Action: The mainstem and West Fork of the Grays River will remain open to fishing for hatchery salmon and steelhead through October 25

Species affected: Hatchery coho, hatchery chinook, and hatchery steelhead

Effective dates: Immediately through Oct. 25, 2009

Location:

* Mainstem Grays River from mouth to South Fork
* West Fork Grays River from the mouth to the hatchery intake/footbridge.

Daily limits: Salmon daily limit is 6 fish of which no more than 2 adult chinook may be retained. Release chum, wild coho, and wild chinook. All chinook must be adipose and/or ventral fin clipped to be retained.

In addition, up to 2 hatchery steelhead may be retained. Wild steelhead and all other game fish must be released.

Reason for action: Based upon recent field observations, large numbers of early stock coho have been holding in the lower Grays. Originally, the salmon and steelhead season was scheduled to close Oct. 15. This extension will allow additional opportunity to harvest surplus hatchery fish. However, it will close before larger numbers of chum salmon listed under the federal Endangered Species Act are typically present.

Other information: Night closure, anti-snagging rule, and stationary gear restrictions are also extended through Oct. 25.

Information contact: (360) 696-6211. For latest information press *1010.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW “Fishing in Washington” rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.

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Action: Open the Methow River from the second powerline crossing upstream of Pateros to the first Highway 153 Bridge.

* The daily limit will be four adipose fin-clipped, hatchery steelhead, 20-inch minimum size.
* Mandatory retention of adipose fin-clipped hatchery steelhead.
* Selective gear rules apply, no bait allowed.
* A night closure is in effect for the duration of the fishery.
* Release any steelhead with one or more round holes punched in the caudal (tail) fin.
* Boats with motors are not allowed.

Location: The Methow River from the second powerline crossing upstream of Pateros to the first Highway 153 Bridge.

Effective date: Oct. 21, 2009.

Species affected: Steelhead.

Other information: Anglers are required to release all steelhead with an adipose fin. Any steelhead caught with an intact adipose fin may not be removed from the water and must be released immediately.

Reason for action: Sufficient numbers of wild steelhead have moved upriver from this section, allowing anglers additional opportunity to harvest adipose fin-clipped steelhead with minimal impact to wild fish. The fishery will reduce the number of excess hatchery-origin steelhead and consequently increase the proportion of natural-origin steelhead on the spawning grounds. Higher proportions of naturally produced spawners are expected to improve genetic integrity and stock recruitment of upper Columbia River steelhead through perpetuation of steelhead stocks with the greatest natural-origin lineage.

Information contacts: Jeff Korth, Region 2 Fish Program Manager, (509) 754-4624, Bob Jateff, District 6 Fish Biologist, (509) 997-0316.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW “Fishing in Washington” rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.

Action: Keeps Swift Reservoir open to fishing for the public.

Effective date: Nov. 1 through Nov. 30, 2009

Species affected: All game fish and salmonA

Location: Swift Reservoir (Skamania County)

Reason for action: In previous years the reservoir closed at the end of October to reduce the handling of stocked fingerling rainbow trout. Rainbow trout are now stocked in the spring just prior to opening day (last Saturday in April). There is a proposal in the agency Sport Fishing Rule Change process for 2010-2012 to make this a permanent change. There is insufficient time to adopt permanent rules.

Other Information: The boat ramp will not be maintained during the extension. Anglers should be aware of floating debris in and around the boat dock area. If vandalism, too much snow or the reservoir level becomes an issue, the boat ramp will be closed down.

From dam to markers approximately 3/8 mile below Eagle Cliff Bridge, landlocked salmon rules remain in effect.

From markers approximately 3/8 below Eagle Cliff Bridge, selective gear rules except motors allowed, remains in effect. Landlocked rules apply.

Information Contact: Stacie Kelsey, Inland Fish Program 360-906-6706

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW “Fishing in Washington” rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.

