May 29-June 11, 2002

Contact: Margaret Ainscough, (360) 902-2408

The month of June will find state fishers up to their waders in opportunities with the opening of river and streams Saturday, good ocean salmon fishing off Westport, shad fishing heating up on the Columbia River, Hood Canal crabbing expanding to seven days a week and Free Fishing Weekend coming up June 8 and 9.

For families or other novices of any age, Free Fishing Weekend is a great time to sample the state's many angling opportunities. On those two days, no license is required to fish or to gather shellfish in Washington. However, anglers must stick to waters open to fishing and observe rules such as size and bag limits. If in doubt, consult the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's (WDFW) Fishing in Washington rules pamphlet, available at WDFW offices and recreational license dealers or on the Internet. Free catch record cards are required for salmon, sturgeon, steelhead, halibut and Dungeness crab.Meanwhile off the water, wildlife viewers have plenty to watch as butterflies and birds display in fields around the state.

And it's not too soon for hunters to think ahead to fall– the new 2002-2003 Big Game Hunting Seasons and Rules pamphlet is available at WDFW offices and license dealers, and posted on the Internet. Those hoping for a special hunting season permit must turn in their applications by midnight, June 23.

Current recreational opportunities around the state include:

North Puget Sound:

• Fishing: Fishing for resident trout in western Washington is typically done in streams above anadromous barriers, and this year's lingering snowpack could make fishing difficult for another month or more, says WDFW fish biologist Curt Kraemer. "There is still a significant amount of snow in the hills, and melting snow will cause river flows to fluctuate," Kraemer said, adding that the region's northern rivers, from the Snohomish River system north to the Canadian border, are more affected by snowmelt than the rivers in the southern portion of the region. "Most of June will probably have high water, especially in the snow-fed river systems, and that will probably limit fishing opportunity," he said. Summer-run steelhead enthusiasts should check out the Green, Skykomish, Snoqualmie, Snohomish and the Stillaguamish river systems. The North Fork Stillaguamish is flyfishing -only water. Kokanee fishing in the lowland lakes continues to be good. Fishing for warmwater species is picking up, too, although Kraemer notes that bass fishing can be a little unpredictable at this time of year because the fish are still spawning. On saltwater, lingcod fishing ends in June 15 in all of northern Puget Sound. Shrimp fishing for non-spot (coonstripe and pink) shrimp is open in Marine Areas 8-1, 8-2, and 9, but is prohibited in all waters deeper than 150 feet. Spot shrimp caught must be returned to the water immediately. The Port Townsend Bay/Kilisut Harbor portion of Marine Area 9 will remain closed to all shrimp fishing. The fishery is open Thursday through Sunday of each week, with a 10-pound daily limit of all non-spot shrimp combined, and a maximum of four shrimp pots fished from (and on board) each boat. All shrimp pot buoys must be yellow. Shrimp fishing will close June 2 at 9 p.m. in the southern portion of Marine Area 7 - roughly south of Lopez Island and San Juan Island, including waters south of Biz Point on Fidalgo Island to Cape St. Mary on Lopez Island. Crab fishing is open in a portion of Marine Area 8-2 four days per week, Friday through Monday. The open portion includes Port Susan, Port Gardner and Possession Sound. The closed portion includes Lower Saratoga Passage, Elger Bay, Langley, Mabana Beach and Pebble Beach. Area 9 opens to crab fishing June 1, seven days per week. WDFW and the Washington Department of Ecology are joining with top fisheries scientists from throughout the northern Pacific Rim to discuss the steep decline of the Cherry Point herring stock at a free public workshop, June 11-13 at the Port of Bellingham Conference Center.

