PHOTO BY RICH LANDERS richl@spokesman.com
INSIDE
» BEST BETS FOR OPENING DAY TROUT
PAGE 2
» THE REGION’S FISHING WATERS MAPPED
PAGES 5-8
Page 2
The Spokesman-Review
Thursday, April 12, 2012
FISHING 2012
Plenty of offerings Lowland lakes stocked with trout
Selective fisheries doing OK By Rich Landers
By Rich Landers richl@spokesman.com, (509) 459-5508
richl@spokesman.com (509) 459-5508
With plenty of water and plenty of fish filling the region’s lakes this spring, Spokane-area anglers should have little trouble putting fish in the cooler at lowland trout lakes that will open for the season on April 28. Washington fisheries officials expect 300,000 anglers to pursue about 3 million freshly stocked trout across the state. Hatchery trucks will be delivering a slightly higher percentage of the state’s beefy 1.5pound triploid rainbows to West Side waters this year, but Eastern Washington anglers aren’t likely to notice the difference, said John Whalen, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife regional fisheries manager. “We expect anglers to find good fishing, but things do change from year to year.” Williams Lake south of Cheney is expected to be one of the top trout waters on opening day. The fishery is scheduled to be freshened up with another plant of triploids just before the June 9-10 free-fishing weekend, when people can try the sport without having to buy a fishing license. “We’re planning another fishing basics class for adults on that weekend at Williams Lake,” Whalen said. Fishtrap Lake, a perennial opening day favorite, should fish pretty well, he said. West Medical Lake should be good for opening week anglers, but it won’t have the normal variety of trout age classes. “A big wind storm last fall at just the wrong time caused the lake to turn over very quickly, bringing the low-oxygen water from the bottom to the top of the lake so fast the fish had trouble dealing with it,” he said. “It appears that we had a significant loss of fish. We’ll do the best we
Washington’s “selective fishery” lakes opened March 1 or April 1, offering anglers early shots at trout that have a chance to grow large because of restrictive regulations. Bait is not allowed and single barbless hooks are required at selective fishery lakes and daily limits are reduced. Amber Lake south of Cheney, a darling of area fly fishers, has been producing excellent catches of chunky trout this season. Medical Lake is another selective fishery that produces large rainbows. Greenish colored chironomids can be the ticket at this lake on the right days. In the Columbia Basin, the April 1 fishing season opener at selective fisheries such as Dry Falls was cold and windy. Fly fishers who persisted for three to five hours caught and released an average of five fish, said Chad Jackson, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife District biologist. Trout size ranged from 10-20 inches. Yearling trout showed signs of last year’s shorter growing season, Jackson said. “Yearlings should easily be 12-14 inches by the opener instead of 10-12 inches,” he said. “Smaller yearling trout size has been observed in other lakes in the Basin this year. Over the next couple months these trout should grow to a nicer size.”
RICH LANDERS richl@spokesman.com
Fishtrap Lake resort docks are always busy on opening day of Washington's lowland lake fishing season.
Chapman Lake access doubtful Chapman Lake, a popular trout, kokanee and spiny ray fishing lake south of Cheney, may not reopen for public access this season. The family-operated Chapman Lake Resort did not open gates last year for the first time in decades. “We’re working with the private landowners to try to reach an agreement to get access into the lake, but these things move slowly,” said Chris Donley, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife lowland lakes manager. The state won’t be stocking trout in the lake this year without an agreement, but biologist will plant kokanee fry to maintain all year classes of the species. “We’ll spend a little state money now,” Donley said. “Then if we get the public access back, we’ll still have a kokanee fishery.”
can to stock a lot of large catchable fish to try to make up for it.” Badger Lake trout fishing continues to go downhill because of the growing infestation of smallmouth bass. “Badger is a question mark to us this year,” Whalen said. Fish Lake off the Cheney-
Marshall Road doesn’t attract as many anglers as some waters, but it has a loyal following of anglers who enjoy its unusual stocking scheme: Eastern brook trout and tiger trout. Most of the tiger trout run 12-17 inches, but Fish Lake produced a state-record tiger trout weighing 13.75 pounds in 2008.
Loon Lake continues to be best known for its kokanee fishery, which seems to be at its best on summer evenings. But the lake’s opening day is enhanced by plants of 1.5 pound triploid rainbows and net-pen raised trout come on later. Loon always produces a few nice mackinaw to tip the scales on opening day. Diamond Lake near Newport has rainbows, and it got a bunch of the big cutthroat broodstock hauled out of Kings Lake before it was closed for rotenone treatment last fall. Diamond is scheduled to get a new boat ramp and parking area this summer. North of Spokane, Deer Lake, which opened for fishing on March 1, has kokanee and trout that are facing more competition from smallmouth bass. Mackinaw fishing tends to be best right after the ice comes out – which is mid-April this year. Net pens help beef up the trout population.
Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Page 3
FISHING 2012
Derby taps free-fishing By Rich Landers richl@spokesman.com, (509) 459-5508
A prize totaling $500 awaits the angler who catches the biggest trout on June 9 during the first Sprague Lake Trout Derby. Fishermen have boated some huge rainbows out of the 1,840-acre lake since it was rehabilitated in 2007. The derby gives them a chance to cash in on their luck. All derby participants will be eligible for prize drawings, and kids especially will have a chance to win fishing rods, said Dave Broxson, co-organizer. The angler weighing in the second largest fish caught between 6 a.m. and the 6 p.m. weigh-in will win $100 in gift cards and merchandise provided by Cabela’s and Wholesale Sports. Third place gets goodies totaling $50. Tickets will be available the day of the derby at the two resorts on the lake: G Four Seasons Campground Resort, (509) 257-2332, on the northwest end of the lake. G Sprague Lake Resort, (509) 259-7060, at the east end of the resort just outside the town of Sprague. The Main Derby Station and weigh-in site will be situated just outside Sprague Lake Resort. Both resorts offer camping, boat rentals, boat launching, docks and tackle. To participate, anglers must purchase a derby ticket, $7 for adults, $5 for youths 16 and under.
Four Seasons Campground Resort
Sprague Lake yields big trout, like the 3.2-pound cutthroat caught by Jim Wenzel, left, or the 7.3-pound rainbow caught by Mike Shellenberger.
Fisherman’s Breakfast set for Sprague derby Local residents will be putting on a breakfast on June 9, the day of the Sprague Lake Trout Derby, as a fundraiser for the Sprague Volunteer Fire Fighters. Breakfast will be served 5 a.m.-noon at the Sprague Community Center, Third and C Street, next the fire station. Cost: $5.
Fish and Wildlife police and county sheriff marine patrols plan to patrol the lake, said Broxson, a member of the Sprague Lake User
will thrive. Selective fisheries, such as Amber and Coffeepot, have gear restrictions Eastern Washington has hundreds and reduced limits aimed at mainof fishing waters with various mixes taining fisheries of trophy size fish. of fish species to suit the taste of any Usually these are trout fisheries, but there are exceptions, such as Stan freshwater angler. Trout priority lakes, such as Badg- Coffin in Grant County, Eastern er, Fishtrap, West Medical and Wil- Washington’s only catch-and-release liams, are treated every 10-15 years to bass lake. kill competing species such as sunMix-species lakes, which include fish so generous plants of trout fry Clear, Silver, Waitts, Potholes Reserrichl@spokesman.com, (509) 459-5508
Many of northeastern Washington’s fishing lakes were still iced up last week when state fisheries biologist Bill Baker was trying to survey the fisheries. But he had some educated guesses on what fishermen could expect in Ferry, Stevens and Pend Oreille Counties. Perennial opening day favorites such as Starvation Lake should continue to be good. Curlew and Waitts lakes provide
longer range good fishing, bolstered by net pen operations. And Curlew offers the bonus chance to catch a huge tiger musky. Ellen Lake should be decent this year, propped up with plants of catchable-size trout. Baker had high hopes for Frater Lake as it gained a fishery coming off a lake rehabilitation. But winter kill appears to have crippled the fishery, he said.
Changes in fishing regulations
Group that’s organizing the event. “People want to make sure they have their boats up to code and their life jackets,” he said. “But they won’t need to buy a fishing license – we scheduled the derby for Washington’s free-fishing weekend.” The SLUG, as the group likes to call itself, also hopes anglers make sure their boats are clean of possible invasive species before launching. Anglers will have to play by the rules. The limit at Sprague Lake is 5 fish, only two can be longer than 20 inches. “The fishing conditions should be good for the derby, before the weeds grow up and any algae blooms come on,” Broxson said.
Lakes with something for everyone By Rich Landers
Mixed bag for northern lakes
voir and the vast majority of the region’s waters, have something for everybody, including annual plants of several thousand catchable-size trout large enough to escape the jaws of bass, panfish and other spiny-ray fish that provide angling diversity. Spiny-ray-only lakes, such as Shiner-Hutchinson lakes in the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge, are dedicated to species such as bass, crappie, bluegills and perch.
