Hot Plugs Derby Results

Here are the results for the 2012 Hot Plug's Fishing Derby.

1st Place Gordan Taylor 11.4lb.s $1450.00

2nd Place Al Audet 8.5lb.s $580.00

3rd Place Tina Taylor 6.4lb.s $435.00

4th Place Nate Bisson 4.7lb.s $290.00

There were 5 total Fish caught and 58 People entered.

Great Shimano Reel Promotion

Here's a "Great" Shimano reel promotion that will be hard to beat if you are looking for a new Chronarch, Curado or Citica casting reel. If you buy one of these reels between now and April 22nd Shimano has a $30.00 mail in rebate. Stop by and we can fill you in on this program.

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

What continues hot is trolling the lower basin of Lake Chelan for Lakers. Roses Lake is in the rotten ice portion of the year. We can’t wait for the open water to get at those feisty rainbows and tasty perch.

On Chelan, continue to fish the deep water in the lower basin of Lake Chelan for nice numbers of average size fish. Also, you can catch a big fish by trolling on either side of the Narrows near the Yacht Club. Our “go to” lure in the Basin continues to be Silver Horde’s Ace Hi Fly in double glow Splatterback colors baited with a strip of Northern Pikeminnow. Mack’s Lures Cha Cha Squidders in glow colors similarly baited also worked. Near the Narrows try a Worden Lures Flatfish. The best size and color combination for us up there has been the T4 in Purple Glow.

We did not get out on Rufus during this reporting period.

Roses Lake has rotten ice now. It would be foolhardy to venture out on it. We will wait until ice out now to troll and still fish for those rainbows. Pautzke’s Firebait in American Wildfire will slay them. I think the perch population is exploding, so you might consider gearing up to get yourself a delicious batch of perch fillets.

Your fishing tip of the week is to consider variations in presentations to improve your odds. Everyone always asks about the color of the lure or bait. What about the size of the hook? We find that the addition of a “stinger” hook can improve your odds at certain times of the year. What about hook style. I have become a fan of sickle hooks whenever practical. Their configuration really helps the fish to stay buttoned up. Think about subtle attractors. We use Mack’s Lures smile blades in front of many of our lures. Action disks by wigglefin.com are another option. Worden Lures Spin ‘n Glows will work too.

Your kid’s tip of the week is to use this late winter early spring time of the year to identify birds with your kids. We had 5 kinds of ducks at Mill Bay the other day. You might even be lucky enough to see Bald Eagles hunting coots. It’s better than Animal Planet, and it gets you some fresh air. Take a book to help out.

Your safety tip of the week is to remember that Lake Chelan is in its low water time of the year. As the lake level drops towards 1084.5 you have to be cautious at Mill Bay so you don’t bang the bottom with your prop in certain situations. I expect Manson Parks and Recreation to open the Manson Bay Launch soon.

Anton Jones of Darrell & Dad's Family Guide Service
http://www.darrellanddads.com/
Visit us on our Facebook page for daily updates and specials
1-866-360-1523

2/25/12 - Pictured: Jeff Gale of Burien with his friends Ron and Carl and their days catch of Lake Chelan Mackinaw.

Proposed Razor Clam Openings

Razor-clam managers propose series of morning digs in March, April
OLYMPIA – Fishery managers are planning a series of morning razor-clam digs in March and April on Washington’s ocean beaches so long as marine toxin tests show the clams are safe to eat.
As usual, the final word on beach openings will be announced about a week before each dig is scheduled to start.
“We’re announcing tentative dates now so people can get them on their calendars,” said Dan Ayres, coastal shellfish manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). “We’ll confirm the dates once the test results are available.”
WDFW may announce additional digs in late April and early May at some beaches if enough clams are still available for harvest, Ayres said.
Unlike previous openings this season, all digs planned in the months ahead are timed to coincide with morning low tides. No digging will be allowed on any beach after noon.
Proposed beach openings, along with morning low tides, for upcoming digs are:
March 10, Saturday (7:39 am -0.3.): Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
March 11, Sunday (9:28 am -0.4.): Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
March 24, Saturday (8:25 am +0.3.): Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
March 25, Sunday (8:59 a.m., +0.3 ft.): Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
April 7, Saturday (7:36 a.m., -1.2 ft.): Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Kalaloch
April 8, Sunday (8:23 a.m., -1.5 ft.): Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks, Kalaloch
April 9, Monday (9:11 a.m., -1.5 ft.): Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Kalaloch
Ayres noted that the dig planned at Copalis on March 24 will coincide with the sixth annual Ocean Shores Razor Clam Festival, which includes a chowder cookoff and other events. Information on the festival is available at http://www.oceanshores.org/.
Kalaloch Beach, tentatively scheduled to open April 7-9, has been closed to digging all season due to a low abundance of clams. Located inside Olympic National Park, the beach is managed by the National Park Service in cooperation with WDFW.
Under state law, 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.

