Today marks the opening of rivers, streams and beaver dams to fishing across the state. This weekend gives anglers the opportunity to fish all inland water where legal to do so.

Of course the focus on our rivers will be summer steelhead. Two major rivers in our area namely the Wynooche River and the Humptulips River are where the Department of Fish &Wildlife has targeted the plants of steelhead smolt.

Our lakes are still giving anglers an opportunity to catch a lake trout. Some lakes will get a boost of fish as the summer months advance.

Fishers should be made aware of the upcoming Free Fishing Weekend. It occurs June 10-11 this year. On these days fishing licenses are not required. However, catch record cards are necessary to fish for salmon, sturgeon, steelhead, Puget sound Dungeness crab and halibut, if open. All other rules apply, including seasons, area and lure or bait restrictions, as well as size and catch limits. A vehicle access pass, Columbia River Salmon/steelhead endorsement and a two pole endorsement are not required during this weekend. Residents and non-residents may participate in the Free Fishing Weekend.

If anyone is venturing out on the rivers for the first time after the winter season, caution should be taken. Our rivers which have been swollen for weeks at a time will move logs and debris with ease. One could expect new log jams and even minor river course changes.

Holes that were once holes could be filled in and new ones can be created. Not only does this present a challenge in navigating the water but also in determining holding water for fish. So, for the first while anyway, there will be a learning curve when it comes to figuring out the river flow.

It stands to reason that many anglers will be testing the river water today for summer steelhead. The anticipation of the river opener always gets people energized. The fishing pressure is more acute on opening weekend and for a short time thereafter. Then, the more serious anglers take on the challenges of fishing the species during the summer months when the elements are more taxing.

The issue is not so much that the rivers are out of shape as much as that low water conditions and warm water pose the greatest problem. Fish become wary and even somewhat lethargic.

These circumstances carry over to lake fishing as well. The trout family prefer cooler water to maintain their metabolism. The need for oxygen becomes an issue so these fish can be found near waterfalls, rapids or anywhere that the water is breaking and becoming oxygenated.

In the meantime anglers are focusing on near ideal fishing conditions in both the lakes and rivers. Cooler, higher and off-color water is a recipe for success.

The availability of fish is yet another story. However, the plant numbers seem to indicate that our Grays Harbor hosting rivers should hold their own in this regard. Steelhead fishers are crossing their fingers and hoping this is true.