The Fishing Corner
By Larry Dublanko
The new 2019-20 fishing season has arrived. I am not sure that it ranks high on the list of new beginnings like New Years Day or the opening day of school, but it does offer a fresh new start to a season of fishing. Every season presents new and different challenges, as well as opportunities.
This year, anglers will begin the season going after spring Chinook Salmon where open. Some travel will need to be expected in order to make this venture a reality.
Next, anglers gear up for the opening of lakes across the state. This opener is a huge event and occurs the last Saturday of April, which is the 27th. Several early opening events have already transpired and a few more are in the making. These coincide with youth fishing opportunities during spring break and some special derbies for kids.
As a general rule, river fishing kicks off the Saturday before Memorial Day. This fishery in our area usually means summer steelhead season. When June and July arrive on the calendar the ocean salmon season gets major attention. This will be followed with inland salmon in the early fall months. There is no question anglers await this fishery and will be paying close attention to the returns of these fish.
At about Thanksgiving, we begin to see winter steelhead arriving in our local rivers. This happening largely launches the winter season which gradually closes by early spring. This entire cycle repeats itself, and we find ourselves at this particular time once again.
In preparation for the new season, the first order of business would be the acquisition of a new fishing license. That being said, anglers need to be mindful that they have until the end of April to send in their Catch Record Cards from the previous season. This action is mandatory whether one has fished or not.
Youth 14-and-under, as well as disabled residents and non-resident veterans get a financial break on license fees. Senior residents over the age of 70 get a discount on their license fees. Anglers will have decisions to make in regard to license choices. There are many combinations available due to fishing interests, so the opportunity to tailor-make the license fit the need is definitely out there.
The two-pole endorsement is catching on where allowed. This endorsement permits you to use two fishing poles on most freshwater lakes, ponds, a few sections of certain rivers and a few marine areas. You must have a valid fishing license in addition to the endorsement. Lest one thinks this is an automatic endorsement, you cannot use two poles in most rivers and marine areas. There are about 90 lakes where you cannot use two poles. So, it is advised that anglers refer to the individual stream and marine area listings for information where you can actually use two poles. An endorsement is not required on the Free Fishing Weekend which comes up in the month of June every year.
A new season brings new opportunities. So, make your preparations and get it done!
