May 2-15, 2001

Contact: Madonna Luers, (509) 456-4073

OLYMPIA – May is prime fishing and bird-watching time with newly-opened lakes across the state full of hatchery-stocked trout and bird migrations peaking by mid-month.

Hundreds of lakes that opened April 28 continue to produce good catches of rainbow trout and other fish. Over the opening weekend, creel checks by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) showed many waters with catch rates of near limits (generally, five trout per day).

Top-producing lakes in the northcentral region include Dry Falls and Perch lakes in Grant County, Clear and Lilly lakes in Chelan County, and Conconully Lake in Okanogan County. High catch rates also are expected to continue at Jefferson County's Horseshoe Lake, Mason County's Tiger and Devereaux lakes, Thurston County's Ward Lake, and Skagit County's Heart Lake. Additional hot spots are noted in the regional reports below.

When it comes to salmon, the Snake River opened May 1 for the first hatchery spring chinook fishery in more than 30 years, providing lots of action for anglers in the southeast portion of the state. This new fishery is possible because of expected high returns of hatchery chinook, due to good outflow conditions within the river systems in 1998 and 1999 and to improved ocean-rearing conditions. Look for more information on that fishery, as well as the recreational halibut season that opened off the coast May 1 and the shrimp fishery scheduled to begin May 19 on Hood Canal, in the regional reports below.

Of course, fishers and non-fishers alike can enjoy watching or listening to feathered newcomers at this time. Many birds that winter south of the border are arriving in Washington to nest or are moving through to nesting grounds even further north. These include colorful species not commonly seen such as flycatchers, warblers, vireos, and tanagers as well as more "common" species like the killdeer, rufous hummingbird, yellow-headed blackbird, burrowing owl, and loggerhead shrike. Some of these international visitors migrate thousands of miles each year.

The second Saturday in May usually marks the peak of this migration and has become known by birding enthusiasts as "International Migratory Bird Day" to raise awareness about the special needs of species that spend part of their lives in North America. Several events to celebrate these species are scheduled for May 12 and some are detailed in the regional reports that follow. Check out http://birds.fws.gov/imbd.html for more information.

Here's a snapshot of what's happening outdoors in the state, region by region:

North Puget Sound:

• Fishing: With blustery weather dampening turnout for the lowland lake trout fishing opener last Saturday, lots of opportunities remain for anglers. Lakes that were top spots on opening day should remain productive in the fishing days ahead. Topping the list in regional opening day creel checks were Skagit County's Heart Lake and Whatcom County's Toad Lake, where anglers averaged 4.9 fish apiece. Padden Lake (Whatcom County) and Howard Lake (Snohomish County) averaged 4.8 fish per angler. Riley Lake in Snohomish County (4.6 ), Erie Lake (Skagit County) checked at 4.5 fish per angler. In King County the top spot was Margaret Lake with four fish per angler and Island County's Deer Lake showed the same average. Meanwhile on Puget Sound, recreational shrimp fishers are reminded that fishing days are trimmed from seven days a week to four in Marine Areas 8-1, 8-2, 9 and 10 ( from the north end of Vashon Island to the north end of Whidbey Island). Shrimp fishing is open Thursdays through Sundays only. The change, which took effect May 1, is intended to stretch shrimp fishing longer into May. But because effort has been so heavy, the northwestern section of Marine Area 9 (north of the Foulweather Bluff to Double Bluff line) is closing Saturday (May 5) at 6 p.m., and Marine Area 10 is closing Sunday (May 6) at 6 p.m. Sport fishing for shrimp, except spot shrimp, is scheduled to open at 8 a.m. May 12 in Marine Area 9. For specific fishing rules, check the WDFW Shellfish Rule Change Hotline at (360) 796-3215 or WDFW's website.

