Skykomish River - Steelheading

Surprisingly there were a fair amount of fishermen up in the Reiter Ponds section of the Skykomish yesterday.  I am sure many of them thought that they would have it to their selves but it seemed there were a few more that had the same idea.  John spent a few hours up there yesterday and managed to go 2 for 4, one about 10 the other around 5.  He said that he saw a few fish go out of there yesterday, though it was not spectacular by any means.  We have spoke with a number of our customers today that were also up for a short time and they also managed to at least hook a fish or two.  Overall, I would say that it was not too bad considering how the season has been so far.

Merry Christmas

All of us at Ted's we wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a great New Year!  We hope that you all have some great time with your families and friend over the holidays.

Merry Christmas
Mike - Stephen - John - Larry - Josh

Snoqualmie River - Steelhead

Though it seems the returns on steelhead into Puget Sound streams has extremely low and with it the Snoqualmie has not been an exception.  However, we have seen a little push of fish the past few days into this stream.  It may not be a bad bet to give it a try in the upper stretches of the river.  The area in the Fall City, Tokul Creek and Carnation are all areas to focus your attention.  Though it has not been producing limits by any means it is at least turning out some fish.

Skykomish River - Steelhead

Can't say that we have been getting any fantastic reports coming out of the Skykomish for some time.  Even the Reiter Ponds section of the river has been slow for this time of year.  On the best days we have been hearing of around ten fish for the whole area with six to eight being more the norm.  With the colder weather and the low snow level the river has dropped to a level that makes fishing tough.  Though we have not heard much out of the lower river perhaps it would be the place to fish until the river level comes back up. What fish that are in the river are pooling up somewhere.

Upcoming Razor Clam Harvest Dates

End the year digging razor clams;
check out tentative dates in 2013
OLYMPIA – State fishery managers have approved an end-of-the-year razor clam dig over four evenings, leading up to and including New Year’s Eve.
They also announced a tentative schedule for additional digs in 2013, subject to prior testing for marine toxins. Information about both confirmed and tentative digs are available at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/current.html.
The upcoming dig will begin Dec. 28 after noon at Twin Harbors and expand to include three other ocean beaches through Dec. 31.
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) confirmed the dig after marine toxin tests at all four beaches confirmed the clams are safe to eat. No digging will be allowed at any of those beaches until after noon.
“Razor clam digging on New Year’s Eve has become a tradition for many Washingtonians,” said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager. “The tides aren’t conducive to a holiday dig every year, but they’re with us this year.”
In past years, as many as 20,000 people have descended on ocean beaches to dig razor clams on New Year’s Eve, Ayres said.
The following beaches will be open for digging on the following schedule and evening low tides:

• Dec. 28, Friday, 6:42 p.m., -0.3 ft., Twin Harbors
• Dec. 29, Saturday, 7:15 p.m., -0.3 ft., Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks
• Dec. 30, Sunday, 7:47 p.m., -0.2 ft., Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks, Copalis,
• Dec. 31, Monday, 8:20 p.m., 0.0 ft., Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Mocrocks, Copalis

Ayres noted that the best digging occurs one to two hours prior to low tide.
Clam diggers are limited to 15 razor clams per day, and are required to keep the first 15 clams they dig. Each digger's clams must be kept in a separate container.
All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2012-13 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Licenses, ranging from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, are available on WDFW’s website at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov and from license vendors around the state.
Razor clam digs tentatively scheduled through February 2013 are:

• Jan. 8, Tuesday, 3:44 p.m., -0.2 ft., Twin Harbors
• Jan. 9, Wednesday, 4:38 p.m., -0.9 ft., Twin Harbors
• Jan. 10, Thursday, 5:27 p.m., -1.3 ft., Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Copalis,
• Jan. 11, Friday, 6:14 p.m., -1.6 ft., Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Copalis, Mocrocks
• Jan. 12, Saturday, 6:58 p.m., -1.5 ft., Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Copalis, Mocrocks
• Jan. 13, Sunday, 7:41 p.m., -1.2 ft., Twin Harbors
• Jan. 14, Monday, 8:22 p.m., -0.6 ft., Twin Harbors
• Jan. 25, Friday, 5:44 p.m., +0.0 ft., Long Beach, Twin Harbors
• Jan. 26, Saturday, 6:18 p.m., -0.2 ft., Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
• Jan. 27, Sunday, 6:50 p.m., -0.2 ft., Long Beach, Twin Harbors
• Feb. 7, Thursday, 4:22 p.m., -0.5 ft., Twin Harbors
• Feb. 8, Friday, 5:11 p.m., -0.9 ft., Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Copalis, Mocrocks
• Feb. 9, Saturday, 5:56 p.m., -1.0 ft., Twin Harbors, Long Beach, Copalis, Mocrocks
• Feb. 10, Sunday, 6:37 p.m., -0.9 ft., Twin Harbors, Long Beach
• Feb. 11, Monday, 7:17 p.m., -0.5 ft., Twin Harbors
• Feb. 12, Tuesday, 7:54 p.m., 0.0 ft., Twin Harbors
• Feb. 23, Saturday, 5:12 p.m., +0.3 ft., Long Beach, Twin Harbors
• Feb. 24, Sunday, 5:47 p.m., +0.1 ft., Long Beach, Twin Harbors

Upper Skagit

We have been hearing of some steelhead being caught in the Marblemount to Rockport streatch of the Skagit recently.  Undoubtedly these fish are headed for the Cascade.  This area is mostly a boat fishing show with a limited amount of bank access.  When you do find fish in hole make sure to continue to fish it very throughly as there are generally more fish in the same spot.  In addition to the steelhead there are a good number of Dolly Varden (Bull Trout) in this section of the river that can be caught.  For these focus your attention to the slower sections of the river and back eddy waters as this is where they will be found.  Most of the Dollies are in the 14 -18 inch range with an odd fish hitting upwards of 8 pounds.  If you find a pod of late spawning Chum salmon you will find the dollies amongst them and below foraging upon the loose eggs that are lost during the spawning process.

Reiter Ponds - Skykomish River

The past several days have seen some fairly good fishing in the Reiter Ponds section of the Skykomish.  I would have to say that the fishing is not quite as good as we would like to be seeing for this time of the season, but it is more than likely as good as it will get.  Generally now though the middle of January will see the best of the season.  Everyone is fishing a little different gear, however floats and jigs have been the overall favorite. 

New Gamakatsu Big River Open Eye Siwash Hook

NEW

The reception to Gamakatsu's Big River Bait Hook has been so strong that angler's immediately began asking for a siwash-style hook they could use on their spinners, spoons and plugs for salmon. The answer...Gamakatsu's Big River Open Eye Siwash. This fast penetrating hook holds better than conventional hook designs. And when fished barbless (which requires pinching the barb down), it's the best barbless hook you'll find. The unique Big River hook design locks fish in place when hooked. Forged for exceptional strength and built Gamakatsu sharp the Big River Open Eye Siwash is sure to make great lures even better. Available in Nickle Silver Black (NSB) finish for corrosion resistance.

Ted's Sports Center has all the sizes from 1/0 - 7/0 on hand.  Since receiving them they have been extremely popular.  Stop by to pick some up or give us a call and we'll be more than happy to ship them to you.

Resurrection Derby Results

Here's the results from the Resurrection Derby of this past weekend.

 
75 teams made up of some of the best anglers in the Northwest competed for big money and prizes in this year's Resurrection Derby. The Puget Sound anglers event saw over 200 fish weighed in during 2 days of excellent fishing. In the end, the team of Norling and Shinman caught a 15.67 lb Chinook on the first day to win. Kris Maudslin, Troy Unke, and Mike Sorenson of Seattle took 2nd. The tournament is a selective fishery, where only hatchery salmon may be kept.

