FISHING REPORT

April 27, 2011

By Ken Shagren, Fishing Pro Staff, Dave's Sports Shop 

"Remember to check the official WDFW regulations before going out!"

(New regulation pamphlets have not arrived as of 4/26/11, but should be in soon!) 
 

NORTHWEST WASHINGTON

FRESHWATER

Lowland lakes will be opening this Saturday, April 30.  To give everyone an idea where the best opportunities for planted rainbows are, we’ve included the plant record for Whatcom and Skagit counties as supplied by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife :

Whatcom County

Skagit County

Most stocked lakes will fish well using power  bait floated  off the bottom with 2 to 4 feet of leader. Those who prefer to troll will find that wedding band spinners tipped with a worm will work well along with various Dick Nites, Triple Teasers or various other small spoons and spinners.

Squalicum lake, open year around to fly fishing, has been producing some small cutthroat trout to chironomid and woolly bugger patterns.  The cool spring has made bass fishing a serious challenge at Terrell, Wiser and Fazon. Consecutive days of sunny weather should get the bite started on these lakes. Slowly fished dark colored worms and jigs are the choice for pre-spawn bass.

SALTWATER 

Blackmouth fishing in area 7 closes on Saturday, April 30. Generally speaking this has been an above average year in many locations. Despite some rough weather issues and spotty fishing during the 7th Annual Frank Wilson Memorial Blackmouth Derby (February 1 to April 15), the final days ended with consistent action for many anglers. The first place fish went to Raymond Ploghoft with a 20.70 lb fish worth $ 1000. Look for Blackmouth action to be good in the San Juans until the closure.

BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

FRESHWATER 

The Vedder River closes to gear fishing on April 30, but reports indicate that steelhead fishing continues to be good for those putting in the effort. In addition, there are some sea-run dolly varden being reported. The river continues to be open to fly fishing below Vedder Crossing in May to catch and release only. With the late influx of steelies this would be a great year to give the month of May a try with the fly rod. Remember that licenses needed to be renewed on April 1.  Cutthroat fishing on the backwaters of the Fraser and Harrison rivers is improving. Small spinners are effective or use small nymphs, micro leaches or minnow patterns if you are fly fishing.  Finally, Kamloops area fly shops are reporting that Jocko, Six Mile and Morgan lakes are now ice free; however, Stump and Roche are not ice free as of yet. Closer to home, Lake of the Woods and Kawkawa lake near Hope are fishing well for fly fishers using chironomids, but trolling wedding band spinners will work as well. Kawkawa also holds kokanee.

SALTWATER

The migratory early run of kings is now showing off the west coast of Vancouver Island. These fish are working their way toward Puget Sound, the Columbia River system and various other watersheds to the south. A good mix of migratory kings and local Blackmouth have been reported in the Barkely Sound area which includes both Ucluelet and Bamfield. Anchovies in chartreuse or green teaser heads, half and half silver and brass four inch spoons and neon Coyote or Silver Horde spoons behind red and green glow flashers have been the ticket to success. Weather is always a major factor here at this time of year.

This Fishing Report is Sponsored by Dave's Sports Shop in Lynden. Check them out for all of your fishing and hunting needs. www.DavesSports.com

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