FRESHWATER
A few of the local lakes are starting to produce as temperatures get warmer. Good year-round lakes to hit include Clear Lake, Campbell Lake, and Samish. Keep in mind that the general lowland lake opener is just around the corner.
A few customers have been getting over to the east side of the mountains. The reports have been good in Roosevelt and Banks for rainbows. They are measuring from 15 to 22 inches in Roosevelt with an occasional kokanee. These fish are accessible from the bank in some areas but a boat really opens up your opportunities. One customer plunked Powerbait from the beach near Coulee City and did well.
SALTWATER
Marine Area 7 is open for salmon through the end of the month. A few fishermen have noted that they have been doing well in areas such as Lopez Flats and Thatcher Pass over the past few days with some pretty big wild fish being caught and released. Reports from Buoy 16 off Sinclaire have been good as well.
Kevin, Brysen and I (tackleshop employees) decided to give Biz Point a try on Monday night. We only had two of the three rods in the water on our first pass when the rod popped out of the release. The fish shook the hooks before we could get a hookset on him. We pulled herring around for a couple more hours without any action.
Lingcod, Halibut and Shrimp seasons are all set to open in early May. Marine Areas 6, 7, 8-1 and 8-2 halibut will open from May 5-21, Thursdays through Saturdays, and May 26-29 Thursday through Sunday. Lings are set to open on May 1 through June 15. Pray for good weather!
Anthon Steen
Holiday Sports Center
Burlington, Washington
(360) 757-4361