01-10-2009, 12:10 PM
Wild weather - including a deep freeze followed by a Pineapple Express - has presented challenges for anyone hoping to fish, hunt or otherwise spend time outdoors in the new year. With much of the state buried in snow, simply getting to recreation areas has been a problem in recent days.
As conditions improve, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is urging everyone to exercise caution as they venture outside to take advantage of recreational activities around the state.
"Right now, many rivers are near flood stage, and many lakes in eastern Washington are covered with a thin layer of ice. Many roads are still slick or buried in snow," said Mike Cenci, WDFW deputy chief of enforcement. "These and other weather-related conditions should be on the top of everyone's mind as they head outdoors to take advantage of recreational opportunities now available around the state."
One such opportunity is a razor clam dig scheduled Jan. 8-11 at Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks, and Jan. 9-11 at Long Beach. Digging will be allowed only during the hours between noon and midnight.
Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager, reminds diggers to bring a lantern or a flashlight, and to be mindful of the surf. "There are plenty of clams to harvest and, hopefully, the weather and surf will cooperate," he said.
Some lakes in eastern Washington have also been producing good catches of trout, although area biologists are advising anglers to steer clear of those covered by thin ice. According to U.S. Coast Guard guidelines, no one should venture onto ice less than four inches thick. As much as nine inches may be needed to safely support snowmobiles or other vehicles.
"All the snow we've had in this region has insulated a relatively thin ice cover on many lakes," said one WDFW biologist working out of the department's Spokane office. "We don't recommend going out on ice like that."
Meanwhile, waterfowl hunting has picked up throughout the state, as more ducks and geese have moved to standing water in inland areas. "The recent cold snap, followed by warm, blustery conditions, really has the birds on the move," said Don Kraege, WDFW waterfowl manager.
Despite record snowfall in some parts of the state, WDFW biologists say most deer, elk and other wildlife survive winter without feeding help. "We know the sight of hungry-looking deer in deep snow can be distressing," said Dave Brittell, WDFW assistant director for wildlife management. "Some people feel compelled to feed them, but artificial feeding can actually do more harm than good."
For one thing, feeding can draw animals into areas near roads, leading to collisions with vehicles, Brittell said. It also concerns wildlife biologists because feeding concentrates animals, making them more vulnerable to disease, predators and poaching.
Often, the best way to help wild animals in winter is to avoid disturbing them, allowing them to conserve vital energy, Brittell said. Recommended actions include keeping dogs confined and slowing down while traveling in motor vehicles through wildlife habitat.
For more information fishing, hunting and wildlife-viewing opportunities throughout the state, see the regional reports below.
North Puget Sound
Fishing: A snowy holiday season made for tough fishing throughout most of the region. But weather conditions have improved for anglers, who now have a choice to make: cast for steelhead in the local rivers or fish for blackmouth salmon on Puget Sound.
Since the start of the new year - when marine areas 8-1 (Deception Pass, Hope Island and Skagit Bay) and 8-2 (Port Susan and Port Gardner) opened for salmon fishing - the catch rate has improved on the Sound, said Steve Thiesfeld, WDFW fish biologist.
According to creel checks in the region, 14 anglers were checked with five chinook at the Camano Island ramp Jan. 2, while six anglers took home six chinook the following day. "That's good fishing," Thiesfeld said. "Hopefully that wasn't just an opening week spurt, and fishing continues to be good in the coming weeks."
Those fishing for blackmouth - resident chinook - in marine areas 8-1 and 8-2 can keep two hatchery chinook as part of their two-salmon daily limit. They must, however, release wild chinook, which have an intact adipose fin.
Anglers also are finding a few nice-size chinook in Marine Area 10 (Seattle/Bremerton), which is open through January under the same regulations as 8-1 and 8-2. But, overall, fishing has been slow in Marine Area 10, said Thiesfeld. Beginning Jan. 16, anglers will have more options, when Marine Area 9 (Admiralty Inlet) opens for salmon.
With Puget Sound now closed to recreational crab fishing , all crabbers licensed to fish in those waters are required to report their winter catch to WDFW by Jan. 15. Reports are due for the season running Sept. 2 to Jan. 2, whether or not crabbers actually fished or caught Dungeness crab. Sport crabbers who file their catch reports by the Jan. 15 deadline will be entered in a drawing for one of 10 free combination fishing licenses, which allow the holder to fish for a variety of freshwater and saltwater species during the 2009-10 season.
To submit their catch reports, crabbers may either send their catch record card to WDFW by mail, or file their report on a special webpage on the department's licensing website. Catch record cards may be mailed to WDFW CRC Unit, 600 Capitol Way N., Olympia, WA 98501-1091. The online reporting system is available Jan. 2-15 at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/ .
In the freshwater, hatchery steelhead fishing has been fair in a number of rivers, including the Snoqualmie and Skykomish. However, returns of hatchery steelhead to a few rivers have been low, prompting the department to close some areas. Unscheduled closures in the region include:
* A portion of the North Fork Stillaguamish River, downstream from the Whitehorse Bridge approximately four river miles to the French Creek confluence, is closed to sportfishing until further notice.<br />
* The Cascade River, from the Rockport-Cascade Road downstream to the river's mouth, is closed through Jan. 31.<br />
* A portion of the North Fork Nooksack River, from the yellow post located at the upstream most corner of the hatchery grounds, approximately 1,000 feet upstream of the mouth of Kendall Creek, downstream to the Mosquito Lake Road Bridge, is closed until further notice.
The early closures are necessary to ensure egg-take goals are met for hatchery winter steelhead in the three rivers.
For more information on the rules and regulations for all fisheries check WDFW's Fishing in Washington pamphlet ( http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/regs/fishregs.htm ).
Hunting: After several weeks of sticking to the bays, waterfowl are beginning to make their way inland as temperatures warm and sheetwater forms in the fields, said Don Kraege, WDFW waterfowl manager. "With weather conditions improving, the birds are spreading out and moving to new areas further inland," he said. "Because of that, hunting should continue to improve in the region."
Waterfowlers in the region have through Jan. 25 to hunt ducks and geese . Before going afield, hunters should check the Waterfowl and Upland Game pamphlet ( http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/game/water/water.htm ) for details.
Meanwhile, hunters who purchased tags for black bear , deer , elk , or turkey last year are reminded that reports on their hunting activities are due by Jan. 31 for each 2008 tag purchased. Hunters can file a report by calling (877) 945-3492, or by the Internet at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov . Hunters should be prepared to give the game management unit they hunted and their individual WILD identification number, which is printed on license documents.
Those who miss the deadline must pay a $10 penalty before they can purchase a 2009 hunting license. On the other hand, unsuccessful hunters who submit their reports by Jan. 10 - and successful hunters who filed a report within 10 days of filling one of those tags - will be entered into a drawing for one of nine deer or elk special hunting permits for the 2009 season.
Wildlife viewing: Bald eagles are wintering along the Skagit River, and time is running out to watch the white-headed raptors. Each winter, hundreds of the eagles spend December and January along the river, where the carcasses of spawned salmon provide a feast for the birds. After a few weeks of dining, the eagles head north to their summer homes in Alaska and British Columbia.
The best place to begin eagle-viewing activities is at the Skagit River Interpretative Center. The center is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday through Sunday through Feb. 15. For more information on the interpretive center and an upcoming Upper Skagit Bald Eagle Festival, which takes place Jan. 24-25, visit www.skagiteagle.org .
Flocks of snow geese also are wintering in the Skagit Valley. About 80,000 snow geese winter in western Washington each year. Most of those snow geese congregate in the valley, and can be found in the area from mid-October through early May.
South Sound/Olympic Peninsula
Fishing: A chilly start to the new year slowed angler effort on some area rivers, but a warming trend should help pick up the pace. Meanwhile, several razor clam digs are set to take place on four ocean beaches.
Evening razor clam digs are scheduled at Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks Jan. 8-11, while Long Beach is scheduled for three digs Jan. 9-11. Digging will be allowed only during the hours between noon and midnight. "There are plenty of clams to harvest and, hopefully, the weather and surf will cooperate," said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager.
Harvesters are allowed to take no more than 15 razor clams and must keep the first 15 they dig, regardless of size or condition. Each digger's clams must be kept in a separate container.
A license is required for anyone age 15 or older. Any 2008 Washington state annual shellfish/seaweed license or combination license is still valid. Another option is a razor-clam only license available in annual or three-day only versions. Descriptions of the various licensing options are available on the WDFW website at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov .
Opening dates and evening low tides:
* Thursday, Jan. 8 (4:13 p.m., -0.2 ft.) Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks<br />
* Friday, Jan. 9 (5:07 p.m., -0.8 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks<br />
* Saturday, Jan. 10 (5:58 p.m., -1.1 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks<br />
* Sunday, Jan. 11, (6:45 p.m., -1.2 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
More digs are tentatively scheduled Feb. 6-8. Kalaloch Beach in Olympic National Park (ONP) will remain closed through the winter but may open in spring 2009 if the clam population grows to harvestable size.
