People eager to get out and fish this weekend might be better off heading for a river. Timing your trip will be important. River levels might be on the high side this weekend, but there is more rain in the forecast for Sunday. So today might be the best bet before river levels start to rise again.
If you can’t get out, hit the Washington Sportsmen’s Show; it runs through Sunday at the Puyallup Fair and Events Center. There are plenty of ways to slake your thirst for fishing at the show.
RIVERS
Cowlitz: Anglers are still catching some steelhead, but the action seems to have slowed down overall.
Green: The river is high with fair color. Fishing has been fair, but the steelhead seem to be scattered throughout the system, said a staffer at Auburn Sports and Marine. People plunking with shrimp or eggs are having the most luck. Fishing above the South 277th Street bridge, the only stretch open right now, will shut down Tuesday.
Humptulips: This river might be a good steelhead option this weekend. Flows were about 2,890 cfs Friday morning and dropping.
Olympic Coast: Most of the Forks-area rivers and creeks are falling back into shape and should be good bets this weekend for steelhead, said Curt Reed at Waters West. Sunday might be the best option. The Hoh might be a bit too high, especially for bank fishing.
Wynoochee: This river and others in the area were blown up, but people should be able to fish them again starting today, said Walt Harvey of Verle’s Sports Center. Bank anglers will be better off plunking, while boat anglers should drift eggs or shrimp or use a jig and bobber.
Yakima: The lower canyon and Farmlands stretches might be worth considering, said a staffer at Red’s Fly Shop. The bite often is very good after the ice breaks free.
SALT WATER
Hood Canal: Marine Area 12 reopens to salmon fishing Wednesday.
North Sound: Anglers have been battling the weather, but there has been some decent blackmouth fishing in the San Juan Channel. Possession Bar and Blakely Harbor are two other areas to consider.
South Sound: Because of the weather, few people are fishing, said Mike Zittel at Zittel’s Marina.
Tacoma: Marine Area 11, from the northern tip of Vashon Island to the Tacoma Narrows Bridges, will reopen to salmon fishing Wednesday. The daily limit is two fish. Chinook must be at least 22 inches, but all wild chinook must be released. Commencement Bay is closed.
LAKES
Lone: Trout action has started picking up again. Fly anglers are using dark-colored leeches fished slowly, said Stephen Jackson at Ted’s Sports Center. The same setup also is working on Pass Lake.
Sammamish: People are catching a good number of cutthroat trout but also some kokanee. The kokanee aren’t large, but they are plentiful. Try trolling cut-plug herring or a flasher and spoon, Jackson said.
Jeffrey P. Mayor, staff writer jeff.mayor@thenewstribune.com blog.thenewstribune.com/adventure
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.