Northwest Sportsman Mag - December 2024

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3 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES

NWSPORTSMANMAG.COM

Your LOCAL Hunting & Fishing Resource

Volume 17 • Issue 3 PUBLISHER James R. Baker EDITOR Andy “Sports Book Inn” Walgamott THIS ISSUE’S CONTRIBUTORS Dave Anderson, Tobey Ishii Anderson, Jason Brooks, Scott Haugen, Jeff Holmes, Rick Itami, Margie Nelson, Sara Potter, Buzz Ramsey, Bob Rees, Troy Rodakowski, Sharon Trammell, Amanda Wiles, Dave Workman, Mark Yuasa GENERAL MANAGER John Rusnak

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ON THE COVER Tobey Ishii Anderson, a “fly-fishing, rock-climbing, storytelling grandma” who lives in Olympia, holds a wild coho she caught on an Olympic Peninsula stream last month while fishing with guide and longtime angling mentor Mike Zavadlov of Mike Z’s Guide Service (facebook.com/Forksguide).

Anderson’s brother and fellow coach Paul Ishii sent in the pic. (KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST)

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CONTENTS

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VOLUME 17 • ISSUE 3

W

e’ve proudly been publishing our annual Real Women of Northwest Fishing feature for a decade and a half now and it’s still going strong! Once again, we’re showing off great catches by gals and girls from the briny blue to Hells Canyon and everywhere in between, as well as sharing stories of personal triumph, relationships with the water and fish, and much, much more!

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29 40 49 63

69

Brianna Bruce Is Livin’ The Dream,

by Buzz Ramsey You Never Know What You’ll Get: Fishing Adventures With Kids, by Sharon Trammell Time And Tugs: My Changing Perspectives,

by Sara Potter A Winter Steelhead Dream, by Amanda Wiles Tinker, Tailor, Guide: How Experts Have Helped Me Become A Better Angler, by Tobey Ishii Anderson Jan Hopkins Makes Art From Fish, by Rick Itami

15th ANNUAL 15th

REAL WOMEN

of

Northwest

FISHING

ALSO INSIDE

(AMANDA WILES)

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SANTA CLAUS’S LITTLE SECRET: LATE, LATE WESTSIDE SALMON There are still a few coho and chums to be caught around Western Washington – and maybe more than usual this season, given fall’s apparently bigger than expected returns! Mark Yuasa has the lowdown.

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BRATS FUEL EARLY WINTER FISHING IN NORTHWEST OREGON Bide your time till the arrival of broodstock and wild winter steelhead with early-returning hatchery fish on Oregon’s Northwest Zone systems. Guide Bob Rees highlights top ops, as well as what else to fish for up and down the coast this month.

101 2 EASTERN WASHINGTON WINTER WONDERLAKES – MAPPED! Not interested in ice fishing but still want to catch some trout? Sprawling Lake Roosevelt and deep Rock Lake shine for nice-sized rainbows and browns from bank and boat this time of year. Jeff Holmes maps their top plunking beaches and trolling areas!

129 ’TIS THE SEASON FOR BEAVER STATE BIRDS The end of the year is a fine time to get after a wide range of Oregon fowl, and Troy Rodakowski has options from the Willamette Valley to the sagebrush sea.

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NORTHWEST SPORTSMAN is published monthly by Media Index Publishing Group, 941 Powell Ave SW, Suite 120, Renton, WA 98057. Periodical Postage Paid at Portland, OR and at additional mail offices. (USPS 025-251) POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Northwest Sportsman, 941 Powell Ave SW, Suite 120, Renton, WA 98057. Annual subscriptions are $39.95 (12 issues), 2-year subscription are $59.95 (24 issues). Send check or money order to Media Index Publishing Group, or call (206) 382-9220 with VISA or M/C. Back issues may be ordered at Media Index Publishing Group offices at the cost of $5 plus shipping. Display Advertising. Call Media Index Publishing Group for a current rate card. Discounts for frequency advertising. All submitted materials become the property of Media Index Publishing Group and will not be returned. Copyright © 2024 Media Index Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be copied by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording by any information storage or retrieval system, without the express written permission of the publisher. Printed in U.S.A. nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2024

Northwest Sportsman 13

122

(JASON BROOKS)

NORTHWEST PURSUITS

Top Off 2024 With Topknots Valley quail and Christmas have a special connection for Jason. As he recalls one season’s gift that has literally kept on giving over the decades, he shares strategies for hunting these diminutive but usually plentiful upland birds.

