Fishing on a long weekend is a tricky business. It can get especially complicated when it is the July 4th weekend. There are a lot of things going on and fishing quite often is more than a 30-minute event.
More than not, there has to be some intentionally involved before you engage. First of all, one needs to make peace with relational significant others. Family matters can eclipse a fishing trip very quickly. It almost makes it impossible when traveling is involved. So, if you are reading this article on the weekend, it is safe to say that things have definitely come up.
On the other hand, there is a big push this weekend when it comes to the marine salmon season. Westport is ramping up for what hopes to be a decent ocean fishery starting today.
The report is that salmon anglers can hope to see higher quotas of both chinook and coho salmon this year. This, of course, is welcomed news. The Westport fishery season will end September 4 or when the chinook or coho quotas are reached. Recreational fisheries in all port areas will have access to 45,000 chinook compared to 35,000 chinook last year. The marked coho quota of 42,000 is up from last year.
The area from the Queets River south to Leadbetter Point will see a season from today through September 4 as well. This will only be true if the quota of 15,540 coho is not reached. The season will run seven days a week with a limit of two salmon per day. No more than one can be a chinook and all coho must be marked with a healed adipose fin clip. The Grays Harbor control zone which is an area at the entrance to Grays Harbor, is scheduled to close earlier on August 1.
Many folks take the opportunity to camp out on a long weekend. Trailering or tenting at Lake Sylvia can easily include some lake fishing. It is safe to say that new fish have been added to enhance this fishery for the long weekend. There are other such options to anglers hoping to camp and do some fishing at the same time.
Others may seek a secluded camp outing on a gravel bar. Grant it, this is becoming harder to do, given the access limitations; but, if done properly it can get accomplished. The close proximity to a river hosting summer steelhead can make this a win-win outing.
Of course, some will definitely be making this weekend a destination event. That may include a trip down a river by boat, picking a secluded fishing hole or even randomly hitting choice holes throughout the day or for the entire weekend. You can literally fish until you drop.
Believe me, whether it is out on the ocean, or near a river or lake, living in the outdoors can sap your strength quickly. However, it has a renewing effect on the human body and can be very refreshing. All that being said — Have a safe and wonderful July 4th!
