FRIGID CONDITIONS OVER the last week-plus, coupled with a lack of hatchery steelhead, have fishing at a bit of a standstill out on the West End.
“There’s not a lot of pressure, really,” said Kevin Hinchin of Forks Outfitters (360-374-6161).
“A few people are catching fish, but it has been very slow, a lot slower than what you would expect, even for this time of year.
“I don’t know if the fish aren’t in there in the rivers or what.”
Hinchen said steelheading efforts usually take a bit of a break right before Christmas, but this season’s lack of angler interest has been higher than usual.
He said the Bogachiel River would be the best bet with hatchery stock trying to return home for the winter spawn.
“Bogachiel by far because the hatchery fish come up there,” Hinchen said.
“It’s probably a combination of factors. The fish aren’t as plentiful, Rayonier’s permit system is keeping people out and the [cold] weather.”
Hinchen quoted veteran Forks angler Vern Rondeau, who has since shuffled off our mortal choil.
“Vern Rondeau used to say, ‘Ain’t no point going out there when the north wind is blowing,’” Hinchen said.
“And it seems to hold true. Even with good river conditions — nice clear water — when we have these cold spells and that northeast wind comes through, the fishing seems to really slow down.”
Jackson Maiers of Brian’s Sporting Goods and More (360-683-1950) in Sequim confirmed Hinchen’s opinion.
“The cold made me cut my trip pretty short last week and we just haven’t been getting very many reports,” Maiers said.
“But despite the cold, the river conditions should be pretty good even if the steelhead aren’t around and the fishing’s slow.”
Blackmouth fishing also has been slow going in recent weeks.
The winter fishery started off well according to state Department of Fish and Wildlife creel reports off Ediz Hook in Port Angeles and John Wayne Marina near Sequim.
But there’s been no successes to speak of since the cold front moved in.
“That’s been a little slower,” Maiers said of the blackmouth season.
“I’ve heard of some people keeping some decent-sized fish. There are plenty of shakers still around. That’s blackmouth fishing for you, though.”
Crabbing also remains a good option through the close of season on Dec. 31.
Santa hits the slopes
Just over a week to go until the big day, but Santa Claus has operations staffers working a full three shifts up at the North Pole.
This way he can take time out of his busy schedule to visit the Hurricane Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area on Saturday and Sunday.
Santa will be out snowboarding the Ridge, and will be available to ride and take photos with you and the kids.
This will be Santa’s first daytime visit to Hurricane Ridge.
Private lessons
Private ski and snowboard lessons will begin Saturday at Hurricane Ridge.
To book a private lesson, phone 848-667-7669, or email skischool@hurricaneridge.com.
Private lesson pricing ranges from $40 for one person, $30 per person for two or $25 per person for three or more people.
A 10 percent discount is available for a second hour of instruction.
Ski for free
The Ridge’s Fourth and Fifth Grade Ride Free Program participants will get free lift tickets for the 2016-17 season.
Parents/guardians should bring proof of enrollment to the MOC “ticket window” to receive a free ticket Home schoolers bring proof of age.
Funding for the free lift tickets comes from The Hurricane Ridge Education Foundation.
Ski school on tap
Ski and snowboard school, a three-session program of 1 1/2 hour lessons on consecutive Saturdays and Sundays will begin in January. Additional ski school sessions are planned for February and March.
For more information, phone 848-667-7669, or email skischool@hurricaneridge.com.
Ring in the New Year
New Year’s Day Outlaw Pistol Match
Jefferson County Sportsmen’s Association in Port Townsend will host an “Outlaw Match” on New Year’s Day.
The event will be held at the club, 112 Gun Club Road, at 9 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 1.
Rather than conform to the rules of the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA), this match will follow a much simplified blend of IDPA, United States Practical Shooting and Action Shooting International rules — hence the term “Outlaw Match.”
The event will aim for fun and novices to action pistol shooting are welcome.
There will be 10 different divisions for everything from Rimfire for Juniors to full-race open USPSA rigs.
Event organizers are making some tweaks to the division rules, but basically, if it’s a pistol-caliber firearm it’s probably legal for this match – pistol-caliber carbines, included.
Entry fees are $10 per person.
Gates will open at 8 a.m. and registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with organizers hoping to start the competition by 10 a.m.
For more information, phone match director Steve Rankin at 360-477-0321 or email idpa@serenitysys.com.
