Many Rivers Closing The End Of The Month

Make sure to read over the emergency closures on the Puget Sound and Straits of Juan De Fuca rivers. Most of the smaller rivers as well as the main stem rivers will be closing after January 31. There will still be fishing in the terminal hatchery areas of many streams. Make sure to take a look at the emergency regulations on the WDFD website or scroll back in our reports to January 7th to take a look at them.

Last Minute Reminder - Winter Crab Catch Records Due By End Of Month

Just a friendly reminder to all of you that have still not sent in your Winter Crab Catch Record Cards that you only have to the end of the month to get them in. You can either send them in or do your reporting on line. Just remember that if you fail to report you will be donating $10.00 to the state when you you get your new ones this next licence year. It's better to keep the $10.00 for something you want rather than give it to the state.

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

What continues hot is bait fishing for Triploid Rainbow Trout on Rufus Woods Reservoir near the lower net pens. Also hot, is trolling the Narrows on Lake Chelan for big Lakers. Roses Lake is pumping out planter rainbows and jumbo perch for ice fishermen.

Fishing with Fire Bait near the lower pens on Rufus has been very good. Mallow Balls O’ Fire was the flavor de jour on our last trip up there. We continue to be able to get fish to bite jigs for some catch and release action.

On Chelan, fish the deep water on either side of the Narrows near the Yacht Club. Our “go to” lure here is a T4 purple glow flatfish. Silver Horde’s Ace Hi Fly and Mack’s Lures Cha Cha Squidders in glow colors baited with a strip of Northern Pikeminnow also works great in this area. Fish out to the 380’s bench before turning around. Most fish have been biting from 260 to 340 feet deep. Numbers of Lakers can be caught in the trench. Ace Hi flies and Worden Lures U20 flatfish are a great bet there.

Roses Lake has been getting fished hard by anglers for both trout and perch. The perch numbers really seemed to have climbed. Anglers are mostly dangling dough baits through the ice for planter rainbow trout. Worms and jigs will catch your first perch. Then a perch eye on the jig hook is a premium bait to use.

Your fishing tip and kids tip of the week is to attend those Sportsman’s Shows to get new tools for your fishing toolbox or to learn more. The latest and greatest gadgets will be there as well as a variety of instructional seminars. Your younger kids will shake off cabin fever by catching a trout out of the ubiquitous kids fishing pond as well as looking at all the attention getting exhibits. The Yakima Show will have a live bear exhibit! We just finished at the Tri Cities show. As I write this we’re preparing to travel to the Western Washington Sportsman’s show in Puyallup, followed by the National Boat Show in Spokane. We’ll also attend the Yakima Sportsman’s show in the middle of February. Come see us at our booth.

Your safety tip of the week is to remember that four inches of clear ice is the minimum for safe ice fishing. Be very observant before venturing out on the ice. Carry spikes on a tether to haul yourself out if worse comes to worse.

Anton Jones of Darrell & Dad's Family Guide Service
1-866-360-1523 or http://www.darrellanddads.com/

Pictured: 1/15/12 - The Burdette clan of Deer Park, WA with their catch of Rufus Triploids.
Also Pictured: 1/15/12 - Laura Burdette again with her first Rufus Triploid!

Have You Wanted To Fish Sitka?

If you have ever wanted to fish Sitka, you just might want to mark your calander to attend Angling Unlimited's Open House this Saturday, January 28 from noon to 6:00 PM at the Corinthian Yatch Club, Shilshole Bay Marina in Seattle. Tom Ohaus, Chuck McNamee, wife's Linda Mae and Jenny will be there to host the event. There will be a Power Point presentation or two with lots of fish pictures. This event will allow you to speak one on one not only with the crew but also a number of Tom and Chuck's clients that have fished with them for years. Not only will there be lots of information to be had but there will be lots hors d'oeuvres, beer, wine, soft drinks and above all a free three day/four night fishing trip! How can you beat that.

These guys are a real first class operation. I have known Tom for over thirty years back from the days he chartered here in Puget Sound and Neah Bay and can attest to his fishing ability. As far as Sitka goes I have personally seen how Tom and Chuck operate on a daily basis as my boat is moored on the other side of the dock from theirs. I have sent many of customers to fish with them over the years and everyone will attest to how well they run their operation.