The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission has approved a slate of new fishing regulations that take effect May 1. New rules the commission approved that affect Eastern Washington anglers include: G Declassifying northern pike as a game fish. G Extending two-pole fishing options to include the Pend Oreille River and the lower Spokane River. G Changing the opening day of the lowland lake fishing season from the last Saturday in April to the fourth Saturday in April. G Revising the selectivefishery rules on the Kettle River to allow youths under age 15 to use bait to fish in 9 miles of the Kettle River from the Highway 21 bridge at Curlew to the Canada border. (Note: the Kettle River fishing season opens
May 26). G Establishing three management sections for regulating fishing in the Sanpoil Arm of Lake Roosevelt; walleye limits were not changed. G Opening about 2 miles of the upper Wind River to catch-and-release steelhead fishing Sept. 16-Nov. 30.
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Page 4
The Spokesman-Review
Thursday, April 12, 2012
FISHING 2012
Bounty on the rise for pike Rules making it easier to reel in toothy predator By Rich Landers richl@spokesman.com (509) 459-5508
Spoons, spinners, hooks, flies, baits and bobbers of all sizes hang like Christmas decorations in a window of the Kalispel Tribe’s fisheries office. “Every one of those lures has come out of northern pike we’ve handled in our research,” said biologist Jason Olson. “The variety of sizes and colors tell you pike will hit just about anything.” That’s the good news pike-oriented anglers can take to the Pend Oreille River – or numerous other pike fisheries in the region. The toothy predators, illegally introduced to western Montana and North Idaho decades ago, have boomed in the past decade in the Pend Oreille River downstream from Newport. As state and tribal fisheries managers thin the pike with nets to help stop their advancement downstream into the Columbia River, they’re also encouraging anglers to catch and keep pike. “When we started doing tagging surveys years ago, we used hook and line to catch pike,” Olson said, noting that the researchers later advanced to electro-shocking and even gillnets. “We caught our first pike on this,” he said, holding a 1-ounce chartreuse spoon with a pair of red beads for eyes. “Since then, we’ve caught them on soft baits, with spinners, plugs and all sorts of lures, bigger and smaller.
RICH LANDERS richl@spokesman.com
Anglers fish for northern pike in the Pend Oreille River near Cusick.
gler with a beefy rod casting a foot-long plug or soft bait. Contests target northern pike Washington paved the April 14: Pend Oreille River Pike Spring Fling open way for a deadly pike tournament, staging at Cusick Boat Launch. Entry, combo this year by adding $15. Limited to 20 boats. Preregister: (509) 263-7235 the Pend Oreille River to or email douglaswood@comcast.net. waters where two poles April 28-29: Lester V. Smith Memorial Pike can be used. The new rule Tournament at Lake Coeur d’Alene. Info: Fins and takes effect on May 1. Cost Feathers Sport Shop, (208) 667-9304. of the necessary two-pole May 5-6: Boundary Reservoir Northern Pike endorsement has been Contest, runs in conjunction with Bassin’ Assassin reduced to $14.30. bass tournament, based out of Western Star Bar and From shore or anGrill in Metaline. Info: (509) 446 2105 or (206) chored in a boat, anglers 386-4580. could cast a slip-bobber June 29-July 1: Kalispel Tribe Pike Contest, family rig and soak a herring bait event for shore or boat fishing with variety of prizes – or even a perch (these for all participants. Preregistration and rules to be baits must be dead to be posted at www.kalispeltribe.com. Based out of Pend legal). Then use a second Oreille Valley Sportsman in Oldtown. rod to cast a spoon, plug, Aug. 3-5: Kalispel Tribe Pike Contest, (same as topwater lure or soft bait. above). Rigging a swimbait Spring-summer: North Idaho Pike Association weedless – with the hook tourneys. Info: (509) 768-7281; point embedded in the www.northidahopikeassn.com. body, works well fished through weeds, Olson said. flutter down.” “If I had to pick just “Spinner baits work Other anglers have one, it would be a spoon. well, too, but I avoid them It covers a lot of water and different opinions, of works well on the retrieve. course. That’s what makes because they’re expensive and pike trash them.” the world turn. It’s not Spoons can be even deaOlson likes to fish the uncommon to see an andlier when you let them
sloughs in Box Canyon Reservoir during spring as the water warms faster than in the main river and lures pike into shallows. By July, many of the adult pike head out of the
sloughs and disperse. Some stay near the mouths of sloughs while most hang out in and around weed beds in the main river during summer.
Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Page 5
IDAHO/MONTANA WATERS IDAHO FISHING SEASONS
YA: Year around, but specific rules may apply. R: Rivers and streams with special season restrictions. Note: Most lakes, reservoirs and rivers open year around for all species, but catch and release rules may apply. Exceptions listed in current regulations pamphlet. Note: Bull trout closed to harvest statewide.
Idaho Fees Resident hunt-fish combo..........................................$33.50 Resident fish ................................................................$25.75 Non-resident season ...................................................$98.25 One-day fishing.............................................................$12.75 Additional consecutive days .............................................$6 Res. juvenile (14-17) ......................................................$13.75 Juvenile combo.............................................................$17.50 (Kids under 14 ...............................................................FREE) 3-day non-resident steelhead ...................................$37.50 Idaho Waters Anderson 16-H. SR. YA. See regs. Antelope, 18-E. CT, RB. YA. See regs. Bacon, 21-K. CT. YA. Ball, 16-B. CT. YA. Benewah, 16-I. NP, SR. Closed. Big Sand, 24-N. CT. YA. Black, 16-H. SR. YA. Blue, 16-D. Channel cat, EB, SR, Tiger musky. YA. See regs. Blue, 16-H. SR. YA. See regs. Bonner, 18-B. RB, SR. See regs. Bottleneck, 16-C. EB. YA. Boulder Cr., 18-C. CT. YA. Breakfast Cr., 18-19 K. CT, EB, RB. YA. See regs. Brickel Cr., 15-F. CT, EB, RB. YA. Brush, 17-A. CT, RB, SR. YA. See regs. Bull Moose Lake, 16-B. RB. YA.
MONTANA FISHING SEASONS
G: Streams, special waters, May 19 to Nov. 30. Whitefish: Year around, with some exceptions. YA: Year around. GP: Glacier Park, check park regs. Note: “See regs” emphasizes need to see current regulations pamphlet for special rules. Bull trout (BT) closed statewide with some exceptions. Special license required for Indian waters.
Montana fees Resident fishing..................................................................$18 Non-resident 2-day fishing...............................................$15 Non-resident season ........................................................$60 Prerequisite license...........................................Residents $8 Prerequisite license...................................Nonresidents $10 Warmwater game stamp...................................................$5 Glacier Park fishing ........................................................FREE Fish, bird, big game combo.................................$542-$912 See regs for FREE juvenile licenses
Montana Waters Akokala, 24-A. CT. G. GP. Almeda, 26-D. CT. YA. Altoona, 28-M. CT. YA. Alva, 26-I. BT, CT, NP, SLV, SR, WF. YA. Alvord, 19-C. SR. YA. Arrow, 25-B. CT. G. GP. Ashley, 23 D-E. CT, SR, SLV. YA. Avalanche, 25-B. CT. G. GP. Badger Cr., 27-29 C-D. CT, EB, RB, WF. G. Bass, 24-M. CT. YA. Bean, 30-I. RB. YA. Big Creek Lk., 24-M. RB, YA. Big Salmon, 27-G. BT, CT, WF. YA. Birch Cr., 28-30 D-E. CT, EB, RB. G. Bitterroot River, 25 K-O. BT, CT, GB, RB, WF. See regs. Bitterroot, Little, 22-E. CT, RB, SLV, SR. See regs. Blackfoot River, 25-30 J-K. BT, CT, RB, WF, GB. See regs. Blackfoot, N.F., 28-29 I-J. BT, CT, RB, WF. G. See Regs. Blackfoot, Little, 29-30 L. CT, GB, RB, WF. G. See Regs. Blaine, 24-D. Mack, NP, SLV, SR. YA. Blanchard, 24-D. NP, SR. YA. Blossom, 19-H. EB, RB. YA. Bowman, 24-A. BT, CT, Mack, SLV. G. GP.
