NOT TOO OFTEN is the fishing better closer to civilization, but it appears an influx of coho on Hood Canal and up the Big Quilcene River are drawing scores of anglers looking to scrap with a silver.
Brian Menkal of Brian’s Sporting Goods and More (360-683-1950) in Sequim said the fish are in and around Quilcene in a big way.
“I’ve heard some really good reports last week on coho in the Big Quilcene River,” Menkal said.
“And some guys are doing well getting some nice silvers in Quilcene Bay.”
Quilcene’s Ward Norden, a former fisheries biologist and owner of Snapper Tackle Company, said fishing the Big Quilcene River might be more hassle than its worth due to crowds of anglers and state Department of Fish and Wildlife Police.
“Lots of fish are on the move, so the best plan is to take the trails down onto the bay on the outgoing tide, or put a kayak on the water to paddle over to the mouth of the Big Quilcene to do your casting,” Norden said.
“The water is too shallow to get there in any other type of boat.”
Most fishing is rumor and innuendo, and Norden heard a good one the other day.
“One interesting rumor I heard lately was relayed from suppliers of sand shrimp used as bait,” Norden said.
“Shrimp are gathered at night and the shrimpers have been astounded by the phosphorescent trails of coho heading over the shallows in numbers usually only seen when huge numbers of humpies are returning.”
He thinks if that rumor turns out to be true and coho keep coming, enforcement will become more difficult as anglers salivate for silvers.
Those seeking to avoid the crowds but still keep a tight line may want to head to a Jefferson County lake.
“Our local lakes are already making their shift to fall with water temperatures already into the low 60 [degrees],” Norden said.
“Bass anglers should get busy. Fishing doesn’t get better than during the autumn feeding time.”
And the recent rains have been a boon for mushroom growth.
“In the Quilcene area the chanterelles are just poking their nose out of the fir duff, so it won’t be long,” Norden said.
“I am sure the mushrooms are already fully up in the Sol Duc Valley and other valleys on the rainy side of the Olympics.”
Hunting starts off well
Menkal said the archery deer season opener was a strong one for area archers.
“A few guys got some deer last week when archery seaon opened up,” Menkal said.
“This is a great time to get out in the woods. Hunters can go do some grouse hunting and get out and scout for deer [for modern firearm season] at the same time.”
Menkal said he had heard of lots of bear activity as the burly ones aim to pack on the pounds before taking that long winter’s nap.
I asked if the early fall weather we’ve experienced would speed up the bears’ internal clocks.
Menkal said the bears should remain active until the first frost.
“Once we get a frost that seems to be when they start to hibernate,” Menkal said.
River fishing class
Menkal will offer another two-part Introduction to Salmon and Steelhead River Fishing course at his store, 609 W. Washington St., No. 21 in Sequim, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday with part two following at the same time Tuesday, Sept. 20.
Menkal, who loves to fish the rivers of the West End and knows a ton of tips, tricks and locations, offers the course for $35 per person.
To reserve a space, phone 360-683-1950.
Anglers to meet
Bill Roberds, a self-described aquatic recreationalist, will be the guest speaker at Thursday’s meeting of the North Olympic Chapter of Puget Sound Anglers.
The meeting is set for Trinity United Methodist Church, 100 S. Blake Ave. in Sequim, with a social half-hour and raffle item viewing at 6:30 p.m.. and a short business meeting at 7 p.m. followed by Roberds’ talk.
A raffle for fishing gear and a $50 membership drawing will be held.
Roberds will discuss the habitat available in the Salish Sea, an area that includes the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Puget Sound and the Strait of Georgia in Canada, and the sea life inhabiting our nearshore waters.
A scuba diver and underwater video photographer for 12 years, Roberds will share a film he developed on the underwater world of Ediz Hook. The film was used to inform the Navy of critical habitat adjacent to their planned pier installation along the Hook.
He also will show underwater footage of the famed Tongue Point wreck near Salt Creek County Park.
That’s the wreck that wary anglers give a wide berth when fishing Freshwater Bay.
Gun and knife show
Falcon Productions will hold a gun and knife show at the Masonic Temple in Port Angeles, 622 S. Lincoln St., on Saturday and Sunday.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
A weekend pass is $9, and general admission is $6. Active or retired military receive a $1 discount with ID.
Children 12 and younger are free with a paid adult.
Take a hike for cleanup
Registration is open now for fall beach cleanups during the 2016 International Coastal Cleanup on Sept. 17.
Volunteers can register to clean beaches from Port Townsend to Neah Bay and down the Pacific Coast to the Kalaloch area, most of which are rated as “easy access.” Only eight are said to be challenging hikes.
This year, volunteers will be rewarded in several ways:
• Olympic National Park is offering free camping in its coastal campgrounds for volunteers on the nights of Sept. 16-17.
• The Surfrider Foundation will offer a barbecue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hobuck Campground near Neah Bay on the day of the cleanup.
• The Lost Resort will offer “free famous bean soup,” and the Kalaloch Lodge will give volunteers 15 percent off at its restaurant and gift shop.
• A salmon feed and poetry read are planned in Forks. The free salmon potluck will be served to thank volunteers beginning at 4 p.m. at Tillicum Park.
“It’s a chance for volunteers to get together and talk about their day, share some songs or a poem they enjoy,” Schmidt said, adding that specific readings are being organized.
This event is offered by the Lions, Surfrider, Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, North Pacific Marine Resources Committee and other partners.
For more information or to volunteer help, contact Roy at able@olypen.com.
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Sports reporter/columnist Michael Carman can be contacted at 360-417-3525 or at mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.