COLUMNS 135 ON TARGET Time For .410s And .22s For all the affinity Dave W. has for the .30-06 and other big game calibers, he also has a soft spot for the lighter side come this time of year. He shares why a walk with a .410-bore shotgun and .22-caliber pistol or rifle will do you good.

140 CHEF IN THE WILD More Than One Cut To ‘Rib Eye Of The Sky’ In honor of our Real Women of Northwest Fishing issue, special guest chef Margie Nelson, the Wyldgourmet, shares her love of hunting sandhill cranes as well as the many mouthwatering ways to serve up the “rib eye of the sky.”

149 GUN DOG Gun Dog-worthy Gift Ideas Spend three-quarters of your year afield in pursuit of fish, game and photographs thereof, and you’re bound to test some gear! So it goes with Scott, who details what would make good presents for not only your gun dogs, but fellow sportsmen.

155 BECOMING A HUNTER Make It A Jollier Christmas Sure, you could always go the gift card route this holiday season – nothing wrong with that – but how about stepping it up a notch with something thoughtful under the tree? Dave A. has nine budget-friendly and one-size-fits-all ideas for the outdoorsmen in your life!

14 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

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& 2025 SPORTSMEN’S BOAT SHOW CALENDAR It’s showtime! Well, almost. With 2025’s events just around the corner, we’ve got the schedule for 24 sportsman-oriented shows being held across the greater Northwest over the coming months.

(BULLSEYE CREATIVE/SEATTLE BOAT SHOW)

DEPARTMENTS

16 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

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THE EDITOR’S NOTE The regrets and resolve of a steelheader

22

THE BIG PIC 15th Annual Real Women of Northwest Fishing

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PHOTO CONTEST WINNER Monthly Coast and Kershaw prize-winning pic

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THE DISHONOR ROLL Man drives through Skykomish River wild Chinook redd; Big bust at Big Creek; Jackass of the Month

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THEEDITOR’SNOTE

The editor on the banks of the Skykomish River one winter in the 1990s, back before selfies were a thing but holding your camera lens cap in your lips was. (ANDY WALGAMOTT)

Y

ou know, sometimes I wonder why in hell I ever decided to become a steelheader. Given where the runs and fisheries have gone since even before I first cast out a gob of eggs and a Lil’ Corky on the Skykomish lo these many decades ago – a decline it feels like I’ve been writing about continuously for at least 20 damn years in a row now – I occasionally want to throw my hands up, especially when bad news piles on top of bad news that’s piled on top of bad news, like it has this fall.

LIKE STORMS LINED up out in the Pacific, the grim blows came one after another, starting off with a lawsuit settlement ending production of early-timed winter steelhead on Southwest Washington’s Washougal and state and tribal managers deciding to scrap a similar program on Pugetropolis’s Tokul Creek on the Snoqualmie, the latter due to gene flow to unmarked fish well outside the guardrails of the federal biological opinion authorizing the program, a function of 2007’s Endangered Species Act listing of the Puget Sound population. In both cases, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife says it will apply to begin new integrated programs with wild fish, a better option, but in my experience covering Northwest steelhead woes, it may be a long wait between consumptive opportunities.

Soon after but following a lengthy court battle, a judge in Oregon sided with the Fish and Wildlife Commission’s narrow 2022 decision to end the hatchery summer-run steelhead program at fire-scarred Rock Creek on the North Umpqua. I feel bad about that for my columnist Sara Potter, who cut her teeth on the system and who I reported in these pages was “blown away” by the vote after state biologists said the fish had no effect on wilds in the fabled basin. In a heartfelt For the Love of the Tug column a few pages from here, she writes how husband Ben Potter this summer caught perhaps the last Rock Creek hatchery steelhead she will ever have the privilege to filet.

Then, Olympic Peninsula steelhead were found to be at “moderate risk of extinction,” per a deep dive that came out last month. That will be concerning for anglers as well as state and tribal managers for a stock that is hailed as the “crown jewels” of Washington fishing.

Essentially, as part of a petition to put the fish on the ESA list filed by the usual suspects, a federal status review team pointed to declining abundance from the early 1990s, especially in the “big four” basins of the Hoh, Queets, Quinault and Quillayute; very low numbers of summer-runs throughout the distinct population segment and few winter-runs in the western Strait of Juan de Fuca; “excessive” past harvest rates; and ongoing and future climate change impacts. It’s continued on page 20 nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2024

Northwest Sportsman 19

Editor’s Note, continued from page 19 not the final word on a listing, but you do wonder what else is lurking out there off the coast just waiting to come ashore.