In this issue:

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The Guide’s Forecast Oregon’s most accurate and up to date fishing report For the week of October 16, 2009 volume 11 issue number 42 Welcome Oregon Fishing Updates SW Washington Fishing Update Notes from subscribers & how to contact TGF As well as Links of the Week and the TGFMonthly Poll. Links of the Week Reborn Rogue shows its teeth Jig fishing fir coho If you have a suggestion for a link, let us know, just send us a note. Monthly Poll We want your feedback – help make TGF better and have some fun with one click!  It takes less than 6 seconds, really. Where do you fish from the most? Own a Boat Use a Boat From a Bank Last month’s responses What percentage of the time do you troll spinners at Buoy 10 vs. bait? 50% use spinners 25% bait 75% 19% use spinners 50% bait 50% 31% use spinners 75% bait 25% Thanks for taking a moment to vote!  We will get you the results next month along with a new question. If you have a question you would like to see posted here, let us know by clicking here. Quick Links Paid Members Log On Become a Paid Member Contact TGF Book your fishing trip with NWG Get help Purchase Tech Reports TGF Classified Ads Forgot your membership information Send TGF a photo of your latest catch and we’ll post it on-line! Classified Ads Rugar M77 270, new barrel, safety rebuilt.  Special cleaning oils are available and a bullet setter if you reload your own bullets. Paid $900 for the new barrel and asking $750. Call Phillip (360)-910-3103. You can find deals posted on the website by clicking here. Welcome to this week’s fishing report! Paid members have access to much more information including complete forecasts for next week by clicking here and signing in. If you are not a paid member yet you can find out more about what you’re missing and sign up by clicking here now . Thank you for being a subscriber to our weekly e-mail. Oregon Fishing Willamette Valley/Metro – Trollers are beginning to master coho fishing near tributary mouths like the Sandy and Washougal on the Washington side and action should continue steady through the middle of November. Chinook catches have tapered in the Bonneville area and sturgeon anglers are only finding an occasional keeper. Bank anglers will likely fare best as fish congregate in the faster flows upstream of the boating deadline. Coho counts, not updated since October 5th, indicate about 700 per day crossing at Willamette Falls as the temperature and water level drop. Water conditions will change this week with precipitation. Sturgeon fishing should improve in the lower river as the water cools. The North Santiam has continued to frustrate anglers despite the fact the many coho over the Falls should be destined for Santiam tributaries. The McKenzie Two-Fly Tournament on October 10th netted $4,000 for lower river improvements. Fishing for redsides is good on the upper river. Anglers may retain limits of three hatchery coho on the Clackamas, Eagle Creek, Sandy River, the upper Willamette and its tributaries through the end of the year. Several limits were taken on the Sandy over the past weekend. The last day to retain chinook on the Sandy is October 31st. Scheduled for trout planting are Mt Hood Pond, Detroit Reservoir, Walling Pond and Walter Wirth Lake. Northwest – Effort has dropped off at Buoy 10 but persistent anglers found easy limits upstream of the Astoria/Megler Bridge on Saturday. By Sunday however, the bite had already slowed. The Buoy 10 fishery should dramatically slow after this weekend but a strong incoming tide should provide one last opportunity for those seeking quality coho this late in the season. Crabbing is excellent in the lower Columbia but with an evening minus tide over the weekend, crabbers must be adamant about pulling pots shortly after high slack or lose them to the strong ebb tide. Tillamook anglers will find challenging conditions as foul weather hits the north coast. Most anglers are coming up empty but herring trollers in the Ghost Hole are finding