The Fishing Corner
By Larry Dublanko
Making time to fish in the month of June is always an effort given the many activities going on. Yet, it is not a bad time to wet a line. There are so many ways to bring home a fish.
Lakes have been replenished with rainbow trout. There are definitely some carry-over fish from the Memorial Day planting.
We are rather early in the summer steelhead season, however, by now the serious anglers have located a series of steelhead holding water in their pursuit of fish. These newly created pockets are a result of high water conditions earlier this year. Hitting these locations can help save some valuable time during a busy month.
Next, the focus goes to our marine fishery. The month of June will usher in the early phase of salmon fishing off the Washington Coast. By all reports this is being projected to be a very good season on all fronts.
The forecast for chinook returns to the coast is slightly above the most recent 10-year average and the fisheries will likely be similar to 2018.
Furthermore, both the hatchery and wild coho returns are projected to exceed forecasted returns for 2018. The number of coho returning to Grays Harbor is forecasted at 135,900 fish. This is up from the 93,800 fish in 2018. Fishery managers expect coho fisheries in Grays Harbor will be more robust in 2019 than last year. However, the returns to the Quinault River and Quillayute River are expected to be lower than last year.
The overall forecast for chum of 125,000 fish is up from a forecast of 101,000 chum last year. This should provide some good fishing opportunities where allowed. The projected return of chum to Grays Harbor is up 89 percent over the 10-year average while the forecasted return to Willapa Bay is up 37 percent over the same time frame. These statistics should give local anglers some hope as we launch the marine salmon season.
June 8-9 is Free Fishing Weekend in the state of Washington. On these days, fishing licenses are not required. Catch record cards are required to fish for salmon, sturgeon, steelhead, Puget Sound Dungeness crab and halibut (if open). Free fishing days are open for everyone. All other rules still apply including seasons, area and lure or bait restrictions, as well as size and catch limits.
A vehicle Access Pass, Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement and Two-Pole Endorsement are not required either during this weekend.
Furthermore, residents and non-residents may participate in Free Fishing Weekend. It is literally a free fishing opportunity for everyone throughout the state. Mark your calendars because each year, the Free Fishing Weekend occurs the first weekend in the month of June after the first Monday in June.
So, from an opportunity and projection perspective, anglers can be extremely hopeful for this upcoming season. The bigger challenge now is making time to seize the moment. With graduations and weddings on the forefront, I am confident there are fishers who will find a way to get in some serious fishing.