Callahan, 18-D. Grayling. YA. Callahan Cr., 18-D, 19-C. RB. YA. Caribou, 16-D. CT. YA. Cave, 16-H. NP, SR. YA. Cayuse Cr., 21-22 L. CT, WF. Catch and release. See regs. Chase, 16-C. SR. YA. See regs. Chatcolet, 16 H. CT, NP, SR. See regs. Clark Fork, 18-30 E-O. CT, GB, NP, RB, WF. See regs. Clearwater River, 16-19 L-O. CT, RB, SR, WF. YA. See regs. Clearwater, M.F., 19-20 O. CT, RB, SH, SR, WF. YA. See regs. Clearwater, N.F., 18-20 K-L. CT, RB, SR, WF. See regs. Clearwater, S.F., 17-19 M-O. RB. See regs. Cocolalla, 16-E. Channel cat, CT, GB, RB, SR. YA. Coeur d'Alene, 16 G-H. Chinook, CT, NP, SLV, SR. See regs. Coeur d'Alene River, 16-18 F-H. CT, RB, WF. See regs. Coeur d'Alene, N.F., 18 F-G. CT, EB, RB, WF. See regs. Couer d'Alene, S.F. 16-29 H. CT, EB, RB. See regs. Copper, 21-K. CT. YA. Coquina, 23-O. RB. YA. Cottonwood Cr., 16-17 M. RB. YA. Craig, 21-K. CT. YA. Crater, 19-J. Grayling. YA. Darling, 18-D. EB. YA. Dawson, 18-B. Channel cat, SR, Tiger musky. YA. See regs. Deep Cr., 17 B-C. CT, EB, RB. R. See regs. Elk Cr., 18 K-L. CT, EB, RB. YA. Elk Cr. Res., 18 K-L. EB, RB. See regs. Fawn, 20-K. CT. YA. Fernan, 16-G. Channel cat, CT, NP, RB, SR. YA. Fish Cr., 15-F. EB, RB. YA. Fish, 22-N. CT. YA. Fish, 22-K. CT. See regs. Fisher, Big, 17-B. CT. YA. Fishhook Cr. 19 I-J. CT. YA. Forage, 21-K. Grayling. YA.
Gamble, E-17. SR. YA. See regs. Glidden, Upper and Lower, 19-H. EB, RB. YA. See regs. Gold Cr., 17-F. Closed. Gold, 21-K. CT. YA. Granite, 16-F. SR. See regs. Granite Cr., 17 E-F. BT, CT, RB. See regs. Halo, 21-J. CT. YA. Harrison, 16-B. CT, RB. YA. Hauser, 15-G. Channel cat, CT, EB, NP, RB, SLV, SR, Tiger musky. YA. See regs. Hayden, 16-G. CT, NP, RB, SR, WF. See regs. Hayden Cr., 16-F. RB. R. See regs. Heart, 20-K. CT. YA. Herman, 18-B. SR. YA. Hero, 21-K. CT. YA. Hidden, 16-A. CT. See regs. Hoodoo Cr., 16-F. CT, EB, GB, RB, WF. YA. Hunt, 16-C. CT. YA. Jewel, 16-E. Channel cat, RB, SR. YA. See regs. Kelly Cr., 21-22 K-L. CT, RB, SLV, WF. Catch and release. See regs. Kelso, 16-E. RB, SR. See regs. Killarney, 17-H. NP, SR. YA. Kootenai River, 17-21 A-D. BT, CT, Ling, RB, SR, WF. YA. See regs. (Sturgeon closed.) Lapwai Cr., 16 M-N. RB. YA. Larkins, 20-K. CT. YA. Lawyers Cr., 17-18 N-O. RB. YA. Lightning Cr., 18 D-E. CT, EB, RB. See regs. Lizzard, 21-N. CT. YA. Lochsa River, 20-22 M-O. BT, CT, RB, Salmon, SH, WF. See regs. Lolo Cr., 18-20 M-N. RB. YA. Long Canyon Cr., 16-17 A-B. CT. YA. Lost (Little Lost), 19-J. EB. YA. Mallard, 20-K. CT. YA.
Manns, 16-M. RB. YA. Marble Cr., 18 I-J. CT, EB, RB. YA. McArthur Res., 17-C. RB, SR. See regs. Medicine (Medimont), 16-H. NP, SR. YA. Mirror, 17-E. RB, SLV. YA. See regs. Moose Cr., 22-23 N. CT, RB. YA. Moose, 18-D. EB, GB. YA. Moyie River, 18 A-B. CT, EB, RB. YA. See regs. Myrtle, 16-B. CT. YA. Northbound, 20-K. CT. YA. Old Man Cr., 21-N. CT, EB, RB. YA. Orofino Cr., 18-20 M. EB. RB. YA. Orogrande Cr., 19-20 L-M. BT, CT, RB. See regs. Pack River, 16-17 B-D. BT, CT, RB. See regs. Pend Oreille River, 14-16 A-E. BT, CT, NP, RB, SR, WF. YA. Pend Oreille, 17 D-F. BT, CT, Mack, NP, SLV, SR, WF. YA. See regs. Perkins, 18-B. NP, SR. YA. See regs. Porcupine, 18-D. EB, RB. YA. Potlatch River, 16-17 K-M. EB, RB. YA. Priest, 15-16 B-C. BT, CT, Mack, SR, WF. YA. See regs. Priest, Upper, 15-16 B. BT, CT, Mack, WF. YA. See regs. Priest River, 15 A-E. CT, WF. YA. See regs. Reeds Cr., 18-19 L. BT, CT, EB, RB. YA. Reeder Cr., 15-C. EB. YA. Robinson, 18-A. RB, SR. YA. See regs. Rocky Ridge, 20-M. YA. Roman Nose Lakes, 16-C. CT, EB, RB. YA. See regs. Rose, 17-H. SR. YA. Round (Little Cocolalla), 16-E. EB, RB, SR. YA. See regs. Round, 16-I. SR. See regs. St. Joe River, 16-22 I-J. BT, CT, WF. See regs. St. Joe, N.F., 19-I. CT, EB. See regs. St. Maries River, 16-17 I-J. CT, RB, SR, WF. R. See regs. Salmon River, 16-17 O. RB, Salmon, SH, SR, Sturgeon. YA. See regs.
Selway Crags Lakes, 21-N. CT, EB, RB. YA. Selway River, 21-22 O. BT, CT, EB, RB, Salmon, SH, WF. See regs. Shepherd, 17-E. SR, Tiger musky. YA. See regs. Silver, 21-K. RB. YA. Sinclair, 18-A. RB. YA. See regs. Skull Cr., 20-21 K. CT. YA. Skyland, 20-K. CT. YA. Slate Creek, 19-I. CT, EB. YA. Smith Cr., 16-17 A-B. CT, EB, RB. YA. See regs. Smith, 18-B. CT, RB, SR. YA. See regs. Snake River, 8-18 L-O. RB, Salmon, SH, SR, Sturgeon. See regs. Soldiers Meadow Res., 16-O. RB. YA. Solomon, 18-B. RB. YA. Spirit, 15-16 F. CT, SLV, SR. See regs. Spokane River, 11-16 F-G. CT, GB, RB. See regs. Spring Valley Res., 16-L. RB, SR. See regs. Stevens, 19-H. RB. YA. Swan, 16-H. NP, SR. YA. Tepee Cr., 17-18 F-G. CT. See regs. Thompson, 16-H. NP, SR. YA. See regs. Trestle Cr., 17-18 D. Closed. Trout Lakes, 17-B. CT. YA. Turtle, 17-I. SR. YA. Twin, 15-16 F. CT, RB, SR (SLV in Lower Twin). YA. Two Mouth, 16-B. CT. YA. Waha, 16-N. CT, RB. YA. Walsh, 17-D. SR. YA. Walton, 23-M. CT. YA. West Fork Lake, 16-A. CT. YA. Weitas Cr., 20-21 L-M. CT. YA. White Sand, 24-M. CT, RB. YA. Winchester, 16-N. CT, RB. See regs. Wolf Lodge Cr., 16-17 G. Closed.
Browns, 28-J. RB. YA. Bull, 22-B. CT, RB, SR. YA. Bull, 19 D-E. BT, CT, EB, RB, SLV, SR. YA. Bull River, 19 E-F. CT, EB, GB, RB, WF. G. Bullhead, 25-B. EB. GP. Burgess, 23-I. RB. Indian. Burnt Fork, 26-N. CT, EB, RB. G. Bynum Res., 30-E. SR. See regs. Callahan, Cr., 18-D. BT, CT, RB, WF. G. Camas, 25-B. CT. G. GP. Cedar, 19-D. CT. YA. Clark Fork River, 18-30 E-O. CT, GB, NP, RB, SR, WF. YA. See regs. Clearwater River, 26 H-J. CT, EB, GB, RB, SR. See regs. Como, 24-O. CT, RB. YA. Copper Creek, 28-M. CT, EB. G. Coopers, 28-J. CT. YA. Cosley, 25-A. Mack, RB, WF. G. GP. Crystal, 26-I. CT. YA. Crystal, 21-E. RB, SLV, SR. YA. Cut Bank Cr., 27-30 B-C. EB, RB, WF. G. GP and Indian. Cyclone, 24-B. BT, CT, Grayling. YA. Dawson, 27-D. (Also called Dog Gun) CT, EB. Indian. Dearborn River, 29-30 I. CT, EB, RB. G. Dempsey, 28-29 M. CT, RB. YA. Dickey, 22-B. CT, EB, NP, RB, SLV, SR. YA. Dry Fork Res., 23-G. NP, SR. Indian. Duck, 27-A. EB, RB. YA. Indian. Dupuyer Creek, 29-30 D-E. CT, EB, RB. G. Echo, 25-E. EB, NP, SR, WF. See regs. Echo, 27-N. See regs. Elizabeth, 25-A. Grayling, RB. G. GP. Elk, 24-O. CT. G. Elk, 26-E. CT. YA. Ellen Wilson, 25-C. EB. G. GP. Eureka Res., 30-F. RB. YA. Evangeline, 25-B. CT. G. GP. Fisher River, 21 D-E. CT. G. Fishtrap 21-F. CT. YA. Five, 25-C. NP, SLV, SR. YA. Flathead, 24-25 E-G. BT, CT, Mack, SLV, SR, WF. See regs. Partly Indian. Flathead River, 23-24 G-I. BT, CT, GB, RB, WF. G. Partly Indian. Flathead, M.F., 25-28 C-E. BT, CT, WF. G.
