The Washington Outdoors Report: Humpies, lawsuits, and trout

John Kruse For The Sentinel

Pink Salmon Numbers Are Looking Good

Odd-numbered years are pink salmon years here in Washington State, and 2023 is lining up to be a good one for anglers fishing for them in Puget Sound and its tributary streams. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is forecasting a return of nearly four million of these smaller salmon, nicknamed “humpies,” for the hump the males develop on their back after entering fresh water to spawn.

The pinks show up in the Strait of Juan De Fuca as early as June and can be caught by both boat and shore anglers in Puget Sound throughout the month of August. By September, most of the pink salmon are entering tributary streams like the Skagit, Snohomish, Skykomish, Green, and Puyallup Rivers, providing additional opportunities for anglers who target them with Buzz Bomb lures, jigs with squid bodies, and spoons. The key to all of them is that they must be pink in color if you want to catch pinks with them!

Humpies are a fun fish to cut your teeth on as a fi rst-time salmon angler, and it’s not uncommon to catch a good number of them in a day of fishing. While many anglers save them for the smoker, they do taste very good when fresh, especially when grilled over a barbecue or pellet smoker.

LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST WDFW COMMISSIONER

On March 6 the Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation, a pro-hunting and fishing organization, fi led a lawsuit in Thurston County to prohibit WDFW Commissioner Lorna Smith from participating as a member of the Commission. The basis for the lawsuit is that state law prohibits anyone from holding an additional elected or appointed office while serving on the commission. Smith currently serves on the Jefferson County Planning Commission which the Sportsman’s Alliance says is in direct violation of Washington Law.

Todd Adkins with the Sportsman’s Alliance says, “We view this lawsuit as the initial step of a long but

Community events

March 15, 2023 – Knitting Group: Learn to knit socks! $5, contact Wild Daffodil Sewing at 509-439-7177 or info@ wilddaffodilsewing.com

March 16, 2023, Cricut for beginners: 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Goldendale Community Library. Registration is required, limited space. Please bring your Cricut!

March 17 – 19, 2023, Spring Book Sale: 17th & 18th 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., 19th 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. $3 bag sale, White Salmon Library. Come join the Friends of the White Salmon Valley Community Library for their Spring Book Sale.

March 18, 2023, The Golden Seed Exchange: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Wild Daffodil Sewing, 125 W Main downtown Goldendale. Rain, shine, ice or snow apocalypse or alien invasion this exchange will take place. We will be teaching fun hands on seed to garden skills that can be passed down to future generations, so please bring your families. Hosted by Brandy Ladner and Friends. If you would like to donate seeds and or can’t attend but want seeds, please contact Brandy Ladner, Taletha Adeline Wagoner, or Willeke at Wild Daffodil Sewing.

March 18, 2023, Klickitat County Livestock Growers Banquet: Social hour starts at 5, prime rib dinner at 6:30,

American Legion in Goldendale on Broadway. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at either Simcoe Insurance or Basin Feed & Supply in Goldendale. There will be a live auction, gun raffle along with speakers and awards. To join the WCA call Dan Lee at 509773-4688.

March 18, 2023, Conservation District Plant Sale: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Klickitat County Fairgrounds, Goldendale. Plants will be available for purchase the day of the sale, but supplies are limited. Please use our new online shop at www.EKCD.org to place pre-orders thru 2/17. Pickup will be 3/18. Call 509773-5823 for more information.

March 18, 2023, Columbia Trail Plateau area meeting: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Camplan Room at the Goldendale Community Library. Hosted by Soroptimist International of Goldendale. Four other clubs will be visiting, guests are welcome. Please contact Betty Long-Schleif for information 509-250-3746.

March 19, 2023, 14th Annual Pirate Carnival: 2 – 5 p.m. Klickitat School Gym. Tons of fun for the whole family. Dress up like a pirate for the costume contest. Admission is free, but you must buy tickets for the games and food. Bring your checkbook or cash important process to bring sanity and decency back to wildlife decision-making in Washington. It all starts here, but trust me, it won’t end here. The animal extremists are going to see a lot of the same in the coming weeks and months.”

Lorna Smith is a controversial appointee to the Fish and Wildlife Commission. Since being appointed in 2021 by Governor Jay Inslee, she was an instrumental voice in shutting down Washington’s long-running spring bear hunt, despite the recommen- for the fantastic silent auction! Sponsored by the Klickitat PTO in conjunction with the Secondary ASB. Please call 583-382-9764 for info.

March 19, 2023, St. Patrick’s Dinner: 12 – 2 p.m. Centerville Grange Hall. Join is for our popular St Patrick’s dinner! Corned beef, cabbage and carrots, potatoes, fresh bread, and Grange made desserts! You can eat in our festive dining room or take home if you prefer! Adults $15 per plate, kids 12 and under $7 per plate

March 19, 2023, Kayak

Welding: 3 – 5 p.m. 1256 Hwy 141 BZ Corner, The Missing Corner Learn Local Series. Get more use out of your kayak by learning to strip weld a broken boat. If you have a heat gun, bring it, but not necessary. Led by Jeremy Bisson of Trout Lake, cost $5-$15 cash. DROP IN!