• Wildlife viewing: Backyard bird feeders and nesting sites are bustling with activity as spring enters its final weeks. Be sure to keep feeders and water sources clean and well-stocked, and avoid the temptation of getting too close to nesting sites for a better look at hatchlings. Use binoculars or a spotting scope from a good distance - this will reduce stress on the birds and improve the chances for the young. It's also a good idea to keep an eye on outdoor cats when there are so many young birds around. A few cats adept at hunting can wipe out a neighborhood's population of songbirds in short order. Warmer weather also means an increase in bat activity throughout the region. Several bat species call western Washington home, and we should be thankful to have them here: Bats are among the most effective natural insect control devices around. Some bat species will eat upwards of 600 mosquitos in an hour. More bat information, including how to build your own bat house, is available on the Internet. Unusual bird sightings in northern Puget Sound, as posted on the Tweeters birdwatching site, include a snowy egret in an Edmonds wetland, while purple martin, red crossbill and northern pintail were all spotted along the downtown Everett waterfront.

Olympic Peninsula/South Sound:

• Fishing: Anglers had mixed success in the early chinook salmon season that got under way off the Washington coast during Memorial Day weekend. Catch rates ranged from a high of 1.3 chinook per angler off Westport (Marine Area 2) to a low of just 0.1 chinook per angler out of La Push, said Wendy Beeghley, a WDFW biologist involved in monitoring the fishery. Most of the 2,650 chinook taken coastwide by the end of the second day of fishing were landed in Westport, where fishing effort was high, she said. There were also a lot of boats fishing out of Neah Bay, but the success rate there was just 0.4 chinook per customer. Rough weather on Memorial Day reduced the catch on the third day of fishing, but not before a 30-pounder took the prize at the Westport Charter Boat Association Derby. "There were definitely some nice chinook taken in all areas," said Beeghley, noting that most of those she saw weighed in at around 12 pounds. Some anglers ran into patches of coho and chum salmon, which must be released during the chinook-only season that runs through June 16 or until the quota for each area in attained. "Chinook-only means just that," she said. "Any other species must be released during the early season." That's not the case on the Sol Duc and Hoh rivers, where anglers can also add up to two hatchery steelhead to their bag. Bill Freymond, WDFW fisheries biologist, reports that sport fishers are catching a good number of hatchery steelhead on both rivers along with some nice spring/summer chinook, a few in the 25- to 30-pound range. That's a good sign for the coming weeks, because the spring/summer run on the Hoh doesn't peak until early July. Remember that the salmon and steelhead sport fisheries on the Lower Hoh (mouth to Willoughby Creek) are open Wednesdays through Sundays only through May; one adult salmon and two adult hatchery steelhead per day. After June 1, trout fishing is open seven days per week and salmon remains open only five days per week through August 31. Check the regulation pamphlet for further details. On Hood Canal, crab fishing will be open seven days per week beginning June 1, while shrimp fishers will finish the last of four scheduled days of fishing May 29. WDFW fishery managers will announce any additional days of shrimping on Hood Canal after assessing catch results through May 29.

• Wildlife viewing: The cold spring delayed the appearance of butterflies throughout the region, but there are plenty to see right now. Spring azures (bright blue), field crescents (orange and black), swallowtails (yellow and black) and the larger leafwings (orange with black tops) can be found anywhere the sun shines bright and nectar-bearing flowers are in bloom, including your own back yard. "It's been a tough spring for solar-powered creatures, but we'll be seeing more of them every day as the weather warms up," said John Fleckenstein, a biologist with the Washington Department of Natural Resources. The first group, including those species already mentioned, will soon be joined by a second wave that usually makes its appearance in mid-June. Look for the fritillaries – including the great spangled fritillary (orange and black with sliver spots under its wings) – for a sign that summer has truly arrived. Many of these species arrive from points south, but others – such as the colorful painted lady – overwinter throughout the region. Grassy fields full of wildflowers are a good place to look for butterflies, said Fleckenstein, noting that some species will find you. "Angel wings will fly right up to you and land on you," he said. "We don't know whether they're trying to chase you way or whether they see you as a potential source of nectar. But they definitely want to check you out."