Flathead, N.F., 23-24 A-C. BT, CT, WF. G. Flathead, S.F. 27-28 E-I. BT, CT, WF. See regs. Flint Cr., 27-28 L-N. CT, EB, GB, RB. G. Flotilla, 27-E. CT. YA. Foy, 24-E. RB, SLV. YA. Frank, 21-B. RB. YA. Georgetown, 27-N. EB, RB, SLV. See regs. Glen, 22-A. BT, RB, SLV, SR. YA. Glenns, 25-A. Mack, RB, WF. G. GP. Gibson Res., 29-G. EB, CT, RB. YA. Goose, 27-A. Few fish. Indian. Granite, 19-D. CT. YA. Gunsight, 26-B. RB. G. GP. Haggin, 28-N. CT. YA. Handkerchief, 25-E. CT, Grayling. YA. Harpers, 27-K. RB. YA. Harrison, 25-C. BT, CT, Mack, SLV. G. GP. Heart, 22-K. CT. YA. Heart, 29-I. CT. YA. Hearst, 28-O. RB. YA. Hidden, 25-B. CT. G. GP. Holland, 26-H. BT, CT, SLV, SR. YA. Horse, 27-B. No game fish. G. Hoskins, 20-A. CT. G. Howe, 25-C. CT. G. GP. Hubbart, 22-F. RB, SLV, SR. G. Inez, 26-I. CT, BT, NP, SR, WF. YA. Isabel, 26-C. BT, CT. G. GP. Jocko River, 24-25 I-J. BT, CT, GB, RB, WF. Indian. Kicking Horse, 25-H. RB, SR. See regs. Indian. Kilbrennan, 19-C. EB, RB, SR. G. Kintla, Upper, 24-A. Closed. GP. Kintla, 24-A. CT, BT, Mack, SLV. G. GP. Kipps, 28-C. RB. Indian. Koocanusa, 20-21 A-C. BT, CT, Ling, RB, SLV, SR, WF. YA. Kootenai River, 17-21 A-D. BT, CT, Ling, RB, SLV, WF. YA. Lake Cr., 19-D.CT, EB, RB, WF. G. Leigh, 19-E. CT. YA. Lena, 27-H. RB, CT. YA. Lindbergh, 26-H. BT, CT, SLV. G. Lincoln, 25-B. BT, CT, EB. G. GP. Logging, 24-B. BT, CT. Mack. G. GP. Lolo Cr., 23-24 K. BT, CT, GB, RB, WF. G. Loon, 20-C. See regs. Marion, 26-D. RB. YA.
Mary Ronan, 23-24 F. CT, RB, SLV, SR. See regs. McDonald, 25 B-C. BT, CT, Mack, SLV, WF. G. GP. See regs. McDonald Res., 25-H. BT, CT, RB. Indian. McGregor, 22-E. Mack, RB, SR. YA. Medicine, 26-N. CT. YA. See regs. Medicine Grizzly, 26-C. RB. G. GP. Miller, 21-F. EB, RB. YA. Milk River, 28-29 A. EB, RB. G. Milk, M.F., 27-28 A-B. EB, RB. G. Milk, N.F., 27-28 A. EB, RB. G. Milk, S.F., 27-28 A-B. EB, RB. G. Mission, 29-C. Indian. Mission Res., 25-I. CT, RB. Indian. Moran Basin, 19-E. CT. YA. Moose, 27-O. EB, BT, CT. YA. Moose, 23-B. CT. YA. Mud, 24-B. CT. YA. Murphy, 22-B. NP, RB, SR, WF. YA. Nevada Cr., 28-30 J-K. CT, GB, RB. See regs. Nilan Res., 30-H. RB. YA. Ninepipe Res., 24-H. SR. See regs. Indian. Noxon Res., 19-20 F. RB, BT, CT, GB, NP, SR. See regs. Otokomi, 26-B. CT. G. GP. Pablo Res., 24-G. RB, SR. See regs. Indian. Petty Cr., 23-K. BT, CT, EB, RB. G. Pishkun Res., 30-G. NP, RB, SLV. YA. Pike, 26-A. NP. G. Placid, 26-J. BT, CT, GB, NP, RB, SLV, SR, WF. YA. Pleasant Valley Cr., 21-22 D-E. CT, EB, RB. G. Quartz, 24-A. BT, CT, Mack. G. GP. Racetrack Cr., 28-29 N. CT, EB, GB, RB. G. See regs. Rainbow, 22-H. RB, NP. See regs. Indian. Rainy, 26-I. CT, BT. YA. Red Eagle, 26-B. BT, CT, RB. G. GP. Rock Cr., 26 L-O. RB, BT, CT, EB, GB, WF. See regs. Rogers, 23-E. CT, Grayling. G. Rogers, 25-B. CT. G. GP. Ross Fork, 26-27 N-O. BT, CT, EB, RB, WF. G. St. Marys, 25-I. RB. YA. St. Mary River, 26-27 A-B. BT, CT, EB, RB. G. GP and Indian. St. Mary, 26-B. BT, EB, Ling, Mack, RB, WF. G. GP. St. Paul, 19-E. CT. YA. St. Regis River, 19-21 H-I. CT, GB, RB, WF. G. Salmon, 27-J. SR, RB, BT, CT, GB, NP, SLV, WF. YA. Savage, 19-D. EB, SR. YA.
Seeley, 26-27 I. BT, CT, GB, NP, RB, SR, RB, SLV, WF. YA. Sherburne 26-A. NP, WF. G. GP. Siamese, 22-K. CT. YA. Silver, 28-N. BT, CT, Mack, RB, SLV. YA. Sophie, 21-A. CT, NP, RB, SR. YA. Spar, 19-D. EB, Mack, RB, SLV. YA. Spotted Bear River, 26-F. BT, CT, WF. G. Stanton, 26-D. CT, WF. YA. Stewart, 28-M. RB. YA. Storm, 27-O. BT, CT, RB. YA. Summit, 26-H. CT. YA. Sun River, 30-G. CT, GB, RB, WF. G. Sun River, S.F., 28 G-H. CT, EB, RB. G. Sun River, N.F., 28 F-G. CT, EB. G. Swan, 25 F. SLV, BT, CT, NP, RB, SR. YA. Swan River, 25-26 E-H. BT, CT, EB, RB, WF. See regs. Swift Res., 28 D-E. RB. YA. Swift Current, 26-B. EB, SLV. G. GP. Tally, 23 D. CT, EB, Mack, NP, RB, SLV. YA. Tepee, 23-A. CT. YA. Terrace, 21-G. CT. YA. Teton River, 29-30 E-F. CT, EB, RB. G. Tetrault, 21-A. RB, SR. YA. Therriault, 22-A. CT. YA. Thompson River, 21-22 F-G. BT, CT, EB, RB, WF. See regs. Thompson Lakes, 21-E. CT, EB, Mack, NP, RB, SLV, SR. YA. Trout, 25-B. BT, CT. G. GP. Trout Cr., 19-20 F-G. BT, CT. G. Turquoise, 25-I. CT. YA. Twin, 28-O. EB, CT, BT. G. Twin, 23-N. RB, CT. YA. Two Medicine River, 27-30 C. CT, EB, RB. GP and Indian. Two Medicine, Lower, 27-C. CT, EB. Indian. Two Medicine, 27-C. EB, RB. GP. Two Medicine, Upper, 26-C. EB, RB. GP. Upsata, 27-J. CT, NP, RB, SR. YA. Wanless, 20-F. CT. YA. Waterton, 25-A. EB, Mack, RB, WF. G. GP and Canada. Whitefish, 23-24 C. CT, Mack, NP, SR, WF. YA. Whitefish, Upper, 23-B. BT, CT. YA. Willow Cr., 25-N. CT. G. Willow Cr., 27-28 L. EB, CT. G. Willow Cr. Res., 30-G. RB. YA. Yaak River, 18-20 A-C. CT, EB, RB, WF. G.
