JEFFREY P. MAYOR; jeff.mayor@thenewstribune.com Published: February 16th, 2008 01:00 AMFinally, we have some good news to report for smelt dippers.
A test dip by the state Monday confirmed smelt are present in the lower Cowlitz. Bank dipping near the Longview Bridge produced about 15 fish in a dozen dips.
A test dip by the state Monday confirmed smelt are present in the lower Cowlitz. Bank dipping near the Longview Bridge produced about 15 fish in a dozen dips.
Also, commercial fishermen on the Columbia landed more smelt Monday night (3,411 pounds) than the entire season to date through last week (2,444 pounds).
Also, the state has announced plans to open a razor clam dig March 7-12 at Twin Harbors and March 8-9 at Long Beach. The six-day dig would be open during evening tides March 7-8 then switch to morning tides March 9-12. Clam digging on evening tides is allowed between noon and midnight, while morning digs must be done by noon.
Rivers
Cowlitz: The fishing has been slow this week. Boat anglers have had the most success, but even then the action has been spotty at best. Last week, 301 adult coho and five winter-steelhead returned to the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery.
Green: The upper river should be the place to go this weekend for steelhead.
Kalama: River conditions are good, but it seems no one has told the fish. Pressure has been very light and as a result few fish are being caught.
Puyallup: The fishing has been slow despite the river being in good shape, said Bill Herzog at Sportco. Anglers are hooking an occasional native steelhead, and every once in a while a bright coho is being caught.
Olympic Coast: The action has been very good this week, said Curt Reed at Waters West in Port Angeles. The Soleduck and Calawah are good choices. The Hoh should finally be in good shape this weekend.
Skagit: Anglers are now required to follow selective gear rules on the Skagit, Sauk, and Cascade rivers and Fisher Slough. You must release all fish, except up to two hatchery steelhead may be retained per day. Go to wdfw.wa.gov for details.
Wynoochee: The upper river has been somewhat productive for boat anglers, but water levels are a bit high. The nearby Satsop is high and dirty.
Yakima: It might be worth the trip this weekend. If the river flows stay steady as we get some warmer weather, the fishing should be good. Take your skwala and midge patterns.
Saltwater
Fly fishing: The beach fishing has been tough in the last week, which is fairly common this time of year, said Clark Jennings at Puget Sound Fly Co. Some searun cutthroat are being caught, but they are pretty well dispersed.
Hood Canal: Marine Area 12 reopens today.
North Sound: Fishing has improved this week, in part because anglers aren't having to fight the weather. Camano Island, Mukilteo and Liplip Point are all worth consideration.
Sekiu: This area reopens today. There is a one fish daily limit and the minimum size for chinook is 22 inches.
Tacoma: Fishing in Marine Area 11 reopens today. Early morning anglers may want to try Point Dalco and then move over toward the clay banks and slag pile later in the morning.
Lakes
American: The action has been slow, said David Anderson. The warm weather forecast for this weekend might spur the fish to become more active.
Rufus Woods: If you're looking for a destination for the holiday weekend, this might be it. Anglers are catching some nice rainbows by using black jigs, Herzog said.
Sammamish: Cutthroat trout fishing has been pretty good. Small cut plug herring, red or orange label, 50-60 feet behind a downrigger ball is working. Try fishing 15 to 35 feet down.
Spanaway: Boat anglers are catching some rainbow trout up to 4 pounds. Try using lime-twist Power Bait on a short leader at the south end of the lake. Dock fishing hasn't been as consistent, but still producing some large trout, said Bud Herlitzka at Spanaway Lake Boathouse.
Washington: Anglers are starting to hook cutthroats again.
Jeffrey P. Mayor: 253-597-8640
blogs.thenewstribune.com/adventure
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