SALT WATER
Tacoma: The Point Defiance Boathouse Marina’s most recent report stated that fishing in the area has been challenging lately. Using flashers and spoons near the clay banks seems to be the best option. The marina’s retail shop reopens Thursday.
South Sound: Crabbing is still open south of the Narrows Bridges, and people are having luck when the weather cooperates. Puget Sound closes for crabbing Dec. 31, and winter catch reports are due by Feb. 1. There is a $10 fine for failing to submit a report.
North Sound: The San Juan Islands are the place to be right now, according to Mike Chamberlain of Ted’s Sports Center in Lynnwood. He also says blackmouth fishing is tough but that some anglers are doing well near Jefferson Head and Saratoga Passage.
Clamming: The final razor clam digs of the year are scheduled for Dec. 28-31 at Twin Harbors, Dec. 29-31 at Long Beach and Mocrocks, and Dec. 30-31 at Copalis. Diggers are limited to the first 15 clams they dig each day. Each digger must keep their clams in separate containers. A license is required for all diggers 15 and older. Visit wdfw.wa.gov for more information.
RIVERS
Columbia: The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife recently issued a statement that barbless hooks will be required on a large portion of the Columbia River starting Jan. 1.
Snoqualmie: Steelhead fishing has been subpar on most Western Washington rivers, Chamberlain said. However, he has heard some reports of success recently from those floating this river. “The fish are there,” he said. “You just have to refine your techniques.”
Skykomish: “It’s ho hum,” Chamberlain said. “… It’s definitely not as good of a year as what we’d like to see.”
Olympic Peninsula: Fishing has been slow on the Quinault and Quillayute rivers.
Cowlitz: There have been reports of some success here, Chamberlain said.
LAKES
American: David Anderson of Bill’s Boathouse says not many anglers are hitting the water but that the lake was recently planted with 3,500 rainbow trout.
Goodwin: Trout fishing has been good here when the weather cooperates.
Sammamish: Chamberlain says there have been reports of occasional good fishing when the weather isn’t too nasty.
Washington: This big lake can get choppy quickly when the weather isn’t good, so there haven’t been many reports from there of late.
Craig Hill: 253-597-8497 craig.hill@thenewstribune.com blog.thenewstribune.com/adventure
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