At the end of February, anglers face a significant reduction in fishing opportunities. This date marks the closure of many streams and rivers before the end of the season in April. This happens annually and really is a turn in the season.

With respect to Grays Harbor rivers and streams, most of the smaller waterways will close. Some of these are Cloquallum Creek, Copalis River, Elk River, Hoquiam River, Johns River, Salmon River, Middle Fork of the Satsop River, Stevens Creek, and the South Fork of the Willapa River. Many rivers have closed earlier and some will remain open with staggered closures until the end of the season.

Some of the more popular rivers in our area that will remain open are the Wynooche, Satsop, Humptulips and Chehalis. It needs to be kept in mind that only certain portions of the above-mentioned rivers are open to game fish. Again, it would be prudent to consult with the Department of Fish and Wildlife Sport pamphlet to determine precisely those locations.

In addition to the closures, other factors for anglers to consider will be more crowded fishing situations and available fishing water, which has obviously been greatly reduced. Sharing these locations or being the first one there will need to be the mindset.

The nice thing about winter steelhead fishing at this time of the year is that there is always the expectation of new and fresh fish arriving in bigger rivers, Granted, some of those may be wild fish, but there is always the chance of fresh hatchery steelhead making a late entrance.

Bank fishermen will definitely be limited in their efforts. Unless these fish have stacked up in pockets of water, it would be better to cover larger stretches of a river.

Consequently a boat becomes a welcomed asset. Anglers are able to cover more water and even move away from a stretch of water that is being heavily fished by either bankers or a host of boat traffic.

The weather conditions have turned favorable and whatever effort is being made is going to be pleasurable. No one is going to argue the fact that being in the outdoors when conditions are pleasant is as good as it gets. Living in the Pacific Northwest at this time of the year makes up for all the adverse weather that we have experienced throughout the winter. Our winters are shorter and more pleasant than many who live in other parts of the country, so we have a lot to be thankful for.

It is all coming down to making the effort. We have about a week left on the smaller streams before things change.

It appears the conditions for fishing are excellent on all fronts. The fish reports are good and anglers are having take downs. I have not heard of too many limits being had, but at least fish are being hooked. Most would be happy with this outcome.