Usually this time of the year, everybody starts to think about the annual trip by someone who brings good tidings and joy. Well not to compete with the big guy in red, but local anglers are also hoping to see an annual pilgrimage up local rivers this year.

December usually means the time for steelhead to make their way to spawning grounds and this year should be no different, but with the good news of their return, so too must there be some bad news.

While every 2001 salmon season up until this point has been a banner, the state’s biologists do not believe that will be the case with steelies. For many area rivers, including the Skagit, you may only keep hatchery-raised steelhead.

While most seasoned anglers know the difference, for the newcomer to this neck of the woods, a quick lesson on how to tell between the two. Between the dorsal fin and tail lies the adipose fin. A wild fish will have this fin intact. At the hatchery, the fry have them removed. Any fish caught that is missing this fin is legal.

Water conditions will dictate the best methods for fishing. Clear water will lend itself to tossing of lures. Kwikfish and Dick Nites are some of the more popular ones. High, murky water is more suited for scented yarn or spawn to be drifted with the current.

Steelhead fishing has a long and honored tradition here, and even though this is not expected to be a banner year, you will still find many die-hards out there. Stop and chew the fat with one of the many to find what is, or isn’t, working that day. Another good idea would be to hit the guys at the sporting goods department at Ace in town or over at Holiday Sports in Burlington. Those guys usually have the latest information on what is working.

For the angler who strikes out with the metalheads, or doesn’t want to fight the crowds, the guys over at the Fish & Wildlife Department recommend trying your hand at whitefish. Since steelhead garner most of the attention, these often overlooked fish get little pressure. I have to be honest, I don’t know much about fishing for them, but if you stop in at Ace or Holiday, I am sure they can hook you up.

DUCK SEASON HITTING HIGH GEAR

The prayers by local waterfowl gunners have been answered. The recent storm fronts up north have started pushing many northern birds down into our area. Combine that with the fields starting to fill up with water and duck season should be hitting high gear.

I know many of you have not really gotten that serious about hunting waterfowl yet, because of the unseasonably warm October and November, but load the waders, dekes, and dog and hit the fields now. With the dropping temperatures the birds will be feeding more and the easy access to grain in the fields will lend itself well to decoying birds. Even on a clear windless day, you can entice some birds into your spread if you can add movement.

The state has banned the use of motorized decoys, but manually operated and wind driven motion decoys are still legal. A jerk cord or kite type decoy can help add a little realism to any spread. Many of the birds you will be gunning for will be mallards, pintails and a variety of divers. Many of the teal will have started their migration and the canvasbacks should be coming to the area soon. Remember though, ‘cans are not legal until Dec. 19. If at all possible try to single out the drakes of any species. Leaving the hens to reproduce next spring will help ensure good hunting in seasons to come.

With weather patterns warming, and decreasing amount of available breeding land, we could very easily return to the dark days of the mid-80’s of duck hunting.

I do have one favor to ask of readers. It has been some time since I have heard from my good buddy and Town of Edison duck hunting expert Ted Conner. He must be into the ducks thick or he refuses to speak to me. If any of you know his whereabouts, please drop a line.

We are fast approaching the end of the year, and this will mean the close of another hunting season. If you haven’t yet, then get out there now before it’s too late. Remember, if you get the chance, take a child out hunting or fishing, they are the future of our great outdoor heritage.