APRIL BECKONS SATURDAY, and with the calendar page turn, anglers will soon have opportunities for trout and other game fish at lowland lakes and the ability to land lingcod off of Neah Bay.
But first you’ll need to purchase a fishing license.
Hunting and fishing licenses for the 2016-17 season expire today, so hunters and anglers will need to get to an outfitter to sign up for another year before heading out for any fishing, clamming on the good low tides in store, or participating further afield in the youth turkey hunt this weekend.
The state Department of Fish and Wildlife said licenses are being sold at the same price as last year, but did preface that remark with a somewhat ominous “currently.”
Licensing division manager Peter Vernie said customers purchasing online will need to create a username and password to access their account information.
“Many customers buy their licenses and tags at retail stores or over the phone,” said Vernie. “For those who prefer the website, we have been suggesting to customers that they allow a few extra minutes to create a username and password if they haven’t already.”
Information on how to create a username and password in the new licensing system can be found at tinyurl.com/PDN-CreateID.
Customers can access Fish and Wildlife’s licensing system at: https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov or buy licenses by calling 360-902-2464.
Halibut seminar
The short halibut season in state waters begins in May, but anglers can learn how to fish for the flatties by attending a free halibut seminar presented by expert fisherman John Beath in Sequim on Friday, April 14.
Brian’s Sporting Goods and More, 609 W. Washington St. No. 21, will host the seminar, which will run from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Store owner Brian Menkal said Beath won’t just limit his remarks to U.S. waters.
“He’s going to discuss fishing halibut here and in Canada,” Menkal said.
“He will explain how to get licensed over there and provide some good spots. Having the opportunity to fish for halibut in Canada is a big thing with how short a season we will get over here.”
And Menkal said Beath will offer plenty of tips and tricks for those who don’t have a vessel capable of crossing the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
He also recommends calling ahead to 360-683-1950 to RSVP a spot at the halibut event.
Salmon and steelhead
Menkal also will hold the first of his two-part Introduction to Salmon and Steelhead class this Tuesday at his store starting at 6 p.m.
Cost for that course is $35 plus tax.
Fish the right spot
The lowland lake opener is Saturday, April 22, but anglers can fish Lake Leland on a year-round basis.
Quilcene’s Ward Norden, a former fisheries biologist and owner of Snapper Tackle Company, has seen some interesting tactics in the last week.
“When I have been driving by the park on Lake Leland, I have noticed that nearly all the boat anglers have been fishing at the wrong end of the lake,” he said.
“In the early spring when any lake is transitioning from cold water winter mode to more moderate temperature spring mode, the trout that have been in the lake for awhile will have already moved to wherever the water is a degree or two warmer.
Norden said that for Lake Leland, the warmer end of the lake is the opposite end from the boat launch.
“The lake is shallower in that area and the bottom is dark collecting energy from what little energy the sun has given us,” he said.
“Trolling is not the best method to catch these still relatively inactive large trout, but still fishing with bait is. This time of year, three pieces of equipment you need on your boat, canoe or kayak is two small anchors and a swimming pool thermometer.
“When the warmer part of the lake is located with the thermometer, the boat should be anchored stationary, so the fish won’t have to chase the bait. Very simple but it works during the three or four-week transition time we are in.”
Kid’s fishing derby
The annual Kid’s Fishing Derby at the Lincoln Park Ponds in Port Angeles is next Saturday, April 8.
Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. Fishing will start at 8 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m.
Children up to age 14 are eligible to fish in the derby.
Age-group winners will receive new rods and reels.
Olympic Peninsula Fly Fishers Club President Jerry Bouyear said the ponds will be stocked with 1,500 trout, including 100 jumbo-sized fish.
The event is sponsored by Olympic Peninsula Fly Fishers, the city of Port Angeles, Kiwanis Club of Port Angeles, Re/Max Evergreen Realty, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife and and individual donors.
Auction tickets
The Olympic Peninsula Halibut and Salmon Coalition is holding a raffle for more than $1,200 in prizes to support its halibut fishery lobbying efforts.
The public can purchase $5 raffle tickets through April 15 at Swain’s in Port Angeles.
Prizes include a $250 Rainshadow Downrigger rod, a wood carving of a fish, a fishing trip on the Columbia River and a number of gift certificates to restaurants and businesses.
The items and list of gift certificates is on display in the sporting goods section of Swain’s.
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Sports reporter/columnist Michael Carman can be contacted at 360-417-3525 or mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.
