By Larry Dublanko
For the Grays Harbor News Group
Everyone that I know who fishes our local rivers for salmon are making the effort to prepare for the inland salmon fishing season. Preparation includes proper equipment and a workable game plan. Actually, the weather has dampened the actual fishery due to low-water conditions earlier in the month. The mid-September rain has stirred the pot somewhat and some of those fish have made their way upstream.
In regard to targeting these fish and knowing where to go is a big advantage. It is also vital to be aware of the rules and regulations. Since every river will have its own rules, it behooves each angler to know the legalities surrounding this fishery. The Department of Fish and Wildlife governs these parameters; and, keeping abreast with special rule changes is the anglers’ responsibility.
Curt Holt, with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, has added clarity to what can be an evolving document. The East Grays Harbor Fishery season has recently opened and will continue until Nov. 30.
The Humptulips North Bay segment allows anglers a daily limit of one adult salmon. Wild Chinook and wild coho must be released, but there is also retention available for chum salmon as well.
The ever popular Marine Area 2-1, which is Willapa Bay, will continue to remain open until Jan. 31, 2020. This fishery allows for a daily limit of six salmon. Up to two adults may be retained and anglers are required to release wild Chinook and wild coho. The feature of a two-pole endorsement still exists for this waterway.
The one river which gets a lot of salmon fishing attention is the Humptulips River.
It had an earlier opening and features quite a diverse salmon fishing opportunity for Grays Harbor streams. The main stem of this river opened Sept. 1 and will remain open until Dec. 31. However, there are different fisheries that occur during this time period. Until the end of this month, anglers have a daily catch limit of six salmon. Up to two adults may be retained and all wild Chinook and wild coho must be released. Beginning Oct. 1, only one adult may be retained and wild Chinook and wild coho still need to be released. When December arrives, one adult salmon can be kept; however, all Chinook and wild coho need to be set free.
The Chehalis River opened earlier this month and will remain such until Dec. 31. Anglers may retain two adults but chinook are to be released. This provides opportunity for both wild and hatchery coho as well as chum salmon.
In 2019, rivers entering the Chehalis River within Grays Harbor have the same fishing regulations. They are open for salmon Oct. 1 to Dec. 31. Up to two adults may be retained and Chinook must be released. Furthermore, this again allows for the retention of chum; as well as, both hatchery and non-hatchery coho.
So, the harbor is set for another year of inland salmon fishing. The evidence is everywhere. People are carrying fishing poles in their vehicles and on their person. The stock is diminishing from the shelves of stores. Salmon fishing is in the air.
