19 minute read
LAKE WASHINGTON’S OTHER, OTHER, OTHER FISHERY
You’d be crazy not to try your hand at catching crawdads. Season begins in May in Washington and whether you’re looking to cook up natives like signals or eating the invaders like red swamp, northern and rusty crayfish, it’s a fun way to spend a day. (SCOTT HAUGEN)
There are crawdads to be had on the Emerald City water, and your shrimp gear – minus about 300 feet of leaded rope – will work just fine.
By Mark Yuasa
Mention the word “crayfish” and the first thing that comes to mind is Louisiana, where the shellfish lurks in the swamps and bayous and, as a valued commodity, has been raised in fish farms since the 1880s.
While this may be the case in the Bayou State – where they’re dubbed the official crustacean – what many don’t realize is that a wild and larger species is thriving on the bottom of Lake Washington in the backyard of the Emerald City.
The signal crayfish found in Washington aren’t the same species as those found in other parts of the country or world, but they are tastier and bigger than Louisiana’s red swamp and white river crayfish.
“We don’t do any monitoring of crayfish outside of a little commercial catch, but even that data hasn’t been recorded for quite some time,” says Steve Caromile, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife inland fish manager.
I WENT OUT with a commercial fisherman some time ago to find out more about these creatures in Lake Washington.
He had set 120 pots in three locations around the north end of the lake, and it took less than two hours to pull, clean and reset the pots with an electric winch yielding a haul of 70 pounds. Back at the marina, hidden under the dock in the water, he revealed his catch over the past few days, which consisted of two 50-gallon garbage cans brimming with live crayfish.
Not too shabby for a part-time job yielding about $3 to $4 per pound commercially and a value of $5 to $6 per pound on the local retail market.
Surprisingly, Caromile says there hasn’t been any commercial crayfish fishery in Lake Washington since 2016. In previous years his agency handed out about 12 permits statewide annually, with a few dedicated for Lake Washington.
Here is a snippet from WDFW on average commercial catch variances:
In northern Lake Washington there were 25 landings in 2014 with an overall catch of 1,639 pounds for an average of 65.56 pounds per landing; eight in 2015 with a catch of 342 for 42.75; and five in 2016 with a catch of 198 for 39.60. In southern Lake Washington, there were three in 2015 with a catch of 139 for 46.33.
Despite a lack of commercial fishing of late, there are sport anglers quietly catching their share around Lake Washington in a fairly clean fishery not requiring a lot of gear nor ingenuity. You can even find a Facebook page devoted to Washington crayfish.
“It is certainly worth someone’s time to pursue them on Lake Washington, and for that matter it can be pretty good in all local basin lakes with a hard bottom,” says Danny Garrett, a WDFW biologist who has spent numerous years studying fish and other creatures in the huge urban watershed. “It wouldn’t take much effort for someone to catch them, as far as I know.”
Signal crayfish are a key part of the food base in the region’s lakes and streams, but can be outbred by introduced species from the South. Ironically, signals have been introduced into European waters, leading to
concerns there as well. (ASTACOIDES, WIKIMEDIA, CC BY SA 3.0)
THESE MINI-CRUSTACEANS ARE referred to
by various names including crayfish, crawfish, crawdad, crawdaddies, mud bugs and yabbies. Yabbies? Whatever you call them, they’re a close relative to the lobster, shrimp and crab.
Only the signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) is native to Washington, but nonnative invasives that are also here include the red swamp, northern and rusty crayfish. Signals have a uniform brownish coloration, white or light coloration of the claw joint and a smooth surface of its carapace and claws (head and back). Nonnatives have distinguished pronounced bumps on their claws.
In Lake Washington and other freshwater waterways across the state, crayfish are open for sport harvest from the first Monday in May through Oct. 31. Season is closed during the winter and early spring to protect the population’s reproductive time.
Signal crayfish are slow to grow to adult size, taking around two to three years to reach the minimum legal size of 3¼ inches – as measured from the tip of the rostrum, or nose, to the tip of the tail – but they can grow as big as 6 inches or more in five to six years.
The daily limit is 10 pounds in the shell, which equates to 10 to 16 crayfish per pound. Signals are the only crayfish that may be removed from the vicinity of the waterbody alive. All females with eggs or young attached must be immediately returned to the water unharmed.