Bill Hayes Hot Plug's 26th Annual Blackmouth Derby

Don't forget Saturday February 25th is the Bill Hayes Hot Plug's 26th Annual Blackmouth Derby! This is a "Fantastic" little derby that is very informal, but a lot of fun. Fishing takes place in Marine Areas 8-1 & 8-2 only. Here's a run down on the prizes.

1st place 50% of total entry fees
2nd place 20% of total entry fees
3rd place 15% of total entry fees
4th place 10% of total entry fees

Two $100.00 prizes will be drawn for any derby ticket holder, must be present to win.

Weigh in will be 3:00 - 4:30 pm at the Stanwood Eagles located at 6419 Pioneer Hwy, Stanwood. For directions call 360-629-3224.

Entry Fees are $50.00 per person.

Entry Fees can be paid at Stannwood Eagles, Elger Bay Grocery, Camano Marine, Hook Line & Sinker, Holiday Sports, Johns Sporting Goods or Ted's Sports Center.

For additional information contact Ed Keller 425-308-9437.

"NEW" Dick Nite Kokanee Dodgers

Mr. Dick Figgins of Dick Nite Lures has recently expanded his line of Kokanne Dodgers with the addition of nine "NEW" colors. Here's the run down!

Chrome UV
Chrome Blue Tractor Tread UV
Chrome Chartreuse Head UV
Chrome Clown Scale UV
Chrome Hot Pink Head UV
Brass Chartreuse Tractor Tread UV
Brass Blue Scale UV
Brass Purple Watermelon UV
Copper Hot Orange Tractor Tread UV

As you can see all of them are in UV fish catching finishes.

Cost $8.09ea

Yes! All are in stock ready go! Give us a call if you want them shipped! (425) 743-9505

What’s hot is trolling the lower basin of Lake Chelan for Lakers. Also hot, is bait fishing on Roses Lake for Rainbow Trout and Perch. Rufus should continue to “perk” along for still fishers. For something a bit different, try the edges of Lake Chelan for some big rainbows.

On Chelan, fish the deep water in the lower basin of Lake Chelan for nice numbers of average size fish. You can “gamble” on catching a big fish by trolling on either side of the Narrows near the Yacht Club. Our “go to” lure in the Basin was a Silver Horde’s Ace Hi Fly in double glow Splatterback colors baited with a strip of Northern Pikeminnow. Mack’s Lures Cha Cha Squidders in glow colors similarly baited also worked. Near the Narrows the same lures have worked, but our “go to” lure is a T4 Purple Glow Flatfish.

Fishing with Pautzke’s Fire Bait near the lower pens on Rufus has caught some fish. American Wildfire worked best. We continue to be able to get fish to bite jigs for some catch and release action.

Roses Lake remains frozen over with safe ice during the past reporting period. The days are getting longer and warmer so I’d be very cautious as we approach early spring.

Some anglers have been scoring nice big rainbows shore fishing on Chelan. Dunking Firebait and being patient could pay off with a three to four pound rainbow. Don’t expect fast action.

Your fishing tip of the week is to use Washington State’s two rod endorsement and the scientific process to determine your best presentation. It’s hard to know if your “favorite” is best, if that’s all you use. Run “experimental” lures against your favorite in a head to head comparison. Remember, control and variable. Try to keep track of the variables.

Your kid’s tip of the week is to use these upcoming mid-winter and spring breaks to create some fishing memories and family traditions. We developed our passion for the Lake Chelan Valley by bringing Darrell to the Lake Chelan State Park over Spring Break in the RV. The weather was manageable, there were very few other people and the Valley was beautiful as always. Involve them in the planning phase to get the maximum benefit.

Your safety tip of the week is to have a “stay awake” plan after fishing in cool or cold weather all day. After an early wake up, a drive to the lake and all day on the water in energy sapping weather, the drive home can be a struggle to stay awake. Remember stay alert, America needs more Lerts.

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

2/20/12 - Prato Barone of Mill Creek and Willie Kahn of Snohomish with their catch of lower basin Lake Chelan Mackinaw. A great day for a couple of educators to relax and learn a new fishery.