Ayres also reminds diggers that Washington's beaches, which are managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, are considered state highways and all rules of the road apply. Under the law:
* Seatbelts must be worn at all times.<br />
* The speed limit on the beach is 25 mph.<br />
* Pedestrians have the right-of-way and vehicles must yield at all times.
Visitors should not park on approaches to the beach or block passage for vehicles that are entering or exiting.
Meanwhile, a number of anglers have been fishing for steelhead on several north coast rivers despite the recent chilly weather. Creel checks conducted during the January 2-3 weekend found 46 anglers on the Bogachiel River with three wild steelhead (all released), 15 adult hatchery fish and eight jacks. Twenty-one anglers fishing the Sol Duc caught eight wild steelhead (seven released) and 12 hatchery fish.
Catch rates were slower on the lower Hoh, where 95 anglers caught six wild steelhead (four released) and 16 hatchery fish. While effort was low, catch rates were better above the Oxbow Campground, where 18 anglers caught three wild steelhead (all released) and seven hatchery fish.
"Recent weather conditions have stalled overall effort, but anglers venturing out are having some success, especially on the Sol Duc," said Mike Gross, WDFW fish biologist.
With more wild fish beginning to show up in the catch, Gross reminds anglers that they can retain one wild steelhead per year from one of 10 Olympic Peninsula rivers, which include the Bogachiel, Calawah, Clearwater, Dickey, Hoh, Hoko, Pysht, Quillayute, Quinault and Sol Duc. Elsewhere, all wild steelhead-identifiable by an intact adipose fin-must be released.
There is no annual limit for hatchery steelhead, although daily limits apply. For more information on rules and regulations, Gross recommends checking the Fishing in Washington rules pamphlet before heading out (http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/regs/fishregs.htm ).
The cold snap has also slowed fishing farther south in the region, said Scott Barbour, WDFW fish biologist. "So far, there's been little effort on the Wishkah and Wynoochee rivers, plus the fish are moving slow due to recent cold temperatures," Barbour said.
Warmer weather and rain will get the fish moving, but anglers may not be happy with the result. "High and muddy waters are not the best conditions for fishing," Barbour said.
Anglers should be aware that several area rivers - including the Chehalis Copalis, Humptulips, Naselle, Nemah, Nisqually, Satsop and Wynoochee - will close to salmon fishing Jan. 31. Marine areas 5 (Sekiu), 6 (eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca), 11 (Tacoma-Vashon Island) and 12 (Hood Canal) are now closed to salmon fishing but will reopen Feb. 14. Marine Area 13 (South Puget Sound) remains open through Jan. 31.
With Puget Sound now closed to recreational crab fishing, all crabbers licensed to fish in those waters are required to report their winter catch to WDFW by Jan. 15. Reports are due for the winter season ending Jan. 2, whether or not crabbers actually caught or fished for Dungeness crab.
Sport crabbers who file their catch reports by the Jan. 15 deadline will be entered in a drawing for one of 10 free 2009 combination fishing licenses, which allow the holder to fish for a variety of freshwater and saltwater species.
Catch record cards may be mailed to WDFW CRC Unit, 600 Capitol Way N., Olympia, WA 98501-1091, or reported online at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/wdfw/puget_s...catch.html .
Hunting: Duck and geese season remains open seven days a week through Jan. 25 in all parts of the region except Pacific County (Goose Management Area 2B), which is open Wednesdays and Saturdays only through Jan. 10.
Hunters who purchased tags for black bear, deer, elk , or turkey last year are reminded that reports on their hunting activities are due by Jan. 31 for each 2008 tag purchased. Hunters can file a report by calling (877) 945-3492, or by the Internet at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov . Hunters should be prepared to give the game management unit they hunted and their individual WILD identification number, which is printed on license documents.
Those who miss the deadline must pay a $10 penalty before they can purchase a 2009 hunting license. On the other hand, unsuccessful hunters who submit their reports by Jan. 10 - and successful hunters who filed a report within 10 days of filling one of those tags - will entered into a drawing for one of nine deer or elk special hunting permits for the 2009 season.
Wildlife viewing: During the Dec. 27 Grays Harbor Christmas Bird Count, observers tallied 142 species including a few birds worth noting. Sightings included three gray-crowned rosy finches , one short-tailed shearwater , 52 brown pelicans , 11 snow geese , two black oystercatchers , 108 Wilson's Snipe , 29 trumpeter swans , one Townsend's warbler , 10 western meadowlarks , one Savannah sparrow , two horned larks , one Townsend's solitaire , one northern shrike , two Hutton's vireos , one mourning dove , three red-breasted sapsuckers , 14 Anna's hummingbirds and 599 varied thrush .
Snow geese are always a wintertime treat in Washington and a trip to Skagit County is not required to see these popular migrating birds. A flock of 30 were observed recently at Belfair State Park in Mason County.
Southwest Washington
Fishing: Snow followed by heavy rain created some tough fishing conditions throughout the region during the first week of the new year. Steelheaders took some limits on the Kalama River and creeled a few fish on the Cowlitz River near Blue Creek, but catch rates sank under high water conditions on most area rivers. Sturgeon fishing has also been slow on the Columbia River below Bonneville Dam, where an estimated 900 anglers caught no legal-size fish at all during the month of December.
"These are definitely die-hard fishing conditions," said Joe Hymer, a WDFW fish biologist. "Some anglers are catching fish during breaks in the weather, but it's largely a matter of timing and determination."
With more precipitation in the forecast, Hymer offered a few suggestions for maximizing angling success:
* Check weather forecasts and stream-flow conditions before heading out. Stream-flow conditions are available online at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/wa/nwis/current?type=flow<br />
* Fish for trout in one of more than a dozen lakes and ponds scheduled to be planted this winter. Weekly planting reports are available at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/plants/weekly/ . During the first full week of January the department planted 4,000 half-pound rainbows in Klineline Pond, 1,500 into Battle Ground Lake and 1,800 into Kidney Lake near North Bonneville.<br />
* Look for sturgeon in the plume of the Willamette River, where higher water temperatures improve the bite at this time of the year. Bank anglers have also done fairly well on the lower Cowlitz River. Because sturgeon fishing tends to improve when the smelt run arrives, anglers are advised to check WDFW smelt reports at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/creel/smelt/index.htm .
Some smelt have turned up in sturgeons' bellies on the lower Cowlitz River but the main run isn't expected until February, Hymer said. "The forecast suggests another poor year for smelt, but there are some indications that returns could improve," he said.
Regardless of fishing conditions, anglers planning to fish for salmon or steelhead on the Columbia River or its tributaries should also be aware of seasonal regulation changes that took effect New Years Day.
* Salmon fishing closed on the lower Columbia River from the I-5 Bridge upstream but opened downstream from the I-5 Bridge to Buoy 10. The limit is six fish, no more than two of which may be adults. Anglers must release wild chinook, wild coho, sockeye, and chum.<br />
* Daily salmon limits revert to two adult fish per day on the Deep River, Cowlitz River, Lake Scanewa, Kalama River, Lewis River and the Washougal River. Marked chinook salmon may be retained, but all wild fish - except for adults on the Washougal River - must be released.<br />
* Salmon fishing closed on the Elochoman River and Drano Lake, Mill Creek near the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery closed to all fishing.
Sturgeon anglers are reminded that a new method of measuring sturgeon for retention took effect statewide on New Year's Day. Under the new rules, sturgeon size limits are based on the measurement from the tip of the nose to the fork in the tail (rather than the tip of the tail).
"The new measurements for minimum and maximum sizes are simple conversions of the old method of measuring sturgeon," Hymer said. "They do not mean anglers can keep smaller fish, only that the method of measuring 'keepers' has changed."
Sturgeon seasons and related regulations for 2009 are summarized below:
* Mouth of the Columbia River to the Wauna power lines: Retention of white sturgeon is open seven days per week through April; May 9 through June 28; and from July 2 to July 5 or until the harvest guideline is reached. From Jan. 1 to April 30, the fork length of retained sturgeon must be a minimum of 38 inches and a maximum of 54 inches. From May 9 to June 28 and from July 2-5, the fork length of retained sturgeon must be a minimum of 41 inches and a maximum of 54 inches. Catch-and-release fishing is allowed May 1-8, June 29 to July 1, and July 6 to Dec. 31.<br />
* Wauna power lines to Bonneville Dam: Retention of white sturgeon is open three days per week (Thursday through Saturday) through July 31, and Oct. 1 through Dec. 31. The fork length of retained sturgeon must be a minimum of 38 inches and a maximum of 54 inches. Catch-and-release fishing is allowed Aug. 1 through Sept. 30 and on days when retention is prohibited. All fishing for sturgeon will be closed from May through July in the sturgeon spawning sanctuary downriver from Bonneville Dam 5.5 miles to Navigation Marker 85.<br />
* Bonneville, The Dalles, and John Day pools: Retention of white sturgeon is open seven days per week until individual catch guidelines are met in the Bonneville, The Dalles and John Day pools. In the Bonneville Pool, the fork length of retained sturgeon must be a minimum of 38 inches and a maximum of 54 inches. In The Dalles and John Day pools, the fork length of retained sturgeon must be a minimum of 43 inches and a maximum of 54 inches. Catch-and-release fishing is allowed after the guidelines are met in all three areas above Bonneville Dam. All fishing for sturgeon will be closed from May through July in spawning sanctuaries located below John Day Dam downstream 2.4 miles and from McNary Dam downstream 1.5 miles.
