HOOK AND FUR By Bob Brown Some pretty nifty stuff is happening around the state this coming weekend, but by far, one of the most popular activities is the state's annual Free Fishing Weekend June 6-7. During those two days, everyone (including out of state visitors) can go fishing GÇôlegally GÇô without a license. And for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle and crowds associated with the free fishing, many rivers and streams have opened to recreational fishing. During the Free Fishing Weekend, no license is required to fish or gather shellfish in any state waters open to fishing. Also, no vehicle access pass or Discover Pass will be required during the weekend to park at any of the nearly 700 water access sites maintained by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). All other rules still apply, including seasons, area and lure or bait restrictions, and size and catch limits. Chris Donley, WDFW's inland fish program manager, said the no-license weekend "is a great time to try fishing, whether you are new to the sport, haven't taken up a rod and reel in years, or want to introduce a friend or young family member to the sport.GÇ¥ It has been said that fishing enhances people's quality of life, not only because it is fun, but also because it is a stress-relieving activity. Additional information regarding Free Fishing Weekend can be found on page 7 of the 2014-15 WDFW sport fishing rule pamphlet.
Other fishing updates
" Anglers continue to slam spring chinook and steelhead in the Cowlitz. Karen Glaser of Barrier Dam Campground reported anglers are catching limits of salmon. The limit is six fish. Out of the six, three can be three adults and three jacks. Tuna Bellies, Looney Cooney tails, shrimp and eggs are being used by bank anglers. Plugs have been the lure of choice for boat anglers. Last week, Tacoma Power employees recovered 1,002 spring chinook, 311 jacks, 37 winter steelhead, 39 summer steelhead and three cutthroat trout at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery. Total winter steelhead returns as of May 22 was 7,266 fish. Total spring chinook return was 11,325 fish. " The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife reported salmon fishing has been a little better than fair in the lower Columbia River; however, in the gorge was better, with boat anglers averaged nearly a spring chinook per boat. In the Troutdale area, it was about the same. In the stretch between Portland to Westport, boat anglers averaged 0.31 chinook and 0.07 steelhead per boat. Bank angling was slow throughout the lower Columbia. No WDFW creel report was available last week. " The Northern Pikeminnow Reward Fishery has been gangbusters throughout the Columbia and Snake rivers. In The Dalles area, 299 anglers caught 4,378 pikes while at Columbia Point 161 anglers caught 1,310 pikes and 210 smallmouth bass and at Ridgefield 33 anglers boated 314 pikeminnows. During the week May 18-24, a total of 11,835 pikes were caught, plus eight tagged fish worth $500.00 each in rewards were also caught. " Good news for anyone planning to fish Riffe Lake. The 108 Fishing Bridge at Taidnapam Park is open. " A lot of anglers are fishing for tiger muskies in Mayfield Lake and hooking into quite a few. However, there have been no keepers reported caught. " WDFW announced fish managers will release early winter hatchery steelhead into inland lakes again this year now that federal fisheries officials have decided to conduct full- scale environmental impact analysis of all Puget Sound hatchery steelhead programs. Until recently, WDFW officials believed the federal agency's timetable would allow the release of juvenile steelhead into rivers this spring, but those plans have now been canceled. Rivers that will not receive steelhead in 2015 include the Nooksack, Stillaquamish and Dungeness which would have received 150,000, 130,000 and 10,000 steelhead. The department will release the juvenile fish into inland waters that have no connection to Puget Sound. -á Bob Brown can be contacted at robertb1285@centurtlink.net
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