So if you have ever wanted to fish Sitka this would be an ideal time for you to spend a couple of hours this Saturday partaking of their knowledge.

25th Annual Washington Sportsman's Show - January 25 - 29

The 25th Annual Washington Sportsman's Show will be held at the Puyallup Fair Grounds starting this Wednesday January 25 and run through Sunday January 29. If you are looking for a new boat, guide trips or outdoor information in general this is the show for you.

Show Information

25th AnnualWashingtonSportsmen’s Show®January 25 – 29, 2012
Show HoursWednesday: 12noon – 8pmThursday: 12noon – 8pmFriday: 12noon – 8pmSaturday: 10am – 8pmSunday: 10am – 4pm
Box office closes 1 hour prior to show closing.
‘Like’ us on Facebook
Price$12.00 for Adults$5.00 for Juniors (6-16)Free to children 5 and under
$18 for 2-Day PassNo other discount valid with 2-Day pass.
*Credit cards welcome. $1 fee will be charged per transaction.
CouponsDiscount coupons to the show are now available for download.
Save $2 on admission!
WherePuyallup Fair & Events Center - Directions

ParkingFREE parking EVERYDAY of the show.

Seattle Boat Show - January 27 - February 5

Looking for a "New" Boat, new electronics, new motor or just wanting to get out of the house and be around boats? Then this next weekend, week and the following weekend is just for you. It's the "Big" Seattle Boatshow. Here's the rundown!

SEATTLE BOAT SHOW, INDOORS + AFLOATJANUARY 27 - FEBRUARY 5, 2012The Seattle Boat Show, Indoors + Afloat, is the West Coast's Largest Boat Show featuring more than 1,000 recreational watercraft, seminars and the latest accessories indoors at CenturyLink Field, plus afloat on South Lake Union. A free shuttle runs every day between CenturyLink Field and South Lake Union every 30 minutes. View Recommended Parking Options.
HOURSCenturyLink Field:Monday - Thursday: 11AM - 8PM Fridays: 11AM - 9PM Saturdays: 10AM - 8PM Sundays: 10AM - 6PM*
South Lake Union: WEEKDAYS: 11AM - 5PM WEEKENDS: 10AM - 5PM*
* THE SHOW WILL CLOSE AT 4PM ON FEB. 5
TICKETS ON SALE NOWAdults: $12; Youth (11-17): $5;Special 5-day Big Show pass: $24Kids 10 & under: Free
TICKET DISCOUNTS (Box Office Only)Military: $2 off single-day Adult ticket w/ IDSeniors (65+): $2 off single-day Adult ticket

Rivers In "Great" Shape - Go Fishing

After this pasts weeks weather problems it's time to get out and do a little fishing. Though Mr. Weatherman predicted flooding with lots of rain and higher temperatures, the fact is that both have not been a problem and in fact the rivers are dropping in height and are at good flow levels. We have through the end of the month to fish the main stem streams in most of Puget Sound and after that we will have only the hatchery terminal areas to fish through February 15, after that we all be traveling to to other areas of the state to fish. The remainder of the month will give you the best chance of C & R a nice nate in the main rivers before the closures. There have been a few caught this past couple of weeks.
Good Luck

First Razor Clam Dig of 2012

We have the first razor clam dig for 2012 scheduled for tonight and tomorrow - something tells me that there won't be a lot of competition. It will leave a lot of clams for latter in the season. If you are one of the fortunate ones to live close to the beaches have a "Great" dig!


First razor clam dig of 2012
gets nod at four ocean beaches

OLYMPIA – The first razor clam dig of the new year will proceed on schedule Jan. 20-21 at four ocean beaches.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved the evening dig at Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks beaches after marine toxin tests showed that the clams on those beaches are safe to eat.

No digging will be allowed at any beach before noon.

“The clams we’ve been seeing are in very good condition, with more fat than usual,” said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager. “That makes them especially good for frying.”

The evening low tide Friday, Jan. 20 is at 4:28 p.m. (-0.5 feet) and on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 5:17 p.m. (-0.8 feet).

Ayres recommends that diggers hit the beach one to two hours before evening low tide for best results.

Kalaloch Beach will remain closed until April, due to a low abundance of razor clams. The National Park Service, which manages that beach in cooperation with WDFW, has announced plans to open Kalaloch for a razor clam dig April 7-9.