March 21, 2023, Blood

Drive: 1 – 6 p.m. American Legion Post 116, in Goldendale. Please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter Goldendale to schedule an appointment.

March 21, 2023, Guiding

Good Choices-Strengthening Bonds: 6- 8 pm Fathers House Fellowship 207 S Klickitat Street, Goldendale. A free and confidential program for dation of WDFW staff members that it be allowed to take place. parents or caregivers of youth ages 9-14, designed around promoting healthy development and reducing risky behavior for children as they enter their teenage years. This is a 5-week course on Tuesdays through March 21st Snacks, drinks, and childcare available. Register online at https://forms.gle/AEwfbHHH3dghDGmZ8. Questions call 509-281-2330 or email cpwi@ wagap.org.

When the Blue Mountain elk herd declined (primarily due to cougar predation), Smith suggested managing the herd as a smaller one instead of addressing the predation issues. She has also introduced the framework of a plan that would limit hunting as a management tool by the agency.

It is worth noting that Smith is not the only commissioner serving in another appointed or elected position.

March 22, 2023, Blood Drive: 12:30 – 5:30 p.m. Mt Adams Elks Lodge #1868 on Church Street in White Salmon. To make your appointment go to https://www. redcrossblod.org/give or call 1-800-RED CROSS (11-800-7332767).

March 23, 2023, Author Talk: Nancy Wesson: 6 – 7 p.m. Goldendale Community Library. Join us as author Nancy Wesson speaks on her

Commissioner Molly Linville (who generally sides with hunters in her decision making) serves on her local school board in Douglas County.

Eli Francovich, writing for the Spokesman Review, contacted both commissioners. Linville told Francovich that she was advised by legal counsel that serving on the school board was not a confl ict of interest. Commissioner Smith told Francovich she was serving on the Jefferson County Planning Commission on a volunteer basis and in an advisory role when appointed to the Fish and Wildlife Commission. Smith continued stating she does not believe the statute does not preclude individuals serving in a volunteer position like she has been in Jefferson County.

LAKE LENORE FISHING

TRIP

Last but not least, I made it up to Lake Lenore this past week after WDFW fisheries biologist Mike Schmuck told me the fishing there was very good last year, and he expected similar results this season. I picked a cold, cloudy day to visit the north end of the lake where many of the book “I Miss the Rain in Africa: Peace Corps as a Third Act”.

March 24, 2023, Soup and Game Night: 5 – 8 p.m. Church of the Nazarene 124 West Allyn, Goldendale. Come join us for a night of soup and board games. This is a free community event.

March 26, 2023, Foam

Rolling: 3 – 5 p.m. 1256 Hwy 141 BZ Corner, The Missing Corner Learn Local Series.

Learn some techniques for foam rolling to loosen up your muscles and keep you limber and doing what you love. Led by Ally Metts of BZ Corner. $5 - $15 pre-register allymetts@ gmail.com or drop in!

March 31- April 2, 2023, Fire on the Mountain 2023: 5 p.m. Klickitat County Fairgrounds, Goldendale. A time for revival with guests Sharall Barrera, Miguel & Rosa Zayas, Ben & Kristina Smith, and Mike Quantrell, with MC Gene Tsubota. For more information call 509-960-0833

Lahontan cutthroat trout tend to mill around in the spring prior to spawning.

Unfortunately, the trout were not yet in this part of the lake in good numbers.

Two anglers who were leaving as I arrived said they each only caught one fish that day. While fi shing, I did see one angler catch one trout; and while I did get one good strike, I was unable to hook up and didn’t have any more bites that afternoon.

Lake Lenore is a selective regulation fishery and is primarily a catch-and-release destination where the trout average two to three pounds and can get up to six pounds in size. Fly anglers in pontoon boats favor fi shing chironomids under strike indicators while spin anglers can do well fishing spoons with single, barbless hooks.

The fishing at this scenic, desert lake north of Soap Lake should get better towards the end of March and peak in April. I plan to return to try again and will let you know how I do.

John Kruse – www.northwesternoutdoors.com and www.americaoutdoorsradio. com.

April 14, 2023, AA Fellowship Potluck by Candlelight: 6:30 – 8 p.m. 109 E Broadway United Methodist Church in Goldendale. There will be a speaker. Come, bring a friend and a dish for some experience, strength, and hope.

April 15, 2023, The Soroptimists Tea Party & Silent Auction: 1:00 p.m. Lutheran Church 104 E Simcoe Dr, Goldendale. Tickets are $20 advance, call or visit Monkeyshines in Goldendale for tickets 509-773-6249, or $25 at the door. Fashion show hosted by Monkeyshines Studio and Gallery. Donations for the silent auction are still being accepted, call Betty 509-250-3746. Funds go to support our Live Your Dream campaign to help women in our community with their educational goals.