Washington fishing license expired April 1st.  So it is time to buy a new fishing license for 2011/2012.  But first you need to send in last year’s catch card.  So if you had a salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon catch card for the last season; mail it in to WDFW today. 

You can buy a fishing license online or you can stop in at your local tackle store, many sporting stores, Fred Meyer, Wal-Mart, and other locations to buy your new license. 

It is always a good idea to buy your fishing license at the beginning of the license year.  I know many people will wait to buy their license until they actually fish for the year, which could cause you a headache.  Some license locations could be closed when you want to get your license.  I have also seen some locations have problems with the connection of their licensing computer.  This means you have to find another location to get a license. So be prepared and get your license ahead of time. 

Over the years I have had several clients show up to fish for the day, only to find out they were not given a catch card for salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon.  Make sure you ask for a catch card.  Even if you mostly fish for trout and you are not sure if you will fish for these species, it is a good idea to get a catch card.  A friend may invite you to fish for salmon, or your loved one may buy a fishing trip for you as a gift.  Catch cards are free.  You just need to ask for one. 

Even though kids under 15 years of age do not need a fishing license, they do need a catch card if they are fishing for steelhead, salmon, or sturgeon.  So if it is possible you will take your child with you, get them a catch card too. 

When you buy a license you will receive a parking permit.  Make sure you write down your vehicle license number on the parking permit and use it when you go to any WDFW controlled area and even boat launches.  So let’s say you fish with a guide.  Many of the boat ramps you will meet your guide to fish require the parking permit.  Put it in your window.  You do not want to come back to your vehicle to find a ticket for not having a permit, when you actually do. 

There are a few other considerations when buying a license.  First, if you plan on fishing the Columbia River or any river which dumps into the Columbia, such as the Cowlitz, the Lewis, etc., you need to buy the Columbia River enhancement endorsement. 

Also, if you plan on crabbing for the year you can add this too. But be mindful you will receive a summer catch card and a winter catch card.  Each catch card must be reported separately and by the due date WDFW issues.  You can pay a $10 penalty for failure to report. I know some people crab in the summer and report their catch card.  They forget to report their winter catch card and have to pay a $10 fee later. 

Lastly, Washington State now has a two pole endorsement for some lakes.  That is right I said some lakes.  There are many people who are misinformed about the two pole endorsement.  They think it is good for wherever they fish.  This is an easy way to get a ticket from law enforcement.  You need to look carefully at the Washington State fishing rules pamphlet to see if some of the lakes you fish have a two pole endorsement. 

So the new fishing year is here!  Get a license and get outdoors!  Take a kid fishing.  You will be glad you did.  Fishing has so much to offer.  Remember, it is fishing not catching, so if you have a slow day stay positive and encourage the young ones. 

Trout fishing for lowland lakes is opening April 30th.  According to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), the fish hatchery crews will finish stocking more than 20 million fish in Washington lakes before the season opener.

The last Saturday in April marks the traditional start of the lowland lake fishing season. Trout fishing is one of the biggest and most anticipated fisheries Western Washington has.
 
WDFW has stocked over 3.5 million fish in over 347 lakes since spring began.  There are 108 lakes with 50,000 triploid (sterile) trout averaging 1-1/2 pounds each.  172 lakes with 84,000 two-year-old "jumbo" and surplus hatchery brood stock rainbow trout which range from 1-1/2 to 5 pounds each have also been stocked. That does not count the kokanee, walleye, and bass plants!

Last year WDFW planted over 6 million trout fry in 474 lakes.  Those fry should now be 8- to 12-inch catchable size fish this year.

So are you ready for the opener?  First off you need a license.  Washington fishing license expired April 1st.  So you need to get to a location and purchase a license or buy one online.  Children 14 years of age and younger do not need a fishing license.

Next you need to a good rod and reel.  For fishing trout we use ultra-light rods with matched reels.  We spool our reels with green 6 – 8 lb. Izorline XXX Copolymer.

There are several ways to fish for trout.  I suggest you give Dick Nite Spoons a try.  I really like to fish for trout using Dick Nite Spoons. 

Trolling Dick Nite Spoons is very effective for trout in water of all depths.  When trolling in shallow water, tie a #10 or #12 barrel swivel on the end of your main line. Tie on a 3 – 5 foot leader with the Dick Nite Spoon tied directly to the leader.  Do not use a snap swivel to attach the spoon.  This adds weight to the spoon.  It is important that the spoon wobble properly. 

Your trolling speed should vary. But make sure you do not go too fast.  Do not allow your Dick Nite Spoon to roll or spin.  Dick Nite Spoons are designed to wobble and are most effective when they wobble properly.  The weight of your fishing line and the weight of the spoon will put your lure just under the surface of the water.
 
When I troll at deeper depths I use a jet diver to get the Dick Nite Spoon to the correct depth.  Jet Divers are made by Luhr Jensen and come in varied depth models; 10ft, 20 ft, 30 foot, etc. 

Based on the lakes I fish for trout I usually stick with the 10 or 20 foot model.  Slide on a sinker slider to the mainline.  Then slide on a 4mm bead.  Tie a #10 barrel swivel to the tag end of the mainline.  The 4mm bead protects the knot on the barrel swivel from the sinker slider. 

Now tie on a 4 foot leader.  Use 4 – 6 lb leader material.  Tie your Dick Nite Spoon to the Leader.  You are almost setup.  You need to add your jet diver to the setup.  Using 10 – 12 lb monofilament, make a 10 – 12 inch dropper.  Put the jet diver onto on end of the dropper and affix the other end to your jet diver.  The heavier mono line for the dropper will keep the jet diver from wrapping around your mainline. 

Again, you need to adjust your trolling speed to keep the jet diver in the proper depth range and to allow the spoon to wobble.
 
Dick Nite Spoons come in three sizes.  #0, #1, and #2.  The #0 is the smallest.  I use #1 and #2 for trout on most Washington Lakes.  Many anglers think they should use the #0 for trout and the #2 for salmon and steelhead.  Actually it is reversed.  I suggest using a #1 or #2 for trout.  I fish the #1 for salmon and steelhead regularly.  Sometimes I will use the #0 for salmon as well.  But the #2 is really good for trout.  I also think you get some of your larger trout on the #2. 

As far as color, you have a wide choice of colors with Dick Nite Spoons.  Dick Nite spoons have over 75 colors to choose from.  Including sizes, there are over 250 size and color combinations. Also, do not be afraid to put a light film of scent on the spoon.  Try Dick Nite DNA-3 Trout formula or the DNA-4 Kokanee formula.
 
Ridge to River Outdoors has parent child trips available for trout.  Give us a call to learn more.