AS A SOURCE pointed out to me last month, no group of Northwest anglers has taken it on the chin more than we steelheaders. Between a worsening ocean environment for this complex species, long-term habitat issues, cumulative blows of ESA listings and reduced scatter planting and smolt releases, and lawsuits, petitions and battles to approve new hatchery genetic and fishery management plans, these are very, very different waters from the ones my eggs and drift bobbers plopped into in the late 1980s below Lewis Street on the Sky. So why the hell don’t I just give up and give all my gear away to Goodwill and switch to a species that will never ever be listed, say, yellow perch? I’ll tell you why: Because nothing says Northwest like steelhead, and even if it’s all gone to hell, I am more happy than ever that I’ve had a long-term relationship with a fish that Means Something here, a fish that powers angst and passion and advocacy and a distinct community and culture and, yes, even dinners on occasion still. They carry an incomparable weight around this region, their big, broad tail scattering pretenders with effortless flicks, their takes like no other, their ability to climb mountains unparalleled.

Yeah, those other guys are winning a lot of grinding fights of late, but you know what else? There’s a decent forecast and expanded ops on the Washington Coast for a change, a handful of winters are already in on the North Fork Nehalem, and I ain’t giving up on the fish or fisheries any damn time soon. See you out there. –Andy Walgamott

20 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

LIVIN’ THE DREAM

Y

ou might say game hunters who also have two hunting fishing is in dogs, Waylon and Porter. As long as it’s Brianna Bruce’s legal to harvest, they are up for it. Make no blood, as her mistake, Brianna Bruce is one fishy woman mother Val and father and an accomplished, full-time, licensed and Reg were unstoppable insured Washington state fishing guide who BUZZ salmon, steelhead, just loves the outdoors.

RAMSEY trout, warmwater and In case you’re a dog enthusiast, Brianna’s everything anglers who took their daughter dog Waylon is a coonhound that loves along on outdoor adventures since before to go along on fishing adventures and she could walk or talk. snooze on comfortable couches, According to her mother, while Porter is a Drahthaar that they took Brianna on her points, retrieves and blood 15th ANNUAL 15th first salmon fishing tracks pheasants, ducks expedition when and quail and is she was just 6 plenty capable of of weeks old. Bree tracking deer too. (a nickname Northwest that stuck) still Buzz Ramsey remembers, as a What is your favorite preschooler, chasing small fishery? fish with her little rod and Brianna Bruce The Baker reel outfit in the puddles Lake sockeye fishery is the next to Washington’s Skykomish River one I look forward to each and every while her father concentrated on steelhead. year because it offers consistent success If he hooked up, young Brianna was quick along with breathtaking scenery. to drop everything and help reel it in.

Some of her other first fishing BR What is your most memorable fishing memories were of chasing salmon on the trip? waters of Puget Sound and around the BB When my father and I fished the Inside San Juan Islands and Vancouver Island.

Passage in Canada for coho salmon from It was on Lake Washington where they a small dinghy. The fish were big, as we would often go after perch and, during caught silvers ranging in size from 14 to the season, troll for sockeye salmon, all 18 pounds, with killer and minke whales from the family’s 21-foot Glas-Ply. Her breaking the surface nearby, along with grandfather Leo was an avid angler too bald eagles flying overhead. It was a fishing and would often take Brianna after perch. and wildlife experience I will never forget.

Bree bought her first boat when she was 18 and started her full-time guiding business BR What is the largest salmon you have (livinlifeadventures.com) in 2012. The only caught? thing that makes her happier than catching BB I lost a monster Chinook after a long fish herself is helping one of her many battle while fishing Alaska’s Kenai River clients, friends or family members hook up. that, according to my fishing guide, And it’s not just fishing, as Brianna and her might have gone 80 pounds. I caught and husband Cody are avid waterfowlers and big released a Chinook we estimated at 30

REAL WOMEN

FISHING

22 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

Brianna Bruce has been going out on the water since she was 6 weeks old and has guided full time since 2012.

Here she shows off a fall Chinook she caught at Buoy 10 this season while fishing with fellow guide Rocio Wick and Courtney Norman. (BRIANNA BRUCE)

nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2024 Northwest Sportsman

23

left or at another time.

pounds while fishing the Snohomish River.

I keep trying for a really big one, but they seem rare these days. But I keep trying for that big one, of course.

BR How about steelhead?

BB I had a client catch a beautiful 18-pound winter steelhead from the Cowlitz River. As for me, 15 pounds is my biggest so far.

BR From your perspective, what is the most frustrating thing about fishing and/ or hunting?

BB It’s disappointing when others don’t demonstrate good etiquette while fishing or hunting. When fishing, it’s just plain exasperating when someone tries to take your spot, push you out or low holes you when you are back-trolling through a run. I was hunting blacktail deer in a really small area just last year when a group of other hunters parked next to my truck and came into the area. They knew someone was there and could have easily tried after I’d

BR What’s the hardest thing about being a fishing guide?