All proceeds from this selective retention tournament will go to Salmon enhancement and hatchery projects in the San Juan Islands.

The Winners of the 2012 Resurrection Derby are:

1st. Bob Norling & Mark Shinman, 15.67 lbs - $10,000
 
2nd. Kris Maudslin, Troy Unke & Mike Sorenson, 14.68 lbs - $2,500

3rd. Kevin & Duane Zender, 14.46 lbs - $1,500


Total Boat Weight: Troy Moe's Team, 93.56 lbs - $1,000


Thanks again to all those who participated and we hope to see all of you next year!

---

---

Big Eddy - Snoqualimie - Steelhead

The Big Eddy area of the Snoqualimie has been putting out a hand full of steelhead every day for the past couple of days.  I would not say that the fishing has been hot but at least there are a half dozen or so fish caught a day.  Most of the guys have been either fishing floats and jigs or floats and bait. 

Chelan Fishing Report - Anton Jones - Darrell & Dad's Family Guide Service

What’s hot is trolling Mackinaw in the lower basin of Lake Chelan.  Roses Lake has received it’s plant of catchable rainbows.  It should provide fast fishing until ice up.      Fish Chelan with Mack’s Lures Cha Cha Squidders in glow colors and bait them with a chunk of Northern Pikeminnow.  Also, Worden Lures U20 Flatfish in Purple Glow or Silver Horde’s Ace Hi Flies will catch those lakers.  Speeds of 1.2 to 1.6 mph will work best.  Trolling downlake of Wapato Point in depths of 150 to 200 feet was productive.      This is a great time to fish Roses Lake for planter rainbows.  For plenty of catch and release action you can troll #4 or #6 Conehead Muddler minnows 12 to 15 feet deep about 60 feet behind the boat at about 1.8 mph.  Add a small Mack’s Lures smile blade in front of your fly.      While Jeff has been holding down the fort in Chelan, Sandy and I have been on a long planned for vacation in Cabo San Lucas.  The Dorado fishing offshore and the Roosterfish inshore provided most of our action.  It has been the vacation of a lifetime.      Back in North Central Washington your fishing tip of the week is about dressing to keep warm.  Some of our best fishing in North Central Washington is during the winter months.  It’s cold out there…  You don’t have to be cold.  Remember to dress in layers.  Polar fleece material has replaced wool to a large extent.  A base layer, a mid layer and a hoodie can take the bite out of winter.  Have an oversize hardshell coat available to knock down the wind if it comes up.  Use the same principle on the bottom.  I use heavy wool socks and Sorels on my feet.  Add those chemical toe warmers and you’ll do fine.  Don’t put those warmers on until you’re outside to prevent excess sweat and cooling.  I like a balaclava on my head when it’s cold.  I’ll add a stocking cap over it when it’s really cold.  Bring plenty of gloves.  I prefer neoprene gloves and I bring more than one pair as I tend to get them wet.  The feet are usually the most difficult to keep warm.  If your feet sweat a lot, bring an extra pair of socks to change into.      Your kid’s tip of the week is to get out to Roses before ice up to enjoy those ‘bows.      Your safety tip of the week is to let your outboards set in the water a couple of minutes at the dock before starting them.  That will allow any ice that has formed around the impeller to melt so you don’t tear that impeller apart making that water pump repair necessary.

antonj antonj@aol.com Recent photos Show details

Smelting - Coronet Bay & Oak Harbor

For those of you that want something a little different to do then you might want to take a trip up to Coronet Bay or Oak Harbor to do a little smelting.  We have been getting a few reports that some of the folks are in fact getting a few from time to time.  We have not been getting many reports this year as the squidding (which has been very good) has overshadowed the smelting. Remember to have your Discovery Pass when you go to Coronet Bay as it is a State Park.  You don't want to receive a citation.  You can either by a year pass for $35.00 (good for one year from the date of purchase) or buy a day pass for $10.00.  Oak Harbor is free!

Simply get out your trout rod and tie on a Gamakatsu # 4 or 5 Smelt Herring Jig with a 1/2 - 3/4 ounce sinker at the bottom and you are ready to go.  Don't forget a bucket to put your catch in.  Remember that 10 pounds of smelt is your limit!  More than you will want to clean!

Razor Clam Digs Approved - Starts December 11 - 16th

These series of tides are the best that we have had so far this Fall.  With 6 days of digging there will be lots of opportunities for digging this week.  With the wet and windy weather make sure to dress warm and take an extra set of clothes just in case you happen to get a little wet.  It's just a matter of time before you do.  All of us have been drenched at one time or another.  Have a great time!

 

WDFW approves razor clam dig
starting Dec. 11 on favorable tides

OLYMPIA – Clam diggers can look forward to some of the best tides of the year during a six-day razor clam dig set to begin Tuesday (Dec. 11) at Twin Harbors, then expand to include openings at Long Beach, Mocrocks and Copalis beaches later in the week. 
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the dig after marine toxin tests at all four beaches confirmed the clams are safe to eat.
No digging will be allowed at any of those beaches until after noon.
“The position of the moon in December always generates favorable tides for digging razor clams,” said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager. “Unfortunately, the weather isn’t always as cooperative, so diggers should dress for cold, wet conditions.”
The dig at Twin Harbors will run six days, extending from Tuesday (Dec. 11) through Sunday (Dec. 16). The three other beaches will open for digging on the following schedule and evening low tides:

• Dec. 11, Tues., 4:51 p.m., -1.1 ft., Twin Harbors
• Dec. 12, Wed., 5:40 p.m., -1.6 ft., Twin Harbors
• Dec. 13, Thurs., 6:29 p.m., -1.9 ft., Twin Harbors
• Dec. 14, Fri., 7:15 p.m., -1.8 ft., Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Long Beach, Copalis
• Dec. 15, Sat., 8:01 p.m., -1.6 ft., Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Long Beach, Copalis
• Dec. 16, Sun., 8:47 p.m., -1.0 ft., Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Long Beach

Ayres noted that the best digging occurs one to two hours prior to low tide.
Clam diggers are limited to 15 razor clams per day, and are required to keep the first 15 clams they dig. Each digger's clams must be kept in a separate container.
All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2012-13 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Licenses, ranging from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, are available on WDFW’s website at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov and from license vendors around the state.
Information about beach locations and additional digs proposed in the weeks ahead is available on WDFW’s website at http://goo.gl/ooxEO.

Ted's has all of your clam digging needs on hand.

Cowlitz River - Blue Creek

The reports that we have been getting from this river have not been overly exciting.  The river has been very high and the fishing has been off and on to say the least.  There definitely are no crowds down there to contend with this year.  An indication that the fishing has not been hot.  Most everyone that we have spoken with says you are really having to work to get any action and a couple fish for a hard days work is a good reward.  On some days the top guides are getting perhaps 6 or 7 fish on for 4 clients and landing 3 or 4, with the next day perhaps getting just a single fish.  Just the way it is!  Make sure that with the high water you are fishing just off the bank as that is where the fish have been in these conditions.

Stillagumish North Fork

There has not been an exceptional amount of pressure up there this week.  The reports that we have been getting have shown at least some fair fishing for those putting in their time in the Fortsen area of the upper river.  This week the catch has been a mix of left over summer runs and some nice bright winter fish.  There were a number of guys that did walk out with limits of fish.  With an increase in the plant due back this season we should see some better fishing than we have seen in quite a number of years.  This like many other Puget Sound steelhead streams have fallen on hard times.  This stream used to be one of the top ten steelhead streams in the state.  I spent a good many of my younger days fishing the North Fork.

