First to start with some news from the state. It was thought the Wildlife Commission would eliminate the retention of wild steelhead statewide, but they voted to allow anglers to keep one fish per day and five annually on selected river systems that are healthy enough to allow a limited harvest. You will need to check the regulations pamphlet and the web site to find if your selected river will allow you to keep wild steelhead. Currently the Skagit does not allow wild steelhead to be retained. These rules will take effect on May 1.

A proposal was put before the commission to allow anglers to purchase a second freshwater license. A second license would allow the angler to then fish with a second pole for all freshwater species. Many states allow anglers to fish with multiple poles or hooks, but the commission rejected this proposal, so for the next fishing season you will still be limited to only one pole.

CRAB CONFUSION

It has been mentioned that there may be some confusion with the recent closing to crabbing in local waters. In years past the closure only affected traps or pots. You were still allowed to use rings, star traps and wading, but this year the closure cover all types of recreational crab harvest including diving.

Last year was the first time the state did this and from area surveys it appeared that closing for all types of crabbing helped the harvest when it did open. It was thought that the crabs feeding on each other was the main reason for mortality during the molt, but more research has shown that handling the crabs during their vulnerable time had a far bigger impact than method of harvest.

FLY FISHING

Fly fisherman have been watching weather reports rather closely lately. With some mild days the first hatches of chironomids will be occurring. With the upcoming hatches thoughts of hungry trout rising to the fly will be on the minds of many. We can all hope that Mother Nature will take pity on us this year and give us some decent weather. If so you can dust off your dry flies and re-spool your reel and match wits with some of the big lunkers.

Pass Lake is where many will head for, and with good reason. This catch-and-release only lake is known as one of the best lakes to catch trophy size German Brown Trout. As the weather warms you will see more belly boats, canoes, and skiffs (no motors are allowed) plying the shallows. During the early season the fish will be near the warmer shallow water. Keep a close eye on the hatch and match accordingly. If you live closer to the south part of the Island or you do not want to fight the crowds, try Lone Lake. This selective-fishery lake is a very good bet for the angler who would like a little bit of elbowroom. Again try the shallows on the lakes eastern shore to start.

Now let’s say you want to keep a couple for a shore lunch or you don’t want to drive to the south end of the island, if that sounds like you then head for the park and try Cranberry Lake. The lake is open year-round and is home to some large browns. The lake also has a sizable population of rainbows with a few bass and perch mixed in. Your best bet will be the shallow areas on the north and southeastern sides of the lake. Be forewarned on really nice weekends the crowds will be sizable, but during the low light periods you can find ample room to fish, plus this is the best time to fish them.

BLACKMOUTH PICKing UP

Blackmouth fishing has picked up with the warmer weather; at least there are more boats on the water. There has been no sure-fire tactic, but mooching and trolling are what has been reported to me as the best bets. Again with some decent weather, the guys with smaller boats can get out and give it a go.

If you are like me, deer season never really ends. There is the time right after the season that you fix or buy the gear you need, and then you get to this time of the year. Most bucks have cast their antlers and with receding snow this is the time to hunt for sheds. It is a great way to start scouting for this fall, plus you get a pretty good idea of the bucks that made it through hunting season and the winter.

Be advised the state has specific restrictions on some of the wildlife areas. The feeding stations near Yakima are off limits to shed gathering, because there are still quite a few animals and concentrations of humans can stress the animals. Follow the snowline in your favorite hunting area; you may just start the dreamin’ a little early this year.