Trout Opener

As far as the local lakes go, Martha Lake (Alderwood) has been one of the best producers. We had a gentleman in just a few minutes ago that had caught his limit, with one going 28 inches. He caught them trolling a wooley bugger fly. I stopped by Serene and Stickney earlier today to see how much pressure there was on the lakes. Needless to say there would have been no problem in finding "Lots" of room to fish as there was virtually "No" pressure on either of these lakes.

Razor Clam Digs - May 3 though May 8 2011

The WDFW has authorized an additional Razor clam dig this next week! Here's the rundown on whats going to happen!

Tuesday, May 3 - 7:29 a.m., -0.6 ft: Long Beach, Twin Harbors
Wednesday, May 4 - 8:04 a.m., -0.8 ft; Long Beach, Twin Harbors
Thursday, May 5 - 8:40 a.m., -0.8 ft; Long Beach, Twin Harbors
Friday, May 6 - 9:18 a.m., -0.8 ft; Long Beach, Twin Harbors
Saturday, May 7 - 10:00 a.m., -0.6 ft; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
Sunday, May 8 - 10:46 a.m., -0.4 ft; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

Make sure to look over the WDFW website for any additional restrictions. This could be the last razor clam dig for the season.

Smelt - Oak Harbor

Though the smelt fishery at Oak Harbor has been very good recently this fishery is being overshadowed by the lowland lake opener today! Ling cod opens in the Straits, San Juans and Puget Sound tomorrow! Halibut opens in part of the Straits, San Juans and Puget Sound this next Thursday. Spot Shrimp opens in the Straits, San Juans, Hood Canal and Puget Sound this next Saturday! With so much going on it is quite difficult to figure out just what to go do.

New 2011 - 2012 Fishing Pamphlets Have Arrived

For all of you that have been waiting for a hard copy of the "New" 2011 - 2012 Sport Fishing Regulation Pamphlet - They have arrived! Make sure to take a moment and read through them as there are a few changes! Anyway, stop by and pick up a copy or two!

Ling Cod Opens in Puget Sound - Sunday May 1st

Ling Cod opens here in Puget Sound, San Juans and the Straits this Sunday May 1st. For many of you this opener is one that you look forward to each and every year. Once again this season will be open from May 1st through June 15th. The limit will be just a single fish and must fall into the slot limit of 26" minimum to a maximum length of 36". I will remind you to read over your regulation pamphlet, and especially read over the 120' depth rule. Yes, things are a tad bit restrictive but better than not having a fishery at all.

Good Fishing!

Lowland Lake Opener - Saturday April 30th

Don't forget that the long awaited lowland lake opener is coming up this Saturday April 30th. Don't forget to check over your tackle, make sure that you have fresh bait, check over your rods to make sure that you do not have a broken guide or tip top, lube up your reels and get some fresh line put on them and make sure that you get your new fishing license for the year. There are lots of great angling opprutunites for a great number of species. Have a "Great" fishing season!

Lake Steven's Kokanee Derby Tickets - Sales Are Brisk

If you are wanting to participate in the 2011 Lake Steven's Kokanee Derby you do not want to hesitate very long in procuring your tickets. We have had very "Brisk" sales already! The way the sales have been the 300 tickets will more than likely be sold out in a couple of weeks. Tickets are $20.00 for those 15 and older and are "Free" for those under 15. This is a great family outing, so bring the kids!

Mahi - Big Island Hawaii

Tim sent in this photo of a nice "Bull" Mahi which was landed this morning off the Big Island. He mentioned that there were a number of wahoo caught around him by boat anglers, though he didn't land any himself.

2011 Big Game Hunting Regulations Have Arrived

For those of you that are big game hunters, the 2011 Big Game Regulations have arrived! With the Special Hunt Applications due by midnight on May 18th it is in your best interest not to delay in trying to figure out what hunts you might want to apply for. Stop by Ted's or your local sporting goods store and procure your copy.

Fishing Regulations are to arrive on April 28th!

Trout Fishing - Roses Lake - Manson

With the opening of lowland lakes just around the corner on Saturday April 30th, Jeff Witkowski sent this email of a nice mess of trout coming out of Roses Lake. The fish were caught trolling a size 4 rust colored wooley bugger with a wiggle fin placed in front of the fly to give it some additional action and the traditional F-3 Frog Flatfish from Yakima Bait Co. In the photo is Eric (Dad), Phillip and Benjamin Ferrerira.

Nice bunch of fish for a 4 hour trip! You can contact Jeff or Anton for a trip at Darrell and Dad's Family Guide Service at 1-866-360-1523.

