There is plenty to do in the outdoors in March if you live on Grays Harbor. On the bright side of things the days are getting longer and the temperatures are supposed to be getting warmer.

Folks have been taking advantage of some razor clam digs earlier this month. It seems those opportunities will be extended into April.

Digs are planned for April 19-20 at Mocrocks, and April 21 at Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Mocrocks. These digs are usually confirmed about a week before opening. Being properly licensed and knowing the rules around possessions and limits make this event pleasant. Otherwise, it can get downright miserable circumventing the rules and regulations.

April will consist of low-morning tides. On these two days, there will be an exception to the normal rule of no morning digging since the low tide will be occurring close to noon on the dates the beaches will be open.

In regards to river fishing, certain local rivers will close completely to game fishing on March 31. The Wynooche, Satsop and Humptuliups rivers fall into that category. The Chehalis River is our only local river which remains open into April. Any other river fishing opportunities will only exist with tribal waters.

So we have about a week to take advantage of local water for steelhead. Currently some hatchery fish have been taken. The primary rivers being targeted are the Humptulips, Wynooche and Satsop rivers.

After March 31, anglers will need to travel more to connect with fish. Some year-round fishing is available in Southwest Washington, but these waterways tend to attract a lot of people for obvious reasons. Things will only pick up in this regard when spring Chinook salmon make their appearance.

We should never overlook the marine fishery in our backyard. Bottomfish season has just opened up and will continue into October. Whether on the blue water or from a jetty or shoreline, anglers can wet a line for fish which will supply great food value.

Next month anglers will prepare for the opening of lakes. However, some carryover trout from last year are lurking in Lake Sylvia, which is a year-round lake fishery. So, anglers may want to consider this option.

Along those lines, preparation is being made for spring break juvenile fishing. Several locations open to this special fishery. Simply look for publications coming forth in this regard.

With the coming of March 31 also comes the closing of our season. The license year is April 1- March 31. In addition to the acquisition of a new license, anglers will also need to send in their Catch Record Cards.

They are an important management tool for estimating the recreational catch of sturgeon, steelhead, halibut and Puget Sound Dungeness crab. These must be returned by April 30 even if nothing was caught or even if you did not fish. Send the cards to WDFW CRC Unit, P.O. Box 43142, Olympia, WA. 98504-3142.