BB I stress out a lot about getting my clients into fish. And while it’s a fact that they don’t always bite, it’s not for a lack of trying on my part. I pass up on booking trips when the fishing might be questionable. For this reason, too, I book all my trips during the peak of the season when the odds of success are in our favor. I also place a lot of focus on making sure people have a good time.

(BRIANNA BRUCE)

BR What do you do when not guiding?

BB My husband Cody and I take the drift boat out and chase different kinds of fish like perch, crappie and trout. We like to fish the Cowlitz River for winter steelhead, too, and make regular trips there during the season. We also love to hunt big game, along with working our dogs when after quail, pheasants and ducks.

BR I see from my internet search that you are involved with several conservation groups and fishing derbies that do good things for the resource. Tell me about that.

Come fall, you’ll find Bruce in the woods and fields pursuing big game, upland birds and waterfowl.

She bagged this bull in Eastern Washington while hunting with her dad, Reg. (BRIANNA BRUCE)

24 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

Bruce comes from a line of avid anglers, including grandfather Leo, who would take her perch fishing and also knew his way around steelhead waters.

BB I’m vice president of the Snohomish Sportsmen’s Club. As such, our main fundraiser is the Lake Stevens Kokanee Derby. I’m also on the board of directors for the Everett Steelhead and Salmon Club, which is a chapter of the Puget Sound Anglers. Our main fundraiser is the Everett Coho Derby, which I’m vice president of too. Last September’s Everett Coho Derby had over 1,700 anglers compete for cash prizes and merchandise, with first prize for the biggest coho being $10,000.00. The derby includes two days of fishing and an awards ceremony and is a great place to meet fellow anglers and fishing guides.

Both clubs work together and raise 60,000 coho per year at a private hatchery that is funded by our derby events and where members along with volunteers from the public come together and fin clip the fish so they are available for sport harvest when they return as adults. It takes 20 to 30 volunteers roughly two to four hours to clip the salmon.

I also participate in the Salmon for Soldiers day-of-honor event in Everett, which is where about 100 boats take veterans coho or pink salmon fishing each and every year.

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Bruce is active in local fishing organizations in her home county, Snohomish, including two sportsmen’s clubs that raise, clip and release 60,000 coho annually into the Skykomish River. (BRIANNA BRUCE)

BR What advice would you give to women who want to get involved in fishing and/ or hunting?

BB There are more people willing to help women get involved in outdoor pursuits than one might think. I’ve met a lot of people at sport shows and in the field who have really helped me succeed by sharing information and advice. There are Facebook groups out there that can really help out in connecting women with other females interested in outdoor pursuits.

A good one is Sisters of the Reel. I guide ladies-only trips pretty often and love watching them find success and become friends with other women who love the outdoors like they do. NS Editor’s note: Buzz Ramsey is regarded as a sportfishing authority, outdoor writer and proficient lure and fishing rod designer. As such, fishing rod manufacturer Douglas Outdoors has added Buzz to their ambassador pro staff.

26 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

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YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU’LL GET: Fishing Adventures With Kids

By Sharon Trammell December 18, 2019 arrived at the river that morning, excited to learn. Growing up, I had fished for trout at high mountain lakes, evading the mosquitos while wading through the mud to get to the shaded spots where my dad said the bigger trout liked to hide. Today, I was going to learn to steelhead fish.

I had begged my friend, who was a fishing guru, to teach me how to rig up a hard bead bobber dogging setup. He told me that he had more faith in spinners and spoons, but he would show me the setup. After putting a rubber bobber 15th ANNUAL 15th stop onto my 20-pound monofilament line, of he helped me put a tiny red bead and 1/2-ounce Northwest Beau Mac bobber on, followed by another bead, and then he tied it off to my ½-ounce inline lead weight.

Next, he showed me how to tie a hook on, using an egg loop knot.

I would need to put another bobber stop onto my leader, which I would then tie onto my inline weight, after adding a size 14mm red Lured hard bead.

As he tied the final knot, my friend looked me in the eye and said, “I just want you to know, this may take you a while.

Don’t be discouraged if you don’t catch anything today, or next week, or even this season. It took me two years to catch my first steelhead. That’s why these fish are called the fish of a thousand casts.”

