2012-11-03

2012-10-31 Lets make ANY Wild Trout; Catch and Release on the Stillaguamish River System

What’s in a Name? The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife defines trout as follows: “…the term ‘trout’ includes rainbow trout, steelhead, brook, brown, cutthroat, tiger, golden, lake trout, and Kokanee, as well as landlocked Chinook, Coho, Atlantic salmon, and grayling.” * The minimum size limit for trout on the Stillaguamish river system is 14 inches. What are these 14 inch and larger trout that inhabit the Stillaguamish and its tributaries? A “rainbow trout” 14 inches or larger in the Stilly system is either a jack steelhead or a steelhead that did not go down to the saltwater (a resident rainbow trout). Both have the same genetics as protected wild steelhead. It has been demonstrated in both the scientific and legal opinions that jack steelhead and rainbow trout are an important component of the potential gene pool of wild stocks. This pool includes both summer and winter run steelhead on the Stillaguamish. “Cutthroat” refers to a coastal cutthroat in the Stilly drainage. This wild anadromous trout is currently protected in all marine environments. The coastal cutthroat 14” or larger are on a spawning run when in the Stilly drainage in late fall. Though not defined as a trout in the WDFW rules pamphlet, the bull trout 14” or larger is often regarded as a trout by the fishermen. This fish is widely protected elsewhere. With few exceptions, these “trout” may be harvested throughout the Stillaguamish river drainage. It is inconsistent regulation and detrimental to the health of our wild anadromous fish stocks to kill them within their natal river. The daily limit of 2 trout per fisherman has a significant impact on wild fish numbers. Currently several tributaries are limited to catch and release from the first Saturday in June until October 31st. After November 30th these wild fish may be harvested. Canyon Creek is the exception and is closed throughout the open season. It is doubtful that WDFW has current data to support these regulations. Limited budgets preclude the annual complete evaluation of the Stillaguamish watershed. Seasonal high water events, slides, and resource management can and do alter the capacity of the river system to support wild stocks of fish. Change can happen quickly and result in outdated regulations. The loss is not noticed until after is has occurred. We have few selective “Blue Ribbon” waters west of the Cascade mountains. Fishermen travel elsewhere to enjoy their sport and spend their monies. Taking home a limit is not the goal of these active fishermen. They seek wild fish in their natural environment. Maximizing license revenue does not represent wise resource management. It has been demonstrated elsewhere that protected waters generate significant monies for local communities. Money talks. What does it take for WDFW to alter their policy regarding wild fish stocks in the Stillaguamish watershed? It would be difficult to ignore the voice of concerned fishermen if they publicly protested WDFW regulations. Writing letters to the media, sending letters to politicians, and supporting local clubs will help. Public pressure to change WDFW regulations will make a difference. Let’s recognize the “trout” in the Stillaguamish for what they are: they are wild fish that need our protection. WDFW will find it difficult to defend inconsistent regulations for the Stillaguamish drainage when fishermen publicly demand a change. We are asking for the entire Stillaguamish river system to be a catch and release fishery for all wild fish stocks. • WDFW Sport Fishing Rules Effective May 1, 2012 to April 30, 2013 Author; Paul Wiltberger Supported By: N.F. Stillaguamish Steelhead Society Evergreen Fly Fishing Club; Conservation Committee

2012-10-29

2012-10-27

2012-10-23

Gordon this image is for you, G

2012-10-22

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2012-10-15

no more wading to our secret spots, 5wt. back in the rod rack, 7wt's out.now for some clearer water.

2012-10-12

Q; Does the river know and is it preparing for this rain coming in??? rain???????

2012-10-11

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2012-10-01

Wild Steelhead Coalition

The legendary Skagit River in northwest Washington is a large, glacier-fed river that winds its way through the Cascade Mountains before emptying into Puget Sound. World-renowned for its steelhead fishing, the Skagit was once home to wild steelhead runs in the tens of thousands, and is the birthplace of many fly-fishing techniques anglers use today. While its runs have diminished over time, the Skagit still boasts wild steelhead that often eclipse the magical 20-pound mark. In an effort to preserve this pristine river and protect its remaining steelhead, Orvis has partnered with the Wild Steelhead Coalition (WSC) and driftboat builder Ross Duncan to bring to you a unique conservation opportunity. Orvis and the WSC will be auctioning off a one-of-a-kind McKenzie-style driftboat, hand-built by master craftsman Ross Duncan. The 17-foot custom wood driftboat is constructed with BS1088 marine plywood and white oak, and is a hybrid of traditional McKenzie framed boat and stitch-and-glue construction. Secured with System 3 epoxies, 3M 5200 adhesive, and over 300 stainless steel screws, the boat is set up with two fixed-position swivel pedestal seats—fore and aft for fly fishing or side drifting—with an adjustable-position rower’s bench rope seat. The rower’s seat is adjustable plus-or-minus 10 inches, with four different oar lock positions, and the Sawyer Cobra oar locks are set in machined derlin bushings. The bottom of the boat is coated with a high-density poly-urea coating, and the interior and hull are painted with water-based epoxy and polyurethane. The bow and chine batten are protected with 1/8-inch thick stainless steel rub stripes. The boat comes complete with 9-foot MXG Sawyer counterbalanced oars, Lee-Lock side-mount anchor system, and a painted trailer with LED lights. The retail value of a boat of this quality would be well over $12,000. Bidding will start at $5,000 and all proceeds will go toward WSC habitat restoration and steelhead research projects on the Skagit River. The WSC will deliver the boat free-of-charge anywhere within the states of Washington and Oregon; however, should the winning bid be from elsewhere, the winner will be responsible for shipping costs. Bids can be placed online at http://auctions.orvis.com, and the bidding will close at 11:59 PM ET on October 30, 2012.

