Even though the “upriver bright” run of mid-Columbia chinook this fall has been downgraded from the preseason prediction of 212,000 fish to 151,000, that still makes it a good run and very similar to the productive seasons of the past four years. But there are perhaps even more promising aspects to this fall’s run that haven’t been publicized, according to state Fish and Wildlife Department biologist Joe Hymer in Vancouver.
Hymer says many of the kings currently being caught by sportfishermen in the Hanford Reach are larger than usual. And the number of jacks coming back this year, he says, is the largest since 1988. A high percentage of jacks (small males which return a year earlier than the majority of their age group) is often an indicator of the strength of the following year’s adult run, Hymer says, which bodes well for the Vernita Bridge and environs in the fall of 2001.
Jameson Lake, in Douglas County, had a superb spring/early summer trout fishery, and it reopens today for the month of October to prospects equally as good or even better. Anyone thinking about combining a little trout fishing with an eastside bird or deer hunt could do a lot worse than Jameson.
Kids’ fish: The national CAST For Kids organization, along with Everett Parks and Recreation and the state Fish and Wildlife Department, sponsors a day-long kids’ fish-in and fishing seminar, Oct. 14 at Silver Lake City Park in south Everett. The event is open to youngsters 5 to 14 and will include tips from volunteer experts on how to rig tackle, fly tying, water safety, fishing ethics, and more. Participants may also, if they choose, enter the Bassmasters casting contest. Silver Lake will be planted with trout by the WDFW prior to the event, and the major part of the day will be actual fishing time. For a $5 registration fee (call EvParks at 425-257-8300 for information or to register), participants will receive a T-shirt and a Zebco rod and reel, all of which are theirs to keep. Or, youngsters may bring their own gear and participate in all the events free.
Duck hunt: The “duck taxi” service for waterfowl hunters on Potholes Reservoir is on tap again this fall and winter, ferrying hunters daily from MarDon Resort to sand dune islands and other choice spots on the reservoir. Unguided, “drop-off” hunts include the boat ride, a blind, and decoys, for $125 per person, two-person minimum. Fully guided hunts go for $175 per person, three-person minimum. Call 1-800-416-2736.
Hunter sight-in: The annual hunter sight-in days sponsored by the Seattle Rifle and Pistol Association at its Machias-area range will run weekends through Oct. 22, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fee is $5 for the first rifle, and $2 for each additional. Range address is Evergreen Sportsmen’s Park, 625 135th Ave. S.E., Snohomish. Call 425-488-6885, evenings, for more information.
More hunter sight-in: The Marysville Rifle Club also hosts hunter sight-in days this fall, Oct. 7-8, 10 a.m. to dusk, for a fee of $5 for the first gun and $3 additional. The club range is near Lake Ki, northwest of Marysville. Take the Smokey Point Exit 206 off I-5, go west through Lakewood to the first stop sign, turn right, and look for the sign on the right before reaching the lake.
Prone rifle shoot: The Kenmore Gun Range will run a series of high power rifle prone matches this winter, and all interested shooters are invited to participate. Dates will be Nov. 18, Dec. 16, Jan. 13, Feb. 19, March 18, and April 15. Registration will take place from 8:45 to 9:30 a.m., and firing will start at 10 a.m. For more information through Jan. 13, call Jack Rookaird, 425-259-6740 (
rookkc7ye@email.msn.com
), and after Jan. 13, Dick Abbey, 206-542-2792 (
rdrydr@halcyon.com
).
Hunter ed: Successful completion of a certified hunter safety class is required in order to obtain a first Washington State hunting license for those of a certain age, or for those planning on hunting as a non-resident in any of several other states. For information on upcoming classes, call certified instructors Dick Abbey, at 206-542-2792 (leave a message if no answer), or Jim Elliott at 425-353-2211, after 5 p.m.
Build a rod: Greg’s Custom Fishing Rods in Lake Stevens presents two rod building classes this fall, both from 7-9 p.m. and both for a fee of $25 each. The first starts Oct. 2 and continues Oct. 4, 9, and 11. The second class runs Nov. 6, 8, 13, and 15. Call for reservations or more information, 425-335-1391.
