With such thrilling fishing experiences available on the waters on and off the North Olympic Peninsula, it can be a bit difficult to get excited for the traditional start of the lowland lake trout-fishing season, which begins Saturday.
But it is a big deal — the annual event on the third Saturday in April attracts hundreds of thousands to descend on trout-stocked lakes, with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife calling it “the state’s biggest outdoor event.”
There are a couple of added reasons why the public may wish to cast a line at a lake Saturday or through Oct. 31.
In recognition of Earth Day, visitors to Washington State Parks, state Department of Natural Resources, and Fish and Wildlife-managed lands won’t need a Discover Pass on Saturday.
And anglers fishing at Lake Leland, Tarboo and Sandy Shore lakes in Jefferson County can fish for prizes as part of Fish and Wildlife’s 2023 Trout Derby.
Look for blue-tagged trout at those lakes and lakes statewide through Halloween, retain the tag, complete the form at https://tinyurl.com/PDN-Derby23 and figure out where to go to get your prize.
Trout plants were made as recently as Wednesday at the Carrie Blake Park Water Reuse Demonstration Park Pond (999 rainbow) ahead of Saturday’s Kids Fishing Day (for ages 14 and younger, starts at 8 a.m. and goes to 2 p.m.)
Port Angeles’ Lincoln Park was stocked with 1,575 rainbows earlier this month for more youth fishing options.
Wentworth Lake north of Forks also received a hefty plant of 2,275 rainbows April 4.
In Jefferson County, Sandy Shore (2,144), Silent (801) and Tarboo (1,617) lakes were all stocked with rainbows April 10.
Lake Leland received its plant of 1,280 rainbows back in early March.
Quilcene’s Ward Norden recently visited the lake ahead of Saturday’s big day.
“The water was 44 degrees, which is about 6-7 degrees below normal,” Norden said. “The other lakes nearby like Tarboo and Sandy Shore probably have similar temperatures. … At these remarkably low water temperatures, bait fishing or very slow trolling will be the methods to use.
“Usually smaller lures with small hooks for recently planted fish are the best method. Both Sandy Shore and Tarboo lakes received plants of several dozen 5-pound lunkers six weeks ago. These large trout will require larger hooks and lures so they don’t come off in the battle.
“My recommendation, should anglers want to target these big trout, would be to slow troll something the size of an F-5 Flatfish lure in a frog color or some color with red on it.”
