Rain soaked trout opener last weekend put a damper on effort, but success rates were decent and should leave thousands of fish to catch throughout spring, plus latest on chances of coastal razor clam digs Leave a reply

By Mark Yuasa

The statewide opening day of trout fishing occurred this past weekend, and those who slept in or simply opted out due to the rainy and dreary weather should have plenty of time to wet a line in the months ahead.

“The weather didn’t cooperate and effort was down a bit, but in the grand scheme of things the catches and success rates were normal or better in some places,” said Steve Caromile, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) inland fish manager.

“What we heard from our samplers is that people were having a blast since it was less crowded and they were catching a lot of fish,” Caromile said. “Lakes in eastern Washington had some of their best openers especially at places where people could camp. On top of what we’ve already got into lakes, we will continue to do more plants every couple of weeks through May and into June.”

This year WDFW is conducting what is termed as a “normal level” of trout being planted statewide that will total 16.6-million, and since effort was lighter than planned due to the initial bad weather, anglers should have lots of fish to catch all the way through early summer.

The statewide totals for opening day on Saturday (April 24) saw 2,355 anglers with 5,149 trout kept, 2,533 released for 3.26 average trout caught per rod and 2.1 average for trout kept.

Creel checks weren’t conducted in 2020 due to the pandemic and late season start, but looking at 2019 data showed nearly identical data to the 2021 opener –

2,920 anglers with 6,195 trout kept, 4,403 released for 3.6 average trout caught per rod and 2.1 average for trout kept.

The top producing lakes of trout kept per rod on opening day were: Howard in Snohomish County, 4.9; Geneva in King County, 4.8; Rocky in Stevens County, 4.4; Serene in Snohomish County, 4.3; Howell in Mason County, 4.2; Don (Clara) in Mason County, 4.1; North in King County, 4.1; Clear in Pierce County, 4.0; Tiger in Mason County, 3.9; Fishtrap in Lincoln County, 3.8; Crescent in Pierce County, 3.8; Pearrygin in Okanogan County, 3.7; Heart in Skagit County, 3.7; and Martha in Snohomish County, 3.7.

In the Puget Sound region, trout catches were also decent although turnout mirrored that of other statewide lakes.

“Fishing was pretty good despite the rainy and cold weather, and we had some high catch rates,” said Justin Spinelli, the Puget Sound regional biologist. “I believe the smaller crowds was a combination of people still concerned about crowds related to COVID-19 and others on the fence about not going out under less-than-ideal weather conditions. We didn’t have reports of many large trout caught and the largest was 19 inches from Lake Wilderness. We also saw some holdover trout in the 15- to 16-inch range.”

Spinelli said catch rate was more than four trout caught and/or released per angler, and the harvest rate was 2.9 per angler.

“We are planning doing additional stocking for the next couple of weeks and that includes more fish in some of our year-round lakes,” Spinelli said. “These plants on top of what we already got into the lakes should sustain fishing throughout the summer.”

In the Puget Sound region – King, Snohomish, Skagit, San Juan, Whatcom and Island counties – the projected plant for 2021 is 445,200catchable-size. Top that off with more than 5.7-million-plus fingerling and fry trout planted in 2020.

The statewide trout derby also commenced on opening day and runs through Oct. 31, and WDFW reported some tags were turned in from this past weekend.

“We had about 179 derby tagged fish returned by anglers, and we put out 1,025 tags so doing the math that is 15 to 16 percent, which isn’t bad for two days of fishing,” Caromile said. “In previous years for the entire derby season we have 50 to 60 percent of the tags returned statewide (about 57 percent were returned in 2020).”

“We plan to plant the same Puget Sound lakes as we did last year and this has been a highly popular event with a good return on tagged trout,” Caromile said. “Our prize value is expected to be a little higher this year, and most participants indicated they were happy with the derby.”

More money was diverted into this event for 2020 with $39,179 ($39,091 in 2019 and $38,000 in 2018) in donated prizes totaling 1,007 prizes from 105 participating businesses.

In the Puget Sound region around 300 of the 1,000 tags were placed in 22 lakes this season which is identical to 2020.