Catch guidelines for areas above Bonneville Dam to McNary Dam will be evaluated in January, but are likely to remain the same as this year for Bonneville Pool and for John Day Pool. The population in The Dalles Pool appears to be on the rebound and the population may be healthy enough to allow managers to relax the guideline for 2009.
Hunting: Regular hunting seasons for ducks and geese run through Jan. 25 around the region. A special late Canada goose season will begin Feb. 7 in Management Area 2A for graduates of the Master Hunter program and young hunters 15 and under who accompany them. Master Hunters received notices in December regarding the hunt. This hunt is designed to help reduce crop damage at area farms from Canada geese.
Through the end of December, the hunt in Area 2A offered average success for hunters checking geese at area check stations, though overall hunting effort and harvest was considerably higher than that of recent years. Collectively, state-operated check stations at Vancouver, Ridgefield Marina, Woodland and Cathlamet - along with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service station at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge - reported counted 998 hunters with 2,034 geese. This makes an average of 2.0 birds per hunter among those who brought geese to the check stations.
Hunters who purchased tags for black bear, deer, elk , or turkey last year are reminded that reports on their hunting activities are due by Jan. 31 for each 2008 tag purchased. Hunters can file a report by calling (877) 945-3492, or by the Internet at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov . Hunters should be prepared to give the game management unit they hunted and their individual WILD identification number, which is printed on license documents.
Those who miss the deadline must pay a $10 penalty before they can purchase a 2009 hunting license. On the other hand, unsuccessful hunters who submit their reports by Jan. 10 - and successful hunters who filed a report within 10 days of filling one of those tags - will entered into a drawing for one of nine deer or elk special hunting permits for the 2009 season.
Wildlife viewing: Throughout the world, mountain goats are known for their sure-footed climbing ability and affinity for high elevations. But swimming? In 2006, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife put a radio collar on a yearling "billy" on the west side of the John Day River to help gain more information about that state's goat population. But by November 2007, the collared animal was located in the lower Klickitat River drainage on this side of the Columbia River.
"It's possible the animal could have crossed a bridge - we just don't know," said Cliff Rice, a WDFW wildlife biologist. Just last month, it was spotted with seven other goats on the east side of Mt. Adams.
Meanwhile, elk are again using their winter range on the mudflow area below Mount St. Helens. The Wildlife Area in the mudflow area is closed through April 30, but the big ungulates can often be seen from the Mount St. Helens Forest Learning Center at milepost 33 on Highway 504. WDFW biologists counted 282 elk on the wildlife area during a recent survey.
"A recent survey found that the animals were in fairly good condition, with winter forage available in a number of areas," said Sandra Jonker, regional WDFW wildlife manager. "The wildlife area is closed through April to avoid disturbing overwintering animals, but visitors can generally get a good view from the Forest Learning Center."
Eastern Washington
Fishing: Lake Roosevelt rainbow trout fishing may be the best bet, said WDFW District Fish Biologist Chris Donley, although boat access on the federal reservoir is limited (call the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area headquarters office at 509-633-9441 for current information). Donley said shore anglers on the reservoir's bays where open water may still be available, might do as well as anyone in current winter conditions.
Eloika Lake in north Spokane County is one of the few year-round fisheries that is reachable because county road crews plow the right-of-way at the public access site. Donley says fishing for brown trout, yellow perch and crappie could be decent at Eloika.
Most other year-round or winter-season fisheries in the region are tough to get to or fish safely at this time, Donley said. Deep snow and ice conditions have made Hog Canyon Lake in southwest Spokane County and Fourth of July Lake on the Lincoln-Adams county line almost unreachable. Sprague Lake's trout fishery continues to draw some anglers but ice conditions may be risky there.
"All the snow we've had in this region has insulated a relatively thin ice cover on many lakes," Donley said. "We don't recommend going out on ice like that."
According to U.S. Coast Guard guidelines, no one should venture onto ice unless it's at least four inches thick, clear and solid. As much as nine inches may be needed to safely support snowmobiles or other vehicles. Such ice depths can form after at least a week of below freezing temperatures, day and night.
WDFW advises ice fishers to not fish alone; let others know where you are going and when you plan to return; keep fishing holes few and small (under eight inches diameter); disperse weight and fishing holes across ice; avoid ice fishing near streams, known springs, or otherwise potentially weak ice; and be prepared for weather conditions and emergencies. For more information on ice fishing safety see http://wdfw.wa.gov/factshts/ice_fishing.htm .
Snake River steelhead action is reportedly good from the mouth of the Clearwater River to the mouth of the Grand Ronde River along the Idaho border. Check for latest Snake River steelhead creel surveys posted at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/creel/snake/index.htm .
Hunting: The hunting season for pheasant, quail, chukar , and gray partridge continues through Jan. 19 but access to some hunting areas and the birds themselves may be difficult with record levels of snow cover. Upland game birds may gather on plowed roads or other open ground space and hunters are reminded that it is a safety violation to negligently shoot from, across or along a public road. Better bird hunting may be available south of the Snake River where winter conditions are more moderate.
WDFW Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area Manager Juli Anderson said travel is difficult throughout Lincoln County with deep and drifting snow, so upland game bird and coyote hunters are better off waiting for a thaw.
Waterfowl hunting continues through Jan. 25 and is probably best on, along or south of the Snake River where ducks and geese concentrate on open water.
Hunters who purchased tags for black bear, deer, elk , or turkey last year are reminded that reports on their hunting activities are due by Jan. 31 for each 2008 tag purchased. Hunters can file a report by calling (877) 945-3492, or by the Internet at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov . Hunters should be prepared to give the game management unit they hunted and their individual WILD identification number, which is printed on license documents. Those who miss the deadline must pay a $10 penalty before they can purchase a 2009 hunting license. Unsuccessful hunters who submit their reports by Jan. 10 - and successful hunters who filed a report within 10 days of filling one of those tags - will be entered into a drawing for one of nine deer or elk special hunting permits for the 2009 season.
Spring black bear special hunt applications are available now on-line at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/wdfw/special_permits.html and must be submitted by March 13 to be eligible for the April 15-May 31 permit season. Thirteen game management units in the northeast and southeast parts of the region offer a total of 225 permits for this special season. See page 58 of the Big Game Hunting Seasons pamphlet (on-line at http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regs_seasons.html ) for details.
Wildlife viewing: With record snow cover throughout the central and northern districts of the region, wildlife of many kinds have been visible. That's both good and bad for people and wildlife, said WDFW Regional Wildlife Program Manager Kevin Robinette.
"Some deer, elk and moose are enduring the conditions by traveling more easily on plowed roads and helping themselves to haystacks and landscaping plants near homes," Robinette said. "They're easy to view but they can be safety and property damage problems."
WDFW Central District Wildlife Biologist Howard Ferguson confirmed from recent aerial surveys of moose and deer that most animals have moved to much lower elevations because of the deep snow. "We saw lots of deer herds bedded under and feeding on fir trees on south-facing slopes where snow levels are lower," Ferguson said. "They appear to be in pretty good condition and with forecasted thaws and breaks in the snowfall, they should be fine."
Robinette and Ferguson both noted that many people want to help deer and other wildlife in the winter by feeding them, but that can create more problems.
The most readily available feed - hay, grains or bird seed - are not easily digestible by deer or other wildlife, which need time to adjust to a change in their natural diet. If artificial feed, like a pellet-form mix for deer, is provided early enough in the season to allow for digestive adjustment, it must be continued into spring, and that can become very costly. One white-tailed deer alone can consume three to four pounds daily.
Concentrating deer, elk or other wildlife at a feeding area can make them more susceptible to disease, predation or poaching. If feeding areas draw animals across well-traveled roads, they can become even more of a safety hazard and collide with motor vehicles.
"We understand the desire to want to help what may look like struggling animals, but these are native species that evolved to survive local winter conditions," Robinette said. "It would help more for people to avoid disturbing them at this time by driving slower and by confining dogs." For more information, see WDFW's Winter Wildlife Feeding factsheet at http://wdfw.wa.gov/factshts/wintfeed.htm .
Wintery conditions have also moved birds around the region, Ferguson said. Geese and ducks have moved from the north end of the region to south of the Snake River where open water is still available. Some resident songbird species, such as juncos , finches , and chickadees , also have moved south. Influxes of more northern species, like redpolls, longspurs, crossbills , and snow buntings have also been observed, especially along roads where they pick up grit and gravel to help them digest seeds, he said.
"Backyard bird feeders have been very popular," Ferguson said. "Studies have long shown that most birds don't depend on this artificial feed and continue natural foraging, so we know this is mostly for our own viewing recreation. But bird feeding can also create problems by concentrating birds. The greatest threat is the spread of disease, so feeding stations must be kept very clean."
For detailed information about maintaining healthy backyard bird feeders, see http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/backyard/winter_feed.htm .