Southwest Washington:

• Fishing: With shad counts at Bonneville Dam already hitting 40,000 fish a day and the action expected to peak over the next few weeks this is prime time for shad fishing, already well under way from Washougal to Bonneville Dam. The best success by boat anglers is in the area near Lady Island and Ives Island in the mainstem Columbia River and at the mouth of the Washougal River in Camas Slough. For bank fishing, the Washington shore from the deadline near Bonneville Dam downstream to Hamilton Island is producing good catches. A recent check in the Bonneville area showed about 2.5 shad per angler. For those who want to learn more about this no-limit fishery, see WDFW's shad fishing webpage on the Internet. Anglers are reminded that Cascade Island remains closed to fishing for federal security reasons. The Wind River continues to produce the best spring chinook angling in the region. Although some fish are still being caught in the popular boat and bank fishery near the river mouth, the majority of the effort and catch have now shifted to the Gorge area from the mouth of the Little Wind River to the Coffer Dam upstream of Shipherd Falls. The river mouth fishery is producing about one-third of a fish per angler while Gorge bank angling is producing close to one chinook per angler. Though the peak of the fishery is past in Drano Lake, some fish are still being taken. Recent boat angler checks showed about one-quarter of a fish per angler. The Cowlitz, Lewis, and Kalama rivers continue to produce spring chinook as well. The best angling on the Cowlitz is near the deadline at the Barrier Dam. The Lewis River fishery is focused mainly on the hatchery hole near the mouth of Cedar Creek. The boat fishery from Johnson Creek to Colvin Creek was reopened May 27, which will improve angling opportunity and success. Summer steelhead are beginning to move up the Columbia River and into tributaries. Recent mainstem Columbia checks showed the most successful bank angling from Kalama downstream to the Cathlamet area. The Cowlitz and Lewis rivers are beginning to produce some fish. IN the North Fork Lewis last week anglers averaged three-quarters of a hatchery steelhead per rod. The lower Columbia River sturgeon fishery is most successful near Bonneville Dam and near the mouth of the Columbia River. A recent check of bank anglers near Bonneville Dam showed about one-quarter of a fish per angler. Above the dam, sturgeon fishers are finding the most success in Bonneville Pool. The Dalles and John Day pools recently produced about one sturgeon and one- half sturgeon per rod recently, respectively. The area from Bonneville Pool to McNary Pool is proving fruitful for both bank and boat bass fishers, who were averaging several fish per rod last week. Meanwhile, boat anglers were averaging about 1.5 walleye kept per rod in The Dalles Pool. Trout plants are stepping up in preparation for the opening of stream fishing this Saturday (June 1). The best prospects in Klickitat County include Bird, Bloodgood, Bowman, Mill, Outlet and Spring creeks and the Little Klickitat River, each of which received from 200 to over 1,500 catchable-size rainbow trout. Good fishing is also to be had in Horsethief and Spearfish lakes, which were planted earlier this month. Rowland Lake will receive 2,200 catchable rainbows in time for Free Fishing Weekend June 8 and 9. In Skamania County, the Little White Salmon River will receive 3,500 catchable-size rainbows in time for Saturday's opener, and Kidney Lake is expected to continue to offer good fishing. Goose, Takhlakh and Council lakes are likely to remain snowed in for another week or so but these highly popular spots will be planted once the snow clears. In Clark County, Canyon Creek will get 5,000 catchable size rainbow trout for the stream opener, Battleground Lake is being planted with catchable-size rainbows this month and in June, and Klineline Pond will get 1,600 fish in time for Free Fishing Weekend. Cowlitz County's Sacajawea Lake received 6,000 catchable-size brown and rainbow trout this month. In Lewis County, Skate Creek and the Tilton River will each get 15,000 catchable rainbows throughout the summer and Mayfield Reservoir will receive several thousand catchable rainbow trout each week throughout the summer from net pens managed jointly by WDFW and the Friends of the Cowlitz. Anglers are advised that recent state Department of Health tests of fish in Yale Reservoir indicated the fish are safe to eat following the recent collapse of the Swift Power Canal.

• Wildlife viewing: A variety of breeding waterfowl are on view along the River S auto loop of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Area. Especially notable are black terns– not generally seen on the west side of the Cascades– currently displaying in the marsh at the south end of the auto loop. Osprey are also putting on a show for motorists driving along the Columbia River from Vancouver up river to the White Salmon area. Keep an eye out for river channel markers; in some areas nearly every channel marker is topped with an osprey nest. Lesser goldfinches and ash-throated flycatchers can be spotted in southern Klickitat County. Both species are southern birds with very limited distribution in this state. Look for the flycatchers displaying in oak trees in the Lyle area.

