark, for or other inclement weather, always post a lookout. 

While many boating injuries are preventable, others just happen. Medical emergencies are rare when recreational fishing but as a skipper you should be prepared to offer basic first aid. On our boat we carry a comprehensive first aid kit. Fortunately, we rarely break it out, but at least we are prepared if something serious develops. Here in the PNW your boaters first aid provisions should include the following as a minimum:

• First Aid Guide, the Red Cross offers an Emergency First Aid Reference Guide for 3.95. It is available at https://www.redcross.org/store/emergency-first-aid-guide/758276.html 
• A Small Bolt Cutter to assist in removing fish hooks. 
• Band Aids
• A Medical Shears
• Tweezers
• Gause Dressing
• Nitrile Gloves
• Antiseptic Wipes 
• Pain Killers/Anti-inflammatory Tablets
• Burn Cream
• Cloth Tape
• Triple Antibiotic Ointment
• Q-tips
• Drinking Water
• A Spray Bottle with a 50/50 solution of vinegar and seawater. A quick spray will neutralize jellyfish stings and in a pinch help to clean a slippery deck.

Most of the items noted above will fit in a 32-ounce wide mouth Nalgene water bottle. In fact, that’s what we keep in the truck and it often is with us during other outdoor activities. If you want to step it up a bit, there are many commercially available first aid kits out there. Generally, they offer an elevated level of medical care. Some lessons learned and general comments are as follows:

Establish an inventory management plan. You want to ensure adequate supplies are available when required (think 4-year old girl, redheaded Cabbage Patch Doll, a pack of Band-Aids, and a weekend on the boat). Your plan should also check for out of date products. For storage of the bolt cutter, I use one of those anticorrosion chips of plastic to keep it from corroding. I use Zerust Plastabs but there a number of other corrosion-inhibiting products available. If you do have to manage a medical situation, your demeaner will go a long way towards helping your patient. Even if you are uncomfortable, don’t panic and calmly work through the situation. If you have a serious situation recognize it sooner than later and don’t be afraid to call the Coast Guard or 911.

With adequate prevention measures and the ability to manage a first aid as required, your crew is likely to return to the dock with nothing more than a sunburn, a bag of fish, and a smile. In the unlikely event that you do have to render first aid, part of wearing the skipper’s hat is being prepared. This article should be considered as a general guideline and feel free to set up your own safety/first aid program.

Salmon is a Pacific NW favorite and when cooked properly most would agree it’s one of the best eating fish to be found. Here is a classic recipe on salmon for your culinary chops.

Remember, the essentials to a good cooked fish begin with proper care of the fish out in the field. Catch it, bonk it, bleed it, and put it on ice. Cut it up and eat it ASAP. Or, vacuseal it if you can’t eat it fresh. Just don’t forget it’s in there! A freezer burned piece of fish does not a gourmet meal make. Not to mention a waste of a valuable resource.

Salmon lends itself to a myriad of ways to prepare it. As with any fish, the most important thing to do is – don’t over-cook it! So without further ado, here’s a simple yet delicious baked salmon recipe.

Ingredients:

Fresh salmon filet, one to two pounds, ¾-1” thick

1 ½ teaspoons lemon-pepper seasoning

1 teaspoon onion salt

4 lemon slices

1 tablespoon olive oil

In a glass baking pan, take filet and coat with olive oil. Place salmon skin side down. Sprinkle onion salt and lemon pepper seasoning over the top. Squeeze juice out of lemon slices onto the filet (be sure to save a couple lemon slices to garnish the fish when it is served).

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and cook for ten minutes. For a crispy, sizzling finish, turn the oven up to hi broil and cook another two minutes. Remove from oven and serve immediately. If you leave the fish sitting in the pan it will continue to cook so get it out and serve it piping hot!

Add your favorite vegetables or pasta for a healthy and classic Pacific Northwest salmon meal. Enjoy!