At the other four beaches, diggers can take 15 razor clams per day, and are required to keep the first 15 they dig. Each digger's clams must be kept in a separate container.

All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable 2011-12 fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. Licensing options range from a three-day razor clam license to an annual combination fishing license, which can be purchased on WDFW's website (https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov) and from license vendors around the state.

Tentative dates for digs scheduled in February are:

Feb.18, Saturday, 4:13 p.m. (0.0 feet) Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Mocrocks
Feb.19, Sunday, 5 p.m. (-0.2 feet) Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Mocrocks

Not Much Happening

With the weather that we have been having there isn't much to report as there is virtually no one doing much of anything fishing wise. Hopefully we will be seeing a turn in the weather and with that getting back to fishing.

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

What continues hot is trolling the Narrows on Lake Chelan for big Lakers. Also hot, is bait fishing for Triploid Rainbow Trout on Rufus Woods Reservoir near the lower net pens. Roses Lake has finally frozen over with apparently safe ice.

On Chelan, fish the deep water on either side of the Narrows near the Yacht Club. Our “go to” lure here is a T4 purple glow flatfish. However, the big fish of the week came on Silver Horde’s Ace Hi Fly. Mack’s Lures Cha Cha Squidders in glow colors also works great in this area. Fish out to the 380’s bench before turning around. Most fish have been biting from 260 to 340 feet deep.

Fishing with Fire Bait near the lower pens on Rufus has been very good. Atomic Garlic was the flavor de jour on our last trip up there. We continue to be able to get fish to bite jigs for some catch and release action.

Roses Lake froze over with safe ice during the past reporting period. Those cold nights really thickened the ice. Anglers are mostly dangling dough baits through the ice. Subtle takes are the order of the day here, so use light gear. Remember when using floating dough baits when ice fishing, use a little split shot just above the bait so it doesn’t double back and foul your line up. Slip sinker rigs are unnecessary when fishing vertically.

Your fishing tip of the week is to refine your fish smoking technique to better utilize your excess fish. My neighbor and pro fish smoker Donn Vey advises the following. First, use quality fish with high oil content. Our Lakers from Chelan and Triploids from Rufus make incredible smoked fish. Our Columbia River salmon and steelhead that are dried up from the long swim up the crick, not so much. Second, don’t over brine them. Third, watch your time and temperature to get them done just right. Lastly, check out our website for a nice recipe to start with.

Your kid’s tip of the week is to involve your kid in that fish smoking and weave some life lessons into creating a delicious treat. Have them help in the preparation, checking the fish as you go and especially in the cleanup. Providing food for family and friends is a sacred rite. Having the: prepare, do and cleanup process ingrained at an early age is a priceless life lesson. Your safety tip of the week is to stow a spare set of clothes in case of an unexpected dunking. Particularly footgear is a great idea. Slips at the launch and dock are common this time of the year with ice on both. Cold and wet feet are awful and dangerous.

Anton Jones of Darrell & Dad's Family Guide Service
1-866-360-1523 or http://www.darrellanddads.com/

Come to our Darrell & Dad's Family Guide Service Facebook page and "friend" us to view daily photos and comments.

Pictured: 1/14/12 - Our guide, Jeff Witkowski with a 14 lb. 4 oz Lake Chelan Laker. We took out Guide Emeritus, Andy Byrd for a few hours to catch the big one. Come see it on ice at the Puyallup Sportsman's Show.

Also Pictured: 1/10/12 - Ron & Don Duckworth from Poulsbo with Pastor Dan and their catch of Rufus Triploids.

Grays Harbor Streams

Here's some nice fish that Matt and his fishing buddies caught yesterday on one of the Grays Harbor streams. This is an area that produces "Great" fishing at this time of year. Their hatchery fish return a little latter than our Puget Sound fish. This is prime time for those streams. Matt was free drifting cheaters and eggs for his success. He was sold on the "New" Pautzkes Fire Cure in Orange to cure the eggs he used for this successful day!