Nonnative crayfish need to be kept in a separate container and must be dead before being removed from any body of water. There aren’t daily limit, size or sex restrictions on red swamp, northern and rusty crayfish, but the same season dates apply.
No shellfish/seaweed license is required for crayfish, and each person is allowed to set star traps, ring nets or pots, and up to five units of gear per person may be used to collect crayfish. They can also be harvested by hand or a dipnet. Unlike crab and shrimp, no colored or mesh-size restriction on buoys are required, but they must be marked on the surface by some type of flotation device. For specific rules, be sure to check WDFW’s regulation pamphlet, available at wdfw.wa.gov.
THE FEEDING HABITS of crayfish are
anything. Their diet changes as they grow from juveniles to adults, which may be the main factor why juveniles rarely enter traps.
For bait, use oily canned cat or dog food with small holes punched in the top and top it off with a salmon or other fish carcass. You can also use chicken necks or gizzards.
Crayfish prefer structure (rock piles and boulders) and areas with
The Northwest won’t be confused with Louisiana anytime soon, but the rewards can be the same for those who get after
crawdads. (FISHIING PHOTO CONTEST)
a hard bottom. Juvenile crayfish lurk in shallow, weedy areas with overhanging brush and knockeddown trees to find protection from predators – and each other, since they’re cannibalistic. Large adults prefer deeper water to avoid being preyed on by birds and land mammals. The common depth to set traps is 15 to 30 feet, but no deeper than 40 feet. Overnight soaks or longer usually provide the best catches since crayfish are nocturnal and tend to come out at night.
BESIDES LAKE WASHINGTON other
places to seek out crayfish include Lake Sammamish; Pine Lake on the Issaquah Plateau; Lake Samish in Whatcom County; Deer Lake on Whidbey Island; and Lake Cavanaugh, McMurray Lake, Clear Lake and Pass Lake in Skagit County.
East of the Cascade Range, Moses Lake is considered a haven for crayfish seekers.
Regardless of the waterway you choose for this relatively easy, fun fishing activity, be sure to have a big pot of boiling water, Cajun seasoning (Old Bay is my choice), garlic, butter, corn, potatoes and andouille sausage staged in the kitchen when you get home for a bounty of yumminess.
My mouth is watering just thinking about “pinching the tail and sucking the head!” NS
Father’s Day
GIFT GUIDE
POINT DEFIANCE MARINA
Give Dad the social isolation he has been dreaming about. Rent a boat down at the Point Defiance Marina and take him fishing for the day. Area 11 salmon fishing is currently set to open mid-June, just in time for Dad to celebrate his day by casting his line into Puget Sound.
A message to all dads:
The Point Defiance Marina wishes you and your family a Happy Father’s Day. Come join us and seas the day.
metroparkstacoma.org/place/point-defiance-marina/
BLACK HILLS AMMUNITION
The Black Hills .300 Blackout 115-grain dual performance projectile is monolithic copper, precision machined to provide effective performance. The bullet’s frontal portion is designed to easily expand to form an effective wound cavity. The expanding petals then fracture, creating additional penetrating projectile fragments that pierce the stressed tissue, cutting separate wound tracks from the projectile’s remaining solid shank. The main shank of the projectile, once free of the petals, continues on, ensuring adequate penetration even at varied velocities.
My memory of my dad:
I once told my dad that I couldn’t do something. He told me, “Can’t never could do nothin’.” What he meant was that if you limit yourself, saying you “can’t,” then you are probably right. To this day he is the toughest man I ever met. He rolled a firetruck on the way to a fire. It landed on him and broke his pelvis. I never saw him so much as wince while working at being able to walk again. I watched him working with frigid tools barehanded in a raging blizzard because there wasn’t room for gloves. He jumped into an open sewer to try to save a drowning boy. He built businesses and ranches when bankers refused to back him and tried to cancel his loans. He worked incredible hours to make sure we had a roof over us and food on the table. He and Mom had me, lost two daughters, then went on with hope and love to have three more boys. They raised us with faith in God, love of our country, respect for the flag, a sense of duty and respect for others. I was lucky to have a dad who is a man in every sense of the word. –Jeff Hoffman, Owner
black-hills.com
VERLE’S
Verle’s has the Big Chief front load package for you. Smoking is made simple with the Big Chief, as all you have to do is plug it in to a standard household outlet. Just place your food (after brining or preparation) on one of the five racks that sit over the top of the drip pan. The smoker’s capacity is a whopping 50 pounds of meat or fish!