• Wildlife viewing: Arctic-bound migratory birds are passing through the region now, making this a peak time for bird watching, says Lora Leschner, WDFW regional wildlife manager. Among the regional events planned for International Migratory Bird Day May 12 is a free Osprey Day Celebration, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Juanita Bay Park in Kirkland. Nature walks, mini-workshops and children's activities are the highlights. For more information check the East Lake Washington Audubon Society's website at http://www.elwas.org/osprey on the Internet. Also on May 12, WDFW wildlife biologist Russell Link will be providing information about birds at a Tukwila Backyard Wildlife Fair to showcase the community's efforts toward certification by the National Wildlife Federation as a Community Wildlife Habitat. In Seattle, bird talks and special activities will be available at the Seattle Aquarium on May 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (more information: 206-386-4320); on May 19, Woodland Park Zoo's "Family Farm" will feature information about neotropical migratory birds from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (more information: 206-615-0076).

  This year's drought has dried up many seasonal ponds and wetlands in western Washington, so it is important to protect the remaining wetlands as nesting areas for waterfowl such as mallards and wood ducks, says Leschner. Outdoor enthusiasts should be especially careful to avoid disturbing wildlife in the spring. This is a time many animals have young or, in the case of migratory birds, need maximum energy for the long flight north. Dogs, people and off-road vehicles can disturb elk calves, deer fawns and many other young animals. Wildlife watchers are reminded that access stewardship decals are required on all vehicles parked on Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) lands. The decals are issued free with the purchase of annual hunting or fishing licenses. Non-license holders can purchase the $10 decals from any recreational licensing outlet statewide or by calling 1-866-246-9453. Decal sales support the upkeep of WDFW access areas.

Olympic Peninsula/South Sound:

• Fishing: If foul weather cut short your fishing trip on opening day, don't despair. Three lakes in the region made the list of top ten trout producers in the state during the lowland lakes opener and all of them – along with other hot prospects – will be open for business for the next five to six months. The best numbers in the region came from Horseshoe Lake in Jefferson County, which has special gear restrictions and a daily bag limit of just one fish. There, anglers caught and released an average of seven fish on opening day and one reeled in a 20-inch cutthroat. Ward Lake in Thurston County also made the state's top ten list as did Devereaux Lake in Mason County, with an average catch of 4.9 trout. Triploid trout, running 14 to 18 inches, made up a particularly high percentage of the fish caught at Clear and Ohop lakes in Pierce County, while anglers at Silver Lake targeted carry-over brown trout and rainbows in the same range. Jay Hunter, a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fish biologist who was out on opening day, recommends dropping power bait near the bottom if you want to catch the big ones. Meanwhile, halibut season got underway on the coast May 1, providing good fishing opportunities from Ilwaco to Neah Bay. (Inside waters from Sekiu to Olympia open May 17.) Greg Bargmann, WDFW groundfish manager, said stocks are up this year and he expects a lot of fish will be taken in the 20-30 pound range. Rules vary by area, so make sure you check the 2001 Fishing in Washington guide before you plan your trip. On Hood Canal, a four-day recreational shrimp fishery is scheduled for May 19, May 23, May 26 and May 30 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day. Remember that a maximum of four pots can be fished from any vessel and that no more than one pot per individual is allowed. (See the Fishing Rule Change for the Hood Canal Fishery on the WDFW website for additional information.) For those in a competitive mood, the City of Long Beach is sponsoring a Surf Perch Derby on May 12 with a $300 grand prize (call 360-642-8322) and two sturgeon derbies are scheduled in Ilwaco June 9 (call 360-642-2248 for Ed's Derby or 360-642-3466 for Bud's Derby, which already has a waiting list). And for those who didn't get their fill of razor clams after the recent opening, WDFW is hoping to offer a dig sometime in mid-May on several ocean beaches including Twin Harbors, which was remained closed in April because of elevated marine toxin levels. Watch the WDFW website and local media for announcements.