Northcentral Washington
Fishing: Recent cold temperatures and snow have slowed fishing for steelhead on the upper Columbia River, according to WDFW District Fish Biologist Bob Jateff in Omak.
"A few fish are still being taken above and below Wells Dam as well as from the docks in Pateros," Jateff said. "But it's pretty slow, overall."
Other fishing opportunities continue to improve as colder air temperatures have helped increase ice cover on many Okanogan County lakes, he noted. Rat Lake near Brewster, Davis Lake near Winthrop, and the Green lakes near Omak all should provide good fishing for rainbow trout in the 10- to15-inch range.
"Those wanting to fish for yellow perch should give Patterson Lake near Winthrop a try for catches in the seven- to nine-inch range," Jateff said. "A small panfish jig tipped with a mealworm is an effective method. There's a public access site at Patterson, but anglers will need a four-wheel drive vehicle there."
Jateff reminds anglers to be prepared for possible access problems at any of these lakes due to frequent snowstorms, and to be cautious about safe ice cover.
According to U.S. Coast Guard guidelines, no one should venture onto ice unless it's at least four inches thick, clear and solid. As much as nine inches may be needed to safely support snowmobiles or other vehicles. Such ice depths can form after at least a week of below freezing temperatures, day and night.
WDFW advises ice fishers to not fish alone; let others know where you are going and when you plan to return; keep fishing holes few and small (under eight inches diameter); disperse weight and fishing holes across ice; avoid ice fishing near streams, known springs, or otherwise potentially weak ice; and be prepared for weather conditions and emergencies. For more information on ice fishing safety see http://wdfw.wa.gov/factshts/ice_fishing.htm .
Hunting: Most of the Columbia Basin has been bitter cold and snowy with only moving waterways open for waterfowl , said WDFW District Wildlife Biologist Rich Finger. But the Pineapple Express is coming and bringing lots of ducks and geese, so these last weeks of the hunting season (which closes Jan. 25) could be productive, he said.
"Warm south winds allow waterfowl an easy ride back to the Basin, and if feed is available, which it should be, they'll stick around," Finger said. "Snow is melting quickly and fields are already opening up in the George and Quincy areas where late-season Canada goose and mallard feeding occurs. The large lakes such as Potholes Reservoir, Banks Lake, and Moses Lake will remain frozen but field hunting and stream and wasteway hunting prospects are very good."
If weather allows, aerial surveys of waterfowl in the North Columbia Basin will be conducted and results will be posted at http://wdfw.wa.gov/reg/eventopp/events2.htm .
Upland game bird hunting continues through Jan. 19 and the warm-up in the Columbia Basin could make it easier for pheasants, quail, chukars and gray partridge to forage and for hunters to get out. But further north in the region, where birds may still be gathering on plowed roads or other open ground space to escape snowy conditions, hunters are reminded that it is a safety violation to negligently shoot from, across or along a public road.
Hunters who purchased tags for black bear, deer, elk , or turkey last year are reminded that reports on their hunting activities are due by Jan. 31 for each 2008 tag purchased. Hunters can file a report by calling (877) 945-3492, or by the Internet at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov . Hunters should be prepared to give the game management unit they hunted and their individual WILD identification number, which is printed on license documents. Those who miss the deadline must pay a $10 penalty before they can purchase a 2009 hunting license. Unsuccessful hunters who submit their reports by Jan. 10 - and successful hunters who filed a report within 10 days of filling one of those tags - will be entered into a drawing for one of nine deer or elk special hunting permits for the 2009 season.
Wildlife viewing: WDFW's Scotch Creek Wildlife Area Manager Jim Olson spotted about 40 sharp-tailed grouse in the water birch trees along Scotch Creek on the area in northern Okanogan County. "Crusting snow may make it more difficult for these birds to burrow, so we've been expecting to see more sharp-tails using our riparian areas," he said. "Birdwatching groups visiting the area have been reporting good counts of many other species, too."
Birders in the "Okanogan Highlands" between Chesaw and Havillah recently reported seeing several species of owls - great gray, long eared, northern saw-whet, northern pygmy, barred, and great horned - plus northern goshawks, ruffed grouse, gray partridge, Bohemian waxwing, American tree sparrows, lapland longspurs, snow buntings, pine grosbeaks, gray crowned rosy-finches, white winged crossbills , and common and hoary redpolls .
WDFW Okanogan District Wildlife Biologist Scott Fitkin said concentrations of mule deer are visible in the Methow Valley, but reminded motorists to slow down and be alert to animals on or near roads. Bald eagles are also gathering along the Methow River to feed on waterfowl and fish.
The annual series of "Nature of Winter" wildlife viewing snowshoe tours by the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association (MVSTA) is under way Saturdays through March 7, plus the Sundays and Mondays of the Martin Luther King Jr. and Presidents' Day holiday weekends. Led by local naturalists, the treks include lessons about winter ecology, wildlife and tracks, snow and more. Passes, snowshoe rentals and more information are available at Sun Mountain Lodge, Jack's Hut, and Winthrop Mountain Sports. A $5 MVSTA trail pass is required. Reservations are not required but tours are limited to 10 people. For more information, call 509-996-3287.
The Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery offers free wildlife snowshoe tours on the Icicle Creek trail system on weekends and holidays through January. On Jan. 18, the Leavenworth Winter Sports Club is providing a snowshoe demonstration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Leavenworth Ski Hill. For more information about the weekend tours, call 509-548-7641.
WDFW District Wildlife Biologist Rich Finger said winter conditions are finally easing for deer and birds in the Columbia Basin.
"This warm weather system will give these animals an opportunity to feed on newly available forage such as green wheat, grasses, and seed sources previously covered by snow," he said. "Now is a good time to watch for<br />
snow buntings and Lapland longspurs on the Douglas Plateau mixed in with flocks of horned larks . Snowy owls, gyrfalcons , and merlin also occur in the Basin this time of year but can be more difficult to locate."
Southcentral Washington
Fishing: WDFW Fish Biologist Jim Cummins said there is a lull in fishing activity in the region because of changing weather conditions. "The warming trend and rain will increase flows in the rivers that are open for whitefish fishing," he said. "The Yakima and Naches rivers were flowing ice last weekend but that's changing rapidly. Shelf ice along the shorelines makes these rivers dangerous to fish."
Cummins also noted local year-round and winter-only rainbow trout fishing lakes are ice covered, but the warmer weather could make walking onto the ice dangerous.
According to U.S. Coast Guard guidelines, no one should venture onto ice unless it's at least four inches thick, clear and solid. As much as nine inches may be needed to safely support snowmobiles or other vehicles. Such ice depths can form after at least a week of below freezing temperatures, day and night.
WDFW advises ice fishers to not fish alone; let others know where you are going and when you plan to return; keep fishing holes few and small (under eight inches diameter); disperse weight and fishing holes across ice; avoid ice fishing near streams, known springs, or otherwise potentially weak ice; and be prepared for weather conditions and emergencies. For more information on ice fishing safety see http://wdfw.wa.gov/factshts/ice_fishing.htm .
Hunting: Waterfowl hunters may reap the benefits of changing winter weather that moves ducks and geese from the big open waterways in the region. The season continues through Jan. 25.
If weather allows, aerial surveys of waterfowl in the South Columbia Basin will be conducted and results will be posted at http://wdfw.wa.gov/reg/eventopp/events3.htm .
Upland game bird hunting continues through Jan. 19 and the warm-up could make it easier for pheasants, quail, chukars and gray partridge to forage and for hunters to get out.
Hunters who purchased tags for black bear, deer, elk , or turkey last year are reminded that reports on their hunting activities are due by Jan. 31 for each 2008 tag purchased. Hunters can file a report by calling (877) 945-3492, or by the Internet at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov . Hunters should be prepared to give the game management unit they hunted and their individual WILD identification number, which is printed on license documents. Those who miss the deadline must pay a $10 penalty before they can purchase a 2009 hunting license. Unsuccessful hunters who submit their reports by Jan. 10 - and successful hunters who filed a report within 10 days of filling one of those tags - will be entered into a drawing for one of nine deer or elk special hunting permits for the 2009 season.
Wildlife viewing: WDFW's Oak Creek Wildlife Area annual winter feeding of elk and bighorn sheep is in full swing now and public viewing is welcome. The feeding program is maintained to keep the area's elk and sheep from damaging adjacent private agricultural lands, and the side-benefit is relatively easy viewing.
Elk are fed daily at 1:30 p.m. at the headquarters site off Highway 12 west of Yakima. Hundreds of elk remain around the area throughout the day, so it's not critical to be on site at feeding time, said area manager John McGowan. Bighorn sheep are fed every day about mid-morning at the nearby Clemens Mountain site. Volunteers conduct free viewing tours and talks daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Groups can register for tours 48 hours in advance by calling 509-698-5106.
For driving directions and more information about the Oak Creek Wildlife Area, including other wildlife species to look for during a winter visit, see http://wdfw.wa.gov/lands/wildlife_areas/oak_creek/ .
Bald eagles are foraging on fish and waterfowl along the region's major waterways, particularly the Yakima and Tieton rivers.