Even More Lakers - Lake Chelan

Jeff Witkowski and Anton Jones had Bobby Loomis (from Mac's Lures in Leavenworth) and his son Dustin out on the lake this AM and had another "Great" day of laker fishing on Chelan. The fish came on Mac's Cha Cha Squiders and Mini Cha Cha Squiders in Glo White. The fish all came in about 3 hours of fishing. After the lakers they tried for Kokanee but managed just 3 bites and just a single 10" fish landed for a couple of hours trying. They are waiting for the surface water to hit 50 degrees to wake up the kokanee bite, its is just 47 degrees at present.

They did mention that Palmer Lake (Loomis) has been very hot on the Kokanee, just in case you were wondering.

You cand get in touch with Jeff and Anton at 1-866-360-1523 if you would like to fish Chelan.

Get Your Lake Stevens Kokanee Derby Tickets Now - Limited to 300 Adult Tickets

We have on hand the Derby Tickets for the Lake Stevens Kokanee Derby that will take place on Saturday May 21 st. Tickets are $20.00 for those 15 and over and those 14 and under are "Free"! This was an extremely popular event last year and I am sure that it will be such again this year. We have "Lots" of great prizes for those participating in the derby. "Thanks" to all the tackle manufactures and North Puget Sound tackle shops for all the support of this event! Virtually every youngster will receive a "Goody" bag of tackle. Remember, there are just 300 adult tickets so make sure to pick yours up quick as not to be disappointed.



Here's an extra spiff for all of you fishing the derby! We will be filling your reels for the derby with either 6 or 8 pound Sufix Line free of charge.

More Chelan Lake Trout

The lake trout fishing in Lake Chelan has been nothing short of outstanding by the photo's that Jeff Witkowski has been sending over the past couple of days. Here's a nice laker catch that John, Mark and Sam Arnott caught on a 1/2 day trip fishing with Jeff and Anton yesterday. By the way young Sam landed them all. By the way "Happy Birthday" to Sam as he is turning 11 today! Not a bad way to celebrate your birthday!

Don't Forget To Send In Your Punch Cards

With the end of the month coming up quickly, I just want to take a moment and remind all of you to send in those Salmon, Steelhead, Halibut and Sturgeon punch cards. They are due by the end of the month. Yes, make sure to return them even though you didn't fish or didn't catch anything make sure to send them in. With the number of you having to pay a crab administrative fee for not having sent in your summer or winter crab catch record cards or perhaps both, I would have to say that the other catch record cards are also not being sent in. Please send them in to the address below:

WDFW / CRC Office
600 Capitol Way North
Olympia, WA 98501-1091

Razor Clam Digs

We have some "Great" razor clam digs coming up this week and weekend as follows: April 19 (Tuesday), 8:07 a.m. (-1.8 feet); Long Beach, Twin Harbors Apirl 20 (Wednesday), 8:45 a.m. (-1.7 feet); Long Beach, Twin Harbors April 21 (Thursday), 9:42 a.m. (-1.4 feet); Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks April 22 (Friday), 10:33 a.m. (-0.8 feet); Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks April 23 (Saturday); 11.27 a.m. (-0.2 feet); Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks - digging allowed until 1:00 p.m. Make sure to read your regulations if you have any questions and don't forget to get you licence in case you haven't purchased your "New" one yet! Good Digging Ted's has everything you need for you digging.

Lake Chelan Lakers

Jeff Witkowski emailed this photo of a nice lake trout catch landed yesterday in Lake Chelan. Pictured are Bill Covey, Mark Bergstresser and Randy Smith who sere able to share the water with Jeff and had a "Great" day not only with the fishing but one of the nicer days we have had this month. Jeff mentioned that they caught the fish on a variety of offerings: B-2 Squid, Yakima Baits U-20 flatfish in Purple Glow, Chartreuse Silver Horde/Gold Star King Fisher Lite Spoons as well as their Ace Hi Flies. If you would like to fish a day on Chelan for lakers or any of the other Chelan area waters with Jeff you can get in touch with Anton Jones at Darrell & Dad's Family Guide Service to book a trip at the following number. 1-866-360-1523

Lake Stevens - Kokanee

With most of you getting Spring fever, many have been asking has the Kokanee fishing started at Lake Stevens yet? Well, not really! I spoke with one of the most devoted Lake Stevens Kokanee fishermen this week and asked if he had been out. He had taken a trip earlier in the week and managed to get just a couple of 11 - 13 inch fish for a very concerted effort. If he just managed a couple of fish I would have to saw that it has not started. The best reports that I have received have been from American Lake (Lakewood) and Merwin (Lewis River) on this side of the mountains and for those wanting to fish east it has been Lake Roosevelt and Billy Clap Lake. Both of these eastside lakes have been putting out some real toad Kokanee.