Eastern Washington:

• Fishing: "Hammer those trout lakes," says WDFW central district fish biologist Chris Donley. "Badger, Williams, West Medical, Clear, Fishtrap, are all still providing great rainbow trout fishing more than a month after the opener and they're the best bet for newcomers to take advantage of Free Fishing Weekend, June 8-9. These lakes not only hold up to fishing pressure well, but some really haven't been hit very hard. In fact, if you want a little peace and quiet with your trout fishing, head for Badger Lake." Fishers are likely to have more company going after Snake River hatchery spring chinook salmon during the final weekend of fishing in the Little Goose Dam area, May 30 - June 2. The salmon run was late so the fishing was extended, and Memorial Day weekend saw some pick up in the action. The final weekend, in the stretch from the Texas Rapids boat launch to the Corps of Engineers boat launch about one mile upstream from Little Goose Dam, should be good for landing springers. Two is the limit and they must be hatchery (adipose-fin-clipped) salmon, with all wild salmon and all steelhead released. To ease releases, barbless hooks 5/8 of an inch or smaller are required. The June 1 river and stream opener will probably be a mixed bag; some waters, like the Touchet, appear to be in shape, and others, like the Tucannon, are high and muddy. This may be the year to learn how to catch kokanee at Loon Lake up in Stevens County where there are lots of eight to 12-inchers being caught, day and night, by trolling glow worms and maggots; the trick is learning how to read their light touch on your line.

• Wildlife viewing: Learn how to enjoy wildlife in your own backyard at the annual "Backyard Bird and Plant Fair," Saturday and Sunday (June 1 and 2) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. rain or shine, at the Firwood Wholesale Nursery, 8403 W. Burroughs Road in Deer Park (about 14 miles north of Spokane.) WDFW's Backyard Wildlife Sanctuary program will be featured, along with the Spokane County Master Gardeners, guided tours of a naturalized landscape, bird watching clubs, and vendors of everything from bird baths to wildflower seed. The Peregrine falcon pair at Coffeepot Lake in Lincoln County appear to be very busy hunting small birds, probably to feed hatchlings in their nest up on the tallest cliff above the lake's northwest side. WDFW wildlife biologist Dana Base says that boat fishers on Coffeepot have the best chance of seeing these magnificent birds of prey, along with the area's abundant ducks, grebes, and pelicans. Just up the Lake Creek drainage from Coffeepot, at the Bureau of Land Management's newly-acquired "Bobs Lakes" chain near Pacific Lake north of Odessa, Base reports rapidly drying conditions. "About half of the potholes in that area are already dry, with lots of ravens, coyotes, and other scavengers drawn to the dead bullheads and carp on the mudflats," he said. "It's a Serengeti kind of wildlife viewing experience right now." Base also noted that riparian areas throughout Lincoln County are seeing a "migrational flux" of birds at this time. Right in the town of Wilbur on Goose Creek, Base recently observed three species of warblers and red-eyed vireos. Mountain goat nannies and kids might be spotted at the Flume Creek Viewing Area in the northwest corner of Pend Oreille County (off the road to Crawford State Park, just north of Metaline); best times to see goats on the cliffs and ledges of Linton Mountain above Flume Creek are usually mornings, evenings and overcast days at this time of year.

• Hunting: No, there aren't any hunting seasons open at this time. But there is a free "Hunter's Clinic" on Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Sportsman's Warehouse, just west of the Spokane Valley Mall off Interstate 90. This is a chance to get personal help from WDFW wildlife biologists on choosing a hunt, applying for special permits (which are due June 23), and filling out mandatory hunter reports by phone or computer. The event features instruction and demonstrations on archery, using dogs in bird hunting, elk calling, wilderness hunting, outdoor survival, wildlife photography. There will also be prize drawings and a "Sportsman's Chili Cook-Off" in which you can help decide who makes the best game chili. This Hunter's Clinic is a pilot project of WDFW's "Go Play Outside" Outdoor Partnerships Program and is coordinated locally by the Inland Northwest Wildlife Council (call 509-487-8552 for more information).