2/14/12 - Josh Sayan and Craig Watts with a brace of 4 lb rainbows caught at the Mill Bay dock.

2/14/12 - The old man himself with a 9lb 4 oz Mack caught below the Narrows.

Olympic Penninsula - Steelhead Report - Nick Petosa

Nick Petosa emailed me this AM with a little update on the upper Penninsual steelhead fishing, here it is.

Sol Duc is in great shape at ten boards with about 3 feet of viz. Fish are spread out all the way from Riverside down to Leyendeckers. Fishing has been quite good on the Sol Duc last week but, after this last high water it was suprising that there wasnt as many fish as I had though. Best techniques is Side-drifting Pautzke cured eggs on double Vision number 3 hooks and a size 10 corky in rocket red or orange scale. While fishing the Sol Duc I will run 12 pound test Izorline Hi-Viz and 8 pound leaders. For those that like to pull wigglers Tadpollies in Pink Met. and Orange Herringbone are producers as are the K-11x and K-9x in Lower water conditions. Bogey is currently dropping back into shape and will be fishing good for the next week or so with the current forecast. If fishing above Highway 101 single barbless hooks are required, below the 101 it goes to regular rules. Best techniques is Side Drifting or Bobberdoggin Mad river worms in 4 and 6 inches in colors Pink, Orange and purple and pink. Look to the shallower flats first thing in the moring and then gradually work you way through the holes. Plugs can also be effective. Hoh is out.

Marine Areas 5 - Sekiu and Pillar Point & Marine area 6 - East Juan de Fuca Strait Opens For Salmon February 16

Marine Area 5 - Sekiu and Pillar Point & Marine Area 6 - Easr Juan de Fuca Strait will open for salmon tomorrow February 16th. Both of these area will open with just a one fish limit with 22" minimum size restriction on Chinook. This fishery will remain open through April 10th. These areas "DO NOT" have a hatchery only restriction during this fishery and wild fish may be retained.

Both of these areas usually put out some very good winter blackmouth fishing during this opener.

Tomorrow Last Day for Steelhead Fishing On Puget Sound Streams

Tomorrow, Febuary 15th is the last day to fish steehead on the remaining open areas of Puget Sound steams. From now on you will have to be traveling in order to fish steelhead. For those that are willing to travel there are "Lots" of angling opportunities on the Grays Harbor streams as well as Columbia River tributaries.

Razor Clam Dig - February 18th & 19th

WDFW approves evening razor-clam dig for Feb. 18-19.

OLYMPIA – The last evening razor-clam dig of the season will take place Feb. 18-19 on three ocean beaches. After that, clam diggers can look forward to a series of digs on morning tides.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) approved this month’s evening dig at Long Beach, Twin Harbors 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.
Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager, said Copalis beach will remain closed for razor-clam digging this month, due to a relatively low abundance of clams. That closure will affect beaches near Ocean Shores, Oyhut, Ocean City and Copalis.
“We want to save some of the clams available for harvest in the Copalis management area for spring digs,” Ayres said. “The other three beaches have enough clams to take us right through the end of the season.”
Kalaloch Beach will also remain closed, 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.
For the upcoming dig, the evening low tide Saturday, Feb.18, is at 4:13 p.m. (0.0 feet), and on Sunday, Feb.19, at 5 p.m. (-0.2 feet).
Ayres recommends that diggers hit the beach one to two hours before evening low tide for best results.
Once the harvest is totaled for this month’s dig, WDFW will announce plans for future digs, starting in early March, Ayres said. Because of the change in tides that occurs in spring, those digs will all be held during morning hours.
Under state law, 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.

Nooch - Nate

Shane managed to connect with a very nice native steelhead this weekend on the Wynoochee. He hooked up fishing a K-9 Kwickfish. With the rest of our local steelhead opportunities closing after this next Wednesday February 15th it will make all of us to travel for our fishing. Unfortunately it will put more pressure on those few streams that remain open.

Bill Hayes Hot Plug's 26th Annual Blackmouth Derby - February 25th, 2012

Circle your calender for the Bill Hayes Hot Plug's 26th Annual Blackmouth Derby to be held on February 25th, 2012.

