From all outward appearances it looks like March will be coming in like a lamb, let’s just hope that it does not leave like a lion. Either way there will be increasing opportunities for those of us who enjoy the outdoors.
Not many people equate spring with hunting season, but we do have a couple of choices when it comes to warm-weather hunting.
Turkey season is just six weeks away; look for a two-piece feature detailing Evergreen State turkey hunting opportunities.
That is not all. If you are interested in pursuing bruins in the spring, you have to get your homework done quickly. Applications for the Blue Mountain spring bear season are due March 10. There will be approximately 115 permits available for the spring season all of which are in the Blue Mountain Bear Management Area in the southeast portion of the state.
Hunters may use any legal weapon (modern firearm, archery & muzzleloader), the use of bait and/or dogs is not allowed. Spot stalk will be the best method. These bears will be coming out of their dens after a long sleep. They will be extremely hungry, so find a good ample source of succulent green shoots and you will find the bears.
Best areas to try are the south and west facing slopes and clearcuts. They get more direct sunlight and are the first to start to green up and will the place the bears look to alleviate their hunger pangs.
FISHING READY TO TAKE OFF
In other news form the state, the talks in regards to salmon fishery management have begun. These meetings will provide the framework for the upcoming salmon seasons and as the information is released I will get that out to you.
The warming rays of spring have put people in a fishing mood. Take a drive by any of the local impoundments and you will see a bevy of activity. With temps getting near the 50’s more fly anglers will be plying waters with their dry flies matching the early hatches. Water temps are cool enough that the daylight hours are as productive as the early morning and evening times.
On those days where the sun makes an appearance, fish areas that are on the fringe between shade and bright light. As the water warms the fish will start to congregate in the shadier areas more. Check the regulations to find which of the lakes are open year-round. Popular bets for North Whidbey anglers are Cranberry and Pass Lakes. In the coming weeks the state will start to plant both year-round and seasonal lakes with catchable trout. They have switched to planting later to decrease mortality from growing cormorant populations.
Now is also the time for the eager bass angler to hit the water. Many lakes should start to see the bass go into a feeding frenzy with an increase in water temps. The fish need to put on weight in expectations of the upcoming spawn. Now is the time they will strike just about anything, but some bait consistently takes early season bass.
In the very beginning, the fish will still be in the deeper water where bottom-hugging baits will work best. Grubs tipped with a piece of crawler, jig-n-pigs, and Texas rigged worms slowly worked along the bottom will entice hungry fish. Keep the retrieve slow, since their metabolism is still slow from the winter months. As it gets warmer, spinnerbaits and jigs that resemble crawfish will be good bets.
Another key is to look at the water clarity. Lakes that receive a good deal of runoff will be fairly cloudy in the early days. For cloudy water you want to use bright colored bait and use bigger blades on your spinners. When using bottom-hugging baits, try and bump the bottom and obstructions to help the fish locate it. If the water is clear then baits in darker patterns can be used. If in doubt, chartreuse is a color that is about as universal as they come.
Campbell Lake is always a favorite for local anglers, and Lake Whatcom is popular with anglers targeting smallmouths. Lastly, look at some of the shallower lakes; they warm sooner and quicker than the others. Clear and Beaver Lakes would be a good choice for the early season angler.
If you haven’t prepared for the upcoming angling season time is running out. Things are picking up and you had best get things done or be left out when they start biting.