Anglers can track how many tags have been turned in to date, and it also indicates how many tags remain in each lake. For details, go to https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/Home/FishingDerby.

There are kids fishing events held throughout the year hosted by WDFW – http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/kids/events.html – and other fishing groups and clubs such as the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation – www.castforkids.org.

Opening day trout catch data

Ferry County – Ellen: 6 anglers with 20 trout kept, 10 released for 5.0 average fish caught per rod and 3.3 average for kept. Pend Oreille County – Diamond: 11 anglers with 24 kept, 14 released for 3.5 and 2.2. Stevens County – Cedar: 9 anglers with 26 kept, 15 released for 4.6 and 2.9. Mudgett: 18 with 36 kept, 13 released and for 2.7 and 2.0. Rocky: 9 with 40 kept, 71 released for 12.3 and 4.4. Starvation: 31 with 41 kept, 12 released for 1.7 and 1.3. Waitts: 23 with 34 kept, 9 released for 1.9 and 1.5. Spokane County –Badger: 63 with 96 kept, 112 released for 3.3 and 1.5. Clear: 15 with 26 kept, 21 released for 3.1 and 1.7. West Medical: 85 with 126 kept, 21 released for 1.7 and 1.5. Fish: 34 with 26 kept, 25 released for 1.5 and 0.8. Williams: 20 with 22 kept, 119 released for 7.1 and 1.1. Lincoln County –Fishtrap: 14 with 53 kept, 28 released for 5.8 and 3.8.

Region One totals: 338 anglers with 570 trout kept, 470 trout released for 3.1 average trout caught per rod and 1.7 average for trout kept.

Okanogan County –Pearrygin: 22 with 82 kept, 12 released for 4.3 and 3.7. Alta: 64 with 93 kept for 1.5 and 1.5. Grant County –Park: 52 with 80 kept, 17 released for 1.9 and 1.5. Blue: 139 with 75 kept, 2 released for 0.6 and 0.5. Vic Meyers: 15 with 46 kept for 3.1 and 3.1. Warden: 74 with 190 kept, 72 released for 3.5 and 2.6. Douglas County – Jameson: 70 with 240 kept, 7 released for 3.5 and 3.4. Chelan County – Wapato: 57 with 144 kept, 1 released for 2.5 and 2.5.

Region 2 totals: 493 anglers with 950 trout kept, 111 trout released for 2.2 average trout caught per rod and 1.9 average for trout kept.

King County – Cottage: 72 with 118 kept, 86 released for 2.8 and 1.6.Geneva: 17 82 with 17 kept, 5.8 released for 4.8 and 11.5.North: 16 with 66 kept, 21 released for 5.4 and 4.1. Pine: 34 with 49 kept, 53 released for 3.0 and 1.4. Steel: 17 with 53 kept, 6 released for 3.5 and 3.1. Walker: 11 with 22 kept, 2 released for 2.2 and 2.0. Wilderness: 27 with 58 kept, 74 released for 4.9 and 2.1. Skagit County – Erie: 52 with 154 kept, 55 released for 4.0 and 3.0. Heart: 19 with 71 kept, 55 released for 6.6 and 3.7. McMurray: 105 with 181 kept, 97 released for 2.6 and 1.7. Sixteen: 29 with 93 kept, 56 released for 5.1 and 3.2. Snohomish County – Echo (Maltby): 5 with 8 kept, 9 released for 3.4 and 1.6. Howard: 9 with 44 kept, 10 released for 6.0 and 4.9. Ki: 37 with 76 kept, 62 released for 3.7 and 2.1. Serene: 6 for 26 kept, 5 released for 5.2 and 4.3. Wagner: 7 with 19 kept, 41 released for 8.6 and 2.7.

Whatcom County – Cain: 18 with 63 kept, 71 released for 7.4 and 3.5.Padden: 70 with 177 kept, 11 released for 2.7 and 2.5. Silver: 129 with 224 kept, 168 released for 3.0 and 1.7. Toad: 18 with 62 kept, 35 released for 5.4 and 3.4.