Acculite cudepth cudept d pth h
HANTSTORES HANTSTORES.COM COM
Open Op O pen M Monday d y - Saturdayy , 9 am - 6 pm pm
Page 8
Thursday, April 12, 2012
The Spokesman-Review
WASHINGTON WATERS
WASHINGTON FISHING SEASONS
G: General season, opens April 28; see regulations for closures. Beware: streams may open in May, June or year-round. M: Opens March 1; see regulations for closures. A: Opens April 1; see regulations for closures. YA: Year around season for all species. Winter: Winter season. Opens various times in fall or winter. Note: “See regs” and “selective fishery” emphasize that special rules apply. Always check regulations for specific dates, limits and gear restrictions.
Washington Fees Resident season freshwater .....................................$27.50 Non-resident season freshwater .............................$82.50 Resident season saltwater........................................$28.05 Non-resident season saltwater.................................$57.75 Resident season combination ..................................$52.25 Non-resident season combination ..........................$121.55 Two-day combo, residents ........................................$13.75 Two-day combo, nonresidents ................................$26.95 Resident senior citizens (70 and older) ....................$8.25 Youth or disabled season combo ..............................$8.25 Kids under 15 .................................................................FREE Salmon-steelhead endorsement ................................$8.75 Note: Dealer fees up to $2 not included.
Washington Waters Aeneas, 7-B. GB, RB. G. Fly only, see regs. Athanum Cr., 2-4 L. RB. See regs. Alkali, 7-H. SR. YA. Alkali, 12-I. No fish. Alta, 6-E. RB. G. Alpowa Cr., 14-15. Amber, 13-I. RB, CT. M. Selective. See regs. Ancient, 6-J. SR. YA. Antilon, 5-F. EB, GB. YA. Asotin Cr., 14-15 N. RB, SH. Closed to steelhead. See regs. Badger, 13-I. CT, RB, SR. G. Bailey, 14-F. Private. Baker, 14-E. Private. Banks, 8-9 F-G. RB, SR, SLV. YA. Bayley, 13-D. EB, RB. G. Fly only. See regs. Bead, 15-D. Ling, Mack, SLV. YA. Bear, 14-F. Channel cat, RB, SR. YA. Juveniles, disabled only. Beaver, 9-A. EB, RB. YA. Beaver, 13-N. RB. M. Beda, 7-J. RB, TT. Selective. Bennington, 11-O. RB. YA. See regs. Beth, 9-A. RB. YA. Big Four, 13-N. RB. M. Big Meadow, 13-B. RB, SR. G. Big Twin, 5-C. RB.G. Selective. Billy Clapp, 8-H. RB, SLV, SR. YA. Black, 8-K. SR. YA. Black, 13-C. TT. G. Blackpine, 4-D. EB. YA. Blue, 7-B. GB, RB. G. Selective. Blue, 7-H. RB. G. Blue, 7-A. CT. G. Selective. Blythe, 7-K. RB. YA. Bonaparte, 9-B. EB, RB, Mack, SLV, TT. YA. See regs. Bonnie, 13-I. SR. YA. Brickel Cr., 15-F. EB, CT. G. Browns, 13-D. Private. Browns, 15-C. CT, RB. G. Fly only. Buffalo, 9-E. RB, EB. Indian. Bumping, 1-K. RB, SLV. YA. See regs. Bumping R., 1-K. RB, WF. YA. Burke, 6-J. RB. M. Buzzard, 7-D. RB. G. Selective. Byron Ponds, 6-N. SR. See regs. Caldwell, 14-B. EB. G. See regs. Caliche, 6-K. RB. M. Calispell, 14-D. SR. YA. Limited access. Campbell, 5-C. RB. See regs. Canal, 8-K. RB. YA. Carl's, 14-B. EB, RB, SR. G. Castle, 8-G. RB. YA. Cedar, 13-A. RB. G. Chapman 13-I. RB, SLV, SR. G. See regs. Chelan, 4-5 D-F. CT, GB, Ling, Mack, RB, SLV, SR. YA. See
ABBREVIATIONS
Key BT – Bull trout CT – Cutthroat EB – Eastern brook GB – German brown trout Mack – Mackinaw (lake trout) NP – Northern pike RB – Rainbow trout SH – Steelhead (sea-running rainbow trout) SLV – Kokanee (silvers) SR – Spiny rays: bass, perch, crappie, bluegil, etc. TT – Tiger trout (brook-brown hybrid) WF – Whitefish
regs. Chewuch Riv., 5 B-C. CT, RB. See regs. Chopaka, 7-A. RB. G. Fly only. See regs. Chukar, 8-K. RB. YA. Clark, 8-M. SR. YA. Clear, 5-I. EB, RB. G. Selective. Clear, 13-H. GB, RB, SR. G. Cle Elum, 2-I. Ling, RB, Ling, Mack, SLV. YA. See regs. Coffee Pot, 10-H. RB, SR. M. Selective. See regs. Colchuk, 3-H. RB. YA. Cook, 7-D. RB. YA. Conconully, 6-C. RB. G. Conger, 14-D. EB. G. Cormana, 11-H. Private access. Corral, 8-K. RB. YA. Cougar, 5-C. RB. See regs. Cow, 11-J. RB, SR. YA. Cow Cr., 11 J-L. GB, RB, SR. YA. Crab Cr., 8-12 H-J. GB, RB. YA. See regs. Crater, 5-I. SR. YA. Crawfish, 8-C. EB, RB. G. See regs. Crescent, 14-A. RB. G. Curlew, 10-B. RB, SR, Tiger musky. YA. Dalton, 9-N. RB, SR. YA. Davis, 5-C. RB. A. See regs. Davis, 11-B. CT. G. Davis, 14-E. EB, RB, SLV, SR. G. Deep, 8-H. RB, SLV. G. Deep, 13-A. CT RB. G. Deer Springs, 10-H. GB, RB, SR. G. Deer, 13-E. RB, SLV, Mack, SR. G. Deer, 13-N. RB. M. Devils Cr., 3-A. RB. G. Diablo, 2-B. RB. G. Diamond, 15-E. GB, RB, SR. G. Domke, 3-E. CT, RB. YA. Douglas, 12-C. No fish. Downs, 13-I. RB, SR, TT. M. See regs. Dry Falls, 8-G. GB, RB, TT. A. Selective. Duck, 7-C. SR, RB. YA. Dusty, 6-J. GB, RB. M. Selective. Eagle, 8-L. Private. Eight Mile, 3-H. RB, Mack. YA. Eightmile Ck., 5-B. EB, RB. See regs. Elbow, 12-A. EB. G. Ell, 9-C. RB. G. Selective. Ellen, 11-C. RB. G. Eloika, 14-E. GB, SR. YA.
Emerald, 11-B. Few fish. YA. Empire, 9-B. EB. G. Enchantment, 3-H. CT. YA. See regs. Entiat River, 3-4 E-G. EB, RB, SH, WF. See regs. Evergreen, 6-J. SR, Tiger musky, Walleye. YA. Fan, 14-E. RB. G. Ferry, 9-C. RB. YA. See regs. Finnel, 11-J. SR. YA. Fio Rito, 4-K. RB. YA. Fish, 7-C. RB. See regs. Fish, 9-C. RB. G. Fish, 3-F. GB, RB, SR. YA. See regs. Fish, 14-H. EB, TT. G. Fishtrap, 13-I. RB. G. Fourth of July, 12-I. RB. Winter. Frater, 14-B. CT, RB. G. Freeway, 4-L. RB. YA. Frenchman Hills Wasteway, 7-J. SR. See regs. Giffen, 5-N. SR, RB. G. Gillette, 13-C. EB, RB, TT. G. Glasgow, 12-B. No fish. Goat Cr., 5-B. CT, RB. See regs. Gold Cr., 9-D. EB. See regs. Golf Course Ponds, 15-M. RB. G. Goose, Lower, 8-K. SR. YA. Goose, Upper, 8-K. RB. See regs. Goose, Little, 7-D. EB. Indian. Grande Ronde, 14-15 O. BT, RB, SH, SR, WF. See regs. Granite, 13-H. No fish. YA. Green, 7-C. RB. YA. See regs. Greenview, 3-C. No fish. Grimes, 7-G. CT. June 1. Selective. Halfmoon, 14-D. CT, EB. G. Halfmoon, 8-K. CT, RB. A. Hallin, 11-J. SR. YA. Hampton Lks, 8-K. RB. A. Hangman Cr., 14-16 H-J. See regs. Harvey Cr., 14-B. CT, EB. See regs. Hatch, 13-C. RB. Winter. Hawk Cr., 11-G. EB, RB. YA. Heather, 2-F. RB. YA. Heart, 8-K. RB. YA. Heritage, 14-C. RB, TT. G. Herman, 8-K. RB. A. Hog Canyon, 13-I. RB. Winter. Horseshoe, 13-D. Private. Horseshoe, 13-G. RB, SR. YA. Horseshoe, 14-E. Mack, RB, SLV, SR. G. Hutchinson, 7-K. SR. A. Hyas, 3-G. EB. G. I-82 Ponds, 4-M. RB, GB, SR. YA. Icicle Creek, 2-3 G. Chinook, CT, RB, SH. See regs. Jameson, 7-G. RB. Split season. See regs. Jump-Off Joe, 13-E. EB, GB, RB, SR. G. Kachess, 1-I. RB, CT, SLV. See regs. Kahlotus, 10-L. No fish. Kalispell Cr., 15-C. EB, CT. See regs. Keough, 12-C. Private. Keechelus, 1 H-I. SLV, RB, CT. See regs. Kettle River, 10-A. GB, RB, SR, WF. See regs. Kings, 15-D. Closed. Klonaqua, 3-G. CT. YA. Lake Cr., 10-H. SR. See regs. Leader, 7-D. RB, SR. G. Ledbetter, 14-A. EB. G. Lead King, 14-A. RB, SR. G. Lenice, 6-L. GB, RB, TT. M. Selective. Lenore, 7-H. CT. M. Selective. See regs. Leo, 14-C. RB, TT. G. Liberty, 15-G. GB, RB, SR, NP, walleye. M. Lily, 5-I. RB, EB. Selective. Little Spokane River, 14-15 E-G. RB, WF. See regs. Long, 8-C. RB. G. Long, 8-K. RB, SR, Walleye. YA. Long, 9-C. CT, G. Fly only. See regs. Long Lake Res, 13-F. (Spokane). GB, NP, SR. See regs. Loon, 13-E. Mack, RB, TT, SR. G. See regs. Lost, 2-L. CT. G. Lost, 9-A. EB. YA. See regs. Lost, 14-B. RB, EB. G. Marshall, 15-D. CT. G. Martha, 6-J. RB. M. Mason, 13-I. SR. YA. Mattoon, 4-J. RB. G. McCoy, 11-F. RB. Indian.
