In Western Washington and in particular Grays Harbor, we are currently engaged in a game-fish fishery. This fishery leads anglers to prime inland bodies of water.

First of all, the year-round lake fishery still exists. Anglers are bringing home trout from Lake Sylvia. Duck Lake is also open to fishing in our region.

Most however, will be pursuing steelhead in local rivers which are stocked accordingly. We must keep in mind that this state is a hatchery-only steelhead fishery. This means anglers would do well to fish local rivers where these fish have been planted.

In addition, it will be prudent to know how to distinguish between hatchery and wild fish. The most obvious way to do this is to look for a missing adipose fin or clipped ventral fin and a healed scar at the location of the clipped fin.

As we get further along in this season, wild fish will start showing up in greater numbers. Anglers will have to sort through these fish and determine which are hatchery or wild. The monsoons of late January and early February left our rivers at flood stage. The chocolate-covered rivers made fishing impossible. However, those conditions have changed and things are steadily improving.

The rivers will have a tendency to run high and that should not be too great of a problem. The color of the water is more critical. We are currently experiencing a little off-color which is ideal for pursuing steelhead.

Some of the smaller streams or rivers will be closing at the end of February so anglers have a window of opportunity at these locations. The reason fishers would be looking at these smaller rivers is because water conditions may be more suitable. Also, migrating steelhead may be holding up in pockets and can be more easily targeted. These situations will become more and more common in the larger rivers if we do not experience another flood-like rainstorm.

As we near the final months of this fresh water fishing season, it may seem somewhat repetitive, but it is important to be reminded that tighter restrictions are being applied.

These include the selective gear rule, catch-and-release fishing and restricted internal combustion engines on some waterways. This is all in keeping with protecting the spawning areas for migrating steelhead.

Many anglers resort to fishing tribal water at this time all the year for steelhead. This is the case because more fish are generally available and the duration of the season is favorable. Several river guides are available to provide this service to determined anglers.

The longer days are now an added feature when it comes to fishing at this time. Folks are able to access rivers after work and before dark.

Temperatures are warming and conditions are less soaking. This all adds up to pleasant fishing conditions which are greatly welcomed after the earlier wintery weather we experienced.

So, it should not be too difficult to come to a conclusion and get some fishing in before the month gets away on us.