In another post, a fellow fisherman said something that reminded me just how lucky we are here in western Washington. Sure things could be better. A lot better. I’d like to see some more Fly Fishing only waters, and a lot more Selective Fishing waters. And better management and enforcement on all our waters. But I would rather live here in W. WA than anywhere else in the world. Granted, you can list off places in BC, Alaska, etc that are fishing mecca – but that’s what vacations are for. Not exactly friendly places to support your family and live year round…

Where else can you fish year round just a short drive from you home if you really wanted? I have so many options when it comes to fishing, I can hardly decide where to go and what to target, or even what gear to use.

Puget sound salmon? Puget sound SRCs? Rock fish and lings? Halibut? Maybe head up to Neah Bay or down to Westport or Buoy 10?? Fly fishing from the beach? Trolling cut plug herring? Spoons or spinners? Too many great choices. And my tackle boxes would show it… But there’s more…

How about spring time fishing for trout in one of the many good lakes? Am I hungry for some fresh trout today, or just interested in some C&R fun? Summer time trout fishing in the rivers\streams or deeper and colder lakes? Alpine lake and stream fishing? Or my favorite of all – fall fishing for trout in the rivers (or maybe the lakes). Hot action on the fly or spinner\spoon. Doesn’t get much better. Or does it?

Summer steelhead rock! Winter steelhead are a blast as well. But my favorite of all is fishing for various trout, salmon, char, steelhead in a coastal stream during the fall. You never know what kind of beautiful beast will hit next. And the atmosphere\scenery cannot be beat.

And when the trout bite dies down due to warm weather, well that’s why God created warm water fish. Crappy, perch, walleye, bass, and more. The decisions keep piling up. As does the gear to keep up  That’s part of what makes fishing so fun to me. Versatility. Anyone can be an expert at one thing. That’s cool, but then you are limiting your options more than I would like. Being very good at catching a variety of fish, under a variety of environments - all year long is what makes a person a great fisherman IMHO. And what better place to pursue this passion than W. Wa?

We sport fishers need to stick together and protect what we have and fight to make it better. It’s an uphill battle, but what is the alternative? Give up fishing? Allow ourselves as a sport fishing community to self destruct from the inside out? Just not bother to pass on the love of the sport to your kids because it is starting to suck so bad? I don’t think so!

Well, there goes my lunch break! Good luck out there!

-Chad