Lakes and rivers join to boost success rate

I's been a while since I've been able to write a report with so many consistently good reports. Lake anglers are finding cooperative trout throughout the region. Lakes on the east side of the state are fishing well. Folks looking for steelhead and spring chinook should make the drive to the Cowlitz.

Lakes

American: Anglers are reporting they are catching some rainbow and cutthroat trout, but the action is slow overall. One angler reportedly landed a 4-pound rainbow. The successful folks are using worms.

Black: Trout fishing seems to be picking up, but is still fair at best. Anglers online are reporting having success trolling with spoons.

Eastside: Lakes that opened Monday, such as Lenice, are fishing really well. The warm winter has the early season off to a good start. Chironomids and then leeches as the water warms are good choices.

Munn: The fishing has been fair since the opener Monday. Try using dark colored gear, starting with black or green.

Offut: The lake was stocked early this week with 1,200 3-year-old cutthroat, said Becky Pogue at Offut Lake Resort. Try using night crawlers and spinner baits from boats and the dock.

Spanaway: Dock fishing has been OK. Try a 5- to 7-foot leader with Power Bait. The swimming area has been producing a few fish for people casting spinners. The southeast side is best for boat anglers with Power Bait, said Bud Herlitzka at Spanaway Park Boathouse.

Salt water

Fly-fishing: The action has picked up a little in Marine Area 13. Titlow Beach has been producing some resident coho, said Anil Srivastava at Puget Sound Fly Co. From Kent south, anglers are catching some sea-run cutthroat trout. Use small fry patterns like the miniceiver.

South Sound: A few blackmouth are being caught, but it’s still a bit early for this area. Anglers are catching some fish off Point Gibson, Fox Point, Wollochet Bay and sand spit area

Tacoma: Fishing has improved a bit, but is still fair. The largest fish caught so far this week weighed 14 pounds, said Art Tachell at Point Defiance Boathouse Marina. Trolling has been most effective. Try off the boathouse, Quartermaster harbor and along the waterfront at Les Davis Pier.

Rivers

Chehalis: Anglers are picking up a few steelhead. The river is in good shape in terms of color and flow, said Jim McDaniel at Tumwater Sports. Try pulling plugs such as Wiggle Worts or Tadpollies or using shrimp.

Cowlitz: The fishing has been very good, with a mix of spring chinook and late winter-run steelhead, said Don Glaser at Barrier Dam Campground. He said there have been a lot of springers showing up for this time of year. Shrimp and eggs have been the favored bait, but plugs and divers are working as well. Glaser said he weighed two steelhead that topped 20 pounds early in the week.

Olympic Coast: Fishing has been fair this week. Good weather has made the rivers clear and they’re starting to drop, making the fishing tougher, said Bob Gooding at Olympic Sporting Goods. The Hoh and Sol Duc would be the best bets.

Wynoochee: The river has dropped back into shape and the steelhead fishing has been fair, said a staffer at Verle’s Sports Center. The other area rivers also are back in shape.

Yakima: The river flow has jumped up in the last few days, so the river above Ellensburg might be the best place to try, said a report from Red’s Fly Shop. Try larger stoneflies and nymphs.

Jeffrey P. Mayor: 253-597-8640

Jeff.mayor@thenewstribune.com

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