Snoqualimie Steelhead

Even with the rivers dropping low and clear and the bulk of the hatchery steelhead have returned to the streams there are still a good number of hatchery steelhead around for those that are still fishing. This fish was caught by Andrew on the Snoqualimie yesterday. Remember to read over the "Emergency" Puget Sound steelhead regulations as we have had a "Great" number of folks think that steelheading is closed! Far from it! There are a few streams that will close after January 15, but most will run through the end of the month and many terminal hatchery areas continuing through February 15. Just make sure to read through them thoroughly! Still a lot of good fishing to be had!

Blackmouth Re-Opens - Marine Area 9 Admiralty Inlet - January 16th, Monday

Don't forget that Marine Area 9 Admiralty Inlet re-opens for blackmouth this next Monday January 16. This area is one of the most popular fisheries that we have in Puget Sound. The area encompasses Possession Bar, Satchet Head, Point No Point, Double Bluff and Port Townsend's Middle Bank. These areas are some of the most productive in our area of Puget Sound. The tides for the opener are very good for the Posession Bar area with a high tide at 9:45 AM, allowing you to fish the incoming tide and high slack first thing in the morning. I am sure there will be a good showing of anglers this first day as many folks have the day off. From all indications we should see a fair showing of fish from just legal (22 in.) into the low teens. Remember this is a two fish limit area with Chinook having a 22 inch min. size limit and must be marked hatchery fish only. Area 9 will remain open through April 15. Spend your time fishing the edges of the dropoffs in water 90 - 150 feet deep, keep your offerings within ten feet of the bottom.

Skykomish - Water Dropping Fast - Fishing Still Holding Up

With the colder weather hitting us and the lack of rain the Skykomish is on a fast drop. The steelhead fishing has still been holding up in the Reiter Pond section of the river. John, who works for us was up Tuesday afternoon and managed to hit 6 and landed 4 in the course of a couple of hours. One of the customers who spent the day up there managed to beach 5 for the day. So, as you can see there are still a number of fish to be caught. With the lower water you will more than likely have to start refining you gear and drop down both in lure size and leader strength. John is a strong advocate of utilizing Fluorocarbon leader due to its lack of visibility in the low clear water. As far as brand goes he uses Seaguar, which all of us here at Ted's agree that it is the best on the market. Feel free to stop by and ask John for his steelhead tricks, he will be glad to help you out.

What continues hot is trolling the Narrows on Lake Chelan for big Lakers, trolling the lower basin of Lake Chelan for numbers of Lakers and pounding the lower net pen area on Rufus for Triploid Rainbows. In other words we are firmly into our mid to late winter fishing patterns. It is a great time to come and fish our area.

I’m going to break from normal format this week to express my gratitude. First, I want to thank all of our customers this year that came out and fished with us. Without their support and generosity, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy life here in the paradise of the Chelan Valley nearly as much. I also want to thank the many people from our Chelan Valley that have given me encouragement for the broader things that we try to do even though they aren’t anglers. A special thanks to KOZI radio for allowing me the “bully pulpit” to get our message out. During a very difficult year for repair issues, I want to thank Reed’s Marine for being “Johnny on the Spot” to repeatedly get me quickly back into operation.

Thanks to our guides Jeff Witkowski and Brian Whitney for working so hard at taking care of our customers and getting those fish to bite. The young kids that helped us out and made us look good, my eldest grandson, Tyler Wilson, fishing fanatic Ray Rhoads and Jaime Abarca, deserve our thanks. Thanks to my old friend, Mike Diefenbach for his annual assistance in making our instructional powerpoints new and interesting. Also, I need to thank our fishing buddy and friend Gary Gerhardt for all of his help in trying to bring us into the 21st Century crunching the numbers. Thanks to Noella Wyatt for her constant attention to our Web Site. All of our sponsors that include us in their pro-staff to help us operate more efficiently deserve our appreciation.

Of course, it goes without saying that my good friend and local legend, Al Brooks deserves a special thank you. His help has extracted me from so many pickles, I can’t even begin to list them. A friend that’s always there when there is trouble. Wow! How lucky I am.

Finally, I want to thank my wife for supporting me and this business. It is a difficult way to make a living and requires frequently putting the family needs on the back burner. She’s always there helping.

Ok.

Don’t forget to attend those Sportsman’s Shows. We’ll be at the Tri-Cities, Puyallup, Spokane and Yakima Shows. Stop by and say hi.

Anton Jones of Darrell & Dad's Family Guide Service
http://www.darrellanddads.com/
12-31-11 - Chris Walsh and Doug McKay of Seattle with their catch before the big one bit...

