Skagit County Report

[Robbo]

FRESHWATER

The rumors coming out of the North of Falcon process indicate that we should have expanded opportunities for sockeye in the Skagit River this summer including the lower river. This will be a great opportunity for sportsmen to target these fish from both the beach and by boat. The most popular technique should be to plunk smaller Spin N Glos with small sandshrimp.

Lake Samish has been starting to put out a few kokanee on the nicer days. The fish have been on the small side but hopefully we will have another good year this year.

SALTWATER

Marine Area 7 salmon fishing has been pretty good lately on the nicer days when fishermen can get out. The most productive areas have been the southern portion of the islands including all of the banks. One fisherman said he hit Hein Bank last weekend and managed to land quite a few blackmouth. One was a keeper hatchery fish weighing about 8 pounds while a couple others were larger wild fish. He noted that there were quite a few small sublegal fish around. Other hot spots have included Salmon Bank, Eastern Bank, and McArthur. There have also been decent reports coming from normal spots in Rosario Strait including Thatcher Pass, Lopez Flats, and Tide Pt. The north end of Orcas has also started to pick up. One local fisherman just said that he has been limiting off Parker Reef his past couple trips out with some decent size. This weekend's sold out Anacortes Salmon Derby should be a good one just as long as the weather cooperates. The forecast keeps changing. Remember that April 1 marks the beginning of the 2012 license period!


Anthon Steen
Holiday Sports Center
Burlington, WA
360-757-4361