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!

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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.