THE CLOSURE OF the blackmouth fishery in Marine Area 6 is a hit for anglers, but they aren’t completely out of options.
Area 6 (eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca) closed Monday, the day after the conclusion of the Olympic Peninsula Salmon Derby.
The season was slated to remain open through April 10, but the fishing was too good, apparently, and anglers met their quota of chinook encounters seven weeks ahead of schedule.
And, in fishing and in life, all good things seem to come to an end a earlier than the rough patches, so the state Department of Fish and Wildlife had to shut it down.
There are still a few blackmouth options, though. Sekiu (Marine Area 5) opened last week. The daily limit is two salmon.
Marine Area 12 (Hood Canal) has been open for salmon fishing since the beginning of February, and it’s scheduled to remain open through April 30.
Next weekend, Saturday and Sunday, March 5-6, is the 34th annual Murray’s Salmon Derby.
“This derby is unique in that it is the last of the small local derbies that is friendly to small boats, including even kayaks and canoes,” Ward Norden, owner of Snapper Tackle Company and a former fishery biologist who lives in Quilcene, said.
“The primary launch point at Pleasant Harbor is only a few hundred yards from one of the better morning chinook feeding areas at the drop-off in front of the Harbor.”
The derby area is the waters of Hood Canal, south of the Hood Canal floating bridge.
The biggest fish wins $1,500. Second place receives $750, and third place takes home $500.
There also is a $100 prize for the largest salmon caught that Saturday.
Any fish that is caught must be transported by boat to the weigh station at the state dock near Pleasant Harbor Marina in Brinnon. Saturday’s fish must be registered by 4 p.m.; Sunday’s must be submitted by noon.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Geoduck Restaurant that Sunday. Anglers must be present to win.
Tickets cost $15. They are available at Geoduck Restaurant, McKay’s Crab and Bait Shop and Brinnon General Store.
For more information, phone Geoduck Restaurant at 360-796-4430.
Fish in rivers
Native steelhead have been making their way up the West End rivers, so anglers have been heading west.
“A lot of people are heading out to the Sol Duc right now,” Brian Menkal of Brian’s Sporting Goods and More (360-683-1950) in Sequim said.
The Sol Duc River seems like the place to be, but Menkal has also heard reports of wild steelhead being caught and released on the Calawah River.
The Bogachiel is another potential destination for anglers.
“It’s all working together right now,” Menkal said.
River fishing class
Menkal will be offering his two-part introduction to river salmon and steelhead course Tuesday, March 8, and Tuesday, March 15.
Anglers will receive a total of five hours of instruction regarding where to go, what to use and how to target salmon and steelhead in North Olympic Peninsula rivers.
The cost is $25. The class runs from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. each night
The store is located at 609 W. Washington St. No. 21, next to JCPenney, in Sequim.
Phone Menkal at 360-683-1950 to reserve a spot. For best results, bring along a chair, a pen and a notebook.
Hunter education
Hunter education classes are set to begin in Forks and Port Townsend on Monday, March 7.
State law requires all first-time hunters born after Jan. 1, 1972, to successfully complete a hunter education class in order to purchase a hunting license.
Students receive instruction in firearms safety, wildlife conservation and sportsmanship. The course is taught by state-certified volunteer instructors.
Attendees do not need to bring their own weapons. All firearms and ammunition will be supplied at both courses.
The Forks course will be held at the West End Sportsmen’s Club from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. March 7, 9, 14 and 16.
The final test is at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 19.
Students must attend every class session to receive their hunter education student certificate.
Parents and guardians are required to attend the first course with children 10 and older, and are encouraged to attend all courses.
A parent or guardian must accompany any student younger than 10 at all classes.
A field test for online hunter education students is planned at the West End Sportsmen’s Club at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 26.
To register for the Forks class visit, www.tinyurl.com/PDN-ForksHunting or phone Randy Mesenbrink at 360-374-5718.
The Port Townsend course will meet at the Jefferson County Sportsman’s Association, 112 Gun Club Road, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, March 7, and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. March 8-11.
The final test is 10 a.m. Sunday, March 13.
For this course, students younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
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Sports Editor Lee Horton is filling in for outdoors columnist Michael Carman, who has the week off.