Prizes are as follows:
1st prize - 50% of total entry fees
2nd prize - 20% of total entry fees
3rd prize - 15% of total entry fees
4th prize - 10% of total entry fees
Two additional $100.00 prizes will be drawn for any Derby ticket holder. (must be present to win)

Weigh in will be between 3:00 pm and 4:30 pm at the Stanwood Eagles located at 6419 Pioneer Hwy, Stanwood. For Directions call 360-629-3224

Entry Fee - $50.00 per person

You can enter at the following locations:
Sanwood Eagles
Elger Bay Grocery
Camano Marine
Hook Line & Sinker
Holiday Sports
John's Sporting Goods
Ted's Sports Center

For any additional information contact Ed Keller 425-308-9437

Olympic Peninsula Salmon Derby - February 18 - 19 -20

The Olympic Peninsula Salmon Derby is coming up this next weekend, February 18 - 19 - 20. Ticket sales for us has been far greater than it had been last year, so it appears there is more interest this year. There are "Lots" of great cash prizes as well as "Lots" of donated prizes, with everything from soup to nuts.

Tickets are $40.00 - Everyone must have one!

We will have tickets through closing on Friday, February 17th.

For additional information. www.GardinerSalmonDerby.org

Lake Samamish

Lake Samamish has been putting out some outstanding cutthroat fishing with the fish running between 13 - 20 inches. Most of the guys have been finding them from the surface down to around 15 feet. Many anglers have been fishing lead core line with needlefish spoons or gang trolls with wedding ring spinners baited with worms / night crawlers. Offereings fished off your downriggers also have produced well. Just make sure to fish well behind your releases when fishing so shallow. This is reel class fishery, don't keep any more that what you really need as to maintain the quality of this fishery. There are a good number of some really nice Kokanne being caught incidental to the cutts, however these fish can not be retained. Make sure that you can tell the difference! You don't want to risk a citation! Also, these are a really frail fish so the minimum amount of handing is a necessity as not to have high hooking mortality factors. It would be nice to get these fish reestablished to a point we just might have a retention fishery somewhere in the future.

Lake Goodwin Trout Fishing

Though there is very little pressure, the few guys that have been fishing Lake Goodwin have been finding some vary nice fish. The rainbow have been averaging around 17 inches. The fishing has not been hot by any means with most of the folks averaging about a fish per hour of effort. Most have been trolling Needlefish spoons or black or black/olive woolly bugger flies. This may not be a bad spot to put in a little time if you happen to have a morning off.

Looking For Waders? - Closeout On A Number Of Products

We are closing out a number of waders and wading boots. If you are looking for a new pair this might be the time. Here's what we have on "CLOSEOUT"!

Simms Closeouts:
Freestone Zippered Waders - Regular $299.95 Closeout $$299.95
Freestone Waders - Regular $$199.95 Closeout $149.95
Blackfoot Waders - Regular $149.95 Closeout $112.95
Headwater Wading Boot Vibram Sole - Regular $149.95 Closeout $112.95
Blackfoot Wading Boot Vibram Sole - $99.95 Closeout $74.95

Dan Bailey Closeouts:
Yellowstone Guide Waders - Regular $399.95 Closeout $299.95

Redington Closeouts:
CPX Zipperfront Wader - Regular $299.95 Closeout $ $224.99

All Closeouts Are Limited To Stock On Hand!

Stop by or give us a call for sizes on hand.

Reiter Ponds Steelheading

Just spoke with John who spent the vast majority of the day at Reiter Ponds getting in one of his last days for the winter season on the Skykomish. He said the pressure was not overwhelming with around 20 guys fishing throughout the day. John managed to hit six fish today, landing two, loosing two and having two on for just a second. There was a mixture of fish there today with some nice bright hatchery fish landed as well as some that definitely has been in the system for awhile. We have just through the 15th to be able to fish before the closures take place so if you want to get in a little steelheading you have just a short time left.

Last Week For Terminal Area Steelhead Fishing On Puget Sound Streams

We are getting down to the wire on the last of our winter steelhead fishing here on our Puget Sound steelhead streams. With February 15 looming on the horizon if you are wanting to get any last minute fishing in you have through that date to get it done. Overall the hatchery areas that have remained open are just fair fishing at best as the bulk of the hatchery fish have already come though. We have had some of the hard core guys still fishing a few days a week and are managing to land a hatchery fish or two a day for their efforts. Every once and awhile a nice native fish is caught and released in these areas also. Make sure to read over the "Emergency" steelhead regulations if you are not sure of where is legal to fish.