NF Stilly - Steelheading

The reports that we had out of the Fortson area of the NF Stilly was perhaps as good as it has been all season. The NF has been quite disappointing this season with even the regulars shaking their heads as to why it has not been producing many fish. Today there was perhaps 13 or 14 fish taken this AM. Perhaps a fish per angler average! There were a number of guys that managed to land limits. Hopefully we will have a few more days of better fishing before things change. Anyway it was "Good" today.

Reiter Ponds - Steelheading

From what we heard there was no lack of angling pressure at Reiter Ponds today. Many of the guys we spoke with said they had not seen the number of anglers which were there today. The fishing overall was not hot by any means but there were a fair number of fish landed. Some of the guys even managed to take limits. The largest that we heard of today was a mid teen sized fish, most were the typical hatchery fish in the 6 -7 pound range.

Big Island - Mahi

Here's Tim Bauer with a very nice bull Mahi that he took this AM off the lee side of the Big Island. It was caught on a live opelo. I think Tim has the right idea of retirement, fishing salmon here in the NW during the summer months and heading to the Islands for the remainder of the year. Must be nice!

Steelhead Closures For Puget Sound And Straits of Juan de Fuca

The Steelhead closures that all of us have been expecting have come!

Fishing in rivers around Puget Sound to close due to low wild steelhead returns

OLYMPIA – Fishing for steelhead and other game fish will close early in several river systems in Puget Sound and along the Strait of Juan de Fuca to protect wild steelhead, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) announced today.
The early closures will affect the Nooksack, Skagit, Stillaguamish, Snohomish and Puyallup river systems, along with several streams along the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Most river systems will close Feb. 1. However, the Puyallup River system will close Jan. 16, and some waters near WDFW fish hatcheries are scheduled to close Feb. 16.
Pre-season estimates developed by WDFW last fall indicate that wild steelhead will return to those watersheds in numbers far short of target levels, said Bob Leland, WDFW’s steelhead program manager.
“By taking this action, we can protect wild steelhead that do make it back to these river systems,” he said.
The early closures are timed in each watershed to coincide with the traditional dates wild steelhead return to those Washington rivers, Leland said.
Wild steelhead returning to most of the rivers scheduled to close are listed as “threatened” under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). Although anglers are required to release any wild steelhead they catch in these rivers, some of those fish inevitably die from the experience, Leland said.
The closures are necessary to meet the conservation objectives of WDFW’s statewide steelhead management plan and comply with provisions of the ESA, he said.
Meanwhile, WDFW is proposing to make these early closure dates permanent to help protect future runs of wild steelhead, Leland said. The deadline for submitting written comments to the department on that and other proposed sportfishing rules was Dec. 30, but the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission will accept both written and verbal comments at its Jan. 6-7 meeting in Olympia. For contact information, see http://wdfw.wa.gov/commission/.
The commission, which sets policy for WDFW, is scheduled to vote on the final sportfishing rules package during a meeting Feb. 3-4. For more information on the proposed rules, visit the department’s website at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/rule_proposals/.
Waters closing to fishing Jan. 16, 2012, by emergency rule include:
Puyallup River System
White River from the mouth to the R Street Bridge in Auburn.
Carbon River from the mouth to the Highway 162 Bridge.
Upper Puyallup River from the mouth of the Carbon River upstream.
Waters closing to fishing Feb. 1, 2012, by emergency rule include:
Nooksack River System
Nooksack River mainstem from the Lummi Indian Reservation boundary to the confluence of North and South forks.
North Fork Nooksack River from Maple Creek to Nooksack Falls.
Middle Fork Nooksack River from the mouth to the City of Bellingham diversion Dam.
South Fork Nooksack River from the mouth to Skookum Creek.
Skagit River System
Skagit River mainstem from the mouth to the Highway 530 Bridge at Rockport.
Skagit River from the mouth of the Cascade River to the Gorge powerhouse at Newhalem.
Sauk River from the mouth to the Whitechuck River.
Cascade River from the Rockport-Cascade Road Bridge upstream to headwaters.
Snohomish River System
Snohomish River from the mouth (Burlington Northern railroad bridge) upstream to the confluence of the Skykomish and Snoqualmie rivers.
Skykomish River from the mouth to the Highway 2 Bridge at the Big Eddy Access.
Pilchuck River from the mouth to 500 feet downstream of the Snohomish city diversion dam.
Sultan River from the mouth to 400 feet downstream of diversion dam (river mile 9.7).
Wallace River from 200 feet upstream of water intake of salmon hatchery to Wallace Falls.
North Fork Skykomish River from the mouth to 1,000 feet downstream of Bear Creek Falls.
South Fork Skykomish River from the mouth to 600 feet downstream of Sunset Falls fishway.
Snoqualmie River from the mouth to the boat ramp at Plum access.
Tolt River from the mouth to the USGS trolley cable near confluence of North and South forks.
Raging River from the mouth to Highway 18 Bridge.
Stillaguamish River System
Stillaguamish River from Marine Drive upstream to forks.
Pilchuck Creek from the mouth to Highway 9 Bridge.
North Fork Stillaguamish River from the mouth to the mouth of French Creek.
South Fork Stillaguamish River from the mouth to 400 feet below the Granite Falls fishway outlet.
Canyon Creek from the mouth upstream.
Strait of Juan de Fuca
Dungeness River from the mouth upstream to the forks at Dungeness Forks Campground.
Morse Creek from the mouth to the Port Angeles Dam.
Salt Creek from the mouth to the bridge on Highway 112.
Deep Creek from the mouth upstream.
Pysht River from the mouth upstream.
Clallam River from the mouth upstream.
Sekiu River from the mouth to forks.
Waters closing to fishing Feb. 16, 2012, by emergency rule include:
North Fork Nooksack River from the mouth to Maple Creek.
Skykomish River from the Highway 2 Bridge at the Big Eddy Access to the confluence of North and South forks.
Wallace River from the mouth (farthest downstream railroad bridge) to 200 feet upstream of the water intake of salmon hatchery.
Snoqualmie River from the boat ramp at Plum access to Snoqualmie Falls.
Tokul Creek from the mouth to the posted cable boundary marker.
North Fork Stillaguamish River from the mouth of French Creek to the Swede Heaven Bridge.
Skagit River from the Highway 530 Bridge at Rockport to the mouth of the Cascade River.
Cascade River from the mouth to Rockport-Cascade Road Bridge.
Leland reminds anglers that the Samish River, from the I-5 Bridge to the Hickson Bridge, closed to fishing Dec. 1. The stretch of the Samish River, from the mouth to the I-5 Bridge closed Jan.1.