• Wildlife viewing: The crowds have thinned out in Grays Harbor since the Shorebird Festival came to a close, but the birds are still there – millions of them – on display during a refueling stop en route to their summer feeding grounds. Beaches from Ocean Shores to Bowerman Basin are alive with sandpipers, plovers, dunlins and more than 20 other species that flock to the area at high tide. Observers – including those who drive on the beach – should be aware that startling the birds into flight costs them vital energy that could mean the difference between life and death. Of course, birds aren't the only migratory wildlife tracing Washington's coastline at this time of year. May is a prime month to observe gray whales, either from a charter boat or from shore. Favorite observation areas include the North Head lighthouse on the Columbia River, observation towers at Long Beach and Westport, the beach at Kalaloch and the Destruction Island overlook on Highway 101. "Look for the blows," advises Steve Jeffries, a WDFW research scientist. Jeffries said that as many as 26,000 gray whales, some weighing as much as 220 tons, pass by the Washington coast each year. Tawny California sea lions have also arrived in the area, competing for fish with Steller sea lions, their resident cousins which are distinguished by their chocolate-colored coats. Jeffries notes that May and June are pupping season for harbor seals, and there is a chance you may come across a pup on the beach that has been separated from its mother. If so, he advises, leave it alone. "The mother won't come back to the pup if people are present," he said.

Southwest Washington:

• Fishing: WDFW Fish Biologist Joe Hymer reminds fishers that spring chinook angling opportunities are still available in the Columbia River tributaries above the Bonneville Dam, including Wind, White Salmon and Klickitat rivers plus Drano Lake – and below Bonneville Dam in the Lewis and Kalama rivers. Steelhead opportunity continues with fisheries open on the Cowlitz, lower Kalama, lower East Fork of the Lewis River and lower Washougal rivers. He says sturgeon fishing has been fairly successful of late below the Bonneville Dam; boat anglers in the gorge last week averaged two legals per boat. "And there's a whole slew of trout opportunities around the region," Hymer says. Blustery, rainy weather on the lake opener this past weekend meant fewer anglers and fewer fish caught, leaving more rainbow, triploid trout, brown trout, cutthroat and kokanee opportunity for the rest of the season, including several lakes which are open year-round. Checks last weekend showed average trout per angler in Clark County at 2.7 at Battle Ground Lake, 1.4 at Klineline Pond; Cowlitz County, 2.7 trout per angler at Horseshoe Lake; Klickitat County, 0.8 at Horsethief Lake, 3.5 at Rowland Lake and 2.1 at Spearfish Lake. Lewis County averages were 2.3 trout per angler at Carlisle and 2.5 at Mineral Lake (where 523 boats and 938 anglers were counted Saturday, April 28); Skamania County averaged 3.3 trout per angler at Icehouse Lake, 2.5 at Kidney Lake, 2.5 at Little Ash and 2.0 at Swift. Hymer said kokanee fishing in Merwin Reservoir has been fair to good recently with fish up to 15 inches.

• Wildlife viewing: May is a good time to view a variety of birds and other animals in the wild. WDFW Program Manager Fred Dobler, of the Region 5 Wildlife Program reminds wildlife viewers to enjoy wild animals from a distance to minimize disturbing nesting birds. "Baby wildlife are at their most vulnerable now through June; staying on established roads and trails and keeping dogs under control will go a long way toward minimizing mortality of vulnerable, young animals," Dobler says. Among recent sightings in the region: a saw-whet owl recently was observed using a kestrel box on the Cowlitz Trout Hatchery unit. Nest incubation has been confirmed for mallard and Canada goose on wildlife area lands. The first pair of cinnamon teal for the year was observed at Kosmos in the Rainy Creek impoundment. Numerous common snipe are being seen in wet, grassy areas of the Kosmos and Kiona Creek units, and a group of 18 band-tailed pigeons was observed on the Spears unit. Elk and black-tailed deer are regularly observed throughout the Cowlitz Wildlife Area.

Eastern Washington:

• Fishing: The first-in-30-years Snake River hatchery spring chinook salmon season opened with a bang May 1, with pretty fair catch rates near Little Goose Dam and other spots throughout the open portion (from Texas Rapids above the mouth of the Tucannon River upstream to Red Wolf Bridge at Clarkston). Anglers are reminded that all permanent closure areas around dams remain in effect, barbless hooks are required, and only hatchery salmon, identified by a missing adipose fin and healed scar, may be retained. All wild salmon and steelhead must be immediately released unharmed. The daily bag limit is two hatchery fish at least 12 inches in size. The special season could run through the end of the month, depending on catch rates. The fishery is possible because of expected high returns of hatchery chinook, due to good outflow conditions within the river systems in 1998 and 1999 and to improved ocean-rearing conditions.