Skykomish River - Steelhead Fishing

Overall, the fishing has been a little on the disappointing side the past few days.  The reports that we have been receiving from our customers has not been very exciting with a fish here and a fish there.  With all the high water which we have had recently I would have expected better fishing for this time of the year.  Hopefully, the fish are just a tad late.  Perhaps another week of so will see an upswing in the fisheries.  Even though the fishing has been a tad slow there are still fish being caught.  John managed just a single fish for the time and effort that he put in on Thursday and all told heard and saw perhaps around ten fish taken out of the Reiter/Procter area that day.

Steelheading - Whidbey Island

The fishing on Whidbey Island for steelhead has become a little better over the past few days. With the weather the way it has been there have not been many folks fishing, but there has been a fish or two landed every day.  Overall, not bad odds!  One of the beach regulars was in today and had a nice 7 1/2 -  8 pound mint bright hatchery fish which he managed to get in a couple of hours of fishing time.

Next Razor Clam Digs - December 11-16

 

Here's a little rundown on the next series of razor clam digs that are tentatively scheduled.  Testing will be done prior to the dig to confirm they are safe for consumption.

• Dec. 12, Wednesday, 5:40 p.m., -1.6 ft., Twin Harbors
• Dec. 13, Thursday, 6:29 p.m., -1.9 ft., Twin Harbors
• Dec. 14, Friday, 7:15 p.m., -1.8 ft., Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
• Dec. 15, Saturday, 8:01 p.m., -1.6 ft., Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
• Dec. 16, Sunday, 8:47 p.m., -1.0 ft., Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

         These are the "Best" tides we will have for the rest of the year.  

The Resurrection Derby - Friday Harbour - December 7 - 8 2012

The Resurrection Derby is coming up this next weekend, December 7-8, 2012. 

The derby is limited to 100 teams of up to four anglers.  With an entry fee $400.00 per team it isn't for everyone!  But with a limited number of boats participating it does narrow down the odds.

Cash Prizes are as follows:
1st Place - $10,000.00
2nd Place - $2,500.00
3rd Place -  $1,500.00
Total Weight - $1,000.00

Mystery Weight Drawing - Wins Free Entry 2012 Resurrection Derby.

For additional information go to www.resurrectionderby.com

Olympic Peninsula Salmon Derby - February 16-17-18 2013 2013

Mark your calendar!  The Olympic Peninsula Salmon Derby dates are February 16-17-18, 2013 Presidents Day Weekend.

This is a "Great" derby with lots of participation and prizes.  It's not too soon to be making arrangements for accommodations both for yourself and your boat.  You don't want to be without either!

Here's a run down on the prizes:

1st Place - $10,000.00
2nd Place - $2,000.00
3rd Place - 1,000.00

Four "Mystery Fish" Prizes
Any Fish Can Win! - $500.00

Plus Many Other Great Prizes!

Tickets Are $40.00

Tickets Can Be Purchased At The Following Locations:
Brian's Sporting Goods - Sequim
Four Corners Store - Port Townsend
Fish'n Hole - Port Townsend
Longhouse Market & Deli - Blyn
Just Ask Rentals - Port Hadlock
Outdoor Emporium - Seattle
Sportco - Fife
Swain's General Store - Port Angeles
Ted's Sports Center - Lynnwood
Westside Marine - Port Townsend
Wholesale Sports - Silverdale

For additional information on the derby go to www.GardinerSalmonDerby.org

Skykomish - Reiter Ponds

The Reiter Ponds section of the Skykomish had some fairly good fishing today.  Though there were a good number of anglers there throughout the day the fishing was in fact good.  We had a few guys that were up there this AM and caught there limit and saw a fair number of fish landed.  We had one of the regulars in just a few minutes before we closed and he had his limit of fish and had released another.  He did not get up there until around 10:30 and said that he say about a dozen fish landed during the time frame he was there.  Some of the guys that he spoke with said it was even better earlier.  So all told there might have been 25 - 30 fish landed there today.  Not Bad!

Official Start Of Winter Steelheading - December 1

Today marks the official start of "Winter Steelhead Season"!  With December 1st there are a number of rule changes which take place.  Make sure that you read your WDFW regulations before you venture forth if you are not exactly sure of what is going on.  For the most part the regulations are more liberal for the Winter season than the Summer.  Some streams that were closed are now open.  Anyway, make sure to look over the regulations and have a "Great" time out there.

North Fork Stillagumish - Winter Steelhead Season

Remember the North Fork of the Stillagumish has a regulation change that goes into effect after Midnight tonight, with the river reverting from a "Fly Fishing Only" regulation to Bait Allowed and normal river regulations.  This has always been a traditional "Winter Steelhead" kickoff for the North Fork with many anglers going to the Fortson Hole and fishing conventional gear the second it changes over.  Some years there are a good number of winter steelhead mixed in with the left over summer run fish which usually accounts for some good fishing.  This is not a fishery that appeals to everyone, but is unique to say the least.

Fly Fishing Pass & Lone Lakes

Over the past couple of weeks we have had some very good reports coming from both Pass Lake and Lone Lake from the fly fishing portion of our customers.  Everyone has been talking highly of the action they have been having this Fall.  Most of the guys have been fishing leech type patterns on a sinking line and fishing tight on the bottom.  Lone Lake fish have been averaging around 14 -16 inches with some a little larger while the Pass Lake fish have been a tad bit smaller.  With the milder Fall weather we have been having this fishing should continue for a while until Winter finally comes.  Fly wise we have been seeing fish coming on smaller wooley buggers, bead head Canadian mohair leeches and micro leeches.  Colors have been fairly typical in the normal blacks, olive, brown and maroons.

Upper Columbia Steelheading To Close

Fishing for steelhead, whitefish to close Dec. 1
on several rivers in the Upper Columbia Basin
OLYMPIA - Steelhead fisheries on the upper Columbia River will close one hour after sunset on Dec. 1 from Wells Dam to the Highway 173 bridge at Brewster and on the Wenatchee, Icicle, Entiat, and Methow rivers.
Several whitefish fisheries scheduled to open that day will also close an hour after sunset Dec. 1, including those on the Wenatchee and Entiat rivers, as well as on the Methow River downstream of the confluence with the Chewuch River in Winthrop.
Jeff Korth, Regional Fish Manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), said the closures are necessary to keep impacts on wild steelhead within limits established under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA).
The closures will not, however, affect steelhead or whitefish seasons on the mainstem Columbia River from Rock Island Dam to Wells Dam, or from the Highway 173 Bridge in Brewster to 400 feet below Chief Joseph Dam. Those fisheries, plus steelhead and whitefish seasons on the Okanogan and Similkameen rivers, will remain open until further notice under previously published rules.
"This year's run is smaller than in recent years and contains a relatively high proportion of wild steelhead," Korth said. "Those factors, combined with steady angler effort, increased the rate of encounters with natural-origin fish in some fishing areas this year."
Although anglers must release any wild, unmarked steelhead they intercept in area fisheries, some of those fish do not survive and are counted toward ESA impact limits.
The federal permit authorizing the steelhead fisheries sets a maximum allowable mortality of natural-origin steelhead to accommodate variations in run strength and angling effort on specific waters. WDFW closely monitors the fisheries and enforces fishing rules to protect wild steelhead.
The primary reason the upper Columbia steelhead fisheries are permitted is to remove excess hatchery fish from spawning grounds, said Korth, noting that those fisheries provide popular recreational fishing opportunities and economic benefits for rural communities throughout the region.
Specific waters that will close to fishing for steelhead an hour after sunset Dec.1 include:

• Mainstem Columbia River: From Wells Dam to the Highway 173 bridge at Brewster.
• Wenatchee River: From the mouth to the Wenatchee River at the Icicle Road Bridge, including the Icicle River from the mouth to 500 feet downstream of the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Barrier Dam.
• Entiat River: Upstream from the Alternate Highway 97 Bridge, near the mouth of the Entiat River to 800 feet downstream of the Entiat National Fish Hatchery.
• Methow River: From the mouth to the confluence with the Chewuch River in Winthrop.