Lake Chelan - Rufus Woods Reports - Anton jones - Darrell & Dad's Family Guide Service

What continues hot is trolling the Narrows on Lake Chelan for big Lakers. Also hot, is bait fishing for Triploid Rainbow Trout on Rufus Woods Reservoir near the lower net pens. On Chelan, fish the deep water on either side of the Narrows near the Yacht Club. Our “go to” lure here is a T4 purple glow flatfish. Mack’s Lures Cha Cha Squidders in glow colors also works great in this area. Fish out to the 380’s bench before turning around. Most fish have been biting from 260 to 340 feet deep. Really watch your speed. Keep it between 1.3 and 1.6 mph for best results. For those that want to focus on numbers, pound away at the lower end of the trench with Ace Hi Flies, Mack’s Cha Cha’s and U20 flatfish. Fishing with Fire Bait near the lower pens on Rufus has been very good. The new flavors the people at Pautzke’s have come up with really trigger those big fish. Mallow Balls O’ Fire, American Wildfire, Atomic Garlic and Garlic Wildfire all got woofed when the bite was on. They continued to snick fish when the faster bite had turned off. The Garlic flavors are pretty good on crackers when the bite is slow. Don’t do it, I’m kidding. We continue to be able to get fish to bite jigs for some catch and release action. Your fishing tip of the week is to refine your old slip sinker bait fishing techniques for better success at Rufus. First, remember to lengthen your leaders. Instead of 2 to 3 feet, your leaders should be 4 to 6 feet. Second, vary your weight as the current changes. To be consistent you have to be able to feel the bottom. You can be going 70 to over 90 feet deep to get at these pellet eating fish. Third, use a big chunk of bait. We usually are putting a gob of bait big enough to hide a #4 hook. Finally, don’t just let it sit there. If you don’t get bit, move the bait. Recast often. Your kid’s tip of the week is to focus on a few details to keep the kids feet warm and comfortable for these cold weather fishing forays. First, make sure the boots have room. If you let them wear tight boots or stuff them full of socks, the constriction will get their feet cold faster than anything. Also, remember those chemical toe warmers. They are a foot saver for old guys too. Don’t put them on until you are out there to prevent the sweating and chilling from evaporation. Your safety tip of the week is to have a GPS for running Rufus in the fog. It can be disorienting early in the morning when the fog is thick.