Media Contact<br />
(Fish) 360-902-2700<br />
(Wildlife) 360-902-2515
As conditions improve, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is urging everyone to exercise caution as they venture outside to take advantage of recreational activities around the state.
"Right now, many rivers are near flood stage, and many lakes in eastern Washington are covered with a thin layer of ice. Many roads are still slick or buried in snow," said Mike Cenci, WDFW deputy chief of enforcement. "These and other weather-related conditions should be on the top of everyone's mind as they head outdoors to take advantage of recreational opportunities now available around the state."
One such opportunity is a razor clam dig scheduled Jan. 8-11 at Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks, and Jan. 9-11 at Long Beach. Digging will be allowed only during the hours between noon and midnight.
Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager, reminds diggers to bring a lantern or a flashlight, and to be mindful of the surf. "There are plenty of clams to harvest and, hopefully, the weather and surf will cooperate," he said.
Some lakes in eastern Washington have also been producing good catches of trout, although area biologists are advising anglers to steer clear of those covered by thin ice. According to U.S. Coast Guard guidelines, no one should venture onto ice less than four inches thick. As much as nine inches may be needed to safely support snowmobiles or other vehicles.
"All the snow we've had in this region has insulated a relatively thin ice cover on many lakes," said one WDFW biologist working out of the department's Spokane office. "We don't recommend going out on ice like that."
Meanwhile, waterfowl hunting has picked up throughout the state, as more ducks and geese have moved to standing water in inland areas. "The recent cold snap, followed by warm, blustery conditions, really has the birds on the move," said Don Kraege, WDFW waterfowl manager.
Despite record snowfall in some parts of the state, WDFW biologists say most deer, elk and other wildlife survive winter without feeding help. "We know the sight of hungry-looking deer in deep snow can be distressing," said Dave Brittell, WDFW assistant director for wildlife management. "Some people feel compelled to feed them, but artificial feeding can actually do more harm than good."
For one thing, feeding can draw animals into areas near roads, leading to collisions with vehicles, Brittell said. It also concerns wildlife biologists because feeding concentrates animals, making them more vulnerable to disease, predators and poaching.
Often, the best way to help wild animals in winter is to avoid disturbing them, allowing them to conserve vital energy, Brittell said. Recommended actions include keeping dogs confined and slowing down while traveling in motor vehicles through wildlife habitat.
For more information fishing, hunting and wildlife-viewing opportunities throughout the state, see the regional reports below.
North Puget Sound
Fishing: A snowy holiday season made for tough fishing throughout most of the region. But weather conditions have improved for anglers, who now have a choice to make: cast for steelhead in the local rivers or fish for blackmouth salmon on Puget Sound.
Since the start of the new year - when marine areas 8-1 (Deception Pass, Hope Island and Skagit Bay) and 8-2 (Port Susan and Port Gardner) opened for salmon fishing - the catch rate has improved on the Sound, said Steve Thiesfeld, WDFW fish biologist.
According to creel checks in the region, 14 anglers were checked with five chinook at the Camano Island ramp Jan. 2, while six anglers took home six chinook the following day. "That's good fishing," Thiesfeld said. "Hopefully that wasn't just an opening week spurt, and fishing continues to be good in the coming weeks."
Those fishing for blackmouth - resident chinook - in marine areas 8-1 and 8-2 can keep two hatchery chinook as part of their two-salmon daily limit. They must, however, release wild chinook, which have an intact adipose fin.
Anglers also are finding a few nice-size chinook in Marine Area 10 (Seattle/Bremerton), which is open through January under the same regulations as 8-1 and 8-2. But, overall, fishing has been slow in Marine Area 10, said Thiesfeld. Beginning Jan. 16, anglers will have more options, when Marine Area 9 (Admiralty Inlet) opens for salmon.
With Puget Sound now closed to recreational crab fishing , all crabbers licensed to fish in those waters are required to report their winter catch to WDFW by Jan. 15. Reports are due for the season running Sept. 2 to Jan. 2, whether or not crabbers actually fished or caught Dungeness crab. Sport crabbers who file their catch reports by the Jan. 15 deadline will be entered in a drawing for one of 10 free combination fishing licenses, which allow the holder to fish for a variety of freshwater and saltwater species during the 2009-10 season.
To submit their catch reports, crabbers may either send their catch record card to WDFW by mail, or file their report on a special webpage on the department's licensing website. Catch record cards may be mailed to WDFW CRC Unit, 600 Capitol Way N., Olympia, WA 98501-1091. The online reporting system is available Jan. 2-15 at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/ .
In the freshwater, hatchery steelhead fishing has been fair in a number of rivers, including the Snoqualmie and Skykomish. However, returns of hatchery steelhead to a few rivers have been low, prompting the department to close some areas. Unscheduled closures in the region include:
* A portion of the North Fork Stillaguamish River, downstream from the Whitehorse Bridge approximately four river miles to the French Creek confluence, is closed to sportfishing until further notice.<br />
* The Cascade River, from the Rockport-Cascade Road downstream to the river's mouth, is closed through Jan. 31.<br />
* A portion of the North Fork Nooksack River, from the yellow post located at the upstream most corner of the hatchery grounds, approximately 1,000 feet upstream of the mouth of Kendall Creek, downstream to the Mosquito Lake Road Bridge, is closed until further notice.
The early closures are necessary to ensure egg-take goals are met for hatchery winter steelhead in the three rivers.
For more information on the rules and regulations for all fisheries check WDFW's Fishing in Washington pamphlet ( http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/regs/fishregs.htm ).
Hunting: After several weeks of sticking to the bays, waterfowl are beginning to make their way inland as temperatures warm and sheetwater forms in the fields, said Don Kraege, WDFW waterfowl manager. "With weather conditions improving, the birds are spreading out and moving to new areas further inland," he said. "Because of that, hunting should continue to improve in the region."
Waterfowlers in the region have through Jan. 25 to hunt ducks and geese . Before going afield, hunters should check the Waterfowl and Upland Game pamphlet ( http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/game/water/water.htm ) for details.
Meanwhile, hunters who purchased tags for black bear , deer , elk , or turkey last year are reminded that reports on their hunting activities are due by Jan. 31 for each 2008 tag purchased. Hunters can file a report by calling (877) 945-3492, or by the Internet at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov . Hunters should be prepared to give the game management unit they hunted and their individual WILD identification number, which is printed on license documents.
Those who miss the deadline must pay a $10 penalty before they can purchase a 2009 hunting license. On the other hand, unsuccessful hunters who submit their reports by Jan. 10 - and successful hunters who filed a report within 10 days of filling one of those tags - will be entered into a drawing for one of nine deer or elk special hunting permits for the 2009 season.
Wildlife viewing: Bald eagles are wintering along the Skagit River, and time is running out to watch the white-headed raptors. Each winter, hundreds of the eagles spend December and January along the river, where the carcasses of spawned salmon provide a feast for the birds. After a few weeks of dining, the eagles head north to their summer homes in Alaska and British Columbia.
The best place to begin eagle-viewing activities is at the Skagit River Interpretative Center. The center is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday through Sunday through Feb. 15. For more information on the interpretive center and an upcoming Upper Skagit Bald Eagle Festival, which takes place Jan. 24-25, visit www.skagiteagle.org .
Flocks of snow geese also are wintering in the Skagit Valley. About 80,000 snow geese winter in western Washington each year. Most of those snow geese congregate in the valley, and can be found in the area from mid-October through early May.
South Sound/Olympic Peninsula
Fishing: A chilly start to the new year slowed angler effort on some area rivers, but a warming trend should help pick up the pace. Meanwhile, several razor clam digs are set to take place on four ocean beaches.
Evening razor clam digs are scheduled at Twin Harbors, Copalis and Mocrocks Jan. 8-11, while Long Beach is scheduled for three digs Jan. 9-11. Digging will be allowed only during the hours between noon and midnight. "There are plenty of clams to harvest and, hopefully, the weather and surf will cooperate," said Dan Ayres, WDFW coastal shellfish manager.
Harvesters are allowed to take no more than 15 razor clams and must keep the first 15 they dig, regardless of size or condition. Each digger's clams must be kept in a separate container.
A license is required for anyone age 15 or older. Any 2008 Washington state annual shellfish/seaweed license or combination license is still valid. Another option is a razor-clam only license available in annual or three-day only versions. Descriptions of the various licensing options are available on the WDFW website at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov .
Opening dates and evening low tides:
* Thursday, Jan. 8 (4:13 p.m., -0.2 ft.) Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks<br />
* Friday, Jan. 9 (5:07 p.m., -0.8 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks<br />
* Saturday, Jan. 10 (5:58 p.m., -1.1 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks<br />
* Sunday, Jan. 11, (6:45 p.m., -1.2 ft.) Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis, Mocrocks
More digs are tentatively scheduled Feb. 6-8. Kalaloch Beach in Olympic National Park (ONP) will remain closed through the winter but may open in spring 2009 if the clam population grows to harvestable size.
Ayres also reminds diggers that Washington's beaches, which are managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, are considered state highways and all rules of the road apply. Under the law:
* Seatbelts must be worn at all times.<br />
* The speed limit on the beach is 25 mph.<br />
* Pedestrians have the right-of-way and vehicles must yield at all times.