Includes: smoker, five easy-slide chrome-plated grills, electric cord, drip pan, wood flavor pan, recipe booklet, plus four free bags of Smokehouse Chips & Chunks.
Father’s Day special: $135.99 until June 20th, 2021.
verles.com
BARNAUL
Every dad needs more ammo for Father’s Day.
Barnaul Ammunition offers a wide variety of steel-cased cartridges in the major calibers your dad needs. Handgun calibers: .380 Auto, 9-Mak, 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 Auto. Rifle calibers: 5.45x39, .223 Rem. (5.56), .300 BLK, 7.62x39, .308 Win, 7.62x54R and .30-06 Spring. Pick some up from your local store today and enjoy the range time with Dad! Premium Russian ammunition that delivers.
barnaulammo.com
SOUTH HILL RV
Our No. 1 selling camera is the Furrion with the 7-inch monitor (we also offer them with 5- and 4.3-inch monitors for a few bucks less). Over the years we have tried just about every backup camera brand out there, but none have compared to the Furrion systems.
They provide crystal-clear images to avoid any blind spots and are amazing for backing up and parking. The other options are adding side cameras and a security camera by the entry door so you can keep an eye on your unit if you step away for an adventure! This is an option that any dad would love on their RV!
Seven-inch backup camera and monitor: $650; add the side camera with backup camera and monitor for $950.
About my dad:
I lost my dad to pancreatic cancer in 2004; it was the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with. Not only was he my dad, but my best friend, my mentor, my trainer and so much more! I cannot thank him enough for everything he has taught me, from always putting family first to working the hardest for anything you want in life, and just all the time we spent together, even all the hard lessons learned. He is who made me the man I am today and if I can be even half the man he was, I am happy! He was/is the best father, family man and person I have ever met and ever will meet! I would give any and everything in the world to just get another five minutes with him, and suggest to anyone who does have their father here on Earth, do not take it for granted. It has been many years now, but I still talk to him daily, ask his advice and always ask myself what would Dad do in just about every situation I deal with! Happy Father’s Day, Dad! –Ted Tatum, Sales Manager
southhillrv.com
POCKET OX
Remember when we could throw a buck on the tailgate or yard our dirt bikes out of the brush without waiting on a buddy? Bikes got heavier, tailgates taller and, frankly, those buddies are showing some wear. Idaho’s Pocket Ox builds the smallest most powerful “In your pack, not in the truck” manual hoists. Save your back for scoopin’ up grandkids. They come sooner than you think.
PocketOx.com
FARMER GEORGE MEATS
OLD FASHION BUTCHER SHOP ~ PORT ORCHARD, WA (360)876-3186 ~ farmergeorgemeats.com
WILD GAME PROCESSING
We can cut and process your game animals.
CUSTOM SLAUGHTER
Raising farm animals? We provide slaughter & cut & wrap services.
RETAIL PRODUCTS
A huge variety of meat products at an affordable price.
Serving the greater Kitsap County area since the 1950s. We are a one-stop shop for all of your meat needs specializing in a large range of meat products.
FARMER GEORGE MEATS
Surprise your dad with a variety of meat packs and a perfect piece of steak. All of our meat packages are an excellent way to receive more meat for your money. If you would like to place an order, please give us a call at (360) 876-3186! Please give us one week to complete your order.
Outdoorsmen are not left out either! We will cut and wrap all of your animals, including harvested birds and fish.
farmergeorgemeats.com
SAUVIE ISLAND DUCK CLUB
Duck club members have access to several acres of private hunting area. Blinds are located in three main areas (and three smaller areas) within the property to help maximize hunting potential and minimize member contact.
Sauvie Island Duck Club is located on a great flyway and is a mallard haven! The following memberships are available: Day, Week and Season at a cost of $200, $750 and $2,000, respectively. Sauvie Island Duck Club is a private waterfowl hunting club located approximately 10 miles northwest of Portland, Oregon, along US Route 30. Call Ron at (503) 539-5396 or check out the website for more information.
siduckclub.com
DARA HOLSTERS & GEAR, INC.
