Brown trout biting at Spanaway Lake

The temperatures might be dipping, but the action is heating up a bit on Spanaway Lake.

Anglers have been catching brown trout as big as 19 inches on the south end of the lake, said Bud Herlitzka of Spanaway Lake Boat House.

“I’ve been really pleased with the growth of the browns,” Herlitzka said. “And the browns don’t stop biting when it gets cold, unlike the rainbows. The rainbows get a little lazy when it gets cold.”

Herlitzka recommended trolling at depth of about 5 feet. He says the action seems to be picking up during the middle of the day.

LAKES

American: Kokanee, perch and rainbow trout are all biting.

Chelan: Anton Jones of Darrell and Dad’s Family Guide Service suggests using spoons in chartreuse splatter back glow for those trying to land trout. He suggests purple glow flatfish north of the Chelan Yacht Club.

Lone: Fly-fishermen are having success.

Mayfield: Go deep with Power Eggs and worms for the best chance to catch rainbow trout.

Riffe: A good option if you’re looking to land silvers this weekend. Worms and cocktail shrimp seem to be working best.

Sammamish: Good cutthroat fishing continues here, said Mike Chamberlain of Ted’s Sports Center in Lynnwood.

Washington: The action has been slow.

RIVERS

Columbia: Anglers are catching sturgeon in the Bonneville Pool and walleye in The Dalles Pool.

Cowlitz: The action is showing signs of heating up but has been inconsistent.

Lewis: “It’s not red-hot,” Chamberlain said, “but it’s a good option.”

Olympic Peninsula: “The Olympic Peninsula rivers are definitely the best place to go right now,” Chamberlain said. The Hoh, Sol Duc, Quillayute and Bogachiel rivers are proving to be good options.

SALT WATER

Tacoma: The Point Defiance Boathouse Marina staff reports that fishing is picking up. They recommend trolling between the slag pile and the clay banks or the Quartermaster Harbor area. Most anglers are using flasher and spoon at a depth of 90-140 feet.

North Sound: Marine Area 9 is a solid choice for anglers, and Marine areas 5 and 6 opened to fishing Wednesday. Oak Harbor is a good place to jig for smelt this weekend. Most anglers are having no trouble catching their limit of one chinook in areas 5 and 6.

Discovery Bay: The Gardiner Salmon Derby starts today and runs through Monday. The derby winner gets $10,000. Participants can launch from Freshwater Bay, Port Angeles, Sequim, Port Townsend and Discovery Bay and can fish over 500 miles. Tickets are $40. For information, visit www.gardinersalmonderby.org.

Craig Hill: 253-597-8497