ANGLERS SEEKING SILVERS in the Dungeness River should act sooner rather than later or they will likely miss out on the hatchery coho fishery.
State Department of Fish and Wildlife Fish Biologist Mike Gross couldn’t confirm the river will shutter to recreational fishing Monday, but all that’s missing are some signatures.
“At this point it is still rumor as we don’t have a signed agreement, signatures on the change form, the emergency regulation form [issued in cases of closure],” Gross said.
“But we are looking at Monday and [the reason] is because we are short on our coho broodstock. We need several hundred fish to return.”
Gross said the silvers are “not returning in the numbers we have expected and the river is not plugged with fish.”
“It’s fairly quiet in the lower stretches of the river, so we need to look to the future for future opportunity,” he said.
If broodstock needs are met, and Gross estimated broodstock numbers at 25 percent of what is needed, the river could reopen later this month.
“[The fishery] is scheduled to close Nov. 30 on its own, but if we get the returns we are looking for reopening could be an option,” Gross said.
Gear swap Saturday
Some upcoming events will help pass the time and prime the excitement meter for skiers and snowboarders as they wait for what the Hurricane Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area said is the 60th winter sports season high above Port Angeles.
First up is Saturday’s annual Outdoor Gear Swap from noon to 3 p.m. at the Vern Burton Community Center, 308 E. Fourth St., in Port Angeles.
Buy or sell used gear and equipment (ski and snowboard gear, bikes, kayaks, etc.) and clothing, and check out area outdoor activities, merchandise and equipment rental information.
The public can drop off gear at Vern Burton between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Saturday and come back at 4 p.m. to see what items sold (and to pick up any unsold gear).
Cost is $5 per person, or $8 for a family pass.
Snow sports filmmaker Warren Miller’s latest flick, “Line of Descent,” will be shown at the Vern Burton Center at 7 p.m. Saturday.
Admission for the film is $10 and supports the Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Education Foundation.
The event is sponsored by the Hurricane Ridge Ski Team and the Hamilton Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization.
Tickets on sale
The annual Winterfest celebration supporting winter sports in the Olympics will be held Saturday, Nov. 18 at the Vern Burton Center.
Doors open at 5 p.m. and the event starts at 6 p.m.
Attendees can enjoy an oyster bar and a prime rib dinner and can purchase beer and wine.
Bill and Rudy will perform live music at the event, which also will feature live and silent auctions.
Tickets are $55 in advance, $60 at the door, and children 12 and younger are $25. Community tables are $400.
To purchase tickets visit Swain’s, Necessities & Temptations and Brown’s Outdoor in Port Angeles or Brian’s Sporting Goods and More in Sequim.
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Sports reporter/columnist Michael Carman can be contacted at 360-417-3525 or mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.