Areas closing to whitefish angling an hour after sunset Dec. 1 include:

• Wenatchee River: From the mouth to the Highway 2 bridge at Leavenworth.
• Entiat River: Upstream from the Alternate Highway 97 Bridge, near the mouth of the Entiat River to Entiat Falls.
• Methow River: From Gold Creek to the confluence with the Chewuch River in Winthrop.

Areas that remain open to fishing for hatchery steelhead include:

• Mainstem Columbia River: From Rock Island Dam to the boundary markers below Wells Dam and from Highway 173 Bridge in Brewster to 400 feet below Chief Joseph Dam.
• Okanogan River: From the mouth upstream to the Highway 97 Bridge in Oroville.
• Similkameen River: From the mouth upstream to 400 feet below Enloe Dam.

When these fisheries are open, anglers must retain any legal hatchery steelhead, which can be identified by a clipped adipose fin, they catch until they reach their daily limit of two fish. Once anglers have retained two fish, they must stop fishing for steelhead.
Night closure and selective gear rules remain in effect for all areas where steelhead seasons remain open. Bait is allowed on the mainstem Columbia River. All anglers must possess a valid Washington fishing license and a Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement to participate in these fisheries. Revenue from the endorsement supports salmon or steelhead seasons in the Columbia River system, including fishery enforcement and monitoring. The endorsement has generated more than $1 million per year to maintain and increase fishing opportunities throughout the Columbia River Basin.

Marine Area 9 - Admirality Inlet - Tomorrow Is Last Day For Blackmouth

Just a reminder that tomorrow is the last day to fish for blackmouth in Marine Area 9.  It will close after tomorrow and not re-open until January 16th.  Don't despair however as Marine Area 8.1 and 8.2 will stay open as well as Marine Areas 6 and 7.  Both the Port Angeles Area and the San Juans are both really good areas for those willing to travel.

Snoqualmie River Steelheading

Though we don't have a considerable number of our customer base that regularly fishes the Snoqualmie we have at least heard that there has been at least some fair fishing for winter runs in the "Big Eddy" section of the river.  The fish that we have heard of have been smaller 4 - 7 pound hatchery winter runs.  With the "Selective Fishery" regulations that are in place through the end of the month there has been very little pressure on the river.  I am sure this will change when these regulations go off on Saturday December 1.

At least this will give one a choice in where you might fish over the next couple of days.

Skykomish Steelhead - Reiter Ponds Area

After the high water this past week and the river dropping there was a fairly good bite for a few days, with Sunday being the best.  However, the fishing has slowed the past couple of days.  Not to say that it is non existent, but it not s productive as it was.  John was up yesterday and fished the better part of the day and managed to hook just a single fish that he landed of about 8 pounds.  All told he said that there might have been around  a dozen fish landed though out the entire day. Not bad but not exactly hot either.  We have more rain coming for the week or so, hopefully not so much as to put the river out of shape.

Whidbey Island Steelheading

Though we have been seeing some fairly good numbers of winter run steelhead on the Snohomish system now for the better part of a week it was only yesterday that we heard of steelhead being caught on the western beaches of Whidbey Island.  I have been surprised that it hadn't been turning out fish earlier, but after all it is fishing.  We heard yesterday that there were three hatchery fish taken off the beach at Lagoon Point.  All the fish were typical hatchery fish in the 4 - 8 pound range.  Though it was not an overly productive day on the beach, at least it was a very good day to be on the water with no wind and the sun out.

We should see the most consistent beach fishery for hatchery steelhead from now through mid January.

This is a very unique fishery as it is one of the few areas where steelhead are caught on a regular basis in the saltwater. 

We have everything that you will need to fish the Island.  We have rigged Bush Point Specials as well as all the components to build your own.

"New" Lamiglas Steelhead Rods

We now have a good selection of the "New" Lamiglas X11 salmon and steelhead rods in stock.  These are a "Great" value rod with most of them in the $89.99 range.  We have a full range of styles in both bait casting and spinning.  Stop by and take a look.

Lake Chelan Reports - Darrell & Dad's Family Guide Service - Anton Jones

   What’s hot is trolling for planter rainbow trout on Roses Lake.  Continuing hot is trolling for Lake Trout near the Yacht Club on Lake Chelan. 

    On Roses Lake, we pulled flies around for the majority of the fish.  We used #6 cone head muddler minnows with a small Mack’s Lures smile blade in front for an attractor.  We found that 1.5 to 2 mph was most effective and getting down to 15 or 20 feet produced the most strikes.  However, this is all relative.  Everybody there seemed to be catching fish.  We averaged a bite every 2 or 3 minutes for over 4 hours.  The fish are very eager and would probably bite any decent presentation.  We saw a number of bank anglers having success using dough baits on slip sinker rigs.  I would recommend Pautzke’s Fire Bait in American Wildfire to do this work. 

    On Lake Chelan we have been running up to the Yacht Club to catch our fish.  Worden Lures venerable T4 Purple Glow Flatfish has been productive as well as Mack’s Lures, Cha Cha Squidder.  Silver Horde’s Ace Hi Flies have also worked.  Speeds of 1.2 to 1.6 mph worked best. 

    Your fishing tip of the week is to remember the very productive trolling technique of idle / resume in response to a bite that doesn’t hook up.  On Roses and Chelan this was very effective the last time out.  Remember that trout and salmon try to disable their prey before eating it.  When you get a bite that does not result in a hooked fish, idle the motor for five to ten seconds so your presentation appears to have been stunned or crippled by the fish striking it.  This frequently results in the fish returning to eat your lure.   Then when you resume your trolling speed again it appears that your lure is trying to escape, once again triggering the predatory response in the fish. 

    The kid’s tip of the week is to get your kids to Roses before the thin ice period kicks in.  The Chelan Falls hatchery crew planted about 12,000 catchable size fish recently and the fishing is excellent.  These are nice twelve inch footballs that are very plump and healthy.  Dress them up warm and watch for signs of discomfort, but the hot action kept my 4 year old granddaughter and 6 year old grandson in the game for quite some time.  The bag of Trail Mix didn’t hurt either… 

    The safety tip of the week is to remember sand for launching boats at Rufus and Chelan now that we are entering winter.

Anton Jones of Darrell & Dad's Family Guide Service

1-866-360-1523 or www.darrellanddads.com

Check out our Facebook Page

Edmonds Pier - Squidding

If you are wanting to do a little squidding this season you just might want to give the Edmond's fishing pier a try.  We have seen a much better season this winter than we have seen in years.  We should see it continue until around the middle of January when the squid go into the spawn and then die afterwards.  When squidding don't get disappointed if you go down and spend an hour or two without getting anything as it is a waiting game.  You just have to put in the time and you will be rewarded for doing such.

Generally if you fish the last couple of hours of an incoming tide through the high slack and darker nights with either a heavy cloud cover or no moon tends to be the best.  Likewise if you have slower tide movements you will also do better.

If you don't like the crowds of the early evening then get up at 2 or 3 in the AM and go down and give it a try.  You will find that there is plenty of room for you.

If you have any questions just stop by and we'll be happy to give you a hand.  We have lots of squid jigs on hand.

Skykomish Steelheading

With the fair fishing yesterday and the first good weather that we have had in quite some time there was quite a number of anglers fishing the upper Skykomish today.  Those that were fishing the Reiter Ponds section of the river saw a number of bright winter run steelhead landed, though the numbers of fish landed versus the angler numbers did not equate to a high catch percentage.  We did have one of the regulars that managed to catch his limit this AM.  Another managed to hook a couple but did not manage to land either one.