McDaniel, 1-K. RB. G. McDowell, 13-D. EB, RB. G. Fly only. See regs. McGinnis, 9-E. EB. Indian. McMannaman, 8-K. RB. A. McNary Res., 9 N-O. SH, SR, Salmon. See regs. Medical, 13-H. GB, RB, TT. M. Selective. Medical, West, 13-H. RB. G. Manastash, 2-J. EB. G. Menatchee Cr., 14-O. RB. See regs. Merry, 6-L. GB, RB, TT. M. Selective. Mesa, 8-M. SR, Walleye. YA. Methow River, 3-6 B-E. CT, BT, RB, SH, WF. See regs. Mill Cr., 11-O. SH, RB, BT, WF. See regs. Mill Pond, 14-B. RB, GB. G. Milk, 2-J. CT. G. Moccasin, 5-C. Private. Molson, 8-A. RB. YA. Moses Lake, 7-8 J. RB, SR, Walleye. YA. Morgan, 8-K. CT, RB. A. Morgan, 5-N. SR. YA. Mud, 10-B. No fish. YA. Mudget Lake, 11-E. RB. G. Muskegon, 15-B. CT. G. Selective. Mystic, 15-D. CT. G. Naches River, 2-3 K-L. RB, SH, WF. See regs. Nespelem River, 9 D-E. Indian. Newman, 15-G. RB, GB, SR. Tiger musk. YA. Nile, 14-C. EB, RB. G. No-Name, 15-D. CT. G. Nunnally, 6-L. GB, RB, TT. M. Selective. Okanogan River, 7 A-E. GB, RB, SH, SR, WF. See regs. Omak, 7-D. Indian. Osoyoos, 8-A. RB, SLV, SR. YA. Owhi, 9-D. Indian, tribal members only. Pacific, 10-H. RB. (Intermittent). YA. Palouse River, 12-18 K. SR. See regs. Palmer, 7-A. Ling, RB, SLV, SR. YA. See regs. Pampa Pond, 12-L. RB. M. Park, 7-H. RB. G. Parker, 14-C. EB, RB. G. Pataha Cr., 12-13 M-N. RB, EB. G. See regs. Patterson, 5-C. RB, SR. YA. Pend Oreille River, 14-16 A-E. CT, EB, GB, NP, RB, SR, WF. See regs. Pearrygin, 5-C. RB. G. Pepoon, 12-A. SR. YA. Perch, 8-H. RB. G. Petit, 15-C. CT. G. Phalon, 12-B. Closed. Phileo, 14-H. Private. Phillips, 14-D. EB. G. Pierre, 12-A. CT, RB, SR. YA. See regs. Pillar, 8-K. RB. A. Potholes Res., 7-8 J. RB, SR, Walleye. YA. Potter, 13-D. RB. G. Power, 14-D. EB, RB. G. Proctor, 7-C. Private. Quail, 8-K. RB. YA. Fly only. See regs. Quarry Pond, 9-O. RB, SR. YA. Quincy, 6-J. RB. M. Railroad Cr., 3-D. RB, CT. See regs. Rainbow, 13-N. RB. M. Rat, 6-E. RB. YA. See regs. Rattlesnake Cr., 1-2 K. RB, CT. See regs. Renner, 11-A. EB. G. Rigley, 12-B. RB. G. Selective. Rimrock Res., 1-L. RB, SLV. YA. Rock, 13 I-J. GB, RB, SR. YA. Rock Cr., 12-13 J-K. GB. See regs. Rocky, 12-C. RB. G. See regs. Rocky Ford Cr., 7-I. RB. YA. See regs. Roosevelt Lake, 9-13 B-F. Ling, RB, SLV, SR, Walleye, WF. YA. See regs. Roses, 5-F. BT, RB, SR. YA. Round, 8-C. RB. G. Round, 8-H. SR. YA. Round, 11-D. EB. Indian, tribal members only. Rufus Woods, 7-9 E. RB, SLV, SR, Walleye. YA. See regs. Sacheen, 14-E. EB, GB,RB, SR, TT. G. Sage, 8-K. RB, GB. YA. Salmon Cr. (Conconully), 6-7 C-D. RB. See regs. Sanpoil River, 10 C-F. RB, EB. See regs, partly Indian. Sanpoil, 10-B. No fish. Scaup, 8-K. RB. YA. Scootenay Res., 9-L. SR. YA.
Sherman Cr., 11-C. EB, RB. See regs. Sherry, 13-C. RB, TT. G. Shiner, 7-K. SR. A. Sidley, 8-A. RB. YA. See regs. Silver, 13-H. GB, RB, SR, Tiger musky. YA. Silver, N., 13-H. RB. Split season. Selective. See regs. Similakameen River, 7-A. Chinook, RB, SH, WF. See regs. Simpson, 11-D. Indian. Sinlahekin River, 6-7 B. EB, RB, WF. See regs. Sinlahekin Impoundments, 7-B. EB, RB. YA. Skookum, N.S., 15-D. EB, RB. G. Snake River, 8-17 L-0. Channel cat, Chinook, RB, SH, SR, WF. YA. See regs. Snow Lakes, 3-H. EB. G. Soap, 7-H. No fish. Soda, 8-K. RB, SR, Walleye, WF. YA. Spectacle, 7-B. RB. A. Spokane (Long), 13-F. GB, NP, SR. YA. See regs. Spokane River, 11-16 F-G. GB, RB, SR. Special regs. Sportsmen's Pond, 4-L. RB, SR. Juvenile. See regs. Sprague, 12-I. Channel cat, CT, RB, SR. YA. See regs. Spring, 13-N. RB. M. Stan Coffin, 6-J. SR. YA. See regs. Starvation, 13-C. RB. G. See regs. Starzman, 6-E. EB, RB. YA. Stehekin River, 2-3 C-D. CT, RB, BT. See regs. Stratford/Brook, 8-H. SR. See regs. Stuart, 3-H. CT. YA. Sullivan, 9-H. CT, GB, RB. YA. Sullivan, 14-B. CT, GB, Ling, RB, SLV. YA. Sullivan Millpond, 14-B. GB, RB. YA. Sulphur, 10-L. No fish. Summit, 12-A. EB. G. Susan, 8-K. RB. YA. Swan, 9-C. RB. G. See regs. Sylvan, 10-I. SR. YA. Teal, N.S., 8-K. RB. A. Thomas, 13-C. RB, TT. G. Tieton River, 2-3 L. RB. See regs. Touchet River, 10-12 N-O. BT, GB, RB, SH, SR. See regs. Trapper, 2-C. CT. YA. Trout, 11-C. RB. G. Trout, 14-E. Private. Tucannon Impoundments, 13-N. RB. M. See regs. Tucannon River, 11-13 M-N. BT, RB, SH, WF. See regs. Tule, 9-I. SR. YA. Turtle, 12-F. Indian. Twin, 10-H. RB, SR. YA. Twin, 3-F. Closed. Twin, Big, 5-C. RB. G. Selective. Twin, Little, 5-C. RB. Winter. Twin, Little, 13-C. CT. G. Twins, N.S., 11-D. RB, EB, SLV, SR. Indian. Twisp River, 4-5 C-D. RB. See regs. Vanes, 15-D. EB. G. Vic Meyers, 8-G. RB. G. Waitts, 13-E. GB, RB, SR. G. Wall, Big, 10-G. Private. Wall, 12-J. CT. YA. Walla Walla River, 9-11 O. Channel cat, SH, SR. See regs. Wannacut, 7-A. RB. G. Wapato, 5-F. RB. G. Selective. See regs. Ward, 9-B. EB. G. Warden Lakes., 8-L. RB. G. Watson, 13-N. RB. M. Wenas Cr., 3-4 K-L. CT, RB. See regs. Wenas Res., 3-K. RB. YA. Wenatchee, 3-F. BT, SLV. See regs. Wenatchee River, 3-4 F-H. RB, SH,WF. YA. See regs. West Medical, 13-H. RB. G. Wheeler Res., 4-I. RB. See regs. White Mud, 13-C. Private. Whitestone, 7-B. SR. YA. Widgeon, 8-K. RB. A. Williams, 8-H. SR. YA. Williams, 12-B. RB. Winter. Williams, 13-I. RB, CT. G. Willow, 7-I. SR. YA. Winchester Wasteway, 6-7 I-J. SR. See regs. Windmill, 8-K. RB. YA. Yakima River, 1-8 I-O. Channel cat, RB, Salmon, SH, SR, WF. See regs. Yocum, 14-C. CT. G. See regs.