I

REAL WOMEN

FISHING

“Although one can never tell what the day will give when it comes to fishing with kids, it always builds memories,” writes Sharon Trammell, who has been taking her son and daughter on steelhead trips since they were 4 and 1, respectively. (SHARON TRAMMELL)

nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2024 Northwest Sportsman

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I knew he was right. I was simply excited to be here today. My partner followed me down the trail, carrying my 1-year-old in the backpack, as the 4-year-old trailed behind, wearing snowpants and a blue life jacket. It was cold. As I made my way to the water, I noticed the fog rising from the icy water. The frozen ground crunched as I set my tackle bag onto the bank and unhooked my setup from the 9-foot-6 spinning rod I had purchased the day before. Slowly, carefully, I cast upstream, aiming for the top of a section that I would later learn was called a tailout, narrowly missing an overhanging maple tree. The bobber bobbed peacefully down the river towards me. Reeling up, I cast again.

THE THIRD TIME, something odd happened.

Halfway down the tailout, the bobber bounced twice, bobbling in the water, and then went under completely, shooting upstream and across the river suddenly. All at once, I noticed the flash of silver spring from the water, shake its head and attempt to spit my hook. Excited, I yelled across the river to my friend, who had crossed to fish the bank opposite from me. “I have one on; now what?”The look of shock on his face when he realized it was, in fact, a steelhead and not a trout will be one I always remember.

A week later, I came back and did it again. This time it was just me, my baby and my 4-year-old. When I walked up the trail from the river carrying my 8-pound winter steelhead and packing my baby on my back, the old-timers in the parking lot stopped talking midsentence. They had been discussing the lousy conditions and how no one was catching anything that day. When they saw me, they asked where my husband was. No one could believe that I had done this on my own, with a toddler and baby in tow.

I finished out that season and learned a lot. Over the next couple of years, a lot changed. I went back to school, got a degree and, due to tragic circumstances, became a solo parent. Eventually, though, I found the time to fish again. The peace that

30 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

O s A v b r

T b E t r

Outings with her children are a chance to learn, bond, laugh and, yes, sometimes even cry, like the day Trammell lost four Chinook in a row. This one stayed buttoned all the way to the bank for her.

(SHARON TRAMMELL)

I always gleaned from my time spent on the bank, a rod in hand, were unparalleled.

Our adventures were just beginning.

THE PAST TWO years, I have included my children more and more in my adventures, taking them every chance I get. Sometimes, we catch fish. Last fall, my 6-year-old (the baby from my first steelhead experience) got her first fall Chinook from the bank.

Other times, I spend an hour waiting in the woods while both kids take turns pooping, only to realize they are both freezing and starving and it’s time to go home after they finish. Sometimes fishing with kids means bringing blankets; they snuggle on the

bank while I fish. Other times, we build fires and roast bits from freshly caught salmon while they warm themselves around the fire. One time, we fought a shark with salmon gear while they slept in the boat, 5 miles out on the ocean.

Then there are people’s reactions. There aren’t too many mamas out on the river with kids in tow and fishing alone. Some say things like, “I wish you would bring a tablet so your kids would sit calmly while we fish; they’re distracting.” Others tell their buddies that they don’t want the girl with the kids there; “Make sure she knows she’s not welcome, because her kids have too much energy. We just want to be able

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to get drunk and high without kids around!” they say to each other. Yes, the river is public, but not everyone sees it that way. Still others hand fish off to my kids.

Then there are those who tell me how they used to bring their own kids. “Time passes fast! Enjoy these moments while you can!” they say in a seasoned voice that reminds me how much knowledge they have gleaned from their years this side of Earth. This always reminds me: That’s why we do it.

Although one can never tell what the day will give when it comes to fishing with kids, it always builds memories. Each adventure together is a chance for me to slow down, listen to my children, teach them and learn about them. Each experience is a time of bonding, a time of laughing or sometimes a time of crying (that one day I lost four spring Chinook in a row and went home empty-handed). Each day we pack up the rods, along with a lot of snacks, I’m reminded that this is what it’s all about: family time and core memories. NS Editor’s note: Sharon Trammell is the author of the book Becoming Strength, as well as a second book written for women and which will be released soon.

She is an avid outdoorswoman. She can be reached through her website, sharontrammell.com, or on Instagram at outdoorsymomma or author.sharon.

