By Larry Dublanko

For the GH News Group

For many people the summer months translate into extended fishing opportunities. Whereas, we have so many options in our area and up and down the coastline, the exploration of new and different fisheries can be a trip of a lifetime.

One of those is salmon fishing in Alaska. With the feature of no darkness, anglers can literally fish until they drop. The airlines make it easy to transport your fish and many choose this fishery to fill their freezers in case the salmon season is less than ideal, locally.

The Columbia River fishery for salmon gets the attention of anglers. Whether one fishes from the bank or a boat, this river hosts huge numbers of salmon. Those who use a boat have the luxury of changing locations easily. The best part of this fishery is that it can be a day trip. It will exhaust you; but, you can sleep in your own bed at night.

If one has an interest in pursuing a species of fish foreign to our area, eastern Washington is a good option. This way, your Washington state fishing license is valid and makes things less complicated.

Lake Roosevelt is a prime location to fish for walleye and smallmouth bass. Since these fish virtually do not exist west side, they are plentiful east of the mountains.

Others who may enjoy camping simply pack a fishing pole and wet a line when the opportunity presents itself. Sometimes this option results in no fishing, but the intention was well.

Another summer positive is a combination of a backpacking hike to the high lakes in the Olympics. These lakes have thawed and host some hungry fish. The trails have cleared and are passable. However, one must keep in mind they are mountain trails and wash outs can exist. For those pursuing this venture, it would be a good idea to map out the trip. Some of these adventures are day trips; whereas, others are overnighters.

Then, there are the technique specific sports fishing events. This would include fly fishing and opens up a myriad of options. At the top of the list is Rocky Ford Creek and ponds in Grant County. This is a year-round fishing from the bank-only type of fishing. Wading is not allowed and it is fly fishing only. As one would expect, it is catch and release. The huge trout may have been caught more than once in their lifetime, but I am sure the older they get the wiser they have become and it may not be as easy to hook them as it once was.

Eastern Washington opens up many different fisheries with the rivers coming off the Cascade mountains, as well as the lakes that cover the flatlands. Targeting a specific species can make things interesting. Some of those species may include crappie, bluegill and yellow perch. Any bass fishery tends to excite sports fisherman. Eastside will accommodate both largemouth and smallmouth bass.

This summer may be the opportunity to widen fishing options. On the other hand, fishing locally is not a bad idea.