occasional success. Frank Ness of Lake Oswego landed a 24-pound buck on Friday but a good portion of the fish being landed are smaller 3-year old fish, weighing in around 15 pounds or less. Stronger tides over the weekend and the likelihood of a closed bar that will prevent an ocean harvest should improve bay fishing over the weekend. Tillamook Bay should be peaking this week although a low return will still limit success rates. Ocean crabbing closes today but this fishery provided awesome opportunity for those with ocean going craft. Limits of commercial-sized legals were the norm; all a product of a regulation change instigated by a vested sportsman and a willing fish and wildlife agency. The Nestucca remains only fair for chinook with effort dropping off from previous weeks. Rain in the forecast is expected to raise north coast rivers only about a foot in height. It shouldn’t take much rain to stimulate a run of fish upstream but rivers will remain almost too low to boat. The lower stretches of the Trask and Nestucca Rivers should produce the best but a more significant rain is needed to really jumpstart the driftboat season. Southwest – Razor clam harvest has re-opened on the coast from Yaquina Bay to the California border. The best clamming takes place north of Tillamook Head near Cannon Beach but toxicity levels remain too high for safe consumption in that area. Coho and chinook catches have been improving in Winchester Bay and salmon are starting to move upriver. Coquille anglers are seeing a brief flurry of action for coho and chinook just prior to high tide. Less than half of the wild coho quota has been taken. Chinook and the occasional coho are being boated by Coos trollers with the bite near high tide here as well, although wild coho may not be retained. Chinook catches remain good in Rogue Bay and upriver to Agness. Coho numbers are increasing. The Rogue estuary fishes best inside the jaws on the outgoing tide. The long awaited removal of Savage Rapids Dam will provide new water for anglers to master as well as bolster fish populations. The chinook run in the Chetco which is a late-starter historically, is fair and will improve in weeks to come. The river will remain closed below Highway 101 until the first week in November unless rain raises the water level. The ocean laid down over the past weekend allowing boats to take advantage of excellent rockfishing and make good catches of large ling cod. The Elk and Sixes should start fishing for chinook with rain this week. Scheduled trout stocking has concluded for the year in coastal zones. Eastern – Catches were slow in eastside streams and river over the past weekend with the weather changing but should improve with rain this week. Chinook are being hooked in addition to steelhead in the lower Deschutes now. It’s been chilly on the Grande Ronde with about 25% of anglers taking home steelhead. The department has increased the daily bag limit of steelhead to 5 per day as dam passage indicates a near-record run is likely to many district rivers. Check the ODF&W website before heading to your favorite destination as complex regulations are always changing to maximize conservation benefit. SW Washington Fishing SW Washington – Many district streams remain low, presenting challenging conditions for anglers in pursuit of late run coho. Fall rains should stimulate returning coho numbers and improve the bite. Many fish are dark but fresh fish should be arriving soon. The Lewis River is likely the best bet with the lower stretches of the Cowlitz a close second. Coho passage at Bonneville has triggered the Klickitat coho fishery at the mouth. An occasional chinook and steelhead are also being taken. This fishery should continue to improve into November. Contact The Guide’s Forecast As always, we have appreciated the suggestions and feedback we have recently received.  Send yours! Connect with TGF and other subscribers! Got an question, comment, story to tell or information to share? Please contact us by clicking here. Copyright © 1998-2009

