River shutdowns wreak havoc for fishing statewide

▪ River shutdowns are slowing down fishing across the state.

▪ King salmon fishing could be shut down in the North Sound soon.

▪ A meeting at the WDFW Region 5 Office in Vancouver, Washington will be held July 30th to discuss river closures and other management policies.

SALTWATER

WESTPORT: Pretty slow over the last few days. Weather has been nice, but the water has been choppy at times. No hot spots have been found yet. Yesterday, some moderate success was found two miles out and four miles north. Information from Westport Charters website.

NORTH SOUND: King salmon fishing has been decent. Most fish are anywhere from seven to eight pounds with occasional jumps into the mid-teens. Mike Chamberlain of Ted’s Sports Center thinks time is running out, though. As of Saturday, half of their king salmon quota had been caught. He said there might be two or three days left of king salmon fishing. Coho are fairly numerous and range from two to four pounds. Good numbers of pink salmon near Fort Casey.

RIVERS

KALAMA: Starting this year, fishing will be closed within 1,000 feet downstream of the hatchery. A meeting July 30th at the WDFW Region 5 Office in Vancouver, Washington will be held to discuss salmon management policies. Information from a WDFW press release.

SKYKOMISH: Took a big hit this week with river shutdowns, though part is still open in the terminal hatchery areas. There are some steelhead in there, but it is tough fishing. The water is very low and clear. Target the faster water areas that provide cover and oxygen. Those having success are using smaller jigs and baits. Spinners and spoons are working.

COLUMBIA: Low water flow and high water temperatures are making life difficult for anglers. Boat anglers fishing the gorge and mouths of tributaries are finding modest success.

LAKES

AMERICAN: It’s been very slow because of warmer water temperatures. Fishing off docks has been the best, David Anderson of Bill’s Boathouse said. Trolling hasn’t found any success at all. A long leader four or five feet cast out with green or yellow Power Bait has been working for trout.

CHELAN: Trolling continues to be the way to go for trout. On the Bar, depths of 120 to 170 feet will yield the best results.

MINERAL: The fishing has been good. Trolling has been effective and anglers have been catching their limits on rainbow and brown trout. Power Bait and worms have been effective.

This story was originally published July 21, 2015 at 4:59 PM with the headline "River shutdowns wreak havoc for fishing statewide."