THE FISHING CORNER

By Larry Dublanko

Many things are going to change in a little over a week on the local fishing scene. Sunday, March 31 will bring the 2018-19 sport fishing season to an end; and with that, there comes several noteworthy matters.

First of all, three major local rivers are scheduled to close at the end of this month. They are the Satsop River, Wynoochee River and Humptulips River. The Chehalis River will see closures in the month of April.

Another matter of importance is that fishing licenses expires on March 31. Anglers will need to regroup and obtain a new license to fish after April 1. This will take care of the right to fish in April when lake season opens; as well as providing the opportunity to fish year-round lakes or year round rivers before the major openings occur. This would be of particular interest when it pertains to spring chinook fishing throughout April as well.

Of course, with the closure of a fishing season comes the matter of returning Catch Record Cards. These cards are an important tool for estimating the recreational catch of sturgeon, steelhead, salmon, halibut and Puget Sound Dungeness Crab. A catch record card must be in your possession to fish for these species. The Washington Administration Code requires all anglers to return their CRC by April 30 or as in the case of Dungeness Crab by the date indicated on the card even if nothing is caught or you did not fish.

When it comes to fishing our local rivers until the end of this month, it may be a good idea to confer with the regulations as to open water, catch limits and new restrictions.

I realize it is not a popular subject; but, restrictions are becoming common when it comes to fishing. Much of this pertains to the preservation of future runs. Some of it has to do with providing a safe environment for reproduction. This matter is always heightened at this particular time in the season. It seems fish are most vulnerable in this time frame. Whereas this is a sensitive subject, it is going to require the support and cooperation of all anglers to protect our fisheries for future generations.

The one thing we have learned over recent times is that our modern fishing means can take out a lot of fish in a short amount of time. This happens when we use fish finders, jet sleds, highly sensitive fishing gear and flood the waterways with anglers. So, with these things at work, we must realize this will take its toll on the fish population. This is not even taking into account diminishing budgets and funding.

So, anglers can expect to see a number of changes as we approach this transitional period in our fishing calendar. Change is inevitable. It is going to happen. Some new seasons require a lot of change; whereas, others seem to only usher in limited or few changes. We will all be anticipating the new results on data provided; as, it will shape the 2019-20 season.