The Guide’s Forecast, Po Box 1196, Tillamook, OR. 97141 360-280-7543

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Action: The Snake River will open for fall chinook fishing.

Locations:

* Area A: From the Highway 12 Bridge (near the mouth of the Snake River) upstream to the no-fishing zone below Ice Harbor Dam; plus
* Area B: From Highway 261 Bridge crossing on the Snake River (approximately one half mile upstream from Lyons Ferry Hatchery) upstream to the no-fishing zone below Little Goose Dam.

Dates: Sept. 1 through Oct.15, 2009.

Species affected: Fall chinook salmon.

Reason for action: Because there are sufficient numbers of upriver bright fall chinook and wild Snake River fall chinook returning to the Columbia River, a fishery can open on the lower Snake River. Therefore, a limited fall chinook fishery for marked hatchery adult chinook, and both marked and unmarked chinook jacks (less than 24 inches) will open Sept. 1. This 2009 fishery includes changes from last year’s fishery for adult hatchery fall chinook near Little Goose Dam.

Other Information: Fishing will be open seven days per week. Night closure is in effect for all species within the identified boundaries of the fishery. The total salmon daily limit will be two marked hatchery (adipose clipped) adult fall chinook (24 inches or greater), plus four jack chinook under 24 inches (either hatchery or wild), except along the “wall” and walkway area upstream of the juvenile fish bypass return pipe (below Little Goose Dam) where the daily limit will be one hatchery adult chinook and up to two jack chinook. Anglers are reminded that they must stop fishing for salmon once the daily limit of adult salmon has been retained. Anglers within the designated one adult hatchery chinook area must stop fishing for salmon in this designated area once the daily limit of one adult hatchery salmon has been retained.

Hatchery salmon have a clipped adipose fin and a healed scar at the location of the missing fin. Adult chinook or steelhead with unclipped adipose fins must be immediately released unharmed. Anglers must use barbless hooks when fishing for chinook or steelhead in the Snake River.

Anglers cannot remove any chinook or steelhead from the water unless it is retained as part of the daily bag limit. Anglers should ensure they identify their catch because unmarked returning chinook salmon, coho salmon and unmarked steelhead are in the Snake River during this fishery. Anglers should refer to the 2009/2010 Fishing in Washington sport fishing rules pamphlet for other regulations, including possession limits and safety closures. Angler catch rates will be monitored closely and Snake River salmon fisheries may close before Oct. 15 if the allowable limits for impacts on wild fish are reached.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW “Fishing in Washington” rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is taking measures to encourage better sanitary practices by anglers fishing the Skokomish River to protect both human health and fish and shellfish resources.

With hundreds of recreational salmon anglers fishing the river each day, an accumulation of human waste and trash is creating potential health and water quality problems, said Jim Scott, assistant director for WDFW’s fish program.

To improve the situation, the department is increasing the number of dumpsters and portable toilets in the areas along the river that are most affected.

“We know that the state Department of Health has closed a portion of the Skokomish River delta to shellfish harvesting due to multiple sources of fecal coliform bacteria,” Scott said. “We can’t say for sure that human waste is contributing to the problem, but we want to eliminate that possibility by offering more waste-disposal means for anglers.”

WDFW is also posting signs in the area asking anglers for their assistance in keeping the area safe and clean, Scott said.

“We’re telling the public that we need their cooperation to keep the Skokomish River open to fishing,” Scott said.

That includes fishing legally in addition to improving sanitation, he said. Since the fishery opened Aug. 1, WDFW enforcement officers have been monitoring the river, where numerous fishing violations have occurred. In a recent emphasis patrol, officers issued 56 citations for violations such as using illegal gear, snagging fish and exceeding catch limits.

“Our intention is to conduct an orderly fishery on the Skokomish,” Scott said. “Continued fishing opportunity depends on the behavior of anglers and the choices they make.”

The Skokomish River is currently open for recreational salmon fishing seven days a week from the mouth of the river to the Hwy. 101 Bridge.

Action: Marine Area 1 (Ilwaco) closes to salmon fishing.

Effective dates: 12:01 a.m. September 1, 2009

Species affected: All salmon

Location: Marine Area 1 from Leadbetter Point to Cape Falcon Oregon.

Reasons for action: The salmon quota for Marine Area 1 will have been taken.

Other Information: Marine Areas 2, 3, 4, and Buoy 10 will remain open.

Information Contact: Doug Milward, Ocean salmon fisheries manager (360) 902-2739.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW “Fishing in Washington” rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.

OLYMPIA – Catch and size limits have been lifted temporarily for fisheries in about two-dozen eastern Washington waters scheduled for rotenone treatments to improve future fishing.

Anglers will be allowed to take unlimited fish from the targeted waters before they are closed for rotenone treatment to eliminate undesirable fish species that compete with trout, according to Jim Uehara, a fisheries manager with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Rotenone, a naturally occurring substance derived from the roots of tropical plants, has been found in scientific studies to present no significant health risk to people, pets, livestock or wildlife. The lake rehabilitations are carried out under a permit from the state Department of Ecology.

