By Larry Dublanko

For the Grays Harbor News Group

There are a lot of matters before the fisher as we engage the sport for the month of December. This is going to require some study, flexibility and embracing change. It seems adjustments are the usual as a season progresses, but when emergency-rule changes are thrown in the mix, it becomes even more perplexing.

As the winter season comes upon us, there is also considerable competition for fishing time. A large chunk of time was offered anglers over the thanksgiving weekend, but that could have been easily spoken for in terms of priority.

Now we are pressing in on the events of Christmas — shopping, major football games and of course, family gatherings. The prep and actual fishing outing can get time consuming as well. So, it comes down to priorities for the fisher and it could be that fishing rises to the top of the list.

If that is the case, anglers will be greeted with both steelhead and salmon in our rivers. Steelhead are showing up and of course salmon have been the main topic for quite some time now.

A few rule changes occurred at the end of November. The upper Quinault River closed to all salmon fishing. This is the case with the Salmon River as well. Also, the Humptulips River has a retention rule change, which is simply: Chinook and wild coho must be released. A quick review of the regulations as it pertains to a river being fished would be advised. We are moving into that time frame when rules do change. This is because efforts are being made to protect various species of fish so they can complete their spawning cycle. Usually, this means closures in the upper section of hosting rivers.

One of the major measures used to protect migrating salmon is the terminal lure itself. Even though treble hooks are legal for game fish, that rule is suspended while salmon occupy our streams. So, invariably, anglers are required to use single-point barbless hooks during this time frame. Actually, selective gear rules will be employed toward the end of the steelhead season or in sections of a river where steelhead might be prone to engage in spawning. Again, this is designed to protect these fisheries for future generations.

Anglers will also have to get used to the idea that only one salmon may be retained in certain waterways. So, close attention needs to be given in this regard.

A lot of folk are keeping an eye on the clam digs in our area. Besides this past weekend, clam diggers have mid-December and later into the month to look forward to. There will be no digging allowed before noon where low tides occur in the afternoon or evening.

Since clam digs seem to go from dig to dig, it is always good to check on the availability of this event. Each dig is independently authorized after getting the results of marine toxin testing.

There are many things going on in the great outdoors. Simply pick one, play by the rules and stay safe.