Visitors should not park on approaches to the beach or block passage for vehicles that are entering or exiting.
Meanwhile, a number of anglers have been fishing for steelhead on several north coast rivers despite the recent chilly weather. Creel checks conducted during the January 2-3 weekend found 46 anglers on the Bogachiel River with three wild steelhead (all released), 15 adult hatchery fish and eight jacks. Twenty-one anglers fishing the Sol Duc caught eight wild steelhead (seven released) and 12 hatchery fish.
Catch rates were slower on the lower Hoh, where 95 anglers caught six wild steelhead (four released) and 16 hatchery fish. While effort was low, catch rates were better above the Oxbow Campground, where 18 anglers caught three wild steelhead (all released) and seven hatchery fish.
"Recent weather conditions have stalled overall effort, but anglers venturing out are having some success, especially on the Sol Duc," said Mike Gross, WDFW fish biologist.
With more wild fish beginning to show up in the catch, Gross reminds anglers that they can retain one wild steelhead per year from one of 10 Olympic Peninsula rivers, which include the Bogachiel, Calawah, Clearwater, Dickey, Hoh, Hoko, Pysht, Quillayute, Quinault and Sol Duc. Elsewhere, all wild steelhead-identifiable by an intact adipose fin-must be released.
There is no annual limit for hatchery steelhead, although daily limits apply. For more information on rules and regulations, Gross recommends checking the Fishing in Washington rules pamphlet before heading out (http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/regs/fishregs.htm ).
The cold snap has also slowed fishing farther south in the region, said Scott Barbour, WDFW fish biologist. "So far, there's been little effort on the Wishkah and Wynoochee rivers, plus the fish are moving slow due to recent cold temperatures," Barbour said.
Warmer weather and rain will get the fish moving, but anglers may not be happy with the result. "High and muddy waters are not the best conditions for fishing," Barbour said.
Anglers should be aware that several area rivers - including the Chehalis Copalis, Humptulips, Naselle, Nemah, Nisqually, Satsop and Wynoochee - will close to salmon fishing Jan. 31. Marine areas 5 (Sekiu), 6 (eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca), 11 (Tacoma-Vashon Island) and 12 (Hood Canal) are now closed to salmon fishing but will reopen Feb. 14. Marine Area 13 (South Puget Sound) remains open through Jan. 31.
With Puget Sound now closed to recreational crab fishing, all crabbers licensed to fish in those waters are required to report their winter catch to WDFW by Jan. 15. Reports are due for the winter season ending Jan. 2, whether or not crabbers actually caught or fished for Dungeness crab.
Sport crabbers who file their catch reports by the Jan. 15 deadline will be entered in a drawing for one of 10 free 2009 combination fishing licenses, which allow the holder to fish for a variety of freshwater and saltwater species.
Catch record cards may be mailed to WDFW CRC Unit, 600 Capitol Way N., Olympia, WA 98501-1091, or reported online at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/wdfw/puget_s...catch.html .
Hunting: Duck and geese season remains open seven days a week through Jan. 25 in all parts of the region except Pacific County (Goose Management Area 2B), which is open Wednesdays and Saturdays only through Jan. 10.
Hunters who purchased tags for black bear, deer, elk , or turkey last year are reminded that reports on their hunting activities are due by Jan. 31 for each 2008 tag purchased. Hunters can file a report by calling (877) 945-3492, or by the Internet at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov . Hunters should be prepared to give the game management unit they hunted and their individual WILD identification number, which is printed on license documents.
Those who miss the deadline must pay a $10 penalty before they can purchase a 2009 hunting license. On the other hand, unsuccessful hunters who submit their reports by Jan. 10 - and successful hunters who filed a report within 10 days of filling one of those tags - will entered into a drawing for one of nine deer or elk special hunting permits for the 2009 season.
Wildlife viewing: During the Dec. 27 Grays Harbor Christmas Bird Count, observers tallied 142 species including a few birds worth noting. Sightings included three gray-crowned rosy finches , one short-tailed shearwater , 52 brown pelicans , 11 snow geese , two black oystercatchers , 108 Wilson's Snipe , 29 trumpeter swans , one Townsend's warbler , 10 western meadowlarks , one Savannah sparrow , two horned larks , one Townsend's solitaire , one northern shrike , two Hutton's vireos , one mourning dove , three red-breasted sapsuckers , 14 Anna's hummingbirds and 599 varied thrush .
Snow geese are always a wintertime treat in Washington and a trip to Skagit County is not required to see these popular migrating birds. A flock of 30 were observed recently at Belfair State Park in Mason County.
Southwest Washington
Fishing: Snow followed by heavy rain created some tough fishing conditions throughout the region during the first week of the new year. Steelheaders took some limits on the Kalama River and creeled a few fish on the Cowlitz River near Blue Creek, but catch rates sank under high water conditions on most area rivers. Sturgeon fishing has also been slow on the Columbia River below Bonneville Dam, where an estimated 900 anglers caught no legal-size fish at all during the month of December.
"These are definitely die-hard fishing conditions," said Joe Hymer, a WDFW fish biologist. "Some anglers are catching fish during breaks in the weather, but it's largely a matter of timing and determination."
With more precipitation in the forecast, Hymer offered a few suggestions for maximizing angling success:
* Check weather forecasts and stream-flow conditions before heading out. Stream-flow conditions are available online at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/wa/nwis/current?type=flow<br />
* Fish for trout in one of more than a dozen lakes and ponds scheduled to be planted this winter. Weekly planting reports are available at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/plants/weekly/ . During the first full week of January the department planted 4,000 half-pound rainbows in Klineline Pond, 1,500 into Battle Ground Lake and 1,800 into Kidney Lake near North Bonneville.<br />
* Look for sturgeon in the plume of the Willamette River, where higher water temperatures improve the bite at this time of the year. Bank anglers have also done fairly well on the lower Cowlitz River. Because sturgeon fishing tends to improve when the smelt run arrives, anglers are advised to check WDFW smelt reports at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/creel/smelt/index.htm .
Some smelt have turned up in sturgeons' bellies on the lower Cowlitz River but the main run isn't expected until February, Hymer said. "The forecast suggests another poor year for smelt, but there are some indications that returns could improve," he said.
Regardless of fishing conditions, anglers planning to fish for salmon or steelhead on the Columbia River or its tributaries should also be aware of seasonal regulation changes that took effect New Years Day.
* Salmon fishing closed on the lower Columbia River from the I-5 Bridge upstream but opened downstream from the I-5 Bridge to Buoy 10. The limit is six fish, no more than two of which may be adults. Anglers must release wild chinook, wild coho, sockeye, and chum.<br />
* Daily salmon limits revert to two adult fish per day on the Deep River, Cowlitz River, Lake Scanewa, Kalama River, Lewis River and the Washougal River. Marked chinook salmon may be retained, but all wild fish - except for adults on the Washougal River - must be released.<br />
* Salmon fishing closed on the Elochoman River and Drano Lake, Mill Creek near the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery closed to all fishing.
Sturgeon anglers are reminded that a new method of measuring sturgeon for retention took effect statewide on New Year's Day. Under the new rules, sturgeon size limits are based on the measurement from the tip of the nose to the fork in the tail (rather than the tip of the tail).
"The new measurements for minimum and maximum sizes are simple conversions of the old method of measuring sturgeon," Hymer said. "They do not mean anglers can keep smaller fish, only that the method of measuring 'keepers' has changed."
Sturgeon seasons and related regulations for 2009 are summarized below:
* Mouth of the Columbia River to the Wauna power lines: Retention of white sturgeon is open seven days per week through April; May 9 through June 28; and from July 2 to July 5 or until the harvest guideline is reached. From Jan. 1 to April 30, the fork length of retained sturgeon must be a minimum of 38 inches and a maximum of 54 inches. From May 9 to June 28 and from July 2-5, the fork length of retained sturgeon must be a minimum of 41 inches and a maximum of 54 inches. Catch-and-release fishing is allowed May 1-8, June 29 to July 1, and July 6 to Dec. 31.<br />
* Wauna power lines to Bonneville Dam: Retention of white sturgeon is open three days per week (Thursday through Saturday) through July 31, and Oct. 1 through Dec. 31. The fork length of retained sturgeon must be a minimum of 38 inches and a maximum of 54 inches. Catch-and-release fishing is allowed Aug. 1 through Sept. 30 and on days when retention is prohibited. All fishing for sturgeon will be closed from May through July in the sturgeon spawning sanctuary downriver from Bonneville Dam 5.5 miles to Navigation Marker 85.<br />
* Bonneville, The Dalles, and John Day pools: Retention of white sturgeon is open seven days per week until individual catch guidelines are met in the Bonneville, The Dalles and John Day pools. In the Bonneville Pool, the fork length of retained sturgeon must be a minimum of 38 inches and a maximum of 54 inches. In The Dalles and John Day pools, the fork length of retained sturgeon must be a minimum of 43 inches and a maximum of 54 inches. Catch-and-release fishing is allowed after the guidelines are met in all three areas above Bonneville Dam. All fishing for sturgeon will be closed from May through July in spawning sanctuaries located below John Day Dam downstream 2.4 miles and from McNary Dam downstream 1.5 miles.
