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WDFW Announces Razor Clam Dig
Clam diggers can look forward to some of the best tides of the year when Twin Harbors opens on December 11th for 6 days, followed by Mocrocks, Long Beach, and Copalis that will open up on Friday December 14th. All four beaches will remain open thru Sundays tide, which is set for 8:47 p.m..
Bogachiel Heating Up
Mike Zavadlov from Mike Z’s Guide Service (360-640-8109) in Forks reported decent fishing on the Bogachiel River on Thursday of this past week. The river had four feet of visibility and Mike said they had hooked a few fish but the river was still fairly high at the time. He felt like the Bogey should fish well over the weekend as it dropped into prime fishable shape. The Bogachiel River was the only river in the immediate Forks area to receive a steelhead plant in 2011 because of an outbreak of the IHN virus. For hatchery steelhead the Bogachiel will be the only game in town until the wild fish show up.
Cowlitz Hit and Miss for Steelhead
Todd Daniels from Tall Tails Guide Service (206-437-8766) is reporting fairly tough fishing conditions on the Cowlitz River so far this winter. He says they’ve been catching one to three steelhead a day just below the Blue Creek HatcheryHit or miss, but overall it’s been very hit or miss. Daniels says the size of the fish has been great though with most of the fish weighing from ten pounds up to the mid teens. Daniels has been drifting yarnies on a four foot leader tipped with an EZ Egg and he says with the high flows you’ve got to get tight to the bank where the steelhead are holding. The Cowlitz has been flowing at 14,000 cfs and the Northwest River Forecast Center predicts that the Cowlitz will drop down to around 11,000 cfs by mid week.
Weather Needed to get Skagit Ducks Moving
Travis Brewer from Banded Hunts (360-333-2488) in Mount Vernon says there’s a ton of ducks on Skagit Bay, but they haven’t been flying much the last couple of days. He thinks if the snow level and the barometer drops this weekend like it’s supposed to the ducks will likely hit the flooded fields in the Skagit Valley to feed. Otherwise weekend hunters should concentrate their efforts on the bay for their best chance at a good shoot. Brewer also recommends doing as much scouting as possible before heading out.
San Juan Blackmouth Fishing Off to a Good Start
Blackmouth fishing in the San Juan Islands seems to be off to a good start. Winter blackmouth into the mid-teens have been reported from the Rosario Strait and also on the west side of Orcas Island. 75 angling teams descended on Friday Harbor this weekend for the 3rd Annual Resurrection Blackmouth Derby. A 15.5 pound blackmouth is on top of the derby board right now followed by a 14.5 pounder. With one more day to go it’s anybody’s derby at this point. The Outdoor Line is broadcasting live from Friday Harbor this weekend and don’t forget to check out TheOutdoorLine.com for a full derby report.
Minnesota Twins Target Free Agents with Venison Jerky
The Minnesota Twins have come up with a unique way to entice free agents to upgrade their ailing rotation: the gift of venison jerky. Says General Manager Tim Ryan, “We know we’re not going to compete with the Yankees and Red Sox of the world as far as the money we can put up, so we have to spend smarter and add value where we can. And if you want to convince a potential free agent or another club to strike a deal, who’s going to say no to some of Glen Perkins homemade venison jerky? Probably no one.” The Twins closer and outdoors enthusiast is thrilled that his venison jerky, or “Perkins Jerkins is an integral part of the team’s attempt to improve their chances to compete in the competitive AL Central.
Rob Endsley
The Outdoor Line
710 ESPN Seattle
www.theoutdoorline.com