Marine Area 9 - Closes Today April 15

Today is the final day for salmon anglers to fish Marine Area 9 as it closes down after today. We will be waiting till it reopens July 16th and hopefully we will have the same fantastic king fishing as we had last season off Possession. Areas 8-1 & 8-2 remain open through the end of April. Fishing reports out of these areas has been quite bleak to say the least.

Columbia River To Remain Open Through Tuesday April 19th

Once again the Columbia River fishery managers have decided to extend the recreational sport salmon fishing season through Tuesday, April 19th. The decision was made due to the high river flows and poor water conditions that have continued to hamper the Chinook fishing success on the Lower River. The river will remain open through Tuesday, April 19 from Bouy 10 to Rooster Rock State Park for both boat and bank anglers and from Roster Rock to Bonneville Dam for bank fishing only. The Daily bag limit continues to be 2 adult salmon / steelhead in combination, of which only one may be an adult Chinook. Hatchery (marked) fish only. There are 3,100 upriver spring Chinook remaining in the harvest quota.

Cowlitz Kings

Though the king fishing in the Cowlitz has not been hot, there are a few to be had for those working hard at it. Matt & Brock landed these Cowtitz Chinook between the Barrier Dam and the trout hatchery this past weekend. The steelhead fishing has been the mainstay recently, though the fishing has been sort of off and on! Good one day and tough the next.

Aussie Kingfish

Good friend Mark Chan sent me this photo of this really nice yellowtail (kingfish for them) which was one of around twenty that he and friends caught off Montague Island (Australia). He said the fish averaged in the high teens to low twenties pitching soft plastics as well as surface poppers. These fish really pull! thanks for the photos Mark!

Really Outstanding Wahoo

Tim emailed me this photo of a really outstanding wahoo which he landed this moring off the Big Island! The fish pegged the scale at 81 pounds! I really don't understand why he would want to come back and fish salmon this summer!

Cowlitz Steelheading

We spoke with one of our customers who was fishing the Cowlitz yesterday in the Blue Creek section of the river and he and the others fishing in his boat managed to land eight of the eleven fish which were hooked in the morning. After steelheading they decided to more up to the barrier dam section to see if they could manage to get a Chinook or two, they hooked just a single fish and unfortunately did not land it. Shawn is going down today to fish with them and hopefully will have a few pictures to share.

Had another customer that fished yesterday on the Cowlitz that just stopped by and mentioned that they also had an outstanding day. They ended up with 6 for eleven that they hooked. They started a little latter in the morning and fished till around 5 p.m. till they had their fish in the box. They had one really large hatchery fish pushing the scale to 23 pounds. He mentioned that every fish was chrome bright with the exception of the big one. He also mentioned that the bank fishermen were in fact doing as well or better than the boat fishermen. Visibility was around 18 inches and the river was still high!

2nd Annual Lake Stevens Kokanee Derby - Saturday May 21, 2011

Everything is getting set up for the 2nd Annual Lake Stevens Kokanee Derby for Saturday May 21, 2011. Make sure to mark your calender for this popular event! Here's just a little information as far as prizes etc. Largest Kokanee 1st Place - $1,000.00 Sponsored by Dick Nite Spoons 2nd Place - $ 500.00 Sponsored by Ted's Sports Center 3rd Place - $ 250.00 Sponsored by John's Sporting Goods 4th Place - $ 100.00 Sponsored by Triangle Bait & Tackle Largest Trout - $500.00 Sponsered by Trout Lodge Biggest Kokanee Limit - (Up To 10 Kokanee) 1st Place - $500.00 Sponsored by 3 Rivers Marine & Tackle 2nd Place - $250.00 Sponsored by McDaniels Do It Center Kid's Derby 1st Place - $100.00 2nd Place - $75.00 All Sponsored by Greg's Custom Rods 3rd Place - $50.00 Tickets - $20.00 for Adults (15 & Over) Kids - Free (14 & Under) I'll add more latter!

