The Washington Outdoors Report

Fishing:

 

An unexpected fishery opened up on the Icicle River Nov. 2 for coho salmon. Some 4500 fish are expected in the Wenatchee River basin, far beyond what is needed for hatchery operations. Boat anglers can launch from the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery and fish their way downstream to fish towards the mouth of the river. Bank anglers have limited public access which includes one pull out on East Leavenworth Road and a section of the river downstream of the hatchery. Casting spinners or twitching jigs are two ways to catch coho. Be warned though, the fish have made a long journey to get here so be prepared to either catch and release them or consign them to the smoker. 

 

Staff at the South-Central Washington regional office for the Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife say this month is the perfect time to catch and release sturgeon in the Columbia River Gorge. That’s because the lower water flows and falling water temperatures improve both the bite and the resulting fight from these fish which can reach eleven feet in length and several hundred pounds in weight. 

 

Tim Nizich at Clark’s All Sports in Colville says trout fishing throughout Lake Roosevelt has been very good. Anglers are trolling pink flies, streamers and rooster tail spinners and using lead core line to get to where the trout are in 50 to 100 feet of water. The rainbows are averaging 16 inches in size and some are reaching 20 inches in length.

 

Shellfish:

 

Dan Ayres, the Coastal Shellfish Manager for the Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, says… “This year’s razor clam system is going to be real gang buster! We have strong populations on almost all of our beaches and we are offering a whole lot of razor clamming dates in the months ahead. Populations are up and for the most part, there are a good number of larger clams.”

 

The next scheduled digs (with low tide information and open beaches included) are scheduled for:

 

• November 11, Monday, 5:51 pm, 0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

• November 12, Tuesday, 6:27 pm, -0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

• November 13, Wednesday, 7:03 pm, -0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

• November 14, Thursday, 7:41 pm, -0.6 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

• November 15, Friday, 8:22 pm, -0.5 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

• November 16, Saturday, 9:08 pm, -0.3 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Mocrocks

• November 17, Sunday, 9:59 pm, -0.1 feet; Long Beach, Twin Harbors, Copalis

 

Wildlife:

 

A moose has taken up residence in the Horan Natural Area in Wenatchee. At least two local outdoors photographers have posted pictures of the adult cow moose on social media over the last two weeks. Be sure to give this big animal space and don’t crowd it. Moose can be dangerous and forcing it out of its habitat (and on to nearby city streets or highways) could be very detrimental to this animal’s long-term prospects. 

 

Jill Sessions works at Confluence State Park which manages this natural area. She is no stranger to moose, having lived in Alaska for 25 years. Sessions says, “Let the moose do its thing and don’t try to approach her. It’s fine to take pictures but do respect the animal. Never approach a moose or encroach on its natural area. View it from a safe distance. If you see the animal’s ears pin back or if the moose lowers its head and shoulders, that’s a warning you are too close and may be in danger.” 

 

Upcoming Events - Chili Cook-Off

 

Yours truly will be competing at the annual Sportsman’s Warehouse Chili Cook-Off being held Nov. 16 from noon to 2 p.m. at the East Wenatchee Sportsman’s Warehouse store. I’ll be serving up “Buffalo Chili” and using bison meat this year in an effort to come out on top against a field of talented chili chefs. Come to the store for free samples from up to ten different cooks and vote for your favorite. By doing so you will be entered for a chance to win a $50 gift card being given away to one voter at 2 p.m.You do not have to be present to win the gift card if your name is drawn.