Catch guidelines for areas above Bonneville Dam to McNary Dam will be evaluated in January, but are likely to remain the same as this year for Bonneville Pool and for John Day Pool. The population in The Dalles Pool appears to be on the rebound and the population may be healthy enough to allow managers to relax the guideline for 2009.
Hunting: Regular hunting seasons for ducks and geese run through Jan. 25 around the region. A special late Canada goose season will begin Feb. 7 in Management Area 2A for graduates of the Master Hunter program and young hunters 15 and under who accompany them. Master Hunters received notices in December regarding the hunt. This hunt is designed to help reduce crop damage at area farms from Canada geese.
Through the end of December, the hunt in Area 2A offered average success for hunters checking geese at area check stations, though overall hunting effort and harvest was considerably higher than that of recent years. Collectively, state-operated check stations at Vancouver, Ridgefield Marina, Woodland and Cathlamet - along with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service station at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge - reported counted 998 hunters with 2,034 geese. This makes an average of 2.0 birds per hunter among those who brought geese to the check stations.
Hunters who purchased tags for black bear, deer, elk , or turkey last year are reminded that reports on their hunting activities are due by Jan. 31 for each 2008 tag purchased. Hunters can file a report by calling (877) 945-3492, or by the Internet at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov . Hunters should be prepared to give the game management unit they hunted and their individual WILD identification number, which is printed on license documents.
Those who miss the deadline must pay a $10 penalty before they can purchase a 2009 hunting license. On the other hand, unsuccessful hunters who submit their reports by Jan. 10 - and successful hunters who filed a report within 10 days of filling one of those tags - will entered into a drawing for one of nine deer or elk special hunting permits for the 2009 season.
Wildlife viewing: Throughout the world, mountain goats are known for their sure-footed climbing ability and affinity for high elevations. But swimming? In 2006, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife put a radio collar on a yearling "billy" on the west side of the John Day River to help gain more information about that state's goat population. But by November 2007, the collared animal was located in the lower Klickitat River drainage on this side of the Columbia River.
"It's possible the animal could have crossed a bridge - we just don't know," said Cliff Rice, a WDFW wildlife biologist. Just last month, it was spotted with seven other goats on the east side of Mt. Adams.
Meanwhile, elk are again using their winter range on the mudflow area below Mount St. Helens. The Wildlife Area in the mudflow area is closed through April 30, but the big ungulates can often be seen from the Mount St. Helens Forest Learning Center at milepost 33 on Highway 504. WDFW biologists counted 282 elk on the wildlife area during a recent survey.
"A recent survey found that the animals were in fairly good condition, with winter forage available in a number of areas," said Sandra Jonker, regional WDFW wildlife manager. "The wildlife area is closed through April to avoid disturbing overwintering animals, but visitors can generally get a good view from the Forest Learning Center."
Eastern Washington
Fishing: Lake Roosevelt rainbow trout fishing may be the best bet, said WDFW District Fish Biologist Chris Donley, although boat access on the federal reservoir is limited (call the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area headquarters office at 509-633-9441 for current information). Donley said shore anglers on the reservoir's bays where open water may still be available, might do as well as anyone in current winter conditions.
Eloika Lake in north Spokane County is one of the few year-round fisheries that is reachable because county road crews plow the right-of-way at the public access site. Donley says fishing for brown trout, yellow perch and crappie could be decent at Eloika.
Most other year-round or winter-season fisheries in the region are tough to get to or fish safely at this time, Donley said. Deep snow and ice conditions have made Hog Canyon Lake in southwest Spokane County and Fourth of July Lake on the Lincoln-Adams county line almost unreachable. Sprague Lake's trout fishery continues to draw some anglers but ice conditions may be risky there.
"All the snow we've had in this region has insulated a relatively thin ice cover on many lakes," Donley said. "We don't recommend going out on ice like that."
According to U.S. Coast Guard guidelines, no one should venture onto ice unless it's at least four inches thick, clear and solid. As much as nine inches may be needed to safely support snowmobiles or other vehicles. Such ice depths can form after at least a week of below freezing temperatures, day and night.
WDFW advises ice fishers to not fish alone; let others know where you are going and when you plan to return; keep fishing holes few and small (under eight inches diameter); disperse weight and fishing holes across ice; avoid ice fishing near streams, known springs, or otherwise potentially weak ice; and be prepared for weather conditions and emergencies. For more information on ice fishing safety see http://wdfw.wa.gov/factshts/ice_fishing.htm .
Snake River steelhead action is reportedly good from the mouth of the Clearwater River to the mouth of the Grand Ronde River along the Idaho border. Check for latest Snake River steelhead creel surveys posted at http://wdfw.wa.gov/fish/creel/snake/index.htm .
Hunting: The hunting season for pheasant, quail, chukar , and gray partridge continues through Jan. 19 but access to some hunting areas and the birds themselves may be difficult with record levels of snow cover. Upland game birds may gather on plowed roads or other open ground space and hunters are reminded that it is a safety violation to negligently shoot from, across or along a public road. Better bird hunting may be available south of the Snake River where winter conditions are more moderate.
WDFW Swanson Lakes Wildlife Area Manager Juli Anderson said travel is difficult throughout Lincoln County with deep and drifting snow, so upland game bird and coyote hunters are better off waiting for a thaw.
Waterfowl hunting continues through Jan. 25 and is probably best on, along or south of the Snake River where ducks and geese concentrate on open water.
Hunters who purchased tags for black bear, deer, elk , or turkey last year are reminded that reports on their hunting activities are due by Jan. 31 for each 2008 tag purchased. Hunters can file a report by calling (877) 945-3492, or by the Internet at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov . Hunters should be prepared to give the game management unit they hunted and their individual WILD identification number, which is printed on license documents. Those who miss the deadline must pay a $10 penalty before they can purchase a 2009 hunting license. Unsuccessful hunters who submit their reports by Jan. 10 - and successful hunters who filed a report within 10 days of filling one of those tags - will be entered into a drawing for one of nine deer or elk special hunting permits for the 2009 season.
Spring black bear special hunt applications are available now on-line at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/wdfw/special_permits.html and must be submitted by March 13 to be eligible for the April 15-May 31 permit season. Thirteen game management units in the northeast and southeast parts of the region offer a total of 225 permits for this special season. See page 58 of the Big Game Hunting Seasons pamphlet (on-line at http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/regs_seasons.html ) for details.
Wildlife viewing: With record snow cover throughout the central and northern districts of the region, wildlife of many kinds have been visible. That's both good and bad for people and wildlife, said WDFW Regional Wildlife Program Manager Kevin Robinette.
"Some deer, elk and moose are enduring the conditions by traveling more easily on plowed roads and helping themselves to haystacks and landscaping plants near homes," Robinette said. "They're easy to view but they can be safety and property damage problems."
WDFW Central District Wildlife Biologist Howard Ferguson confirmed from recent aerial surveys of moose and deer that most animals have moved to much lower elevations because of the deep snow. "We saw lots of deer herds bedded under and feeding on fir trees on south-facing slopes where snow levels are lower," Ferguson said. "They appear to be in pretty good condition and with forecasted thaws and breaks in the snowfall, they should be fine."
Robinette and Ferguson both noted that many people want to help deer and other wildlife in the winter by feeding them, but that can create more problems.
The most readily available feed - hay, grains or bird seed - are not easily digestible by deer or other wildlife, which need time to adjust to a change in their natural diet. If artificial feed, like a pellet-form mix for deer, is provided early enough in the season to allow for digestive adjustment, it must be continued into spring, and that can become very costly. One white-tailed deer alone can consume three to four pounds daily.
Concentrating deer, elk or other wildlife at a feeding area can make them more susceptible to disease, predation or poaching. If feeding areas draw animals across well-traveled roads, they can become even more of a safety hazard and collide with motor vehicles.
"We understand the desire to want to help what may look like struggling animals, but these are native species that evolved to survive local winter conditions," Robinette said. "It would help more for people to avoid disturbing them at this time by driving slower and by confining dogs." For more information, see WDFW's Winter Wildlife Feeding factsheet at http://wdfw.wa.gov/factshts/wintfeed.htm .
Wintery conditions have also moved birds around the region, Ferguson said. Geese and ducks have moved from the north end of the region to south of the Snake River where open water is still available. Some resident songbird species, such as juncos , finches , and chickadees , also have moved south. Influxes of more northern species, like redpolls, longspurs, crossbills , and snow buntings have also been observed, especially along roads where they pick up grit and gravel to help them digest seeds, he said.
"Backyard bird feeders have been very popular," Ferguson said. "Studies have long shown that most birds don't depend on this artificial feed and continue natural foraging, so we know this is mostly for our own viewing recreation. But bird feeding can also create problems by concentrating birds. The greatest threat is the spread of disease, so feeding stations must be kept very clean."
For detailed information about maintaining healthy backyard bird feeders, see http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/backyard/winter_feed.htm .
