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

April 30, 2021

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 […]

Spot shrimp populations remain decent in most areas as seasons are now being crafted, and those looking for early spring fun should head to year-round lakes already planted with trout

March 26, 2021

By Mark Yuasa It’s a great time to live in the PNW especially if you enjoy fishing! One of those spring-time rites of passage is the thrill of pulling in a pot loaded with giant prawn-size spot shrimp, and anglers can plan on a likely mid-May opening with specific dates being finalized and could come […]

Three ocean summer sport salmon fishing options set today reflect much improved catch quotas over 2020 with final approval happening by mid-April

March 11, 2021

By Mark Yuasa State, tribal and federal fishery managers developed three ocean sport salmon alternatives during the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) meetings that ended today (Thursday, March 11), and will likely lead to decent summer fishing although getting to the finish line could involve some “give and take” due to some poor coastal coho […]

WDFW managers predict a whopping 2.9-million-plus Puget Sound pink salmon return that’ll have anglers blushing this summer, while other salmon forecasts are a mix of good, bad and downright ugly

February 26, 2021

By Mark Yuasa It’s time to buckle up for a possible big salmon season in some areas! State fishery managers are unveiling the 2021 forecasts at a public meeting today (Feb. 26), and while there are big hurdles to overcome in establishing Puget Sound chinook seasons, it appears a boatload of pinks will arrive in […]

UPDATED: Columbia River spring chinook fishing dates set by state fishery managers today, and includes a 35-day lower mainstem season beginning this Monday

February 23, 2021

By Mark Yuasa Spring is less than a month away and anglers received official word during a joint state, federal and tribal fishery managers meeting today on Columbia River spring chinook fisheries that are set to begin this coming Monday (March 1). The forecast calls for 143,200 spring chinook – compared to 135,800 forecast in […]