Region 4 totals: 698 anglers with 1,646 trout kept, 934 released for 3.7 average trout caught per rod and 2.4 average for trout kept.

Lewis County – Mineral: 77 with 194 kept, 82 released for 3.6 and 2.5. Carlisle: 28 with 27 kept, 95 released for 4.4 and 1.0. Klickitat County – Rowland: 58 with 183 kept, 32 released for 3.7 and 3.2. Spearfish: 12 with 18 kept, 1 released for 1.6 and 1.5. Horsethief: 5 with 8 kept, 2 released for 2.0 and 1.6.

Region 5 totals: 180 anglers with 430 trout kept, 212 released for 3.6 average trout caught per rod and 2.4 average for trout kept.

Grays Harbor County – Failor: 53 with 167 kept, 35 released for 3.8 and 3.2. Aberdeen: 67 with 108 kept, 264 released for 5.6 and 1.6. Sylvia: 25 with 18 kept, 20 released for 1.5 and 0.7. Bowers: 29 with 41 kept, 11 released for 1.8 and 1.4. Inez: 17 with 31 kept, 1 released for 1.9 and 1.8. Pacific County – Cases Pond: 5 with 4 kept, 1 released for 1.0 and 0.8. South Bend Mill Pond: 1 with 3 kept for 3.0 and 3.0. Western: 2 with 2 released and 1.0 and 0.0. Black: 4 with 14 kept, 3 released for 4.3 and 3.5.

Thurston County – Clear: 69 with 222 kept, 64 released for 4.1 and 3.2. Deep: 21 with 1 kept, 1 released for 0.1 and 0.1. Hicks: 32 with 63 kept, 36 released for 3.1 and 2.0. McIntosh: 4 with 3 kept, 6 released for 2.3 and 0.8. Pattison: 18 with 8 kept, 1 released for 0.5 and 0.4. Summit: 11 with 77 kept, 10 released for 7.9 and 7.0. Ward: 13 with 3 kept, 3 released for 0.5 and 0.2. Pierce County – Bay: 4 with 2 kept, 4 released for 1.5 and 0.5. Clear: 53 with 212 kept, 146 released for 6.8 and 4.0. Jackson: 2 with no fish kept or released. Crescent: 9 with 34 kept, 8 released for 4.7 and 3.8. Rapjohn: 12 with 36 kept, 3 released for 3.3 and 3.0; Ohop: 19 with 19 kept, 16 released for 1.8 and 1.0. Silver: 36 with 97 kept, 45 released for 3.9 and 2.7. Harts: 2 with no fish kept or released. Kitsap County – Panther: 10 with 32 kept, 34 released for 6.60 and 3.20. Wildcat: 17 with 29 kept, 14 released for 2.53 and 1.71. Mason County – Aldrich: 6 with 12 kept for 2.0 and 2.0. Benson: 12 with 33 kept, 6 released for 3.25 and 2.75. Don (Clara): 11 with 46 kept for 4.18 and 4.18. Howell: 4 with 17 kept for4.25 and 4.25. Devereaux: 22 with 71 kept, 7 released for 3.55 and 3.23. Limerick: 24 with 39 kept, 31 released for 2.92 and 1.63. Robbins: 6 with 16 kept, 12 released for 4.67 and 2.67.Tiger: 17 with 67 kept, 8 released for 4.41 and 3.94. Wooten: 9 with 28 kept, 14 released for 4.67 and 3.11.

Region 6 totals: 646 anglers with 1,553 trout kept, 806 released for 3.65 average trout caught per rod and 2.40 average for trout kept.

Time is running out for possible razor clam digs

The chances of a spring coastal razor clam season are fading away as the latest marine toxin test results released by WDFW and the DOH from April 21-26 showed levels of domoic acid have increased dramatically again above the cutoff action level to open any coastal beaches for razor clam digging.

“There’s still a sliver of hope (and) we are digging a sample (Thursday AM, April 29) at Twin Harbors, and will collect again at Copalis and Mocrocks next week,” said Dan Ayres, the head WDFW coastal shellfish manager.

