Some of the state’s lakes opened for fishing in March for people who just can’t wait. A few others are open year round.
But most lakes open next weekend, April 25, for what’s generally referred to as the opening day of trout season. The opener is the beginning of a six-month season for most lakes in Washington, giving people an opportunity to fish for thousands of trout reared in hatcheries and stocked in local lakes.
It’s a day that Jim Unsworth, director of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, refers to as “the biggest fishing day of the year”.
Unsworth said in a news release that he expects hundreds of thousands of people to be out fishing on opening day. They will pursue some 17.5 million trout and kokanee (landlocked salmon) placed in the state’s lakes, as well as some bigger fish that weren’t caught and kept last year.
The lakes surrounding most urban areas will be extremely busy as anglers try to catch their limits. But the frenzy typically only lasts for a few weekends, returning the serenity that usually comes with a day on the water.
To participate, you’ll need the right gear. Any store that sells sporting goods can help with that. And if you’re older than 14 years of age you’ll also need a fishing license.
They can be purchased online at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov; by telephone at 866-246-9453; or at dealers statewide. To find a vendor, visit http://wdfw.wa.gov/licensing/vendors.
The licenses cost $29.50. Fifteen-year-olds can get one for $8.50 and seniors age 70 and older pay $7.50.
Kids 14 and under don’t need a license. And opening day is a good chance to teach them a lifetime sport in which they can enjoy the outdoors. Fishing isn’t difficult, but if you’re the adult in the family and you have no idea of where to start, there are a number of fishing events for kids, including some where adult volunteers can help teach.
Here’s a list:
April 25: Opening day. The Darrington Firemen’s Association holds a kid’s derby from 6 to 11 a.m. at Fortson Pond 2 for ages 14 and under. Kids need their own gear and bait and must be able to cast and land their own fish. Prizes for winners in three age groups.
April 26: The Sky Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited holds an event at Lake Tye in Monroe for children age 12 and younger. Time is 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
May 2: The Everett Steelhead and Salmon Club offers kids fishing in Jennings Park pond in Marysville from 8 to 11 a.m. It’s for kids ages 5 to 12.
May 9: The city of Everett and the steelhead and salmon club offer fishing for kids ages 4 to 14 from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Silver Lake. Plenty of adult volunteers to help. Sign up at https://everettwa.gov/652/Kids-Fish-In.
May 23: The Sultan Sportsmen’s Club hosts its annual kids derby from 10 a.m. to noon for youngsters 14 and under at Ed Boucher’s stocked pond on E. Wisteria Lane in Sultan. Info: 425 870-4020.
May 30-31: Willow Creek Hatchery in Lynnwood holds its open house, which includes free trout fishing for kids under 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Free shuttles from the Port of Edmonds. Info: 425-771-5970.
June 6: Monroe Rod &Gun Club hosts its annual fishing derby for kids 12 and under from 9 to 11 a.m. at Bowman’s pond in Monroe. It’s on Ben Howard Road, 5.8 miles east of Lewis Street. Follow the signs. Registration at 8 a.m. Info: 360-794-6317.
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