  Lake fishing season's opening weekend per-angler-catch-rates expected to continue (and probably improve with better weather!) through the month include the following: Ferry County's Ellen Lake, over two 10-16-inch trout; Pend Oreille County's Diamond Lake, over two 9-11-inch trout, Marshall Lake, three 8-inch cutthroat trout; Spokane County's Amber Lake, nearly five 8-18-inch trout (mostly catch and release), Badger Lake, over four 9-inch trout plus 11.5-inch-average cutthroat, Clear Lake, almost three 11-21-inch trout, Fish Lake, nearly four 10-17-inch trout, Fishtrap Lake, nearly four 8-16.5-inch trout, Liberty Lake, nearly three 8-18-inch trout, Newman Lake (year-round), nearly one12-16-inch trout with 73 percent in triploids, West Medical Lake, nearly two 8-23-inch trout, Williams Lake, nearly three 10-26-inch trout; Stevens County's Cedar Lake, nearly one 12-18-inch trout, Deep Lake, nearly four 9-12-inch trout, Rocky Lake, over two 8-14-inch trout, Starvation Lake, over three 9.5-15-inch trout, and Waitts Lake, nearly three 9-24-inch trout.

• Wildlife viewing: Migrating white pelicans, gulls, ducks, and a myriad of other birds were recently spotted at the mouth of the Colville River at Lake Roosevelt. The wetlands on the southwest end of Sprague Lake are a good place to spot yellow-headed blackbirds, herons, snipe, and other birds. Backyard birders report seeing rufous-sided towhees, white-crowned sparrows, and other recent migrants. Hummingbirds are back in some areas, looking for sugar-water feeding stations before natural nectar-producing flowers bloom. Birders or "wannabe" birders can learn more about the region's "part-time" birds at a special event in Spokane on May 12, designated International Migratory Bird Day to raise awareness about the peak of "neotropical" bird migrations and the special needs of species that spend part of their lives in North America. WDFW wildlife biologist Howard Ferguson is teaming up with Cravens Coffee, a local "bird-friendly" (shade-grown) coffee roaster, to lead an 8 a.m. bird-watching, coffee-drinking stroll along the Spokane River's Centennial Trail. For more information, call WDFW's Spokane regional office, 509-892-1001.

• Hunting: Spring turkey hunting has been especially productive for hunters afield in Stevens County, although the big birds are abundant throughout the region. The season continues through May 15.

North Central Washington:

• Fishing: High catch rates for trout on opening weekend are expected to continue or improve through the month at the following lakes: Chelan County's Clear Lake, five 10-inch trout, Lilly Lake, five 10-21-inch trout, and Wapato Lake, nearly five 10-14-inch trout with 14 percent of the catch made up of 14-inch triploids; Douglas County's Jameson Lake with nearly four 11-16-inch trout; Grant County's Blue Lake, four 8-20-inch trout with 8 percent of the catch in brown trout up to 16-inches, Deep Lake, over three 8-17-inch trout, Dry Falls Lake, nine (selective gear rules with one-fish keep limit) 13-22-inch trout, Park Lake, over four 11-15-inch trout, Perch Lake, five 12-14-inch trout, Vic Meyers Lake, almost three 15-inch trout, and Warden Lake, almost five 8-20-inch trout, with 8 percent of the catch in brown trout to 16 inches; Okanogan County's Alta Lake, three10-19-inch trout, Aeneas Lake, two 11-22-inch trout; Big Twin Lake, three 16-inch trout, Conconully Lake, five 10-18-inch trout, Fish Lake, four 11-15-inch trout, Leader Lake, nearly five 12-18-inch trout with 35 percent in 18-inchers, Patterson Lake, over one 11-14-inch trout with 65 percent in14-inchers, Pearrygin Lake, nearly five10-14-inch trout (and limits in just two hours!), Round Lake, over one 11-15-inch trout with 40 percent in 15-inchers, and Spectacle Lake, over one 10-14-inch trout.