Eastern Washington State

Eastern Washington State is a paradise for trout anglers during the Fall, with its picturesque lakes and rivers offering some of the finest trout fishing experiences in the Pacific Northwest. In this article, we invite you to embark on a journey through some of my favorite bountiful trout waters of Lake Roosevelt, Waitts Lake, Bonaparte Lake, Rock Lake, and that little urban oasis, Liberty Lake. These 5 distinct fishing destinations in Eastern Washington promise anglers of all skill levels unforgettable moments, breathtaking scenery, and a chance to reel in some of the most sought-after trout species. So, grab your fishing gear, pack your camping supplies, and let's explore these trout fishing wonders of Eastern Washington.

Our adventure begins at Lake Roosevelt, a sprawling reservoir created by the Grand Coulee Dam on the mighty Columbia River. Stretching over 130 miles, this massive body of water provides abundant opportunities for trout fishing. Lake Roosevelt is renowned for its healthy population of Rainbow trout, which can grow to impressive sizes. Anglers flock here in search of trophy Rainbows, and Kokanee.

Springtime and Fall are the golden seasons at Lake Roosevelt. During spring, as temperatures rise, trout move closer to the surface, making them more accessible to both trolling fly’s and even bait rigs. As fall brings in cooler temperatures, rejuvenating the bite and luring trout closer to the shallows, welcoming the excellent opportunities for bank fishing. Camping facilities, beach camping, and boat launches are readily available along the lake’s shores, ensuring a convenient and memorable fishing experience.

Moving over to the Northeast side of the state, we discover Waitts Lake. Just tucked into the hills of the small-town Valley, just off of HWY 395, this lake beckons trout fisherman from all over. This lake has been known for its healthy population of Brown Trout, where they are abundant and can be caught many ways. This pristine, spring-fed lake is also stocked with Rainbow trout, making it an ideal spot for anglers seeking a peaceful escape.

Spring and early summer

Spring and early summer are prime time to fish Waitts Lake as waters warm. But in the Fall, Rainbow and Brown Trout become increasingly active, providing ample opportunities for a successful day on the water. Drifting fly’s, such as a Wooly Bugger, on a casting bubble has always been lights out, as for trolling the familiar setups from spinners to dodgers can also fill the cooler. Don't be afraid to bang the bottom with a simple quarter ounce jig tipped with a worm, very effective for the Brown Trout cruising the bottom for food. Shore anglers have access to 3 different resorts, and docks available to fish from, and can be just as productive as fishing from a boat. Some productive spots to pay attention to are the Southern portion of the lake near the launch, and the Western shoreline. 

Onward to almost central of the state, we take a ride to one of my favorite winter lakes to fish. Nestled high in the Okanogan Highlands, Bonaparte Lake offers an alpine fishing experience that's nothing short of magical. Surrounded by lush coniferous forests, this tranquil lake is a sanctuary for both trout and those anglers who seek them. This lake has a campground and a very nice resort that caters to anglers year-round. My favorite time to visit is the winter with the snow and ice, it's just a beautiful place to chase trout.

Bonaparte Lake really comes to life in late spring and late summer into Fall. As the snow recedes and temperatures rise, the lake's trout species become more active, creating a feeding frenzy. Rainbow cutthroat can be the target for many, but there's those who are in search of a big Tiger Trout, or the beautiful Brook Trout, prized for its vibrant colors and feisty nature. The Southern portion of the lake near the creek mouth has always been a go to spot, especially in the winter months. Targeting deep holes adjacent to shelves and breaks can produce large fish year-round. But targeting the southern end near the creek mouth, where submerged rocks and logs create perfect ambush points for trout. A must visit for any avid angler who's seeking an adventure. 

Head South to the largest natural lake in Eastern Washington, with an open fishing season all year, we launch into Rock Lake in Whitman County. This lake has a reputation for providing an excellent fishery for Rainbows, and large Brown Trout. The boat ramp is a rough one, and takes some experience to navigate, as shore fishing is limited to the launch area. With the launch being unimproved, you may only see a handful of boats out there, but be aware of underwater hazards, as submerged rocks can sneak up on you quickly. Scenery is like a slice of the wild west, with basalt cliffs and sagebrush hills, offering a unique angling experience.