Great Weather - Take Advantage Of It

With a couple of the nicer days that we have had in a long time perhaps one should take advantage of it and go outside and play. There is a great number of fishing opportunities open to anglers. You could get up early and go dig a few razor clams at Twin Harbors or Long Beach, fish for kokanee at American Lake (which has been quite good recently) or Lake Merwin, trout fishing at Lake Goodwin, take a trip to the east side and fish some of the seep lakes that opened March 1 (reports have been good). For you fly fishermen give Lone Lake (Whidbey Island) or Pass Lake (Deception Pass) a try as both have been good for those fishing Chrinomids or small leech patterns. Lake Lenice (for those wanting to go east) has been outstanding for those fishing small Chrinomids (16 -18) for a good mix of rainbows, browns and tiger trout. For those wanting to stay on the west side there are a number of year around lakes that the WDFW has planted already. Salmon anglers might give the Port Angeles or Sekiu areas a try, as we have been getting good reports from both these spots. (Remember that this is the last weekend in these two areas, as they are closing after the 10th). The Columbia might be another choice with the Columbia managers reopening the fishery. Those springers are mighty tasty, though few and far between this season. Have a"Great" weekend!

Recreational Shrimp Fishery Opens May 7 In Puget Sound

Sport Dishing for shrimp opens May 7 in Puget Sound, resource managers are predicting another good season. Here's a little run down on the seasons: Hood Canal Shrimp District (Marine Area 12): Open from 9:00 a.m. on May 7,11,14 and 25. Additional dates and times may be announced if sufficient quota remains. Discovery Bay Shrimp District (Marine Area 6): Open May 7,11 and 14 from 7:00 a.m. to 3 p.m.. Additional dates and times will be announced if sufficient quota remains. Marine Areas 4 (east of the Bonilla-Tatoosh line), 5,6 and 13 (excluding shrimp districts): Open daily beginning May 7 at 7 a.m.. The spot shrimp season closes when quota is attained or September 15, whichever comes first, except for Marine Area 13, which closes for spot shrimp May 31. Marine Area 7: Opens May 7 at 7 a.m. and will be open May 11,13,14,25 and 28. Additional dates and times will be announced if sufficient quota remains. The season for coonstripe and pink shrimp (with area and depth restrictions) runs daily from June 1 through October 15. Marine Area 8,9 and 10: Open May 7 and May 11 from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Additional dates and times will be announced if sufficient quota remains. Marine Area 11, extending from the northern tip of Vashon Island to the Tacoma Narrows Bridge: Open from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 7 only. Limit is 80 spot shrimp per day. Ted's has a large selection of shrimping gear on hand. From pots, to bouys, to line, to bait, to pullers, Ted's has the product and knowledge to rig your gear.

Blackmouth Fishing - Area 9 Possession

Overall, the blackmouth fishing here in our portion of Puget Sound has been extremely slow. The only positive thing that I can say about it is the size of the few fish that are being caught have been good sized with most fish that we are seeing and hearing of have been from around seven pounds into the upper teens with an odd fish pushing the twenty mark. Can't say that there has been anything that has been extremely hot or more productive than anything else. We have through the end of the month to fish salmon and then will have to chase Ling Cod, Halibut and Shrimp for awhile.

Columbia River Spring Chinook To Reopen to Sportfishing

Due to the poor catch results by recreational anglers during this years Spring Chinook fishery which closed on Monday April 4th, the fishery managers have decided to reopen the fishery an additional eight days. (And perhaps more) This fishery will reopen Friday April 8th and run through Friday April 15th. The fishery will be from Bouy 10 to Rooster Rock. This area will be open for boat bank and boat fishermen. The area from Rooster Rock to Bonneville Dam will be for bank anglers only. One hatchery chinook per day and be retaied as well as shad and hatchery steelhead.

Hopefully we will see some additional fish move into the system. However, the river below the Willamette has been out of shape for the most part. Perhaps it will clear slightly before friday and open up a greater section on the river to fish effectively.

New Penn Fathom Series Salmon Reels

Penn has recently introduced a new series of salmon reels called "Fathom". These new reels are a real upgrade to the Penn line. With five sizes, these reels should cover virtually all of your salmon fishing needs.

Features:

• Full metal body and sideplates


• Marine-grade bronze alloy main gear


• Precision-machined stainless steel pinion gear


• Patented Versa-Drag system with HT-100 washers


• 3 Shielded stainless steel ball bearings


• Instant anti-reverse bearing with silent back up ratchet


• Stainless steel TiN coated levelwind system


• 4.3:1 gear ratio

Line Capacities:

• FTH15LW 280 yards of 17 pound


• FTH20LW 260 yards of 20 pound


• FTH25LW 290 yards of 25 pound


• FTH40LW 330 yards of 40 pound


• FTH60LW 320 yards of 50 pound

These reels are mid ranged price with the 15, 20 and 25's running $199.95 ea and the larger 40 & 60's running $219.95ea.