2012-09-28

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2012-09-19

EAST

WEST

2012-09-17

EVENING

2012-09-16

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2012-09-02

My buddies fish,

2012-08-31

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2012-08-24

More On River fishing etiquette

River fishing etiquette Pool Rotation, can be summed up very simply, take your turn, and cast and move. Should you arrive at a pool, and other anglers are there ahead of you, it will be expected that you will wait your turn before entering the pool. A waiting area is usually obvious where winning anglers gather intelligence their turn. When it becomes your turn, you will start at the upstream and of a group of anglers, and follow the group to the pool. While moving through the pool, it is usually it is usual practice to take two casts and then take a step downstream. Be careful not to move too far out into the pool and fish. This may cause the fish to move away or caused them to be less likely to take the fly. Other words Let the angler who arrives at the pool first two fish through without interference. Share the water after a reasonable time, on a pool either have the waiting person join you asked him/ her to fish through and finish or vacate all in favor of the other anglers. Allow fellow anglers room to fish so their cast and drift are not interfered with and the fish are not disturbed. Give room to another angler who looks and fish near you. Use hand signals to notify boaters which way you would want them to pass through.

Fly Fishing Etiquette

Etiquette The North Fork Stillaguamish Steelhead Society welcomes you to the North Fork Stillaguamish, and wants to make your fishing experience here an enjoyable one. The intention of this pamphlet is to familiarize you with the usual fishing practices and etiquette on the North Fork Stillaguamish. These are not laws; they are guidelines, which are adhered to by most of the people who enjoy the river. When you are fishing, there will be occasions when you will be sharing a portion of the river with others. Following this Steelhead/Salmon fishing etiquette,from both established traditions and new practices, will contribute towards a positive fishing experience. The North Fork Stillaguamish Steelhead Society wishes you fishing success for the beautiful Steelhead and salmonids and encourages you to become familiar with North Fork Stillaguamish River Fishing Etiquette. Pool Rotation: Pool rotation can be summed up very simply: -Take your turn, and cast and move. -Should you arrive at a pool, and other anglers are there ahead of you, it will be expected that that you wait your turn before entering the pool. A waiting area is usually obvious where waiting anglers gather until it is their turn. -When it becomes your turn, you will start at the upstream end of the group of anglers, and follow the group through the pool. -While moving through the pool, it is the usual practice to take 2 casts and then take a step downstream. Be careful not to move too far out into the pool near the fish. This may cause the fish to move away or cause them to be less likely to take a fly. Fly Presentation: -A dry fly may be cast up or downstream depending on your preference of presentation. -Wet flies are cast downstream and across the current, usually on a 45 degree angle. Casting wet flies upstream increase the risk of foul hooking fish and causing unnecessary damage to the fish. Use of sinking tip lines, sinking lines and leaders: There is growing concern over the number of fish that are foul hooked through the use of this type of equipment. When used in combination with a heavy fly, the risk of foul hooking a fish is increased. This type of equipment is normally used in high, cold water, however some anglers use them in any water conditions. It is not necessary to use this type of gear during periods of low water and we recommend that it not be used during these condition. Recommended use of Sink Tip and sinking lines and Leaders: -Use during moderate to high water conditions. -Be prepared with a choice of sink rate lines (some manufacturers offer six different) and adjust according to conditions. North Fork Stillaguamish Steelhead Society, P.O. Box 464,Arlington,Washington, 98223 E-mail: wakingflies@Stillaguamishsteelhead.com Website: WWW.Stillaguamishsteelhead.com

2012-08-23

This year i have seen more fisherman along the river than other years. Places where i never ran into them, so sharing water that i called mine has gone, one run which i call my home water, as i walk for my place to start and fish approx. 3,000 linear feet of prime isolated water, i'll find fisherman at the top end to the bottom. It's large water so the room is there but one need's to rotate through holes to make a pleasant environment for all. So remember the fly fisher's etiquette and all will be fine.