Brown Trout

Since Brown Trout are the primary target, fishing from a boat is the most popular choice. Trolling plugs and large spoons are effective, and Jointed Rapalas work amazingly trolled at slow speeds. Casting larger lures near the rock walls with slow retrieves can produce limits quickly if you're not a troller. I tend to notice from October, when the Browns spawn to spring, is the hottest bites from shore or boat. Enjoy this lake with caution, as the wind can play a big part in how you fish at this lake. 

Now time to head back to town, where our trout journey concludes at Liberty Lake. An urban oasis located just minutes from the city of Spokane Valley, this lake offers convenience and a diverse range of angling experiences. Liberty is home to Rainbow, and Brown Trout, making it accessible for a variety of fishing methods. From trolling dodgers and spinners, to drifting flies, and my personal favorite, casting large jerk baits in the early spring when ice is melting off. Jerk baits really get those large Browns fired up. With a dock for shore fishing and a boat launch, it makes fishing for all anglers accessible. With the amenities of Spokane Valley within reach, anglers can combine their fishing adventures with a bit of urban exploration.

Eastern Washington State is a haven for trout fishing enthusiasts, and the lakes of Lake Roosevelt, Waitts Lake, Bonaparte Lake, Rock Lake, and Liberty Lake offer a diverse range of experiences. Whether you're seeking trophy trout, serene solitude, a hidden fishing haven, a journey back in time, or an urban oasis, Eastern Washington's trout-filled waters have something for everyone. So, grab your gear, explore these scenic destinations, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty and bountiful trout fisheries of this remarkable region.

You’ve probably heard stories about the Brewster pool, if you haven’t fished it before. It’s one of the most productive and legendary fisheries in the state, and many fishermen look forward to fishing it every year. Thousands of chinook and sockeye salmon make their way up the Columbia River and stage in the cool waters of Lake Pateros (also known as the Brewster pool) before heading up the Okanagan River. The fishery typically opens up in July and can be extremely productive for both species of fish. Despite their long journey, the fish are willing biters and taste great on the grill or smoker. 20-pound chinook are regularly caught, and the sockeye are great eating quality.

It’s a fun fishery for a summer day, but learning how to fish it isn’t always easy. Brewster is about an hour north of Wenatchee, so it’s quite a drive. It can also be intimidating because there are so many other boats in the water. As long as you do some research and have patience, you’ll have a great time and catch some fish. Here’s some tips and tricks to help give you a successful day at the Brewster pool.

Chinook

The chinook fishery at Brewster tends to be a first light fishery, so grab the coffee and headlamps so you can launch in the dark. It’s a short run from the boat ramp to the pool, just stop when you see all the other boats! The most important thing to know about the Brewster pool is that it’s a trolling game. Some anglers jig or anchor up, but they are few and far between. There are just too many boats for anyone to anchor up. Most fishermen in the pool use cannon ball droppers and skip the downriggers. You can run anywhere between 4 to 12 ounces of lead, depending on the current and the stoutness of your rods. Brad’s Super Baits trolled behind 360 style flashers are the go-to, but many anglers have good success with spinners too.

Wrap or stuff your plug with tuna, herring, or shrimp to give it extra pizazz. If you run spinners, you can put some gel scent on them or hook on a coon shrimp. Don’t be afraid to swap out the hooks on your lures. Chinook have thick, tough jaws, so you want your hooks to stick. Troll between 1.5 to 2mph if you can, but you may have to match your speed with other boats if the pool is crowded enough. When fighting the fish, keep the pressure on. These fish will spit the hook if there’s any slack in the line, and they really tend to explode when they see the net. Adjust your drag and be patient.

Sockeye

If the chinook aren’t biting or you have bored kids in your boat, Brewster pool sockeye are plentiful and hungry! They are a bit smaller than Baker Lake sockeye, but they taste good and are much more numerous than the chinook. Like the chinook fishery, sockeye here are caught by trolling. There are usually two groups of boats in the pool, one that trolls faster for chinook on the current break between the Okanagan and the Columbia, and one that targets chinook closer to the mouth of the Okanagan. Chinook and sockeye do sometimes bite on the same gear, especially when the sockeye really start to stack up in the pool.