North Central Washington:

• Fishing: WDFW fish biologist Heather Bartlett reports that trout fishing has been good at Spectacle, Fish and the Conconully's in Okanogan County. "With some warmer weather I would also recommend Wannacut," she said. Conconully Lake remains inaccessible to boats that need a ramp to launch, but fishing is good. Bartlett also notes that although the Methow River trout fishery opens June 1, high water may preclude good fishing until late June or early July. The upper Okanogan River also opens June 1 for everything except trout, but it, too, may be in flood stage and not very fishable. Chopaka Lake near the Canadian border is open now, (snow and ice free), and fishers need to remember it's fly-fishing only. In the Columbia Basin, Potholes Reservoir is at a water level high and producing lots of action on walleye, smallmouth bass, trout, and perch, from the Crab Creek area of the sand dunes to the face of O'Sullivan Dam. Bluegill and crappie fishing has been slow. Warden Lake and some of the seep lakes below the dam are producing nice sized German brown trout. Any of the Basin waterways are excellent choices for families trying the sport over Free Fishing Weekend, June 8-9. The Moses Lake Walleye Classic tournament is June 1-2; contact Ron Sawyer at Cascade Marina (509-765-6718) for more information.

• Wildlife viewing: A hike up Chopaka Grade above Chopaka Lake in Okanogan County might produce a glimpse of mountain goats at this time. Any trip, on foot or by vehicle, through the Columbia Basin is sure to provide an abundance of bird sights and sounds, from the flashy yellow-headed blackbirds perched above nests in the cattails to the creaking and grunting of Virginia rails hidden in the wet below. Swallows are back and filling the air along the region's waterways, feasting on insects and gathering materials for nesting; watch for violet-green, tree, rough-winged, bank and cliff species. Many early nesting songbirds, like robins, are coaching newly-fledged young in the ways of the world, including cat avoidance; now more than ever it's important to keep cats indoors. Coyote pups are trying out their voices in freestyle yipping and howling –– a wildlife listening experience, since coyote litters are more often heard than seen.

South Central Washington:

• Fishing: Rivers and streams may offer poor fishing for the June 1 opener due to high water from warming trends and rain at mid to high elevations, reports WDFW fish biologist Jim Cummins. The Yakima River is not fishable, he said, and will likely remain high for several weeks because of snowmelt. Only four hatchery chinook salmon were checked, and two wild chinook reported released, among 146 fishers the week before Memorial Day, he noted. Anglers should look for flows approaching 2,500 or less at Parker before expecting much action. Flows are available on the Internet. "Only cool air temperatures will bring our rivers and streams into fishing condition," Cummins said, "and then good numbers of salmon will be available." WDFW fish biologist Rick Watson reports slow but steady harvest of spring chinook salmon on the Columbia River at Ringold, where hours of fishing effort are down but catch rates are up slightly. Free Fishing Weekend, June 8-9, is a good time for newcomers to the sport to try any one of the seven I-82 Ponds, located adjacent to Interstate Highway 82, east of Union Gap. Although Ponds 4 and 6 are stocked with trout and receive considerable fishing effort for trout, much of the fishing opportunity is for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, yellow perch, bluegill, and sunfish. Pond 1 may even produce a few walleye.

• Wildlife viewing: Deer fawns and elk calves are making their debut now throughout the region. Just remember that a lone baby of this kind doesn't is probably not orphaned or abandoned. Doe deer and cow elk often leave their young for periods of time to forage on their own and to keep from drawing predators to the babies through their own body scent. Fawns and calves are born without much body scent of their own– a built-in defense mechanism to help hide them from predators. Enjoy these wildlife newcomers from a respectable distance. Goslings and ducklings are parading around with their proud parents throughout the region, stopping traffic in many both rural and urban spots where they're crossing roads. Canada geese are particularly protective parents, so give those broods a wide berth to avoid being chased or even nipped by an aggressive goose.