Accudepth 47
Sealine 17
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Thursday, April 12, 2012
Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
FISHING 2012
Trailer invites families to fish routinely fish for free. Stocked with basic fishing equipment and information, the trailer wrapped with eye-catchIdaho Fish and Game ing fish illustrations is will be wheeling out a“Take Me Fishing Trail- hard to miss. The trailer parks near er” packed with fishing rods and tackle for Idaho waters that are stocked with fish. Panhandle kids to use Other spring dates and free at trout-stocked locations for Take Me ponds starting in May. Fishing trailer stops inThe trailer, which clude: debuted last year and May 5: Post Falls Park, made a couple of recent appearances for ice fish- 9 a.m.-3 p.m. May 10: Kelso Lake, 3 ing, will make its first appearance of spring on p.m.-6 p.m. May 17: Fernan Lake, 3 May 3, from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. p.m.-6 p.m. at Fernan Lake. May 19: Hauser Lake, Fishing equipment can be checked out free on a noon-6 p.m. May 24: Cocolalla first-come, first-served Lake, 3 p.m.-6 p.m. basis. May 26: Fernan Lake, Reservations are not needed. Participants who noon-6 p.m. May 31: Hauser Lake, 3 register will be granted a p.m.-6 p.m. permit to fish without a In June, the Take Me license. If they get Fishing trailer is schedhooked on fishing after uled to be at these and the event, parents will other waters across the have to purchase a liPanhandle on 11 days cense so they can continue fishing another day throughout the month. See complete schedule and at other waters. at http://tinyurl.com/ However, Idaho children under the age of 14 TMFishing. By Rich Landers
richl@spokesman.com (509) 459-5508
License fees up, down Nonresident anglers will pay significantly more for a season freshWashington changed water fishing license – $82.50, up from $50 last its fishing license fees year. in 2011, but not until The two-pole enSeptember, after most dorsement for selected anglers had purchased waters was reduced their licenses. from $24.50 last year to That leaves some anglers in for surprises $14.30. The fee is $5.50 for seniors 70 and olwhen they purchase licenses for the 2012-13 der. Longer lists of curseasons – and not all of rent fishing license fees them are unpleasant. Resident anglers will for Washington, Idaho pay $27.50 for a season and Montana are on the fishing license, up $3.50 back of Fishing Map in this special section. from last year.
By Rich Landers
richl@spokesman.com
RICH LANDERS richl@spokesman.com
A youngster makes his dad proud at Clear Lake event.
Kids can’t miss weeks in advance. Then the kids go out on shore or on a dock and catch trout released for the By Rich Landers occasion by Fish and Wilrichl@spokesman.com dlife staffers. (509) 459-5508 Every kid gets to keep the fishing rod. Kids can Here’s the best bargain around for a full-meal fish- keep up to three trout they catch, too. Or they can ing deal: A fishing rod, t-shirt and donate the fish to another group of volunteers who a sure shot at catching a will clean them and give trout – $10 bucks. them to charity kitchens. April 20 is the deadline The event is sponsored to sign-up youths ages 5-14 by the Washington Departfor the annual Kid Fishing event at Clear Lake set this ment of Fish and Wildlife and a long list of sponsors year for May 5. Up to 950 and sportsmen who volunyouths are pre-assigned to teer to rig rods and help 45-minute slots. Each kid gets a chance to kids catch a fish. Details and registration pick out a Zebco rod and forms are available online at reel that’s been pre-rigged wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/ with hook and bobber by volunteers who get together youth.html.
Free event gives kids chance to fish
Page 9
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Thursday, April 12, 2012
The Spokesman-Review
FISHING 2012
Panhandle a mixed bag Walleyes blossom at Pend Oreille
Pike living large in Handle By Rich Landers
By Rich Landers
richl@spokesman.com
richl@spokesman.com, (509) 459-5508
Unlike last year, Idaho’s 2012 seasons and rules are not changing significantly for Panhandle anglers, but the fishing opportunities continue to evolve. Walleyes have gained significant ground in Lake Pend Oreille and are attracting more anglers who key on them, said Jim Fredericks, Idaho Fish and Game Department Regional fisheries manager. The non-native fish apparently came down the Clark Fork River from Noxon Reservoir, showing in fisheries research nets more than a decade ago. In 2010, fisheries biologists documented that walleye were reproducing in the Pend Oreille system. “The walleye fishery has clearly developed at the north end of the lake as well as in the Pend Oreille River from the railroad bridge down to Albeni Falls Dam,” he said. “Walleye are notorious for being hit or miss, but we’re hearing from anglers who had multiple-fish days last year. This year we expect to see a pretty big year class of 3-year-old fish in the 16-20 inch range. “Time will tell how consistently anglers can catch them, but the fish are definitely there – down the Clark Fork, along the mouth of the Pack River and Sunnyside.” There’s no limit on the number of walleyes an angler can catch in Lake Pend Oreille, and Fredericks hopes angler will harvest liberally. “Fishing pressure and keeping the density down will be the trick to maintaining the higher growth rates,” he said. Kokanee are booming in several Panhandle Lakes. Spirit Lake has a record number of 2-year old kokanee that were virtually untapped in the
IDAHO FISH & GAME PHOTO
Biologists Mark Liter, left, and Vaughan Paragamian show walleye from survey nets in Lake Pend Oreille.
into better balance, with the chinook building in size and numbers behind the improvement in kokanee,” Fredericks said. “We’ve simply had good conditions for kokanee and it’s showing.” Lake Pend Oreille’s kokanee fishery continues to build from a near crash, but fishing for them is RICH LANDERS richl@spokesman.com still prohibited. “We’re very encouraged and Cutthroats thrive under catchlikely will recommend a season, and-release rules on the St. Joe. maybe with a six-fish limit or winter fishery because of poor ice something like that, for 2013,” he said. conditions. Pend Oreille’s rainbow num“The jig fishermen should do bers are improving and rules to very well on them this month as help boost the trophy rainbow well as the summer trollers,” he fishery are likely to be proposed said, noting the fish should run next year. 9-10 inches long. Lake Coeur d’Alene kokanee Cutthroat trout have respondfishing should be even better ed beautifully to catch-and-rethan last year, when the fishery lease regulations, he said. had rebounded enough to warThe number of native cutrant increasing the daily limit throats in the Coeur d’Alene back to 15 fish. River has increase more than “The fishery has come back five-fold in the past decade. Both
the numbers and quality of the fish in the St. Joe River also have improved, he said. Trout stocking remains the same in most waters with the notable exception of Hauser Lake, where no trout will be stocked this year. “Fishermen were catching only 5 percent of the trout we were stocking in Hauser,” he said. “That’s not a good return for catchable-size fish that cost a buck apiece to produce.” Waters getting trout as usual include Kelso, Fernan, Cocolalla and Mirror. Cocolalla Lake produces one of the area’s most productive perch fisheries for ice fishing, but in spring, most Cocolalla anglers turn to trolling for trout. “It has a good mix of hatchery cutthroats and rainbows, plus naturally producing browns and brook trout,” Fredericks said. “And it’s one of our best lakes for trout grow, with beauties up to 18 inches.”