Smelt & Herring Jigging - Coronet Bay & Oak Harbor

If you are wanting something to do when you have a few hours to kill you just might want to do a little smelt and herring jigging at Coronet Bay or Oak Harbor. We have had some fair reports from both places recently. This is a winter pastime for many of us here in North Puget Sound. A few hours spent fishing smelt on a nice winter day (like those we have had recently) make for a nice outing for the family, not to mention a "Great" meal for those that have been successful. If you fish Coronet Bay make sure that you have your "Discovery Pass" as this is a state park! You don't want a citation! Oak Harbor is a city marina and they are very nice about the parking as well as accomidating anglers on the public pier. If you have any questions just stop by and I'll be glad to fill you in on what you'll need etc.

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

What’s hot is ice fishing Roses Lake for rainbow trout and yellow perch. Fishing on Rufus Woods will now be focused more and more on still fishing locations as the surface water temperature drops below the 40 degree mark. Lake Chelan should produce good numbers of Lakers in the lower basin and big fish up above the Narrows.
Roses Lake is pumping out planter rainbows and perch for ice fishermen. Finding concentrations of trout and dangling Fire Bait in front of them is a prime strategy. Fish for perch with a jig baited with a worm. Once you catch that first perch, a perch eye on the jig is ideal. These super cold nights and lovely days have made ice fishing a pleasure. It’s hard to determine how long the ice will last, but for now we have a solid 6 inches on Roses. As always be cautious when venturing on ice and have spikes available to haul yourself out if you do find a way to take a cold water bath.
Fishing with jigs near the lower pens on Rufus saved the day the last time out. Having a variety of options in your “tool box” is definitely the way to go on Rufus.
On Lake Chelan, fishing the deep water on either side of the Narrows near the Yacht Club should continue to get you that shot at a “bigun”. Numbers of Lakers can be caught in the trench. Also, Mack Bar is beginning to load back up. Worden Lures flatfish in T4, U20 and F7 are our favorites. Luminous Chartreuse and Purple Glow are our favorite colors. Mack’s Lures Cha Cha Squidders in Green Glow will work, baited with a strip of Northern Pikeminnow.
Your fishing tip of the week is to spruce up that old bait. If you can’t obtain fresh bait, Pautzke’s all natural cures will give those frozen baits some flavor that will help trigger the fish to bite. Sometimes, it’s the small details that lead to success.



Your kid’s tip of the week is take advantage of warmer late winter daytime temperatures and safe ice to make a combination ice fishing and picnic outing to Roses Lake. Daytime temps getting into the 40’s with little or no wind begins to feel balmy this time of the year. Bring favorite snacks and hot drinks. Taking home a few fish for supper is a bonus!
Your safety tip of the week is a repeat. 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

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

Pictured: 2/4/12 - Ice fishermen working over Roses Lake

Also Pictured: 2/4/12 Doug and Charlene Beamer with Terry and Catherine Werner, all of Post Falls with their Rufus fish.

Sturgeon Fishing

With the weather being nothing short of spectacular the past few days we did have a couple of the guys get out and try the local sturgeon fishing over the weekend. This is normally the time that it gets started. One group that tried the Priest Point area off the mouth of the Snohomish over the weekend managed to land one that was a tad oversize but was a good tussel none the least. The next couple of months might just be your last opprutunity to retain a legal sized fish in our Puget Sound region as the WDFW has proposals to curtail the retention fishery in the near future. We should find out in the next couple of months.

Area 9 Salmon Fishing

With the best weather we have had since area 9 opened the middle of last month there was a fair number of individuals out salmon fishing over the weekend. the reports that we have had were not outstanding by any means but at least there were a few fish caught. The vaste majority of the fish were sub legals or just barely over the 22 inch mark. We did hear of a few nice fish that were in the lower teens but were few and far between. In talking with the more successful anglers that did manage to land larger fish it was overwhelming that plugs accounted for the greater number of the better fish. Light colored, glow in the dark finishes such as Silver Horde 60, 61or 62 or Tomic 600. 602 or 603 dig the job. The Possession Bar area produced as well as anywhere with the reports out of Port Townsend's Mid Channel Bank being disappointing.

Reiter Ponds - Steelheading

With the main stem Skykomish river having closed there is just the section from the High Bridge (Big Eddy) to the forks at Index remaining open through the 15Th of February. Though the bulk of the hatchery fish are finished there are a few still to be caught in this section of the river. We had one of the customers in this afternoon that between himself and his son managed to land five in this section of the river. They managed to pick these fish on floats and jigs. Dark red jigs seemed to be the ticket for the action they had. I also had another individual in that also had been doing well on dark red jigs this past week. With the outstanding weather that we will have this weekend it would be a "Great" day to be on the water.