HALIBUT ANGLERS TAKE note, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife has approved two additional fishing days.
Halibut fishing will be open Sunday and again Thursday, May 25 off the coast in Marine Area 3 (La Push) and 4 (Neah Bay) and along the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound (areas 5-10).
Sufficient quota remains to open the recreational halibut fishery for two more days in these marine areas. Catch data will be evaluated following the close of fishing May 25 to determine if enough quota remains for additional fishing days on the north Pacific Coast, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound.
Those days are tentatively scheduled for June 1 and June 4.
Kid’s Fishing Day
The annual Sequim Kids Fishing Day is Saturday at the Water Reclamation Ponds at Carrie Blake Park.
The event, which attracts up to 500 participants each year, will start with the blowing of a horn at 8 a.m. and wrap up at 2 p.m.
It is presented by the North Olympic Peninsula Chapter of Puget Sound Anglers, the city of Sequim and the Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Kids age 14 and younger will fish for free with no need for a license.
Anglers 4 and younger will have a separate pond all to themselves.
Each youth angler can keep two rainbow trout the state will plant in the ponds.
Puget Sound Anglers will provide rod and reel setups and worms to fish and volunteers will help kids land the fish and remove hooks.
A cleaning station will clean, bag and ice down the fish for transport.
Swain’s has provided its hot dog trailer, and hot dogs and soft drinks will be available for purchase.
Leland stocked again
Lake Leland was stocked with just under 4,000 rainbow trout earlier this month, nearly doubling March’s plant of 2,024 trout.
Sandy Shore Lake also received a plant of 805 rainbow trout May 9.
Kokanee before crowds
Kokanee, or landlocked sockeye, fishing also is getting the attention of anglers.
Clallam County has three productive kokanee fisheries: Sutherland, Pleasant and Ozette lakes.
May is one of the best times to fish Lake Sutherland, before the hordes of recreational boaters, Jet-Skiers and water skiers head to the water for “lake days.”
An effective kokanee lure for slow drifting is the 1/3-ounce Sonic BaitFish from Mack’s Lure Co.
Trollers can stock up on the miniature 1½-inch squids in bright colors.
Save the date
The Wapiti Bowmen Archery Club will host a Father’s Day 3D target shoot at their club and archery range at 374 E. Arnette Road, Port Angeles, on Saturday and Sunday, June 17-18.
The event is open to the public.
Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. each day.
Fees for kids up to age 17 are $8 for one day, $12 for two days.
Adults are $12 for one day, $20 for both.
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Sports reporter/columnist Michael Carman can be contacted at 360-417-3525 or mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.