If you catch a chinook on sockeye gear, hang on! If you’re targeting sockeye, the same concepts you use when kokanee fishing apply. Use short leaders and lots of scent! Mack’s Lures offer a variety of sockeye lures that are all killer in the Brewster pool. Pink lures work best for sockeye. Pair them up with a dodger or smaller flasher, and you’re in business. Don’t forget to tip your lure with a piece of coon shrimp. You can cure your own or buy some pre-cured ones. No need to use the whole shrimp like you did for chinook that morning, you can just use a small tail piece. Thankfully, the sockeye bite all day, but the fish are more active in the early morning. Use lighter cannonballs than the ones that you used for chinook earlier in the morning. It’s worth using different weights to make sure your lines don’t tangle, particularly if you’re running 4 or more rods. The sockeye move deeper as the day heats up.

There’s a deep river channel somewhat near the shore that the sockeye like to hang out in, but definitely don’t be afraid to fish away from the crowd and try new areas. The sockeye in the Brewster pool are higher up in the water column than the chinook, so a good fish finder can really help you out. Just like their freshwater dwelling cousins, sockeye prefer a slow troll. Again, if you’re fishing in the crowd, you will probably have to match their general speed. Make sure your gear looks good before dropping it down. You’ll want your dodger to give your lure plenty of action to attract the sockeye, so shorten your leader if you need to.

Here’s a few words to the wise about the Brewster pool. Wear sunscreen! The sun can really beat down on those hot days between bites, you’ll be glad to have it on board. It’s a good idea to start fishing at first light and run back before noon, before the heat becomes too unbearable. Also, make sure to pay attention to your surroundings. The Brewster pool isn’t exactly a secret, so you can expect to have company. Sometimes there are hundreds of other boats out there, especially on weekends. Paying attention to the helm and giving other boats some space will help avoid flared tempers.

If you’d rather not deal with the potential stress, there are dozens of guides that you can book to fish the Brewster pool. You can kick back and enjoy the beautiful scenery, and come home with a cooler full of filets. Speaking of coolers, they are a must-have- both for cold drinks and for keeping fish. You’ll want to bleed and ice your fish ASAP for the best meat quality. Lastly, get to the boat ramp early and bring a good book. The boat ramp can get very crowded, especially when the sockeye are in. It’s a good idea to use the time spent waiting to prep your boat. This is another instance when having patience and a level head will help you out. If you’d rather not spend an hour or two waiting to launch, again, hiring a guide might not be a bad idea. Some of them actually launch the night before, anchor up, and sleep on the boat before they pick you up.

Once you’re done fishing for the day, head into the town of Brewster for lunch. There are several excellent restaurants, and downtown Brewster is worth exploring for the afternoon. It’s a great way to cap off your day of sockeye and chinook fishing! Fishing the Brewster pool is an unforgettable experience. Head out there and have fun!

Introducing the unique Pink salmon: distinguished by their distinct life cycle, these fish follow a two-year journey, returning to their spawning rivers as two-year-olds. Adding to their allure is the intriguing fact that they exclusively run during odd years within Washington State. This year, an estimated 4 million Pink salmon are projected to traverse the Sound. Despite their classification as the smallest Pacific salmon, their tenacity in battle and delightful flavor remain unyielding. Their culinary versatility shines as they excel on the grill, particularly atop a cedar plank, and find their way into many anglers' smokers. For numerous enthusiasts, Pink salmon mark their initiation into the world of Washington State salmon fishing, thanks to their abundant presence and approachable nature compared to their larger counterparts.

Around this time of year, pinks flood the Sound and begin to stage near their home rivers. One of the best things about pink salmon is that you don’t need a boat to catch them from the shore or pier. They tend to swim within casting distance most of the time, and at this point in their life cycle they are still actively feeding, so they aggressively attack most offerings they see. With millions of pink salmon cruising by the shoreline looking for a meal, this is the perfect time to head to your local saltwater pier or beach and bring home some pinks for the grill.