There were a great number of anglers fishing the Wallace River section of the Skykomish playing with the last of the chums.  Those that were in the area said the fish were for the most part looking quite tired.  I would have to say the chum fishery is on it's last leg.

Blackmouth - Marine Area 9 Admiralty Inlet

This weekend we had a couple of good days for chasing blackmouth off the Possession Bar before it closes at the end of the month.  We talked with a number of our customers that made it out over the weekend and everyone had fish.  Not everyone had limits for the boat but at least they had enough action to be satisfied with the fishing.  Most of the keepers that were retained were in the 6 - 8 pound range.  We did talk with a number of fishermen that had released nice low teen wild fish.  It was everything from soup to nuts as far as the tackle that fish were caught on.  The guys fishing flashers with squid, coho flies or small spoons seemed to have lots of action however a lot of it was with small shakers.  Those that fished plugs or larger single spoons seemed to stay away from the smaller fish to a greater extent and also had the larger fish.

We have through this next Friday to fish Area 9 before it closes and after that we will have to be fishing other open areas.

Sage 3106 Canadian Mooching Rods

While cleaning up recently we came across 3ea Sage 3106 Canadian Mooching Rods.  They are all brand new and in the cases.  These rods are 2 piece, 10 1/2 foot, line rated 12 -25 pound and are made for a single action Mooching reel such as an Islander, Shimano or Daiwa.

These rods will run $499.99ea.

Give us a call if you are interested.  I am sure they will not last long.

Lake Washington Perch Fishing

Though it is getting a little colder, the few guys still chasing perch on Lake Washington have been doing just fine.  It is still not too late to get a bucket of these fine eating pan fish before Winter is here.  The barge mooring area out of Kenmore has been a good spot to focus your attention.  You can catch your first perch on a jig such as a Swedish Pimple and then go to small pieces of perch meat afterwards.  Remember not to keep any more than you want to clean.  Many have been greedy and once they have filleted a few have found that perhaps it's a little too much work.

This is a great fishery for the kids as long as the weather does not spoil the day.

Skykomish Steelheading

Though the river came up all day long yesterday and topped out at 12 feet at midnight last night the river is dropping fast and though high it was fishing today in the Reiter Ponds section.  We just had a couple of the guys in a few minutes ago that had four nice winter fish.  The largest a big buck with just a little color that was in the high teens.  They said there were a number of fish caught there today.

With the cooler weather and the water dropping fast tomorrow would be a good day to spend at least a couple of hours on the water.

So far the fish that I have seen this season have all been larger than normal.  Hopefully that will be the trend this season.

Last Weekend For Blackmouth in Marine Area 9 - Admirality Inlet

Just to give you a quick reminder that this will be the last weekend to fish blackmouth in the Marine Area 9.  This area will close this next Friday, November 30.  So if you are wanting to get out and do a little blackmouth fishing on the Possession Bar this will be it until it re-opens on January 16th.  The fish we have been seeing have been in the 6 - 8 pound range with a few into the mid teens.

Hopefully, the weather will cooperate and we will find some time to get out and fish.  Don't forget that crabbing is still open, so you might want to drop a few crab pots.  Overall, we are seeing a greater number of hard shelled crab in the catches compared to what we were seeing when it opened.

For those of you that are unable to make it out before Area 9 closes remember that Marine Areas 8-1 and 8-2 remains open through April 30, 2013.  Marine Area 7 San Juan Islands will open on December 1 and run through April 30, 2012.  Marine Area 10 also remains open though January 31. Marine Area 6 also opens December 1 and will stay open though April 10, 2013. So as you can see we still have a number of fishing opportunities throughout the Winter. 

Just remember to be successful on the winter blackmouth scene to keep you gear fishing within 10 feet of the bottom and fish the edges of the shelves for the best productivity.

Cascade River Winter Runs

The Cascade River on the upper Skagit at Marblemount has been turning out a few nice winter run steelhead over the past week.  Wouldn't say that the fishing has been hot but it has been good enough to say that you have a reasonable chance at least of seeing some caught by your fellow angler.  There are still a fair number of Coho in the system though the greatest number of them are well over the hill.  There is an occasional bright Coho still being caught. 

Skykomish Winter Run Steelhead

For the few of you that were able to get out and steelhead fish on the upper Skykomish yesterday there were a few dime bright winter steelhead caught.  John (who works for Ted's) managed to land a nice 7-8 pound winter fish for the couple of hours he put in.  We also had another regular that managed to land a pair of winter fish yesterday, the largest 10 pounds.  John also saw a few other fish landed up in the Reiter Ponds section of the river while he was there.

Traditionally, Thanksgiving Day has always been a time to start your winter run pursuits on the Skykomish with enough fish in the system to say you have a reasonable chance of catching one.

Hamilton / Lyman Area Skagit River

We have been getting some decent coho reports coming from this middle section of the Skagit the past couple of days.  Most of the fish have come from boaters tossing plugs into the slack water areas which the coho tend to favor.  The plug of choice has been the Brad's color BW29, though fire tiger, flour red herringbone, flour red and flour pink have all accounted for fish.  Twitching jigs, tipped with a small piece of sand shrimp or prawn has been productive also.

Winter Blackmouth Fishing

The reports that we have been getting from the saltwater has been fairly good for blackmouth.  We have heard good reports coming from both Possession and Satchet Head areas of the Possession Bar.  Jefferson Head down in Area 10 has also been kicking out good numbers of fish.  Most of the fish we have been seeing are in the 6-8 pound range with a few fish pushing into the mid teens.  Most of the guys we have spoke with have been fishing Tomic or Silver Horde plugs in both the 4 and 5 inch models.  Colors have been tending toward the 600, 602 and 603 models in the Tomics and the color 60, 61 and 62 in the Silver Hordes.  These colors are all basic "Glow" plugs of the Mother of Pearl varieties with Chartreuse or Lime Green enhancements.

Spoons fished either by themselves or in conjunction with a flasher have also been productive.  Give a White Lightning Cream, Cookies and Cream, Irish Cream or Lemon/Lime Cream a try.  I generally fish them by themselves without a flasher.  By doing such I am able to fish lighter gear, making the fight more enjoyable.

Skykomish River Chums

We are still seeing good numbers of chum salmon being caught in the Skykomish.  Fish any of the slower even flow water in the 4 -6 foot depths.  There have been good numbers in the Wallace flats area, as well as the Afternoon hole and the Al Borland Park areas.  Most of the bank anglers have been fishing 1/4 -1/2 ounce marabou or rabbit jigs tipped with a small piece of sand shrimp or prawn.  Try colors such as Cerise, Purple/Cerise, Purple/Black or Chartreuse to entice them.  Boaters have also been fishing jigs as well as back trolling plugs such as Kwickfish in the K-13 or K-14 sizes as well as the 3.5 Maglips by Yakima Bait Co.

There are still a few Coho around but they are few and far between, we have heard of an odd winter steelhead but also few and far between.

Fresh Sand Shrimp

We just received a limited supply of fresh sand shrimp this afternoon.  If you are needing some for the weekend give us an call and we can put them away.

If you are going to be needing shrimp for over the Thanksgiving weekend, put in your order.  We will have the order delivered on Wednesday.

Cascade River Coho

The Cascade River out of Marblemount put out some good fishing for coho today.  We have had a couple of the guys that took the trip this morning and both did extremely well fishing this upper Skagit tributary.  Fishing floats with eggs or just conventionally drift fishing with corkies, yarn and eggs were both very productive techniques. 

The upper Skagit was also in shape to fish today but the middle and lower portions are still a few days away.  Hopefully the rains will not continue relentlessly and keep the river out of shape.