Most of the waters scheduled for treatment this fall have overly abundant populations of carp, tench, goldfish, sunfish or other small species, and most will be re-stocked next year with rainbow and/or cutthroat trout. Cee Cee Ah Creek in Pend Oreille County will be treated to remove eastern brook trout populations, in an effort to restore native westslope cutthroat trout.

By county, rule changes and closure dates for waters scheduled for treatment are:

* Grant County: Desert Wildlife Area Lakes (Harris, Dune, Sedge, Tern and Desert Wildlife Area ponds); Beda and Brookies lakes – No size or catch limits through Sept. 13; closed to fishing Sept.14 until further notice; at Beda and Brookies lakes, selective gear rules are no longer in effect; fishing allowed from a floating device equipped with a motor.
* Lincoln County: Fishtrap Lake – No size or catch limits through Oct. 11; closed to fishing Oct. 12 until further notice.
* Okanogan County: Buck Lake – No size or catch limits through Oct. 25; closed to fishing Oct. 26 until further notice.
* Spokane County: Hog Canyon Lake and Creek – No size or catch limits until Oct. 11; closed to fishing Oct. 12 until further notice. West Medical Lake – No size or catch limits through Oct. 25; closed to fishing Oct. 26 until further notice.

One of the most deadly and effective ways to target steelhead in low clear water is with spinners. For some reason summer run steelhead just can’t seem to resist the vibration and flash of a spinner in their face. Most steelhead fishermen quite often use spinners to fish for steelhead in all the summer months and they use this technique for a reason….it works!!!

When I first started steelhead fishing for summer fish I was exclusively all about bobber and jig fishing and that was it for me! One day while out on the river, I was walking into one of my spots and another fisherman was walking out. I couldn’t help but notice that he was carrying a limit of fish! I said, “Good job man, what did you pick those beauties up on?” He said, “I was using a #2 tarnished brass vibrax spinner.” He showed me his lures and I took some pictures for him of his fish, and I went on my way up to my whole. I kept thinking the whole time how I almost didn’t believe that was what he was using. I had heard of spinners doing well but this spinner to me just looked really ugly, like why would any steelhead hit that lure? From then on I was determined to try to catch my first steelhead on a spinner. I had grown up fishing for trout in small streams with spinners so I knew how to fish them, it was just getting to the store to pick up some steelhead spinners and getting back out on the water to fish them. For me the lure of choice was a blue fox in brass color size 2. This spinner from then on out was the most deadly spinner I have ever used for summer steelhead fishing. The first time out I spotted a fish in some low clear water just below a fast riffle. I casted the spinner upstream and let it drift right into him……WHAM!! She almost tore the rod right out of my hand! After a couple acrobatic jumps and good runs, I landed a nice bright hatchery hen. This was my first ever steelhead on a spinner. I began to master the art of fishing with spinners and they became my lure of choice when fishing for summer steelhead in low clear water.

Picking the lure is easy when it comes to summer steelhead. You want something small and something not to bright, as bright colors will often spook the fish. Some choices of lures I would go with are Blue Fox Vibrax in Brass, Copper, Silver and Blue, or Silver and Purple. All of these 4 colors seem to produce. On very bright sunny days you want to use the darker colors like brass and copper. On Overcast days you can get the fish on silver and blue or silver and purple. I like to fish the spinner with light spinning gear. I prefer a 7 foot Certified Pro Lamiglas rod with a pflueger 8035 spinning reel. For fishing line, I use a 6 pound maxima ultra green. Now you’re hooked up and it’s time to get out on the water.

