By Larry Dublanko
For the Grays Harbor News Group
The question that comes up frequently during the summer months is, “Where is a good place to go fishing?”
Apart from the Pacific Ocean, which is in its prime right now for salmon and other popular fish species, the question is more intended for what is available in regard to fresh water.
Lake fishing is still happening. Aberdeen Lake, Failor Lake and Lake Sylvia are all still showing some promise. The size and remoteness of Failor Lake gets some interest particularly if anglers are using a boat. Surprisingly, Aberdeen Lake has been yielding some good size trout throughout the summer. Lake Sylvia will be steady because of its location at a state park and the frequent replants to satisfy campers.
Summer-run steelhead fishing is going to require some work. The mere mention of the word will discourage some fishers. There are many reasons for this situation. First of all, the number of fish in the hosting rivers is relatively low. Secondly, river conditions are as difficult as one could imagine, being low and clear. Thirdly, the best time to hook a steelhead, under those circumstances, is before dawn and after sunset. This schedule will impact sleep in a big way.
An emerging fishery at this time is the pursuit of sea-run cutthroat trout. This may be a desirable activity since these fish spend a lot of time in estuary water. They are capable of moving upstream in low-water conditions to spawn, but they can congregate near snag patches where salt water meets fresh water. Where you can find one, you will more than likely find a school of fish.
These are anadromous fish, which means they migrate up rivers from the ocean to spawn. They possess orange-colored meat and are fine eating.
One of the great problems with fishing sea-runs are the regulations surrounding this fishery. In the past, a generous catch limit accompanied this fishery, however, the daily catch limit is no more than two.
In some rivers, only hatchery sea-runs may be retained and wild fish must be released. Then again, there are some streams which are closed entirely to these fish. So, anglers will need to do their homework in terms of the regulations pertaining to the sea-run cutthroat season.
Unlike the sea-run cutthroat cycle, there are resident cutthroat trout occupying local rivers. The regulations would be similar to those of sea-runs and anglers will need to be aware of the rules.
An activity which should not be overlooked is surf fishing at the ocean. This is not a complicated fishery and exists in our “backyard.” Those engaging this type of fishing do well casting a line from the shore or the jetties. The surfperch fishing is year-round when fishing from the beach. Furthermore, there is a generous daily limit of twelve surfperch. The regulations for surf fishing may be found in the marine section of the Washington Department of Fisheries pamphlet.
To answer the question of where to fish, we are blessed to live in a fishing mecca which provides many options. Simply pick one.