Samples collected by WDFW must test below the 20 parts per million (ppm) on two required collections spaced 7 to 10 apart. Here are the latest results: Long Beach North, 31 ppm; Twin Harbors, 11ppm to 28ppm; Copalis middle, 21ppm; Copalis North, 15ppm; and Mocrocks south, 20ppm; Mocrocks middle, 11ppm; and Mocrocks north, 12ppm.

This wasn’t the news diggers were banking on as optimal low tides run through the end of May when seasons normally wrap up until fall.

“We were getting excited about a possible opening at Twin Harbors and collected clams from the required three areas on (April 22), however, that will not be possible,” Ayres said.

No future razor clam dates can be announced until domoic acid levels in razor clams drop below the action level in two sets of consecutive tests, at least seven days apart.

“We will be collecting samples every seven days (as low tides allow) with the hope that some beach may be able to open soon,” Ayres said. “As always, we will not be looking for harvest opportunities after May 31. This provides razor clam populations the summer to spawn and then recover from spawning, insuring the future of this important resource.”

 WDFW requires two clean test samples before considering opening any beaches. All coastal beaches have been closed since late October. This year’s population of razor clams are some of the most abundant seen in many years.

WDFW closely monitors marine toxins such as domoic acid – a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae – which can be detrimental if consumed in high enough quantities. The impacts vary from nausea and headaches to more severe symptoms including neurological damage, seizures and even death.

Nibbles and bites

•WDFW sent out a news release on late Wednesday that indicates southern Puget Sound (Area 13) south of the Narrows Bridge that is normally open year-round for salmon fishing will now be temporarily closed beginning this Saturday (May 1). The release says this is due to a pre-existing Endangered Species Act coverage for the effects of Puget Sound salmon fisheries expires on April 30, 2021. Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) consultations on 2021-22 Puget Sound salmon fisheries are ongoing, but are unlikely to be completed by May 1. Area 13 salmon fisheries are known to intercept listed Chinook in the May period. Accordingly, Area 13 will reopen (some say it could possibly be as soon as May 7 or May 8) when ESA authorization is received for the proposed 2021-22 Puget Sound salmon fishing package. Tune into 710 ESPN The Outdoor Line on Saturday morning (6 a.m. to 8 a.m. on 710 AM) as Edward Eleazer from the WDFW staff will discuss the Area 13 situation as well as other pertinent information regarding the Skagit River spring salmon sport fishery closure.

•The halibut fishery in the eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca/Puget Sound (Areas 6-10 only) is open through May 22 and June 3-26 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only; and May 28, 29 and 30. Western Strait of Juan de Fuca (Area 5) is open May 6-22 on Thursdays and Saturdays only; May 28, 29 and 30; and June 3-26 open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Neah Bay/La Push (Areas 3 and 4) is open May 6-22 and June 3-26 on Thursdays and Saturdays only; and May 28 and 30. Westport (Area 2) is open May 6-23 on Thursdays and Sundays only; and May 27 only; and could reopen June 17, 20, 24 and 27 if catch quota remains. Ilwaco (Area 1) is open May 6-23 and June 3-27 on Thursdays and Sundays only; and May 27. In all marine areas the daily limit is one halibut with no minimum size limit. There is a four halibut annual limit in place.

•The lingcod fishery from Sekiu in the Strait clear into Puget Sound (Areas 5, 6, 7, 8-1, 8-2, 9, 10 and 13 except 12 is closed) opens this Saturday (May 1) through June 15. In this fishery it’s best to sooner than later as the legal-size fish tend to get picked out during the first couple weeks of the season. A one-lingcod daily limit, and a minimum size limit of 26 inches and maximum size of 36 inches.

•The winter chinook fishery at Sekiu in the western Strait of Juan de Fuca will close after Friday (April 30) and while fishing slowed down of late it still has been producing a fair number of larger fish in the 12- to 18-pound range.

•Fishing for lingcod and other bottomfish east of Sekiu in Marine Catch Area 4 off Neah Bay has been very good, and places like Westport and Ilwaco are reporting similar action when the weather allows anglers to cross the bar.