You can fish spinners in almost any kind of water and that is one of the main luxuries of spinner fishing. Spinners are fished best by essentially drifting them through holes. Like any drift set up you want to keep the spinner close to the bottom. Cast the spinner upstream and float it down through the hole all the way to the tail out, slowly reeling it towards yourself the whole time. Once the spinner gets close to the tail out where the water is going to be faster, make sure you slow down the retrieve or give the spinner some line to keep it close to the bottom. Do this through the entire hole, if there is fish in the hole, it will be game on most of time. The other place that you want to make sure to fish the spinner is in riffles and fast oxygenated water. As the summer goes on and a lot of rivers decrease the amount of water they have, fish will be in search of oxygen and cool places to be. A lot of times if you run your spinner through these areas an active fish will not be able to resist the spinner. Don’t wait any longer to get out there and fish spinners for these hard to catch summer steelhead. Right now is the time to do it! Good luck out there! Once the addiction starts it never stops!
Your Crazy Addicted Fishermen Marlin LeFever aka The Bassinpimp

OLYMPIA – Despite recent showers, the summer’s prolonged dry weather has left fish vulnerable, including on the Dungeness River, where two anglers were recently caught poaching.

An enforcement officer with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) cited the anglers for multiple fishing violations, including possession of federally protected wild chinook salmon.

The Dungeness River, which flows through Clallam County to the Strait of Juan de Fuca, is closed to all fishing to protect returning wild chinook, listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

“These people may not know it, but the two fish they caught represent 10 percent of the wild chinook that have returned so far to the Dungeness, which has also suffered from low flows this summer,” said WDFW Sergeant Phillip Henry. “Taking one of these fish is like shooting a bald eagle.”

Henry said fines for the offenses could add up for the poachers. Fishing in closed waters carries a maximum penalty of $1,000 and/or 30 days in jail. The maximum penalty for snagging alone is $5,000 and/or a year in jail. Snagging is an attempt to take fish with a hook and line in such a way that the fish does not voluntarily take the bait in its mouth. In addition, the two may face federal charges for taking protected fish.

WDFW is also stepping up enforcement patrols on other rivers in the state during the summer’s peak season, Henry said. On a recent patrol of the Skokomish River in Mason County, WDFW enforcement officers issued more than 50 citations for a variety of violations, including snagging, over-limits and fishing without a license.

“Poaching is an annual issue, but with most of Washington experiencing the hottest and driest summer in years, low water levels are making fish more vulnerable to snagging and other illegal activities,” Henry said. “We appreciate that most anglers follow the rules and hope others will act responsibly as well.”
Henry asks that anyone who witnesses poaching violations to call WDFW’s confidential toll-free Poaching Hotline at (877) 933-9847.

The same weather conditions are causing additional problems for fish in other parts of the state. Low flows and elevated water temperatures forced the early closure of salmon fishing on Lake Wenatchee, where returning sockeye were experiencing high mortality rates.

At the Fallert Creek Hatchery on the Kalama River, where surface water temperatures were elevated during the state’s recent heat wave, about 135,000 summer and winter steelhead – 96 percent of the facility’s steelhead – died after being infected by a parasite that grows rapidly in warm water. Elsewhere, about 200,000 coho salmon – 12 percent of the coho at the Washougal Hatchery – died from a bacterial infection after water temperatures reached 80 degrees at the facility.

Rock dams built by campers to create swimming areas in streams, also pose real problems for salmon and other migrating fish at this time of year, said Perry Harvester, a WDFW fish biologist.

Each year, WDFW staff dismantles dozens of these so-called “recreational dams,” which can block passage to salmon, steelhead and bulltrout moving upstream to spawn, Harvester said. In Yakima County, where Harvester is based, the problem is especially acute near campgrounds on Rattlesnake and Crow creeks, and the Teanaway River, American River, and the Little Naches River.

“It may seem like innocent fun, but building these makeshift dams can put entire runs of protected fish at risk especially during late summer when many fish begin their spawning runs,” he said. “It may be one reason why we’ve seen declining redd (egg-nest) counts for ESA-listed bull trout in some of these streams in recent years.

Harvester noted that building an unauthorized dam of any sort across a river or stream is a violation of the state hydraulics law, which is a gross misdemeanor.