Stop by and take a look!

Sekiu Blackmouth

Had one of the regulars that took a trip to Sekiu this past weekend to fish blackmouth and had great results with fish to 20 pounds. He mentioned that they had a few smaller fish in the 6 - 7 pound range, but that most everything that they caught or saw caught were in the teens. They fished right out in front and fished the 90 - 150 foot line and caught them on Silver Horde Gold Star Tailwagger Spoons in the Irish Cream and Cookies & Cream finishes. He mentioned that there was virtually no fishing pressure with just four or five other boats fishing. This fishery is winding down with this area closing this Sunday April 10th.

SE Alaska King Salmon Abundance

Things are looking very positive for king salmon fishing in SE Alaska this season. The AK Dept of Fish & Wildlife has allocated a sport catch of 54,515 king salmon. With a preseason abundance index of 1.69 this equates to a more liberal limit on king salmon to both residents and nonresidents alike.

Alaskan Residents: The resident bag limit and possession limit is three king salmon 28 inches or greater in length.

Nonresident: The nonresident bag and possession limit is one king salmon 28 inches or greater in length; except during May 2011 when the bag and possession limit is two king salmon 28 inches or greater in length. The nonresident annual limit is five king salmon 28 inches or greater in length.

Last year the nonresident annual limit was three king salmon in southeast.

Cowlitz River - Combination Trip for Steelhead and Spring Chinook

John Thomas from Rotten Chum Guide Service just emailed me and mentioned that he had an opening next Friday April 8th for a Cowlitz River trip for three persons at $150.00 per person. If you are interested give him a call (425) 280-5494. The photos above are from a recent trip down on the Cowlitz.

Razor Clam Digs - Eight Days in April

The WDFW has proposed eight days for razor clam digging this month. All AM tides!

April 7 (Thursday), 9:37 a.m. (0.1 feet); Long Beach, Twin Harbors
April8 (Friday), 10:19 a.m. (0.2 feet); Long Beach, Twin Harbors
April 9 (Saturday), 11.07 a.m. (0.4 feet): Long Beach, Twin Harbors
April 19 (Tuesday), 8:07 a.m. (-1.8 feet); Long Beach, Twin Harbors
April20 (Wednesday), 8:45 a.m. (-1.7 feet); Long Beach, Twin Harbors
April 21 (Thursday), 9.42 a.m. (-1.4 feet); Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks
April 22 (Friday), 10:33 a.m. (-0.8 feet); Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks
April 23 (Saturday), 11:27 a.m. (-0.2 feet); Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks (Digging will be allowed until 1:00 p.m.)

Final word on these digs will be announced latter once the results of the marine toxin tests are available.

Trout Fishing - Lake Goodwin

If you are looking for a place to do a little trout fishing you might want to give Lake Goodwin a try. This year around lake has been putting out some fairly nice 16 - 18 inch carry over rainbows. We have talked with a number of our customers that have been fishing this lake recently and doing alright. Though limits are not the rule most are catching 2 - 3 of these nice sized fish. Most we have spoke with have been trolling with a variety of different offerings. Gang trolls with a crawler tipped wedding ring spinner has been producing well. Those that would rather fish lighter gear have been finding success trolling F-3 and F-4 Flatfish or #70 or 60 Hot Shots in darker neutral colors. Still fisherman have been fishing floating baits such as Power Bait or Power Eggs, Gulp or old fashioned marshmallows and eggs or worm combinations. This fishery will be getting better as things start to warm up.

New Regulations - On Line May 26th - Pamphlets At Dealers May 28th

We received notice from the WDFW that the "New" Regulations for 2011 - 2012 will be available on line May 26th and the pamphlets will be here at the shop for you to pick up on May 28th. Everyone has been asking for quite some time, but we never see them until the last week in April.

Columbia River Commercial Catch Results - From Tuesday's Fishery

The commercial gill net salmon fishery that took place this past Tuesday night was less than spectacular. In this fishery there were 1,263 Chinook caught as well as 4 sturgeon for 150 deliveries. The expected catch was anticipated at 2,700 Chinook. Out of the fish caught approximately 2/3 of these fish were of upriver stocks based upon Visual Stock Identification (VSI).

With the commercials doing this poorly, it is no wonder that the sport fishing has been less than spectacular also.

The sport fishery will continue through April 4th! Will we get any additional time? Only time will tell!