OLYMPIA—This is prime time for squid fishing (jigging) in South Puget Sound. More and more anglers are adding squid to their sport-fishing menu and these cold winter nights are the time to try squid jigging. These lively shellfish are attracted to light and glitter. That is why public fishing piers are good squidding locations.
Jigging refers to the method of retrieving the lure through the lighted area in a series of steady jerks. While no one method works all the time the idea is to attract the attention of the squid that are watching that lighted area in the water—squid lures are either luminous or have something embedded in them (metal, plastic ect.) to reflect light. Squid aren't "hooked" in the traditionally understood manner. They don't "bite," they wrap their tentacles around their intended prey. Anglers must be quick to jerk and reel because of the squids jet-propelled maneuvers. In addition to the fishing gear mentioned above, a camping lantern or large flashlight often is needed.
There is an abundance of public fishing piers along Washington shorelines. Some are covered, have lights, fish-cleaning stations and handicap access. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's (WDFW) "The Tantalizing Squid" pamphlet gives all the details of how, where and when to catch squid.
Squid are also known to growing legions of diners as calamari, a shellfish that provides gourmet dining. "If you like razor clams you'll love to eat squid." said Tony Floor, a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) spokesperson and fisherman. If you have never cooked squid before, this favorite stand-by recipe for pan-fried squid is an easy way to start:
- Cleaned squid cut into 1-inch rings
- Flour
- 2/3 cup bread crumbs, mixed with
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
- Milk or egg beaten with 1 T water
- Your choice of oil (olive, peanut, vegetable, etc.)
Dredge squid rings in flour, dip in milk (or egg mixture), roll in crumb mixture. Allow to rest a few minutes to set crumbs. Fry quickly in oil until golden (about 1 minute on medium heat).
More recipes for preparing and cooking squid and information on where and how to catch squid is available in WDFW's "The Tantalizing Squid" pamphlet. To get a pamphlet write to WDFW's Angler Education Program at 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091 or call Mike Judge at (360) 902-2407. Check WDFW's "Fishing in Washington" pamphlet for required license and rules.
Other recreational opportunities include:
Wintering Raptors: This is a great time of year to observe raptors (birds of prey) because they are pairing up now to breed. Usually the bigger the bird, the more time needed for the growth and development of offspring; that's why some eagles, owls and hawks mate in January. Rivers are a good bet for seeing eagles and hawks because food sources such as fish and smaller birds are abundant there. Many roads follow rivers and that affords an easy way to travel at this time of year, using your vehicle as a viewing blind. In southeastern Washington, tributaries of the Snake River such as the Touchet and Tucannon, can provide good raptor watching. In the northeast, the Pend Oreille and Spokane rivers and their tributaries are excellent places to see bald eagles, red-tailed hawk and other raptors.
Wildlife watching on skis: Winter wildlife watching also can be productive if you get off the beaten path via cross-country skis or snowshoes. Traversing the snow-covered ground away from roads and people, without the sound of motors, can afford views of creatures otherwise not seen. Two of eastern Washington's national wildlife refuges—Turnbull just southwest of Spokane and Little Pend Oreille just east of Colville—are good spots to see wildlife by cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Both places host whitetail deer, coyotes, owls, and waterfowl—all of which are active through the winter. Coyotes are pairing up in January so you may witness some animals being less wary than usual. Great horned owls also are starting to pair up; a couple might be heard hooting back and forth to each other across an opening in the woods from the tops of tall trees. You also might see elk at Turnbull and weasels, minks and other furbearers at Little Pend Oreille. The bonus of winter wildlife watching on foot is that even if the animals, aren't visible their tracks show up in the snow. Consider picking up a wildlife track field to figure out whose trail you're crossing. Additional responsibility comes with winter wildlife watching. Wild animals need all their resources to survive the elements, so don't push them to flee unnecessarily; keep your distance, using binoculars or a scope and a telephoto lens on your camera.