Northern pike still attract a following at Panhandle waters, with potential state record fish still lurking in several waters, including Lake Coeur d’Alene, biologist Jim Fredericks said. Asked why Idaho lakes don’t seem to have the overpopulation of “hammer handle” pike that plague Montana waters, Fredericks said: “We have fairly high harvest rates on pike – we have anglers who like to eat them. They keep them thinned out and that’s why there’s always somebody catching one in excess of 20 pounds.” Idaho anglers can put more pressure on their pike waters than anglers in Washington’s stretch of the Pend Oreille River behind Box Canyon Dam, he said. “We have a population center around our pike waters and a lot of interest in winter fishing,” Fredericks said. “Pike are quite vulnerable to ice fishing. That helps keep the densities down. You can’t do that in the Pend Oreille River.” The Panhandle’s highest pike densities are in the lower Coeur d’Alene chain lakes, topped by Killarney Lake. Lake Coeur d’Alene and Hayden Lake produce nice northerns, and Twin Lakes produced a state record two years ago.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Spokane, Wash. / Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Page 11
FISHING 2012
IN BRIEF From staff reports
Vehicle passes required at fishing access sites Vehicles parking at Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife fishing access sites must display a Vehicle Access Pass or a Discover Pass. Both passes are transferable to two vehicles starting this season. The Vehicle Access Pass comes free with the purchase of a season fishing license. The Discover Pass is purchased separately, $10 per day or $30 per season, plus sales fees. The Discover Pass satisfies requirements for vehicle access to Washington State Parks and Department of Natural Resources lands. Info: discoverpass.wa.gov.
and instruction will be offered, as well as programs and workshops. Early registration is encouraged for some activities. Info: (406) 222-9369; www.fedflyfishers.org.
Trout-salmon derbies •Red Covey Memorial Spring Salmon Derby on Lake Coeur d’Alene, April 14-15. Info: (208) 667-9304. •K&K Spring Derby on Lake Pend Oreille, April 28- May 6. Info: (509) 928-1000; www.lpoic.org. G Sprague Lake Trout Derby, June 9. Info: (509) 257-2332.
Tiger musky tourney
G Tiger Musky 2-fer Tournament, May 19 at Silver Lake and May 20 at Newman Lake, sponsored by the Cascade Musky AsRoosevelt trout sociation. Entry: $20 per angler comeback expected covers both days of fishing. Info: Mark Wells (253) 841-0171, The trout and kokanee fisheries e-mail deadeyemark@comcast.net; in Lake Roosevelt didn’t go away, but they took a big hit by unusually www.cascademuskyassociadeep drawdowns and high Colum- tion.com/ bia River flows in 2011. The runoff flushed much of the fish bounty Walleye tourneys over Grand Coulee Dam. The 2012 Washington State WalFisheries managers are still leye Circuit includes: crossing their fingers as they note May 5-6: Rod Meseberg Spring the deep lingering snowpack in the Classic at Potholes ReserWalleye region’s mountains this month. voir. But Tim Peone, manager of the May 19-20: Big Wally's/Valley Spokane Tribal Hatchery, is optiSpring Walleye Classic at Marine mistic. Banks Lake. “I don’t think it’s going to be as June 2-3: Moses Lake Walleye bad as last year,” he said. “Once we Classic. get the net pen fish out this sumJune 23-24: Washington Gomer, they grow incredibly fast in vernor's Cup at Lake Roosevelt, Roosevelt. I’m expecting a great based in Kettle Falls. fishery this fall and winter.” July 28-29: Washington State Walleye Championship at Lake FFF Fly Fishing Fair Roosevelt, based in Kettle Falls. at Spokane in July Info: www.spokanewalleyeclubSpokane has been selected as the .com. site for the 2012 International Fly Fishing Fair, with a wide range of Idaho, Washington set educational programs for anglers, novice to expert, including youths spring chinook dates Idaho’s spring salmon fishing and women. season will open April 22 in the More than 800 out-of-town anglers are expected to funnel into Clearwater River, Snake River, Little Salmon and lower Salmon Spokane for the July 12-14 event River in what could be the thirdbased at the Spokane Convention largest run since the fishery Center and Gonzaga University, sponsored by the Federation of Fly opened 12 years In Washington, four sections of Fishers. the Snake River will open progressFly tying and fly casting events
ively to fishing for spring chinook salmon, starting on April 20 with the stretch below Ice Harbor Dam. Three other sections of the river, near Little Goose Dam, Lower Granite Dam and Clarkston, will open April 25.
Panfish tip scales of joy
Pikeminnows net anglers cash
crappie fisheries are maturing to good sizes this year, but the numbers aren’t what biolBy Rich Landers ogists expected them to richl@spokesman.com be after the 2009 lake (509) 459-5508 rehabilitation. LargeAlthough they’re gen- mouth bass also are coming on in Sprague, but erally small, panfish – perch, bluegills and crap- the trout fishery is likely pie – are among the tas- to continue to be the lake’s highlight at least tiest morsels swimming for this spring, biologists in the region’s lakes. say. Spokane region top “After the 1985 lake panfishing lakes include rehabilitation, the panEloika, Bonnie, Downs, fish boomed in Sprague,” Liberty, Newman and said John Whalen, notBear Lake, which is off ing that they’re not reHighway 2 and open populating as fast this only to youth and distime around. abled anglers. “But there’s a good Coffeepot Lake has a big perch population, but chance that anglers will the lake’s selective fish- find good panfishing in Sprague by this fall,” he ery regulations prohibit said. anglers from using bait at Coffeepot. Don’t let Idaho Panhandle lakes that shy you off: A small have excellent yearbaitless jig or a Bionic round panfishing. Worm fly pattern fished Bluegills are prolific at the right depth under a Rose, Kelso, Robinson, bobber will bring in the Rush and Avondale lakes perch. while good size perch to Sprague Lake’s rein10 inches catch angler troduced bluegill and attention at Cocolalla.
The 2012 Northern Pikeminnow Sport Reward Season, which pays anglers a bounty of up to $8 a fish, will run May 1-Sept. 30 on the Columbia River from the mouth to the Tri-Cities and up the Snake to Lewiston. Two anglers each earned more than $60,000 last season. Details: (800) 858-9015; www.pikeminnow.org.
Can you eat the fish? Advisories for how much fish should be consumed from area waters that may be affected by mercury, PCBs or other contaminants are available in: Idaho: www.healthy.idaho.gov; (866) 240-3553. Washington: www.doh.wa.gov/ fish; (877) 485-7316. Advisories are especially important for children and pregnant women.
State rules differ on lifting fish for photo Wild steelhead caught in Eastern Washington must be unhooked and released without being removed from the water, according to state fishing regulations. Capturing a photo memory of the catch must be quick and low to the water, a parameter most anglers follow to help assure survival of the fish after it's released. Idaho isn't so restrictive about handling wild steelhead. While the fish can be removed briefly from the water, the agency lists guidelines for photographing wild fish in the regulations pamphlet.
Weekly fishing report Read the latest regional fishing updates every Friday in The Spokesman-Review Sports section or online at Spokesman.com/outdoors.
Area lakes filled with tasty slabs
May 19th & 20th • 9am - 5pm
Page 12
Thursday, April 12, 2012
The Spokesman-Review
FISHING 2012
Fly Fishing Film Tour returns to Inland Northwest of Southwest Idaho’s most famous and short-lived hatches? A: Timing of the brown drake hatch Staff and wire reports on Silver Creek is tough to nail on typiThe 2012 Fly Fishing Film Tour, cal years, let alone the freaky conditions which has been traveling across the of last year. country and revving up enthusiastic I try not to set expectations for shootaudiences since February, is coming ing video, especially when dealing with back to the Inland Northwest. finicky nuances of nature. I usually head Portions of 11 films are compiled into a out with the pile of video gear and as2-hour show set for April 20 the Panida sume I won’t get anything good on film. Theater in Sandpoint. Then some days little things will start One of the most popular segments at to show up, like weather, critters strikthe Feb. 8 screening in Spokane was ing trees or insects, and the next thing I “Doc of the Drakes.” It’s a poignant film, TODD MOEN PHOTO know I’m shooting all kinds of cool with emphasis on helping one special Beckie Clarke casts for trout in Fly Fishing stuff. man catch just one fish. Film Tour’s “Clearly BC: Fall Bullies.” Q: How did it feel to be selected for The filmmaker, Bryan Huskey, is a fly the film tour? during its famous brown drake hatch. fishing guide and media man for Silver A: I guarantee I am the least qualified Roger Phillips of the Idaho Statesman Creek Outfitters of Sun Valley. cornered Huskey for an interview. Here in the bunch (of filmmakers on the tour). Huskey’s film features an aging docEarlier this year, a short version of tor, stricken by Parkinson’s disease, who are excerpts. takes a shot at Silver Creek’s fussy trout Q: How hard was it to film during one “Doc of the Drakes” was selected in the
‘Doc of the Drakes’ sure to inspire audiences in Sandpoint
Drake Magazine Film Awards, where it won Best Story and People’s Choice awards. I knew this film belonged in the tour because of the amazing course of events that unfolded in front of the camera, and the genuine and humble nature of the characters in the film. Q: The Fly Fishing Film Tour seems to be a sign of fly fishing evolving from a gray-haired, tweedy sport: Is it becoming an action sport? A: I think fly fishing has a bit of an identity crisis, and some in the sport are trying desperately to make it something it’s simply not — extreme. I find some of those efforts hilarious. However, all that said, the beauty of the sport of fly fishing is its individualism. It’s quite impressive how the sport attracts people from such a wide spectrum of demographics.