Presenting A Jig

By and large, most shore anglers fish for pink salmon with jigs. There’s no need to use bait because pink salmon will aggressively bite a well-presented jig. Buzz Bombs and Rotators are the most commonly used jigs. They are easy to use and thousands of pink salmon readily gobble them up every year. They are designed to resemble a wounded baitfish, and they flutter erratically as they fall. Rigging them up is pretty simple: put on your buzz bomb, then thread on a bead and a bumper. Then tie directly to your hook (don’t forget to pinch the barb if it’s required). I usually use a 1/0 or 2/0 hook for pinks. To use jigs, cast out to where you think the fish are at, let your jig sink for a few seconds, then reel in and lift your rod tip up. Next, quickly lower your rod tip and let the jig fall. Repeat this until you reach the shore or catch a fish. Make sure to jig all the way until shore- sometimes the fish will follow your lure and strike at the last second.

Most of your strikes will be as the jig is falling. If you get a bite, quickly set the hook and keep up the pressure, especially if you’re using barbless hooks. As their name suggests, pink salmon love the color pink! It’s a good idea to start with that color, then switch it up if you aren’t getting fish. Buzz Bombs come in a variety of different weights. For pinks, I’d suggest using the lightest weight that you can cast well. If the bite is slow, try rubbing on some shrimp, anise, or herring scent. Gel based scent will cling to the jig longer. You can also thread on a small pink hoochie for extra action. If switching lures doesn’t work, you can switch locations as well. Sometimes just walking down for a few minutes on the beach can make all the difference.

Spinners

Another viable option if fish don’t seem to be hitting your jig is to use spinners. Vibrax spinners tend to be light, so it’s a good idea to thread on some bullet weights above a swivel to help get them down to where the fish are at. Several other brands such as Mepps make heavier spinners that will get to the proper depth without additional weight. Bring several options, and don’t be afraid to add scent or thread a hoochie on. 

For your rod and reel, I’d recommend using a rod that can handle ½ to 1 ½ oz. weights, probably around 8 to 10 feet in length. I highly recommend using braided line because you can feel those sensitive bites easier, but mono will definitely do the job. A size 3000 to 4000 reel will have plenty of backbone to handle the fish. Remember to rinse your reel after fishing, saltwater is very corrosive and can cause damage if not washed off.

Where To Start?

Wondering where to start? Les Davis Pier, Edmonds Pier, Des Moines Pier, Browns Point, and Point No Point are all popular locations that reliably produce pinks every year. Any beach with a point and a good drop-off will most likely hold fish. Expect to have some company, though. Just be patient and try to avoid tangling your line with other anglers, especially if the current is strong. If you go to a pier, have a plan for netting your catch. Most piers are too far from the water to be able to use traditional nets. Pier anglers have taken to using crab rings. Just lower them down to the water and scoop up your fish. It takes some practice though! Beach anglers need not use a net, simply back up and swing your fish onto the beach.

As always, be sure to check the rules and regulations before going fishing. Don’t forget to swap those treble hooks for barbless single-point hooks, if required. You can buy barbless hooks or simply pinch the barb yourself with pliers. If you’re new to salmon fishing, WDFW offers salmon identification guides. It’s important to be able to tell the difference between salmon species, because they are regulated differently. You may be able to keep pinks but not chinook, for example.

In general, hatcheries do not clip pink salmon fins, so don’t worry about checking if they’re hatchery or wild. The way to identify pink salmon is by checking the gums and the spots on the tail. Pink salmon have large spots on the tail and a white mouth with black gum line and tongue. For optimum meat quality, don’t forget to bleed and gut your catch before going home. Despite what some anglers say, pink salmon tastes great on the smoker or grill. Since they don’t have as much fat as their cousins, they have a milder taste than other salmon, which some people actually enjoy more. My favorite way to eat them is to season them with some of my favorite rub and then grill them on cedar or alder planks. They’re a great summertime treat that the entire family will love!

Duke tentatively jumped up to the bow of my Thunderbird, looking intently at the water passing by as we trolled along. “Oh boy,” I said to my wife Joann, “he looks like he is thinking about going for a swim.” Muscles tensing, Duke fulfilled my prediction and splashed into the cool spring waters of Lake Washington. As the boat traveled forward, I went to the side, leaned over, and grabbed the handle on the back of his life jacket, pulling him safely back into our boat. He gave me a look as if to say, “what did you do that for, I was just starting to have some fun!” Such is the life of going fishing with a dog. JoAnn had always wanted me to have a dog that I could take fishing, and Duke, our one-year-old Springer Spaniel, was just that dog. Trained for upland bird hunting, I’d introduced him to water early and he took to it. That said, hunting with a dog on dry ground versus having a dog on a moving boat are two very different things. While fishing with your four-legged best friend can be a wonderful experience, it does present some unique challenges that anglers should be aware of.

