State, tribal, federal and regional enhancement groups released steelhead smolt between April 15-May 31, 2010. They were hatchery-reared steelhead released at a minimum size of 10 fish per pound. The majority of the adults from these releases are expected to return this winter and 2012 summer seasons.
Here are the winter numbers for some area rivers: White River, 26,300; Skokomish River 20,530; Lewis River system 210,200; and Cowlitz River system 719,000. The data can be found at wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/plants/steelhead/2010.html.
RIVERS
Green: Anglers are catching some dark coho and more and more chum. Floating jigs tipped with shrimp seems to be a good setup to start with.
Kennedy: Anglers are catching an occasional chum, but the action is far from red hot. Try corkies and yarn or flies in green.
Minter: The chum are not there in any numbers; dark-colored jigs are producing a few fish.
Olympic Coast: The rivers are still producing good catches of chinook and coho. While not great, the fishing has been consistent from day to day, Jim Kerr of Rain Coast Guides said.
Puyallup: There are a few bright coho still in the river. Red corkies and yarn seem to be the most effective method right now, or use eggs. The river level is well below normal, and the water is clear.
Satsop: The coho action is on the slow side, but there are plenty of chum. Regulations call for all chum to be released.
Yakima: While water temperatures are fairly cold, the trout are still feeding. Use sink tip lines and streamers in the morning, then shift to nymphs shortly after noon, said a staff member at Red’s Fly Shop.
LAKES
Chelan: A lot of eating-size fish are being caught off the Monument. Anton Jones of Darrell and Dad’s Family Guide Service recommends trolling Worden’s Lures F7 Flatfish there. For bigger fish, go off the Yacht Club with a T4 purple glow Flatfish.
Kapowsin: An angler online reported landing a 6-pound largemouth bass late last week. Plastic bait seems to be working best.
Munn: People are having some good days on the lake, catching rainbows and brown trout. Try chironomids fished slowly.
Pass: Fly anglers should find the trout willing to hit chironomids fished on a longer leader under an indicator.
SALTWATER
Beaches: A razor clam dig will take place Friday and Saturday at Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Mocrocks. Copalis and Kalaloch will not be open. No digging will be allowed either day before noon. The best digging is an hour or two before the low tide. On Friday, the low tide of -0.4 feet will be at 6:48 p.m.; on Saturday, it will be -0.4 feet at 7:23 p.m.
Hood Canal: The chum action has improved.
South Sound/Tacoma: The action has been on the slow side, but state creel checks show people are catching a few chum and blackmouth.
Jeffrey P. Mayor, staff writer jeff.mayor@thenewstribune.com blog.thenewstribune.com/adventure