Snohomish / Skykomish Silvers & Chums

With the rivers dropping and clearing after the high water event of last weekend and the first part of the week we have see some fairly good fishing for Silvers and Chums on both the Snohomish and Skykomish today.  The plunkers down on Douglas Bar did quite well today.  We also heard good reports coming from both the bank and boat fishermen fishing the Skykomish.  The river from the confluence to the Wallace flats section produced well.  Even though we are seeing a little rain coming back into the picture this evening I am sure it is not enough to put the river back out of shape.  We should see some good fishing this weekend for those that want to get out.

For the bank fishermen, give the Tualco, Lewis Street, Al Borland Park, Sultan or mouth of the Wallace River a shot.  A float and jig combo tipped with a piece of sand shrimp or prawn a try.  For jigs give a 3/8 or 1/2 ounce twitching style a try in purple/black, purple/cerise, cerise or chartreuse colors a try.

If you have never fished Chums you are in for a tussle, as pound for pound they are as strong as any salmon.  They are very good sized with the average fish being 11 -13 pounds and we have seen some pushing the 25 pound mark this season.

Stop by and we'll be happy to help you out on getting geared up.

Squid Fishing - Edmonds / Seattle

We have been hearing nothing but good reports coming from the squid fishing scene off the Edmond's Fishing Pier as well as the piers in Seattle.  Most everyone we have spoke with has had good results this season.  Some evenings are considerably better than others with some being quite good from the start while others you just might have to work diligently just to get a few.  But unfortunately there is no rhyme nor reason to any fishery other than put in your time and you will eventually be rewarded.  Overall, I would have to say this is the best squid fishing that we have seen in a number of years.

This year there has been a trend for most to fish two jigs with a slightly larger weighted one on the bottom of your line and about 18 inches above a smaller non-weighted version is tied.  Another trend has been scenting the squid jigs with shrimp scent.  The Pro-Cure paste or Smelly Jelly Sticky Liquid have been the favorites.  This is the first year that I have heard of guys doing such.  I've asked a number of fishermen if they think their productivity is increased by scenting and everyone has said that it does.  I suppose that I will have to give it a try in the near future.

Bayside Salmon Derby - November 3rd & 4th 2012

Bayside Marine's 21st Annual

Salmon Fishing Derby

November 3rd & 4th  2012

$2,000 1st Place

Ticket price is $30.00 for 2 days of fishing

View Derby Rules Here 

 Also the

 2^nd Annual

Bayside Derby

 Team Tournament

 Winner Takes All!!

$50.00 per Boat

Team Boat 2 Day combined

Total fish weight

No limit on anglers per boat

All Anglers must also have a Bayside Derby Ticket

And follow Bayside Derby rules

Blackmouth and Silver Salmon only

Proud to part of the Northwest Salmon Derby Series

http://northwestsalmonderbyseries.com/

This is a "Great" local salmon derby and all the proceeds go to the local food banks.

November's Here

November has arrived!  Though the weather has finally turned to the blustery, rainy Fall that we usually expect there are still many great fishing opportunities for those who are willing to brave the elements.  Here's a few things that come to mind for November!

Blackmouth fishing here in Puget Sound.
Coho fishing on most of the Puget Sound rivers.
Chum salmon fishing on the Skykomish.
Chum fishing at Hoodsport, Chico Creek, Kennedy Creek,  Mud Bay and various other spots.
Crabbing here in Marine Area 8-1, 8-2 and 9.
Cutthroat fishing on Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish.
Perch fishing on Lake Washington.
Trout fishing on many Puget Sound Lakes.
Salmon fishing on the upper Peninsula rivers.
Salmon fishing on the Grey's Harbor rivers.
Saltwater steelheading for winter run steelhead off the western beaches of Whidbey Island. (Yes, it has started!)
Winter Steelheading on a great many coastal, Puget Sound rivers and Columbia River tributaries.
Squid jigging off many central and southern Puget Sound docks.
Smelt jigging at Coronet Bay and Oak Harbor.

These are just a few of the multitude of fisheries that one can partake of this month.

Winter Blackmouth - Opens November 1

Winter blackmouth fishing will open this Thursday in Marine Areas 8-1,8-2 & 9.  Marine Areas 10, 11, 12 and 13 are already open.  Make sure to read your regulations before fishing as there are some differences between areas. 

Though our local areas don't open until Thursday we have been hearing of some blackmouth being caught incidental to the coho fishery.  We have heard of some nice average 7 - 8 pound fish being caught on the west side of the bar off Satchet Head.  These fish came out of 90 -150 feet of water right tight up against the ledges.

The Brown's Bay area off Spanish House also turned out a few smallish blackmouth for one of our customers yesterday while he was trying to get a couple more of those late running coho.

We have also been hearing of some blackmouth fishing off Jefferson Head in the past couple of weeks.  Nothing outstanding size wise but at least there seems to be a few fish around.

Hopefully we will see some better weather for the opener as well as the Bayside Derby that will take place this weekend.  Typically, we will get only 10 - 11 days in November that we will be able to fish due to our typical very windy weather.

Steelhead & River Fishing - Free Workshop

The Everett Parks & Recreation in conjunction with the Everett Steelhead and Salmon Club will be presenting a Steelhead & River Fishing Workshop on Saturday Nov. 10, 2012 from 8:30 am - 12:30pm at Forest Hall at Forest Park - 802 E. Mukilteo Blvd., Everett.  This is a "Free" workshop open to the public.  It will cover the following topics.

*How-to tips for beginning river fishing
*Methods and techniques
*Ideas for selecting fishing gear
*Hook tying
*Rigging and casting
*Best waters for fishing

For more information call Everett Parks & Recreation at 425-257-8300 ext.2

This a great informative workshop for anyone wanting to get started river fishing for salmon and steelhead.

Squid Fishing

The local squid fishing has been quite good for some time now.  We have have been getting some better than average reports coming from both Edmond's as well as the Seattle areas piers.  The fishing has varied a tad from night to night but for the most part those willing to put in a little bit of time have been rewarded with some fairly good catches. 

If you have not participated in this fishery, stop by and we'll be glad to give you the particulars as well as a little lesson in how to clean and cook your catch.

This is a great way to pass a few hours in the evening as well as procuring a tasty treat.

Local Crabbing

Though the local crabbing has been open for some time during this winter season, the weather has not been especially conducive to getting out on a regular basis.  The folks that we have been talking to that have been able to get out between the wind and the rain have found crab, however; most have said that there has been an overwhelming number being soft shelled.  The other day I took a look at one of the customers catch that he was so proud of, in that the four of them had there limits.  However, there was not a single one that was hard shelled.  I took the time and explained that their catch could have got them into a little bit of hot water with the Game Warden and that it was not in their best interest (eating wise) to have kept them.  I took a couple minutes more to show them how to tell if a crab is hard shelled.  I am sure that they will not make the mistake of keeping soft shelled crab in the future. 

With a little bit of time these crab will harden up and fill in and will make for some mighty fine eating.  At least for the near future you will more than likely have to sort through a good number of critters to find a few to make it to your table.

 

Lake Chelan Area Reports - Anton Jones - Darrel & Dad's Family Guide Service

  What’s hot (even though the weather is getting colder) is trolling for Lake Trout near the Yacht Club on Lake Chelan.  Try fishing depths of 120 to 140 feet deep early in the morning by the Yacht Club.  Then move to water that is over 200 feet deep as the sun gets up higher in the sky.  This is a transitional period as our Lakers work through the spawn and move into winter habitat.  As you are developing your own locations, look for areas that relate to chunk rock in depths of 60 to 130 feet deep.  Our Lakers will spawn there and then hold in water that is a little deeper to feed and recover. 

