Catching fish might require lots of time, effort and miles

In order to catch fish right now in Western Washington, anglers are going to have to put in some work.

“They are not going to want to jump into your truck … so they can grace themselves on your table,” said Wayne Orzel of Pritchard’s Western Angler. However, he says, there are steelhead to be had on the Kalama River.

Whether it’s saltwater, lake or river fishing, other bait shops are offering similar reports this week.

“Lake Sammamish isn’t gangbusters, but if you have a couple of hours to fish … ,” said Mike Chamberlain of Ted’s Sports Center in Lynnwood.

Even those wanting easy fishing are going to have to put in work behind the wheels of their cars.

“If you want really good fishing, the place to be right now is probably the lakes in Grant and Adams counties,” Chamberlain said.

Rivers

Columbia: The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife says anglers aren’t catching many sturgeon below Bonneville Dam. However, some boat anglers are having luck at John Day Pool. The WDFW also reports that anglers at John Day Pool are averaging a bass per rod and one walleye per three rods.

Cowlitz: Steelhead are biting for anglers using shrimp or corkies and yarn near Blue Creek, said Marshall Borsom at Fish Country earlier this week.

Methow: The fish are skinny, but they are biting, Chamberlain said.

Lakes

American: The action has been slow because of poor weather, said David Anderson of Bill’s Boathouse. However, he said, 1,000 trout per week will be released, and that certainly will make for good fishing.

Riffe: The silvers are biting for those using cocktail shrimp and worms.

Mayfield: Anglers are seeing occasional trout success.

Sammamish: There are cutthroat to be had, but it might take some time to land them.

Washington: The action has been crummy for about two months, Chamberlain said.

Eastern Washington: Lake Chelan offers good fishing along Mack Bar. Anton Jones of Darrell and Dad’s Family Guide Service recommends using chartreuse or purple Worden Lures U20 Flatfish. He also says using Woolly Buggers on the banks of Rufus Woods Lake should yield lots of trout for fly-fishermen.

Salt water

Tacoma: There has been some good fishing in the area for those willing to put in the time according to the staff at the Point Defiance Boathouse Marina. Try fishing Dalco Passage and Quartermaster Harbor using flashers and spoons.

Hood Canal: Head to the north end of the canal for the best chance of catching chinook.

South Sound: A staffer at Zittel’s Johnson Point Marina says there’s not a lot of pressure and not a lot of fish being caught.

North Sound: The best places to fish right now are inside Whidbey Island, Chamberlain said.

Craig Hill: 253-597-8497

craig.hill@thenewstribune.com

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