From wooded streams to the briny blue, this young family gets after fish, and they wouldn’t have it any other way. (SHARON TRAMMELL)

Create memories of a lifetime

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KINGSALMONLODGE.COM 32 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

15th ANNUAL 15th

REAL WOMEN

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After landing the cover of our April issue with Central Washington rainbow trout, Jo Jewett returned to the Columbia Basin in June to try her hand at walleye fishing and found it much to her delight! (KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST)

Northwest

FISHING

We don’t want to start any family fishing rivalries or anything, but it sure looks like Aubrey Davis, 5, hooked a bigger Jameson Lake rainbow on late April’s opener than her grandfather, Nick Wallace! (KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST)

A properly PFDed up Mallory Blanke, 9, caught this nice rainbow on Henry Hagg Lake while trolling a purple hoochie off a downrigger. (KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST)

nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2024

Northwest Sportsman 35

Stick and string means a couple different things to Lexi Han, who took up bowfishing for carp this year and continued to pound the perch at Curlew Lake. (KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST)

15th ANNUAL 15th

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Northwest

FISHING

Lakelyn Wall caught the one rainbow to rule them all that May day on Mineral Lake. “Everyone caught plenty of fish to make it a great day, but nobody caught nothing close to that big,” reports her grandpa Gary.

Lakelyn’s rainbow was 6 pounds.

(KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST)

Raedyn Holt, 6, beams over her first-ever fish, this Lake Tapps rock bass. “Good to see these young ones out!” noted family friend Gary Lundquist, who sent the pic.

(KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST)

36 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2024

Northwest Sportsman 37

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The Columbia River dealt a pretty good fall hand for Allison Nerdin. She followed up a pair of jacks with this fine king.

“Allison’s family is not much into fishing, so to get her out on the river and into some fish was extra special for all of us,” writes Tom Schnell. (KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST)

Hover fishing at Drano Lake with eggs worked out well for Sawyer Jean Olney-McCarl, 10. She was fishing with her dad Joseph McCarl of High Five Adventures bait company.

(KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST)

Abby and Alondra Schoonover have been enjoying sturgeon fishing with their grandpa Kenny Howard since at least 2018, including early this year out of Hood River for the keeper opportunity on the Bonneville Pool. (KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST) Lily Vraspir shows off a lovely 3-pound, 10-ounce sea-run cutthroat she caught on Lake Washington while fishing in the Puget Sound Anglers of Renton trout derby back in June. (KNIFE

15th ANNUAL 15th

REAL WOMEN

of

Northwest

FISHING

PHOTO CONTEST)

nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2024

Northwest Sportsman 39

Seeing daughter Ava come into her own as a steelheader this year “has been one of 2024’s greatest blessings,” writes proud mom Sara Potter. (SARA POTTER)

40 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

TIME AND TUGS: My Changing Perspectives

T

are the things that make a fisher out of you! ime and tugs.

She also netted multiple steelhead from How does one the bank correctly, which is huge! manage their She slayed the shad in the spring time between and got a low-key lesson on how to net being a mother, a wife, FOR THE LOVE a full-time tackle shop those fish correctly from the boat. Come OF THE TUG summer, she was truly running the drift runner, an author and

By Sara Potter boat on the lake far better than I. She a fisherman? This amazed me! And in late summer she got in past year has tested all my waters on on the keeper coho quota like a champion. how to continue to carry myself with the It was a bit different for me to let her go right amount of grace and grit, that’s fishing on the ocean without for sure. I have always believed me, but she was in good hands perspective is everything with our good friend Tanner in life and in all honesty, I 15th ANNUAL 15th Jones for a double have had to change my milestone moment. perspective quite Ava caught her a bit. The tugs of first salmon and no longer are Tanner crossed all about me. the bar without his Stepping into an Northwest dad for the first time. entirely new chapter The growth Ava gained in not only my fishing, but this year was almost as in who I am has been good beautiful as she is. She for me. I without a doubt turned 13 last month and I am very appreciate my own tugs, embracing proud of the young lady she is becoming them more so than possibly ever, as well as and I’m grateful that as she discovers who the tugs I help create, which show me that she is, a fisherwoman is indeed part of that. following life with a heart full of passion Her success feeds my soul, as she and her will never let me down. brother are both naturals. I know the time The days when my babes had no we are able to give to the rivers isn’t the same schedule and could toddle around in as it once was, but it’s not for lack of trying, nature while Mom learned to fish are and I hope she and her brother know that. nothing more than memories now. My hope, though, is that they are stowed away as beautiful core memories in Nate and Ava, WORK IS SOMETHING I have to do; it’s because they are most definitely in me. something a whole lot of us have to do.