    Work Worden Lures Flatfish off your outside rods in the T4 size and the purple glow color.  Try either Mack’s Lures Cha Cha Squidders or Silver Horde’s Ace Hi Flies off the downriggers.  We rig the Ace Hi’s with a Mack’s Lures Smile Blade.  Bait those with a chunk of Northern Pikeminnow if you can get it.  Otherwise use whatever fish you can get.  We use a 2” triangle that is about a half inch across the base.  As always, fish within 5 to 10 feet from the bottom regardless of how deep you are.  The presentations that I recommend work best when trolled at 1.2 to 1.6 mph. 

    Your fishing tip of the week is to try a slip sinker rig with Pautzke’s Firebait in the American Wildfire flavor if you are unsuccessful with artificials on Rufus Woods Reservoir.  Remember, the heavier the current, the longer your leader needs to be.  Also, a simple formula that has caught a lot of steelhead is to take 1” chunks of shrimp and sprinkle Pautzke’s Fire Cure on them and let it soak in overnight in the frig.  Then bag them up in a Ziploc to fish on Worden Lures Maxi jigs. 

    The kid’s tip of the week is to shorten the fishing trips down a bit as the weather gets colder.   I can remember taking my eldest grandson to Potholes Reservoir during some bitter weather.  I, of course, wanted to catch fish.  Tyler was in it for the pie at the restaurant.  We caught some fish but ran in for a lot of pie and to warm up.  He’s in college now and has deckhanded for me on Chelan, but we both remember the “pie” fishing trip.  As I get older, those memories get more precious. 

    The safety tip of the week is to start thinking about freeze protecting your boat.  The force that water generates as it freezes is impressive.  Don’t let it break your water pumps, manifolds or other expensive boat parts.  Make sure things are properly drained and protected before putting the boat to bed for the winter.     

Razor Clam Dig - October 27 - 30

Razor-clam dig approved for Oct. 27-30
OLYMPIA – The second razor-clam dig of the fall season will get under way on evening tides at four ocean beaches Saturday (Oct. 27).
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the dig after marine toxin tests on all four beaches confirmed the clams are safe to eat.
Twin Harbors beach will open for digging after noon on four consecutive days, Oct. 27-30. Three other beaches – Long Beach, Copalis and Mocrocks – will open for digging Oct. 27-28 after noon each day.
Digging days and evening low tides for beaches scheduled to open are:

• Oct. 27, Saturday, 5:57 p.m., +0.2 ft., Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
• Oct. 28, Sunday, 6:36 p.m., -0.1 ft., Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
• Oct. 29, Monday, 7:12 p.m., -0.3, Twin Harbors
• Oct. 30, Tuesday, 7:46 p.m., -0.4, Twin Harbors

Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager, recommends that diggers carry a lantern or strong flashlight during night digs. He also said diggers heading to Copalis and Mocrocks should be aware of a traffic revision on eastbound U.S. Highway 101 in Hoquiam due to emergency work on the Simpson Avenue Bridge.
“This is the only route to those beaches, so people should allow extra travel time to make sure they arrive on time,” Ayres said. He advises diggers to check the Washington Department of Transportation website for more information at http://goo.gl/hzoM1.
Ayres also reminds diggers that the limit for razor clams is 15 per day, and that diggers are required to keep the first 15 clams they dig. Each digger's clams must be kept in a separate container.
“Diggers caught returning clams can be cited for wastage,” Ayres said.
All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2012-13 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Licenses, ranging from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, are available on WDFW’s website at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov and from license vendors around the state.

Snohomish River Coho

The lower tide water sections of the Snohomish have been yielding some coho for those trolling plugs.  The tidal section extends from the mouth at Everett to the mouth of the Pilchuck River just above the town of Snohomish.  This section of the river is predominately a boat show with a little bit of bank access off the Lowell / Snohomish River Road, some in the town of Snohomish and near the Stocker Soccer Fields just outside of town.  Boaters use the launches at Rotary Park below Lowell, Langus Park, Maple Street in Snohomish as well as the Marysville launch.  Most of the boat fishermen are trolling plugs such as the Brad's Wigglers, 3.5 Mag Lips or Fat Fish by Yakima Bait or Wiggle Warts by Storm.  Colors are generally Fluorescent Red, Fluorescent Red Black Herring Bone and Fire Tigers.  Don't be afraid of trying additional colors as coho are a strange bird and can bite just about any color at times.  Spinners such as a number 3 or 4 Vibrex and also produce well, try silver with fluorescent chartreuse, fluorescent red, blue or green bodies.
This fishery will continue through the end of the month without any question with the number of fish that are still in the Straits.

Chelan Reports - Anton Jones - Darrell & Dads Family guide Service

 What’s hot is running and gunning by trolling for Lake Trout in the lower basin of Lake Chelan.  Additionally, fall fishing for triploid rainbows on Rufus Woods is heating up.  

    No particular area has been super productive, but we’ve had some nice days by working the Yacht Club, the Bar, the Trench as well as Minneapolis and Rocky Point.  Work Worden Lures Flatfish off your outside rods in U20 or T4 sizes and use glow colors.  Our favorites are Luminous Chartreuse and Purple Glow.  We like Mack’s Lures Cha Cha Squidders and Silver Horde’s Ace Hi Flies off the downriggers.  We rig the Ace Hi’s with a Mack’s Lures Smile Blade.  Bait those with a chunk of Northern Pikeminnow if you can get it.  Otherwise use whatever fish you can get.  We use a 2” triangle that is about a half inch across the base. 

    At Rufus we haven’t had much success trolling.  Most of our fish have come by vertical jigging after locating the fish.  Boy, those are good eating fish!  Remember, precision is the key with these fish.  You have to put your presentation right on them.  They are used to being fed, not chasing food.  Think hog, not tiger. 

    Your fishing tip of the week is to match your Rufus presentations to the day.  On bright days muted presentations are more likely to work.  On cloudy days, brighter presentations are more likely to work.  

    The kid’s tip of the week is to relax a bit.  The reality of our society now is that we are becoming more urbanized and incredibly sanitation conscious.  Part of the fishing experience for kids on a “catch and retain” fishery involves touching and smelling.  When you’re taking those kids fishing dress them in clothes they can get messy.  Don’t worry about fish slime.  It will wash.  Don’t force it on them, but if they are so inclined, let them handle the fish.  I really enjoy the little kids that can overcome their squeamishness to touch and sniff the fish.  That usually leads to questions and experience based education.  The best kind… 

    The safety tip of the week is to be wake and distance conscious.  The most simple rule is that when you are running up on plane never come closer than 100 feet to another craft.  A rule of thumb is that the closer you are to another boat, the more effect your wake can have on them.  Another rule of thumb is the smaller that other boat is, the more effect your wake will have.  Slow down as both a courtesy and safety consideration to minimize the effect of your wake on others.   

Anton Jones of Darrell & Dad's Family Guide Service

www.darrellanddads.com or 1-866-360-1523

Razor Clams Open October 13 - 18

Razor-clam dig approved for Oct. 13-18
OLYMPIA – The first razor-clam dig of the season will get under way on evening tides Oct. 13 at four ocean beaches.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the dig after marine toxin tests on all four beaches confirmed the clams are safe to eat.
Digging days and evening low tides for beaches scheduled to open are:

• Oct. 13 (Saturday), 5:41 pm (+0.3 ft.); Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
• Oct. 14 (Sunday), 6:26 pm, (-0.5 ft.); Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
• Oct. 15 (Monday), 7:11 pm, (-1.1 ft.); Long Beach, Twin Harbors
• Oct. 16 (Tuesday), 7:57 pm, (-1.5 ft.); Twin Harbors
• Oct. 17 (Wednesday), 8:44 pm, (-1.6 ft.); Twin Harbors
• Oct. 18 (Thursday), 9:34 pm, (-1.4 ft.); Twin Harbors

“Low tides will occur relatively late in the day, so diggers need be prepared for darkness during evening digs in the fall,” said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager.
All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2012-13 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Licenses, ranging from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, are available on WDFW’s website at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov and from license vendors around the state.
Under state law, each digger can take 15 razor clams per day, and must keep the first 15 clams they dig to prevent wastage. Each digger's clams must be kept in a separate container.
Meanwhile, WDFW is still in the process of determining additional fall and winter digging opportunities, said Ayres.
WDFW is accepting public comments through Oct. 9 on digging days and other management options for additional razor-clam digs later this season. For more information, check the department’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/razorclams/seasons_set.html. The department will announce additional razor-clam digs later this month.
 

