Skagit County, Washington Area Report

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FRESHWATER
Lake Samish has been consistent for kokanee fishermen. The weather is finally cooperating and surface temperatures are starting to warm up. We still have a few tickets for the Lake Stevens Kokanee Derby. Last year’s event was a huge success and this year shouldn’t be any different.

SALTWATER
Halibut fishing has been pretty good on the few open days that we have had. This Thursday through Saturday should offer great weather if the forecast holds up. The tides look pretty rough with a minus 2.5 in the middle of the day. Last year on a big minus, I went out with two passengers in my boat and we managed to limit on Hein Bank. We were sure to bring plenty of weight and rods/reels heavy enough to handle the extra lead. It is tougher to stay on the bottom but halibut seem to continue to feed on the strong tides unlike some other species. A few customers came in with pictures of nice fish weighing up to 70+ pounds last week. There were fish from Partridge, Hein, Eastern and McArthur. Kevin and I are planning to give it a try tomorrow or Friday.

Don’t forget that special hunt applications are due tonight at MIDNIGHT! If you can’t make it to a license dealer, apps are available for purchase on the WDFW website.

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