The sport of fishing has its own glossary of terms. Some of those fall into a general category while others are definitely regionally inspired and need local interpretation.

For instance, the phrase “fish on” is one used by anglers most everywhere. It simply means that the fisher has connected with a fish and that fish is currently hooked. Similarly, the phrase “tight line” means the fish is hooked and the angler is attempting to land the fish by keeping the line tight and not allowing any slack to occur.

So, it is evident that terms and phrases are used in a general sense when applied to fishing. On the other hand, there are local expressions that need their own definition.

To illustrate, I asked a local fisherman if he had been out fishing lately. His reply was revealing yet it sent a clear message which can only be understood by anglers in the Northwest. He replied with a question: “Yeah, which field are you talking about?” This comment simply means that our local streams and rivers are over their banks and there is enough water in adjacent fields to accommodate fish. Now, to the uninformed reader, it may seem like a ridiculous thought, but I have actually seen salmon swimming in water outside the banks of a river.

Other phrases like the rivers are “chocolate brown” or “steelhead green” describe the color tone of a river. The term chocolate to the local means the water is muddy and the conclusion is “don’t waste your time fishing in those conditions.” Whereas, if the report is that the rivers are steelhead green, it means the rivers are dropping and clearing. They have reached an ideal stage of green which gives both fish and anglers enough cover not to be easily seen. The conclusion would be that conditions are ideal and if there is any fishing to be done — now is the time to do it.

Our local fishing offers an entirely different array of fishing gear than what may be used to in other fisheries across the country. This is easily determined when going through catalogues issued by major sporting outlets. Most of what is offered will not work in our local fisheries.

I had to educate myself on the value of corkies and their varied sizes. Not to mention the means of presentation with pencil lead and surgical tubing. These are local techniques that are learned over time or imparted by a fishing mentor.

Now, there are similarities for sure. The usage of spoons are a prime example. The gaudy spoons used for Northern Pike likely will not work for our local steelhead in clear water conditions. So spoons need to be selected that fit the occasion. This is also the case with plugs or even bait presentations. Egg clusters have been a staple in northwest fishing for generations, but they do not commonly find their way into other fisheries.

However, as we begin our winter steelhead season, anglers should be open to new and perhaps different methodologies. I have been surprised more than once standing next to someone who has hooked fish in a way I thought impossible. Figure that.