Coho Fishing Continues - Though Getting Spotty

The local Coho fishing continues, though the fishing is beginning to become a little more spotty with each passing day.  Overall the fishing has still been quite good with everything considered.  We are still seeing good catches of fish each and every day by some of our customers.  Not everyone is doing well at the present time as you have to be lucky and on top of fish as there are not fish everywhere as we were seeing last month.  You have to be where they are at to be successful now.  If you happen to be where they are then you can do well and if you happen to be where they are not then you don't.  It is just that simple!  We should see some very consistent fishing through the middle of the month and with the numbers of fish that are being caught at Sekiu and Port Angeles at the present time fair fishing should continue until the end of the month.  This has been perhaps the best Puget Sound Coho fishery we have seen in 25 years and most everyone has had an outstanding season.

Crabbing To Reopen Saturday October 13 8:00AM 2012

Most areas of Puget Sound reopen
Oct. 13 for late-season crab fishing
OLYMPIA – Most marine areas of Puget Sound will reopen for recreational crab fishing Oct. 13, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today.
The openings were approved by fishery managers after summer catch assessments by WDFW indicated more crab are available for harvest, said Rich Childers, shellfish policy coordinator for the department.
Waters reopening to sport crabbing Oct. 13 at 8 a.m. include marine areas 4 (Neah Bay), 5 (Sekiu), 6 (eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca), 7 (San Juan Islands), 8-1 (Deception Pass, Hope Island, and Skagit Bay), 8-2 (Port Susan and Port Gardner), 9 (Admiralty Inlet), 12 (Hood Canal), and 13 (South Puget Sound).
In each area, crabbing will be allowed seven days a week through Dec. 31.
Sport crabbing will not reopen this year in marine areas 10 (Seattle/Bremerton Area) and 11 (Tacoma-Vashon Island). The annual quotas in those areas were reached during the summer fishery, said Childers.
The daily catch limit in Puget Sound is five Dungeness crab, males only, in hard-shell condition with a minimum carapace width of 6¼ inches. In addition, fishers may catch six red rock crab of either sex per day, provided those crab measure at least 5 inches across. Additional information is available on WDFW’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/crab/.
All crab caught in the late-season fishery must be recorded on winter catch cards, which are valid until Dec. 31. Winter cards – free to those with crab endorsements – are available at license vendors across the state.
Winter catch reports are due to WDFW by Feb. 1, 2013. For more information on catch record cards, visit WDFW’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfish/crab/crc.html.
 

Great Salmon Fishing

The coho fishing in Marine Areas 9 & 10 still continue to produce quite well.  Limits are still more often the rule rather than the exception.  The past couple of days some of the guys are saying that they are having to work a little more diligently to get their fish.  Overall the best and most consistent fishing remains in the Mukilteo down to Shilshole areas.  The area right off Edmonds has been very consistent for over a month now.  We should see good fishing through the end of the month.  This year has provided perhaps the best season on silvers that we have seen in the past 25 years.  Why? I don't think anyone has an idea.

19th Annual Everett Coho Derby - Saturday & Sunday September 22nd & 23rd 2012

The 19th Everett Coho Derby is coming up on September 22nd & 23rd.  Don't forget to mark your calender!  Tickets are $25.00 for those 13 or older and those 12 and under are FREE! Here's a run down on the prizes:

1st Place $3,000.00 - Everett Bayside & Marine
2nd Place $2,000.00 - Roy Robinson Chevrolet
3rd Place $1,000.00 - Ted's Sports Center
4th Place $750.00 - Dick Nite Spoons
6th Place $500.00 - John's Sporting Goods

Grand Prize Raffle Prize
16 ft G3 V16 XT Boat - Harbor Marine
E-Z Loader Trailer
Yamaha 20hp 4-stroke motor - Three Rivers Marine

Mystery Fish Weight Contest
Dodge Ram 1500 Express Truck (Value $35,000.00)
Sponsored by Dwayne Lane's

Youth Division
1st Place $100.00
2nd Place $75.00
3rd Place $50.00

Tickets are available at the following locations:
Ed's Surplus
Everett Bayside Marine
Greg's Custom Rods
Harbor Marine
Holiday Sports
Hook Line & Sinker
John's Sporting Goods
McDaniels Do-It Center
Outdoor Emporium
Performance Marine Possession Bait
Sportco
Ted's Sports Center
Three Rivers Marine
Triangle Beverage & Bait
Wholesale Sports

For additional information go to www.everettcohoderby.com

Rotators Back In Stock

With the beach fisheries as hot as they have been this season it has been quite difficult to keep gear on hand.  We had another delivery of rotators this afternoon.  We have good numbers of the following models.

Both Large and Small Rotators in the following color combinations:

Chartreuse with Chartreuse Mylar
Chartreuse with Lime Green Mylar
Chartreuse with Chartreuse Mylar and Lime green Mylar

We should have enough for at least to mid week.

Snohomish River Coho

For those of you that have been wondering if any coho have made it to the Snohomish River as of yet - the answer is YES!  We have had a number of customers that have already caught coho out of the lower Snohomish and even a few have been taken up river into the Skykomish.  Most fish have been caught trolling plugs in the lower river.  Brad's Wigglers, Storm Wiggle Warts and Yakima Bait Fat Fish have all been accounting for fish in the box.  Colors patters such as Fluorescent Red, Fire Tiger and Fluorescent Red Herring Bone have all been productive.  The river fishery is just getting started and will only continue to get better as time passes.

We have lots of river coho gear in stock and have lots more coming in. 

Whidbey Island Coho Derby - September 15

The annual Whidbey Island Coho Derby will be held next Saturday, September 15th.  This Derby is put on by the South Whidbey Sons of the American Legion, Whidbey Island Chapter of Puget Sound Anglers and the Holmes Harbor Rod and Gun Club.

1st Prize - $300.00
2nd Prize - $200.00
3rd Prize - $100.00
Many Additional Merchandise Prizes

Door Prize Raffle for Derby Ticket Holders

Tickets are a $5.00 Donation Each

Information and Tickets are available at the following locations:

Sebo's Hardware in Bayview
Ace Hardware in Freeland
Ace Hardware in Oak Harbor
Short Stop in Freeland
Clinton Hardware
American Legion Post 141
Holmes Harbor Rod & Gun Club

One ticket per fish entry - Maximum two fish entries per person - Marine Areas 8-1, 8-2 & 9.  Weigh in by 4:00 PM at Holmes Harbor Rod & Gun Club - Awards Ceremony and Raffle to be held at 4:30 PM -  Must be present at Awards Ceremony to win a prize.

Food and Beverages Available Starting at Noon.

Edmonds Coho Derby - Last Day Of Ticket Sales

We still have a number of Edmond's Coho Derby tickets on hand.  Tickets sales have been very brisk yesterday and today.  With the outstanding coho fishing I am sure there will be lots of participation.  Tickets are $30.00.  All the proceeds go for the benefit of our Northwest fisheries.