NO TRICKS, AND mostly a treat starting Monday for anglers looking to get back on West End rivers.
Fishing is reopening on most rivers and tributaries for salmon and all game fish beginning today on the southern coast and Monday on the northern coast, fishery managers with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife said.
“Stock assessment information and increased flows from the recent precipitation suggest salmon in many rivers have been able to migrate upstream to spawning grounds, following the unprecedented low flows we’ve experienced over the last month,” said James Losee, Region 6 fish program manager.
On the southern coast from the Moclips River south to the Bear River fishing will reopen today under permanent rules for salmon and all game fish species.
On the northern coast from the Quinault River north to the Sol Duc River fishing will reopen Monday for salmon (with a chinook release rule implemented on several rivers) and all game fish species.
All chinook salmon must be released until further notice in the Bogachiel, Calawah, Dickey, Hoh, Quillayute, Sol Duc and Upper Quinault rivers and tributaries.
Losee said the Queets River system (Clearwater and Salmon rivers) is closed until further notice to all fishing due to emerging conservation concerns associated with recent in-river fishery activity.
Anglers can find a list of specific streams reopening by checking the emergency regulations at tinyurl.com/PDN-EmergencyWDFW22.
Salmon carcasses’ role
A trail cam that shows owls, hawks, bears, elk and other animals dining on surplus hatchery coho carcasses in the Eagle Creek Springs area of the Sol Duc River is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMSxEw4Eb-k.
The Sol Duc Hatchery gets so many hatchery coho returners that they are unable to give away some of these fish for human consumption or to animal rescue groups. After they get checked for diseases by hatchery biologists, the nutrient and protein-rich coho are spread out by Forks-based Pacific Coast Salmon Coalition and used to enrich soils by attracting a variety of wildlife. The wildlife eats the salmon and then spread nutrients all over the area through their droppings.
This includes the river itself, as salmon fry aren’t picky when it comes to cannabilizing decomposing bits of their deceased cousins.
The project is a great reminder of salmon’s crucial importance in sustaining the health of our environment.
Gather up your old gear
Start gathering up old sporting gear in advance of the annual Outdoor Gear Swap set Saturday, Nov. 12, from noon to 2 p.m.
This year, the event will be held in a white tent at 101 E. Railroad Ave. in downtown Port Angeles.
Dropoff of items will be held Nov. 9-11 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. or the morning of the event from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Pick up unsold gear after 3 p.m.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Hurricane Ridge Ski Team and the Surfrider Foundation.
Hurricane Ridge passes also will be for sale during the swap. If passes have already been purchased online, bring the receipt and have your pass made on site.
