Skagit Area Report

[Robbo]

FRESHWATER

A customer fishing lake Samish noted that surface temps were still on the cold side, just over fifty degrees. Fishing has still been hit and miss for kokanee but watch for it to turn on after a couple of nice days. Another customer targeting smallmouth in Samish said that it was still slow for bass as well. The pre-spawn should be firing up now that temps are starting to warm.

The sockeye fishery set for the Skagit from mid June through mid July should be a great opportunity for anglers to get out on the water without spending much on gas while having the opportunity to get some exellent meat in the freezer. Most fishermen target sockeye using similar strategies to humpy fishing. Plunking with a small spin n glo, a pink squid and a small sandshrimp has been a very productive technique in the past.

SALTWATER

A few fishermen have been out in the San Juans recently although the past couple of days have been windy. Most fishermen have been giving pretty good reports on catching fish in the 7-8 pound range with a few in the mid teens. Get out and enjoy salmon fishing while you can because it's going to shut down for the months of May and June!

Watch for the upcoming May openers. Expect decent crowds for the shrimp opener where we were alloted 6 days in the San Juans with the possibility of an extension. The first day of the season is May 5. The first days of Halibut will be May 3-5 so the fifth would be a good combo fishing day to get out after multiple species. Don't forget about lingcod opening on May 1!

Tickets for the Stanwood Eagles Derby are still available. This derby will take place in Marine Areas 8-1 and 8-2 on April 21 & 22. Tickets can be purchased here at Holiday Sports along with Hook Line & Sinker, Johns Sporting Goods, Camano Marine, Elger Bay Grocery Store, and at the Stanwood Eagles. First place will be 45% of the ticket sales. Tickets cost $50.00 per person. A few reports from 8-1 & 8-2 have indicated that fishing is improving in most of the popular spots.

GENERAL INFO

Special hunt applications are now available for purchase. Remember that the dates for special hunts were bumped up earlier last year to help hunters plan their trips in advance. Hunting regs should be out soon and fishing shouldn't be far behind!

Anthon Steen
Holiday Sports Center
360-757-4361