The Fishing Corner

By Larry Dublanko

Fishing the coastal region has its benefits.

There are many tributaries which empty into the Pacific Ocean and thereby host fish. Grays Harbor is one of those coastal regions that provide a fish habitat for a variety of salmon and those fish of the trout family.

Each of these species have their time. Salmon, for instance, tend to arrive in our rivers during the fall months. Steelhead make the scene at two distinct periods. The summer variety show up late spring and the winter fish start their migration early winter.

There is also a much overlooked variety of trout which begin to arrive in our streams throughout the month of July. They are known as sea-run cutthroat. These fish are also known as coastal cutthroat trout or harvest trout and are found along the West Coast.

Another species of cutthroat trout are the freshwater form which are very similar to the sea-run variety but completely different. Both varieties will have the distinct orange slash on the lower gill. However, the freshwater variety since it is limited to freshwater, will posses white meat. The sea-run variety will possess pink meat in keeping with the anadromous factor of traveling and feeding in the ocean. The sea-run forms of coastal cutthroat average two to five pounds while the stream-resident forms attain much similar sizes of under a pound.

The sea-run variety are currently in our hosting streams. These fish are worth the effort of pursuing. They usually inhabit and spawn in small to moderately large, clear, well-oxygenated, shallow rivers with gravel bottoms. Of, course these fish must pass through estuary water before they make their final arrival. Therefore, anglers will find them in tide water as well as further upstream at this time of the year. When they arrive in freshwater they prefer a deeper pool habitat and cover such as that formed by woody debris. That is why anglers can lose a lot of gear attempting to lure these fish.

A point worth noting is that coastal cutthroat trout do not make lengthy migrations out to sea. Generally speaking, they will remain in or near estuary waters usually within five to 10 miles of their notal stream.

Since they are occupying our rivers at this time, fishing for them is a pleasant outing. Our summer weather makes for a doable experience. These fish will take roe, worms and strike spinners. I have successfully used spinners to attract and draw them from their places of cover. There is a two fish limit on these fish since they fall into the trout category within the regulations.

Still occupying our rivers are steelhead. Anglers are pursuing these fish with diligence. Those fishing for steelhead successfully have figured this out. They have located these fish, know what time they bite, and what they are feeding on. One might actually hook a steelhead while fishing for sea-runs or vice versa.

Lake trout in our area can get somewhat lethargic as water temperatures rise. These fish are seeking cooler and deeper pools of water. It seems there are trout everywhere. Correctly pursuing them is the key.