  Crab Creek is yielding rainbow over two pounds to anglers trolling needlefish. Potholes Reservoir's Mar Don Resort dock has been producing yellow perch to 12 inches and rainbow trout to two pounds. The Goose Island area of the reservoir has been producing smallmouth bass. The Rod Meseberg Spring Walleye Tournament Classic is May 5 - 6 at Potholes Reservoir; contact Roy Andrews (509-765-0223) for registration information.

  The Icicle River in Chelan County, from 500 feet downstream of the Leavenworth Fish Hatchery barrier dam to the stream mouth, opens May 7 for hatchery spring chinook fishing. The season is scheduled to run through July 22 if the expected run of 11,000 fish holds true and depending on catch rates. The brood stock requirement for the hatchery is 1,000, leaving an excess of 10,000 fish available for harvest. A daily catch limit of two salmon greater than 12 inches and a night closure and non-buoyant lure restriction are in effect.

• Wildlife viewing: Ducks, geese, shorebirds, and other colorful migrants are at peak numbers throughout the Columbia Basin. A designated viewing area near the intersection of Frenchman Hills Road and Dodson Road in Grant County is one of many excellent spots to view and photograph these birds. North of Winchester Wasteway on the east side of Dodson Road, WDFW and the Moses Lake Audubon Society chapter have created a handicapped access blind for bird watching. The Moses Lake chapter also helped create a second blind and a 2 ½-mile walking trail in the area. The wetlands on the southwest end of Sprague Lake are a good place to spot yellow-headed blackbirds, herons, snipe, and other birds.

South Central Washington:

• Fishing: The spring chinook salmon season on the Yakima River got off to a slow start last month with very low water and 50 anglers checked with only one fish caught. The season is open through June 15 (or further notice) on the middle reach of the Yakima, from SR 223 bridge at Granger to the "closed water" boundary line 3,500 feet downstream of Roza Dam. Up to two salmon, either hatchery or wild chinook, can be kept or caught and released per day. The fishery is a cooperative one with the Yakama Nation and anglers who want to fish from the Yakama Reservation bank (south or west) must purchase a Yakama tribal fishing permit in addition to the WDFW freshwater license. Contact WDFW's Yakima office (509-575-2740) for more information on how the season is faring.

  The Ringold area bank fishery that opened last month for spring chinook salmon, in Franklin County just north of Pasco, continues fast and furious. The portion open on the Columbia River there is from the WDFW markers 1/4 mile downstream of the Ringold irrigation wasteway outlet to the markers ½ mile upstream of Spring Creek (hatchery outlet). Only the hatchery side of the river is open and it's for bank fishing only. WDFW predicts up to 2,800 spring chinook returning to the hatchery, and since none are needed for hatchery production due to Mitchell Act funding cuts, they are all available for harvest. The fishery is open through June 15, with a two fish daily catch limit. All steelhead must be released unharmed.

  Year-round trout lakes that were angler-checked the last weekend of April showed the following per-angler catch rates, which are expected to continue throughout the month: Yakima County's Mud Lake, over two triploids, Myron Lake, over one triploid; Kittitas County's Fio Rito North Lake, nearly two trout, and Mattoon Lake, over two trout; Benton County's Columbia Park Pond, about one-half trout average.

• Wildlife viewing: From glacier lilies in higher country to arrowleaf balsamroot in the lowlands, wildflowers are increasing in bloom at many natural areas throughout the region, from the Yakima River Canyon to Oak Creek Wildlife Area. Early morning and late afternoon are good times to catch glimpses of the increasing diversity of bird life in the same areas, particularly in riparian or streamside areas. Wildlife watchers are reminded that access stewardship decals are required on all vehicles parked on WDFW lands to support maintenance of the areas. The decals are issued free with the purchase of annual hunting or fishing licenses; others can purchase them for $10 from any recreational licensing outlet statewide or by calling 1-866-246-9453.

  The Robinson Canyon and Joe Watt Canyon roads on the L.T. Murray Wildlife Area in Kittitas County, and the North Cleman Mountain area of the Wenas Wildlife Area in Yakima County, opened to the public May 2. These areas had been closed to all motorized and non-motorized public use since late November to protect wintering elk.