What To Know

When you decide to bring your dog along with you on your boat for the first time, it’s important to think through what is entailed (pun intended) for your fishing trip. First and foremost is – know your dog! What kind of training has he had? Has he been introduced to water? Can he swim? Does he obey your commands? Will he be a good partner at the boat launch, or a distraction and irritation to those around you? These are all important questions to consider before you bring your dog along for a day of fishing. Having your best friend along for a day of fishing can make the day that much special, or, it can be a huge headache, and possibly put your dog in danger. Let’s look at some basics to think about before you take your dog out on your boat.

You’ve arrived at the boat launch and there’s a couple of boats in line waiting to launch. It’s just you and your best friend and your expensive boat waiting to launch. Now what do you do? In my opinion, Fido needs to stay safe and secure in your rig. Letting your dog out to run around is a big no-no. Other anglers looking to launch are not going to be happy with a dog running around, no matter how well-behaved you may think he is. Dogs can be unpredictable, so keep him in the truck as you go through your routine prep for launching your boat. Or, if there is a place you can leash him up to stay and watch, out of the way of others, that would be OK. For me, I keep Duke in the truck where there are others around. If it’s just the two of us, I’m ok with letting him out. That’s because I know him and he is well-trained to commands and, most importantly, he obeys. 

Launch completed and boat secured, your truck is parked. It’s time to go fishing with your buddy! The next critical question to ask is this – life jacket or no life jacket? For Duke, I treat him like a kid. Just because he can swim doesn’t mean he’s safe to be in a boat without a life jacket. Especially when we are about to put the pedal to the meddle and blast off at thirty miles an hour to our favorite fishing location. So, the life jacket goes before we get up on a plane. It’s one less thing for me as a boat operator to worry about. This way I know that he will be safe if something happens and he does go in.  

Water Conditions

What about fishing all day, either anchored up or slow trolling? Our Lake Washington trip was the first time I took Duke on the water, and he decided he wanted to see what the water was like. Since then, he has never jumped into the lake on his own. I find that very interesting, and I now am OK with taking the jacket off if we are anchored or trolling. Of course, weather and conditions are also a consideration in this equation. I try to never take Duke on the boat if it’s not going to be a pleasant day. A puking dog is no fun and it’s not fair to the dog to be put through rough water conditions. 

While you're out on the boat there’s a couple doggy essentials to keep in mind. Dogs need a few things to be comfortable: shade on a sunny day, water, a comfy place to lay down, and maybe a treat or two (especially when you try to eat your own lunch!). They also need potty breaks. Finding a place to pull your boat up on shore gives you a chance to stretch your legs and let the doggy stretch his. Not to mention relieve himself. Of course, being a dog means some sniffing time is important. Just like fishing with kids, I think it’s important to not be hard-core when fishing with a dog. Give your Best Friend some “dog time”. I think it will make him more excited the next time you pull out your boat – yay! Another fishing adventure!

One word of caution when fishing with a dog. Expect the unexpected. I remember a trip on the Snake River doing a Cast and Blast Adventure. We had dogs on the boat for our chukar hunt, but first we were fishing for chinook salmon, side drifting eggs. I think you know where I’m going with this… at the end of a drift we brought in our gear to run back to the top of the hole. One of the anglers’ dogs decided that he might like the taste of fresh salmon eggs for breakfast. Before we knew it, this angler’s dog had scarfed down a baited hook of salmon eggs, all the way beyond reach. Unfortunately for the angler his day of fishing was cut short as we took him back to the boat launch for a trip to the vet for x-rays. The vet informed the owner of the dog to watch to see if the hook passed (not the most pleasant job by the way). While no harm came to the dog, it was an expensive reminder of what I mentioned early – dogs can be unpredictable. 

So, by all means, take your dog fishing – you’ll love it and so will the dog – but be ever mindful and keep a close eye on your Four Legged-Friend!