Fishing report for Jan. 5

SALT WATER

Razor clams: The state Department of Fish and Wildlife has approved razor clam digs for Copalis and Long Beach starting this week.

The state approved the digs after determining that marine toxins were at a safe level. The evening digs are scheduled for Thursday through Jan. 14 on Long Beach and Friday and Saturday only on Copalis Beach.

“The season opener at Copalis over the Christmas holiday was a huge success with most diggers filling their limits,” Dan Ayres, WDFW’s coastal shellfish manager, said in a prepared statement. “We’re excited that we can open Long Beach for the first time this season.”

Other beaches remain closed, but the state continues to monitor toxin levels.

Low tides are 4:57 p.m. on Thursday (0.1 feet), 5:37 p.m. on Friday (-0.4), 6:16 p.m. on Saturday (-0.8), 6:55 p.m. on Sunday (-1), 7:34 on Monday (-1), 8:14 p.m. on Tuesday (-0.8), 8:56 p.m. on Jan. 13 (-0.4) and 9:40 p.m. on Jan. 14 (0.2).

Ayres says the best digging is usually an hour or two before low tide. The limit is 15 clams, and diggers must keep the first 15 clams they dig. Diggers must have a license and must keep their clams in a container separate from others.

South Sound: The staff at the Point Defiance Boathouse Marina reports that action is slow, but anglers are catching blackmouth near Wollochet Bay, Point Gibson and Green Point. Trolling or mooching has been the best option. Marine Area 11 (Tacoma and Vashon Island) is closed to salmon fishing in January. Squidding is slowing down after a strong season.

Hood Canal: Remains open until Feb. 28 for crabbing. The portion of Admiralty Inlet north of the Hood Canal Bridge to the Foulweather-Bluff-to-Odele-Point line is also open to crabbing.

North Sound: Action is very slow, with inconsistent weather perhaps keeping some anglers home, according to Mike Chamberlain of Ted’s Sports Center in Lynnwood.

RIVERS

Columbia: Sturgeon fishing has been best for boat anglers, and bank anglers aren’t catching fish, according to the WDFW. The Dalles and John Day pools have seen a light effort for walleye but none for bass, according to WDFW records.

Cispus: Tacoma Power released 12 coho jacks last week near the mouth of Yellow Jacket Creek.

Cowlitz: Last week Tacoma Power recovered 90 coho adults, 33 jacks and 14 winter-run steelhead.

LEWIS: A WDFW survey showed that 81 anglers kept four hatchery steelhead and released four wild steelhead last week.

Nisqually: Closed to recreational fishing from the mouth to the bridge located a mile upstream of Muck Creek. According to the WDFW rule change memo, the action was taken because surveys and harvest information left agency and Nisqually Indian Tribe officials concerned that winter chum returns are less than forecast and could fall short of the escapement goal.

Skykomish: Reiter Pond has been the best option for those trying to catch steelhead.

Snoqualmie: Steelhead catches are few and far between. “We’re left scratching our head wondering why it’s so slow,” Chamberlain said.

Tilton: Tacoma Power reported releasing 23 coho adults, 17 jacks and 13 winter-run steelhead last week at Gust Backstrom Park in Morton.

LAKES

Fort Borst: Lewis County lake was stocked with 1,500 rainbow trout on Dec. 22.

Harts: Recent reports indicate good crappie fishing.

Washington: Not many anglers heading out, but cutthroat are biting for those willing to brave the cold, Chamberlain said.

Moses: Anglers are doing well landing walleye.

This story was originally published January 5, 2016 at 3:03 AM with the headline "Fishing report for Jan. 5."