Call me crazy, but I’m not OK with day in, day out work, which I hate. Stress is a given SEEING THE FISHER in Ava coming to life at times, but dreading work is something this year has been one of 2024’s greatest I told myself I would never do. I also told blessings. Starting off the year right with myself I will work to live, not live to work. her first independent steelhead from the And in that truth, I have been picky on bank was exactly what she needed. She where I choose to hang my work hat. was confident and I loved it. She started Having a couple of good buddies tying on her own leaders and baiting her chasing a dream, I said yes to this entirely own eggs after that fish, and just going new job, this entirely new chapter. With my for it. That desire, that want, that no longer babes becoming more independent and waiting on anyone to bait you up – those

REAL WOMEN

FISHING

my husband Ben not only comfortable in his role as stepdad, but his love for Nate and Ava being strong and true, Ben encouraged me to take the job at the coast. As far as chasing dreams, I have gotten after them in life and one dream I had long before I even dreamed of writing was to have a tackle shop. Though this particular one belongs to Chad and Ted, they are allowing me to fulfill yet another dream of mine, and running Salmon Harbor Tackle and Charter Service (nworegonoutfitters.com) this season has been such an excellent adventure.

I mean, I love steelhead forever and ever and ever, but I do know fishing. I understand it. It makes sense to me and I have been impressed with my own ability to take methods and put them to work with success as the outcome for so many fisheries. I’m not sure everyone can do that, and so the tackle shop really is a great place for me.

I without a doubt have loved all the passion I have been able to share with those looking to learn. I am a great teacher. I have always been a believer in sharing passion and the good works that come from such things. This job allows me to do just that. To be able to teach from the shop warms my heart. Sharing passion and technique with someone who probably wouldn’t even have found the bottom of that mighty river without my guidance feels right.

THIS SEASON, I have rigged multiple couples’ and families’ rods and taught the process and approach. Some folks are looking for lots of guidance and some only a little, but nonetheless, I have absolutely loved the tugs I have helped create.

There are a handful of women who ignited the mentor in me. Each in their own way, they were able to bring out the best in me through their desire to learn.

They were great students. They listened and they succeeded.

Angela was the little lady I saw regularly throughout the entire season. She was so

nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2024 Northwest Sportsman

41

Technically, it’s a job, but starting work at Salmon Harbor Tackle and Charter Services on Winchester Bay this year has been a joy for Potter. (SARA POTTER) excited that the season was upon us and if I recall, she was feeling a ton of joy getting their new boat set up. She would ask me what was hot and I would show her the latest and greatest. I never spoke logistics with her, but loved each time she walked in the door. She is just so warm and sweet. I loved her excitement about the fish too! In this predominantly male-customer-based business, she was one of the souls I looked forward to seeing.

Late in the season, once the fish were in the river, Angela came in and I asked her how everything was going. She kind of shrugged and said, “Uhh, I’m tired of not getting any fish.”

I was honestly shocked because I know what gear I had sold her, and she did, in fact, have the goods. I instantly asked her about her lead and how she was fishing the tides.

With the information she gave me I knew where the issue was. I can’t overemphasize how crucial weight is when trolling for fall fish

42 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

in that massive river. If your lead isn’t right, it doesn’t matter how hot your lure is because it won’t be in the zone. Sending Angela on her way with heavier lead and my opinion on how to fish the tides, I had a feeling they were in for a fish! As late afternoon arrived at the shop, her husband walked in and said, “Oh man, is she happy with you!”

I lit up inside and there Angela was, elated with the fish she was able to make bite. I loved seeing that joy; that is where sharing passion is such a beautiful thing. Landing one and losing one, they were on the board inside the river. Trial and error always leads the way in fishing, but they made the fish bite, and that’s where you start!

That’s honestly my favorite part of trolling for salmon. Landing them will come with time on the river, as those big Chinook thrash and run like they mean it. Angela and I shared that moment of success and I’m certain we will treasure it for some time. I know I do.

KIM. KIM IS what it’s all about for the passion sharer that I am. She had never fished the river, nor had she fished for salmon. She wasn’t afraid to ask for some guidance and had come into the shop at the perfect time of day when I am able to pay some knowledge forward. She and her husband were kind and eager.

I decided to share one method with them that is very simple yet deadly. Our local fishing gear maker, Action Custom Tackle, provides us with a legit spread of spinner blades and hoochies. Everything you need, they have it covered, and it’s easy for me to teach to others. I found comfort in this rigging when I first started trolling in the ocean. I wasn’t confident in my herring at that point and was shown this method years ago, and to this day I fish me some spinner blades.

Kim and her husband bought enough gear that I was able to not only teach them how to rig their rods, but I gave them a personalized spinner blade during a mooching rigging lesson. I explained the lead and the thunk of the bottom, the whens and whys. I enjoyed them and their desire to learn.

