As everyone knows, Dec. 21 was the shortest day of the year. As an eternal optimist I look at it this way, from now on the days will start to get longer, and new seasons are just on the horizon. As of right now though, you must do a little work to find some hours to spend afield.
If wetting a line is your cup o’tea, then by all means your best options are on the other side of the mountains. If you have the time the best bets would be to head over to Lake Roosevelt. This is the time of year to target big brown trout near the Kettle River. Another option on the big lake would be the best tasting fish available, the walleye. Walleyes can also be targeted over at Potholes Reservoir.
With current weather patterns, you should pretty much have ample space on the water. Many of the seep lakes in the area would also be good choices. Many of the lakes on the east side are iced over and if you have the right gear would be an opportunity. Kokanees are also a choice on many of the bigger ice-free impoundments on the other side.
If you can’t get to Eastern Washington there are still some choices, albeit limited, on this side of the mountains. The peak of the steelhead run will have come and gone, but for the hard-working angler there may be some still waiting out there. Remember, release all wild fish.
Mountain whitefish are still available in many of the deep pools, and if you are really adventurous, you might want to look into booking a guide to go after sturgeon. Not many people go after these prehistoric looking fish, and no the action will not be hot and heavy, but it is still a good way to spend some off time.
Area lakes may still be worth some effort. If you are a fly angler, Pass Lake is the place to be. Cool water temperatures will put some of the trout in a biting mood, and anyone driving down Highway 20 will see an increase in the activity at the lake. On the south end, Lone Lake would be another option, some lunker trout are still lurking in those waters, remember to read the regulations on this selective fishery. In addition, Cranberry Lake might be a good option for big German browns. Regardless of where you try, it beats work.
There are still some crab opportunities out there, just be sure to check the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s web site for emergency closures. Also, be sure to keep an eye on the weather. This is not the time of year to be stranded on the water with an incoming storm. Personally, I think the colder winter waters make the shellfish taste that much better, so Capt. Richie Rivers should treat his crew at the Seaplane Base Fire Department to a meal of some steamed mussels or fresh clam chowder. Bundle up and try your favorite beach. As of the first of the year, Ala Spit, and Skagit Bay are once again open to the harvest of shellfish. Again, call the Red Tide Hotline (360) 796-3215 before venturing out to make sure that the beach you are heading to is safe for harvest.
FOR THE HUNTER
Maybe you are just not ready to put your gun in the safe for the year and still want to get some hunting in. There are still a few chances to put some wild game on the table if you are so inclined. There are still some upland bird chances over on the east side, but if you wish to stay close to home, then ducks are the primary quarry. Snow geese are done for the year, and make sure your harvest report card is in the mail. As long as the ducks cooperate, you will still have a couple of weeks still available to hunting. Traditional areas would still be the best bets with areas like the Headquarters Unit, Farmed Island Segment and Telegraph Slough the prime areas for the local hunter. The next two months is the prime time to target coyotes. Their pelts will be in the best shape of the year and with their food in limited supply, will be more apt to coming to the call.
A quick reminder to the hunter, you have until the end of the month to report on your big game tags, and if you report by Jan. 10 you will be eligible for bonus tags later this season.