Northcentral Washington
Fishing: Recent cold temperatures and snow have slowed fishing for steelhead on the upper Columbia River, according to WDFW District Fish Biologist Bob Jateff in Omak.
"A few fish are still being taken above and below Wells Dam as well as from the docks in Pateros," Jateff said. "But it's pretty slow, overall."
Other fishing opportunities continue to improve as colder air temperatures have helped increase ice cover on many Okanogan County lakes, he noted. Rat Lake near Brewster, Davis Lake near Winthrop, and the Green lakes near Omak all should provide good fishing for rainbow trout in the 10- to15-inch range.
"Those wanting to fish for yellow perch should give Patterson Lake near Winthrop a try for catches in the seven- to nine-inch range," Jateff said. "A small panfish jig tipped with a mealworm is an effective method. There's a public access site at Patterson, but anglers will need a four-wheel drive vehicle there."
Jateff reminds anglers to be prepared for possible access problems at any of these lakes due to frequent snowstorms, and to be cautious about safe ice cover.
According to U.S. Coast Guard guidelines, no one should venture onto ice unless it's at least four inches thick, clear and solid. As much as nine inches may be needed to safely support snowmobiles or other vehicles. Such ice depths can form after at least a week of below freezing temperatures, day and night.
WDFW advises ice fishers to not fish alone; let others know where you are going and when you plan to return; keep fishing holes few and small (under eight inches diameter); disperse weight and fishing holes across ice; avoid ice fishing near streams, known springs, or otherwise potentially weak ice; and be prepared for weather conditions and emergencies. For more information on ice fishing safety see http://wdfw.wa.gov/factshts/ice_fishing.htm .
Hunting: Most of the Columbia Basin has been bitter cold and snowy with only moving waterways open for waterfowl , said WDFW District Wildlife Biologist Rich Finger. But the Pineapple Express is coming and bringing lots of ducks and geese, so these last weeks of the hunting season (which closes Jan. 25) could be productive, he said.
"Warm south winds allow waterfowl an easy ride back to the Basin, and if feed is available, which it should be, they'll stick around," Finger said. "Snow is melting quickly and fields are already opening up in the George and Quincy areas where late-season Canada goose and mallard feeding occurs. The large lakes such as Potholes Reservoir, Banks Lake, and Moses Lake will remain frozen but field hunting and stream and wasteway hunting prospects are very good."
If weather allows, aerial surveys of waterfowl in the North Columbia Basin will be conducted and results will be posted at http://wdfw.wa.gov/reg/eventopp/events2.htm .
Upland game bird hunting continues through Jan. 19 and the warm-up in the Columbia Basin could make it easier for pheasants, quail, chukars and gray partridge to forage and for hunters to get out. But further north in the region, where birds may still be gathering on plowed roads or other open ground space to escape snowy conditions, hunters are reminded that it is a safety violation to negligently shoot from, across or along a public road.
Hunters who purchased tags for black bear, deer, elk , or turkey last year are reminded that reports on their hunting activities are due by Jan. 31 for each 2008 tag purchased. Hunters can file a report by calling (877) 945-3492, or by the Internet at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov . Hunters should be prepared to give the game management unit they hunted and their individual WILD identification number, which is printed on license documents. Those who miss the deadline must pay a $10 penalty before they can purchase a 2009 hunting license. Unsuccessful hunters who submit their reports by Jan. 10 - and successful hunters who filed a report within 10 days of filling one of those tags - will be entered into a drawing for one of nine deer or elk special hunting permits for the 2009 season.
Wildlife viewing: WDFW's Scotch Creek Wildlife Area Manager Jim Olson spotted about 40 sharp-tailed grouse in the water birch trees along Scotch Creek on the area in northern Okanogan County. "Crusting snow may make it more difficult for these birds to burrow, so we've been expecting to see more sharp-tails using our riparian areas," he said. "Birdwatching groups visiting the area have been reporting good counts of many other species, too."
Birders in the "Okanogan Highlands" between Chesaw and Havillah recently reported seeing several species of owls - great gray, long eared, northern saw-whet, northern pygmy, barred, and great horned - plus northern goshawks, ruffed grouse, gray partridge, Bohemian waxwing, American tree sparrows, lapland longspurs, snow buntings, pine grosbeaks, gray crowned rosy-finches, white winged crossbills , and common and hoary redpolls .
WDFW Okanogan District Wildlife Biologist Scott Fitkin said concentrations of mule deer are visible in the Methow Valley, but reminded motorists to slow down and be alert to animals on or near roads. Bald eagles are also gathering along the Methow River to feed on waterfowl and fish.
The annual series of "Nature of Winter" wildlife viewing snowshoe tours by the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association (MVSTA) is under way Saturdays through March 7, plus the Sundays and Mondays of the Martin Luther King Jr. and Presidents' Day holiday weekends. Led by local naturalists, the treks include lessons about winter ecology, wildlife and tracks, snow and more. Passes, snowshoe rentals and more information are available at Sun Mountain Lodge, Jack's Hut, and Winthrop Mountain Sports. A $5 MVSTA trail pass is required. Reservations are not required but tours are limited to 10 people. For more information, call 509-996-3287.
The Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery offers free wildlife snowshoe tours on the Icicle Creek trail system on weekends and holidays through January. On Jan. 18, the Leavenworth Winter Sports Club is providing a snowshoe demonstration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Leavenworth Ski Hill. For more information about the weekend tours, call 509-548-7641.
WDFW District Wildlife Biologist Rich Finger said winter conditions are finally easing for deer and birds in the Columbia Basin.
"This warm weather system will give these animals an opportunity to feed on newly available forage such as green wheat, grasses, and seed sources previously covered by snow," he said. "Now is a good time to watch for<br />
snow buntings and Lapland longspurs on the Douglas Plateau mixed in with flocks of horned larks . Snowy owls, gyrfalcons , and merlin also occur in the Basin this time of year but can be more difficult to locate."
Southcentral Washington
Fishing: WDFW Fish Biologist Jim Cummins said there is a lull in fishing activity in the region because of changing weather conditions. "The warming trend and rain will increase flows in the rivers that are open for whitefish fishing," he said. "The Yakima and Naches rivers were flowing ice last weekend but that's changing rapidly. Shelf ice along the shorelines makes these rivers dangerous to fish."
Cummins also noted local year-round and winter-only rainbow trout fishing lakes are ice covered, but the warmer weather could make walking onto the ice dangerous.
According to U.S. Coast Guard guidelines, no one should venture onto ice unless it's at least four inches thick, clear and solid. As much as nine inches may be needed to safely support snowmobiles or other vehicles. Such ice depths can form after at least a week of below freezing temperatures, day and night.
WDFW advises ice fishers to not fish alone; let others know where you are going and when you plan to return; keep fishing holes few and small (under eight inches diameter); disperse weight and fishing holes across ice; avoid ice fishing near streams, known springs, or otherwise potentially weak ice; and be prepared for weather conditions and emergencies. For more information on ice fishing safety see http://wdfw.wa.gov/factshts/ice_fishing.htm .
Hunting: Waterfowl hunters may reap the benefits of changing winter weather that moves ducks and geese from the big open waterways in the region. The season continues through Jan. 25.
If weather allows, aerial surveys of waterfowl in the South Columbia Basin will be conducted and results will be posted at http://wdfw.wa.gov/reg/eventopp/events3.htm .
Upland game bird hunting continues through Jan. 19 and the warm-up could make it easier for pheasants, quail, chukars and gray partridge to forage and for hunters to get out.
Hunters who purchased tags for black bear, deer, elk , or turkey last year are reminded that reports on their hunting activities are due by Jan. 31 for each 2008 tag purchased. Hunters can file a report by calling (877) 945-3492, or by the Internet at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov . Hunters should be prepared to give the game management unit they hunted and their individual WILD identification number, which is printed on license documents. Those who miss the deadline must pay a $10 penalty before they can purchase a 2009 hunting license. Unsuccessful hunters who submit their reports by Jan. 10 - and successful hunters who filed a report within 10 days of filling one of those tags - will be entered into a drawing for one of nine deer or elk special hunting permits for the 2009 season.
Wildlife viewing: WDFW's Oak Creek Wildlife Area annual winter feeding of elk and bighorn sheep is in full swing now and public viewing is welcome. The feeding program is maintained to keep the area's elk and sheep from damaging adjacent private agricultural lands, and the side-benefit is relatively easy viewing.
Elk are fed daily at 1:30 p.m. at the headquarters site off Highway 12 west of Yakima. Hundreds of elk remain around the area throughout the day, so it's not critical to be on site at feeding time, said area manager John McGowan. Bighorn sheep are fed every day about mid-morning at the nearby Clemens Mountain site. Volunteers conduct free viewing tours and talks daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Groups can register for tours 48 hours in advance by calling 509-698-5106.
For driving directions and more information about the Oak Creek Wildlife Area, including other wildlife species to look for during a winter visit, see http://wdfw.wa.gov/lands/wildlife_areas/oak_creek/ .
Bald eagles are foraging on fish and waterfowl along the region's major waterways, particularly the Yakima and Tieton rivers.
Media Contact<br />
(Fish) 360-902-2700<br />
(Wildlife) 360-902-2515