Caring for backyard wildlife: Persistently cold temperatures mean that open water is scarce for some wildlife in some areas. To help songbirds at this time of year, provide fresh water every day. That may mean getting a heater for the birdbath or simply breaking ice and refilling with water every day. Water can be more important than putting feed out for birds, because they need water to bathe to keep those feathers clean for good insulation. Many birds normally eat lots of high-protein, high-fat insects so they need a good substitute at this time of year when bugs aren't around. Peanut butter or suet (rendered animal fat) is just the ticket for woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches, and other bug-loving birds. One more thing that helps birds through the coldest part of winter is some sort of shelter from the wind. Leave snags, downed wood, brush piles, even the discarded Christmas tree to shelter birds and other wildlife. If you put up nestboxes in the spring, clean them out and leave them up through the winter to provide a winter night roosting spot. Please be a responsible cat owner and protect your nestboxes.
Ice fishing: Some of Eastern Washington's winter-only trout fishing lakes, plus some year-round waters, now are providing good ice-fishing action. Fourth-of-July Lake on the Lincoln-Adams county line, for example, is still yielding 12- to 15-inch rainbows. But winter anglers should be extremely cautious: ice can become unsafe with just a day or two of milder weather. Keep track of those conditions with locals, don't ice-fish alone, and keep the size of holes you drill in the ice small.
Bighorn sheep viewing: Bighorn sheep are usually found this time of year at a winter feeding station near Metaline Falls in northeast Washington. This herd of 27 sheep is managed for wildlife viewing opportunities and research. Getting to the sheep requires a quarter-mile hike in snow, so wear appropriate cold-weather clothing. Here's how to get there: At the south end of Sullivan Lake, drive to Noisy Creek Campground to the sheep feeding station operated by the (WDFW) and the U.S. Forest Service. For more information contact U.S. Forest Service, Sullivan Lake Ranger District at (509) 446-7500.
Steelhead fishing: Even with high flows on the Cowlitz and Lewis rivers bank anglers have been catching hatchery winter steelhead on these rivers. Fishing has been slower for boat anglers who are averaging one fish per 6 anglers. Reports show good early returns of hatchery winter steelhead to lower Columbia hatcheries. Fishing should improve with lower flows but bank anglers probably will still have better luck. "The season has gotten off to a good start and should remain good through January." said Joe Hymer, WDFW fisheries biologist. Hatchery steelhead are being recycled on the Kalama and Cowlitz rivers to give anglers a second chance at catching hundreds of returning hatchery fish. Some surplus returning hatchery steelhead will be planted into landlocked lakes in the area beginning in February, Hymer said.
Westside trout fishing: Thousands of rainbow trout weighing one-third of a pound each were planted in southwest Washington lakes Dec. 14-18. Lake Sacajawea received 3,500 trout. Klineline Pond got 6,500. Battleground Lake received 5,000 and Icehouse Lake 1,000. Adult sea-run cutthroat weighing one pound were planted in south Lewis County Park Pond near Toledo and 200 rainbow broodstock weighing 5.5 to 11 pounds were planted in Battleground Lake.
New hunting and fishing license information: Hunters and fishers are reminded that new 1999 Washington fishing and hunting licenses are now available at Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) offices and most of dealerships across the state. There are several changes in the 1999 licenses, including: The licensing year shifts to an April 1 through March 31 period to better coincide with fishing and hunting seasons. A special one-time only combination fishing/hunting license, covering Jan. 1, 1999 through March 31, 1999, is available for just $6 for residents and $30 for non-residents. There is no combination fishing/hunting license for the April 1 through March 31 year; instead, fishing and hunting licenses are sold in packages of multiple participation for simplicity and cost savings to most buyers. Example: Residents who fish in freshwater for steelhead, trout, and bass will buy a $20 license that includes the basic fishing license (now $17), the steelhead fee (now $18), and the warmwater game fish fee (now $5). (Complete details are available at all WDFW offices and license dealers.) Fishers and hunters who purchase the April 1 - March 31 licenses will receive a free "access stewardship decal," which is required to use WDFW water access sites and wildlife areas; the decal will cost $10 for non-hunting and non-fishing recreationists who use these areas for other activities.