Anton Jones of Darrell & Dad's Family Guide Service
(http://www.darrellanddads.com/ or 1-866-360-1523)
Visit our facebook page for daily updates

Pictured: 1/2/12 - Lisa Murray of Bellevue with a 13.1 pound Rufus Triploid caught on Pautzke's Fire Bait in Mallow Balls O' Fire. She was fishing with Guide Jeff Witkowski, Brian Whitney, the old man and Mike Diefenbach of Ellensburg.

Finally Pictured: 12/29/11 - Mike Sprague of Oregon with his girls and their mornings catch of Lake Chelan Mackinaw.

Olympic Peninsula Salmon Derby - February 18 - 19 -20

We have just received the "Olympic Peninsula Salmon Derby" tickets which this year will be held on February 18 - 19 - 20 , President's Day weekend! This is one of the most popular salmon derby's on the Olympic Peninsula.

There are a multitude of "Great" prizes again this year. Here's a little run down on them!

First Prize: $10,000.00
Second Prize: $5,000.00
Third Prize: $1,500.00
Fourth Prize: $500.00

Three "Mystery Fish" Prizes
Any Fish Can Win! $1,000.00
Any Fish Can Win! $500.00
Any Fish Can Win! $500.00

plus "Many" other "Great" Prizes!

Tickets are $40.00

For Additional Information go to www.GardinerSalmonDerby.org.

Have You Wanted To Fish Sitka?

If you have ever wanted to fish Sitka Alaska, here's a "Great" opportunity to be able to talk with the Angling Unlimited crew as well as many of there clients at a little get together. I have known Tom and Chuck for years and they have one of Sitka's premier charter operations in SE Alaska.

Open House:
AU’s effort to relieve mid-winter blues in the Pacific Northwest returns with our Open House on January 28, noon until 6 PM at the Corinthian Yacht Club , Shilshole Bay Marina in Seattle.

Expect great hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine, soft drinks, and a raffle that includes a free three day/four night fishing trip. AU owners Captains Chuck and Tom, along with wives Jenny and Linda Mae will host. There will be a Power Point presentation or two with lots of fish pictures. Bring your appetite, friends, family, and neighbors, as well as your pictures and fish stories. It’s just one more way to survive the dark winter en route to the fishy summer with succumbing to a bad case of cabin fever.

Tom Ohaus
Angling Unlimited
http://AnglingUnlimited.com
cell: 508-415-0780

Crabbing Closed - Make Sure To Turn In Your Punchcards

Puget Sound sport crabbing to close Dec. 31; winter catch reports due by Feb. 1
OLYMPIA – Puget Sound marine areas currently open for recreational winter crabbing will close at sunset Dec. 31, after which all sport crabbers licensed to fish for crab in the Sound will have until Feb. 1 to report their winter catch.
State fishing rules require that all sport crabbers with winter catch record cards submit catch reports for the winter season to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) by Feb. 1 – even if they did not catch any crab. With the end of the winter crab season on Dec. 31, all Puget Sound marine areas will be closed to recreational crabbing until summer 2012.
Sport crabbers should be aware that if they fail to submit a winter catch report, they will receive a $10 fine when they purchase their 2012 crab endorsement, said Rich Childers, WDFW shellfish policy lead.
“By submitting their catch data, crabbers play an important role in managing the Puget Sound crab fishery,” Childers said. “We need to hear from everyone who was issued a winter catch card – including from those who didn’t catch any crab.”
To submit catch reports, crabbers may send their catch record card to WDFW by mail or file their report on a special webpage on the department’s licensing website. The mailing address is WDFW CRC Unit, 600 Capitol Way N., Olympia, WA 98501-1091. The online reporting system will be available Jan. 1-Feb. 1 at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/wdfw/puget_sound_crab_catch.html.