Dara Holsters’ Custom IWB Holster features a patented curved clip, designed to mimic the curve of the waistband. This keeps the gun tight to the body and secured to the belt. Proudly made in the USA, and backed by a lifetime warranty.
daraholsters.com
SCAN MARINE
The ultimate in versatility for Dad on Father’s Day! · Onboard cooking and heating from one product! · No exposed flame for safety and clean, efficient burn. · Thermo control panel for great comfort control. · Quiet, variable output, no off/on system cycling. · Great-looking ceramic cooktop for easy cleaning.
scanmarineusa.com
TIMBER CREEK OUTDOORS
Treat your dad or yourself this Father’s Day with an Enforcer Kit from Timber Creek Outdoors.
Available in nine colors, this kit features high-end performance parts and jawdropping looks that improve usability, ergonomics and dependability of any smallframed MSR. It’s perfect for sportsmen, competitors, firearms enthusiasts and people who trust their lives to their equipment.
Timber Creek products are made in the USA and come with a lifetime warranty. MSRP: $749.99.
Our message to dads:
Dads make the best hunting partners and range buddies. Happy Father’s Day to all of those dads out there!
timbercreekoutdoorsinc.com
NOWLIN ARMS
Proven reputation. Eight world championships and 22 national titles, all won by competitors using Nowlin. Today, you can elevate your own 1911 to this level of performance with Nowlin’s ECM Match Grade barrels. Made from 416 rifle-quality bar stock, with ultrasmooth ECM rifling, 40 RC hardness, and an 8 RMS bore finish, Nowlin 1911 barrels deliver maximum accuracy. Nowlin’s unique precut barrel locking lug design ensures precise engagement, while centering the firing pin on the primer. Under 1 inch at 25 yards and under 1½ inches at 50 yards in the company’s barrel testing fixture.
nowlinarms.com
VELOCITY PRECISION
Like all Velocity Precision products, their Recoil-less Bolt Carrier is designed with accuracy and performance in mind. Their unique patent-pending design is stronger than other low-mass bolt carriers and is one of the lightest bolt carriers on the market.
The Recoil-less Bolt Carrier significantly reduces your rifle’s recoil impulse for faster follow-up shots and its Nano Diamond Nickel coating makes it extremely wear-resistant, easy to clean and uncompromisingly durable. This unique coating creates a very slick surface that reduces the probability of failures due to a lack of lubrication, reduces typical wear and tear on expensive parts, and truly makes shooting your AR-15 much more fun. The real value when it comes to lightweight bolt carriers comes when it’s paired with an adjustable gas block, which is why Velocity Precision offers both in a bundled product package. Reducing the rifle’s returning gas, together with the reduced weight of the bolt carrier is what reduces the recoil and muzzle rise to nearly zero. Without both you’re really only going halfway!
velocitytriggers.com
When It Absolutely When It Absolutely Positively Has To Positively Has To Stay There Overnight Stay There Overnight
24 oz. 24 oz.
Ancient Technology Modern Materials
ULTIMAK
Lyle at UltiMAK designed the first practical AK optic mount in the 1990s, and has been adding to the product line ever since. Supported platforms now include a host of AK variants, including AK pistols, plus the M1 Garand rifle, M-14/M1A, Mini-14 and the M1 .30 Carbine.
Starting out in a musical instrument shop, Lyle has applied his unique perspective into mechanics and ergonomics to the field of firearms. Since then, UltiMAK has been making and selling optic mounts and rail systems for over 20 years, and has become the name in mounting systems for the above rifle platforms.
UltiMAK’s latest product is a forward optic mount for the KP-9 pistol made by Kalashnikov USA (available soon at Kalashnikov). For the rest of the product line, check out the website or call (208) 8834734. Avail yourself of the UltiMAK system, and let your rifle sing!
ultimak.com
PRESENT ARMS, INC.
The AR Hook is another “third hand” from Present Arms. It is an AR cleaning rod guide and upper receiver strut. Simply hook the upper receiver and pin to the lower with the takedown pin. Use it with Present Arms’ patented Sentinel Plate and AR magazine post, sold separately, for the perfect user-friendly AR cleaning station.
presentarmsinc.com
DISPLAY ★ CLEANING ASSEMBLY
Stands for magazine fed firearms
AMERICAN MADE, VETERAN OWNED
Cost effective platforms for the professional to novice shooter
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PRESENT ARMS INC. presentarmsinc.com • 413-575-4656