They went out and made the fish bite, and when the river was open for wild coho they came back again. Kim bought herself a kill bag and I assured her, “Yeah girl, you are going to need it.” The hustle and bustle of the shop was in full swing that afternoon and here she came, kill bag over her shoulder like a purse and pride all over her face. I knew! She had her first harvest! They were beyond excited and when I looked in at their catch, there were two beauties, a Chinook and a coho. Her husband Mark took our photo and I feel as if Kim and I are bonded for life, even if by chance I never get to see her again. I know she’s a fisherwoman now; once that passion is lit, it never burns out. I’m proud to have helped light her fire.

Multiple people have brought their first salmon from our river back to the shop to show me what they accomplished with a little help from the lady at the tackle store.

Cassidy and Max were a true pleasure and I love how much they welcomed me into their adventure. Cassidy catching her first salmon, her first limit, and the joy I saw between them was special. They became more than just customers; they became my friends.

This job doesn’t much feel like work! It’s

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truly a pleasure to help these people gain confidence in their own boats. I may not be rich or get to fish every day, but those moments make me love my job. I love what I am able to pay forward that has nothing to do with tugs of my own. It is true that when you love what you do you will never work a day in your life. The shop, most of the time, allows this to be true for me.

BEING AWAY FROM home has been the hardest part of my wonderfully rad job. I will say that the bond my children and husband Ben have created is a good thing. Their love wasn’t instant, as he came into our life when Nate and Ava already had a dad. However, they call him their stepdad with pride now and I realize there can be great beauty in being a stepparent. I was raised by a stepparent since birth, and so I had great sensitivity about that word. I surely didn’t look at my dad as a step anything and so I was never a fan of the word.

Nate, Ava and Ben’s relationship has helped me see it’s OK that he is their

Potter, husband Ben Potter and her kids Nate and Ava share a warm moment. (SARA POTTER)

44 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

“Kim is what it’s all about for the passion sharer that I am,” writes the author.

“She had never fished the river, nor had she fished for salmon. She wasn’t afraid to ask for some guidance and had come into the shop at the perfect time of day when I am able to pay some knowledge forward” – and pay off it did! (SARA POTTER)

stepdad. They love him for exactly that and together our family is doing better and love is prominent once more. Ben helping me keep the family afloat has

shown me things I needed to see. I’m sure it has shown him some as well. Missing my husband like I do helps me realize just how much I love him. When I wake, he is the first thing I think of and the last thing right before I sleep. That is the type of love I need and working at the coast helps me feel my love for him more than ever.

When the children are at their dad’s, Ben is alone and in total transparency, my husband has struggled with alcohol, so I was nervous to be away from him, fearing he might go back to drinking without me being home. The truth is, if a person chooses to drink, it doesn’t matter where you are or who you are, they will choose it if they decide. To my joy and surprise, Ben has chosen fishing the river while I am away. He has fished the river with me more this past year than he’s ever fished on foot. So to see him choosing something for himself that is healthy and happens to mean so much to me shows me that paying passion forward will always do good works. Nothing bad will ever come from you sharing what it is you love.

I have thoroughly enjoyed hearing how Ben’s river time has been going. I even had him take me fishing for his beautiful little wild river trout. It was just as peaceful as it

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45

could be – tiny tugs and beautiful fish.

Wading in the glorious river, cooling off from the death of the inland heat, we fished my river in a way I had never fished it before.

As September was upon us, we had fished for late-run summers as much as I could in the brief amount of time I had while home. I just kept telling myself I was super thankful to have the river open in September, as it is one of my favorite times of year. Though I didn’t have any luck with the summers, my favorite fish, the most beautiful of moments did happen. Ben began to go to my favorite place on Earth to fish for steelhead after work. To my amazement, he hooked and landed his very first summer steelhead with not a soul in sight. Talk about a man after my own heart! What’s even more amazing is that his summer steelhead was a hatchery fish – truly one of the last of its kind. He called me instantly and his excitement was everything he needed. We all need something that we look forward to. Life is best with joy being present.

I made it home from the coast and proudly checked out his beautiful hatchery hen. As I fileted his fish up for him, I truly A confident Potter with a half dozen fall Chinook and coho she was part of landing this season, knowledge that she’ll be sharing in the future with other anglers. (SARA POTTER)

It might be the last North Umpqua hatchery summer-run Potter ever filets, but it also filled her heart that Ben caught it by himself – “those tugs might not be my own, but they directly feed my river of life.” (SARA POTTER)

was beyond impressed and knew this was probably the last North Umpqua summer steelhead I would ever process.

It was quite the moment. I cooked it for the family straight away like a good wife.

Ben thanked me, saying, “That fish was all because of you, Baby.”

He said he wished I’d been there, but I believe it was meant for him to accomplish without me. He now has a new appreciation for that chunk of river and those fish that keep a huge piece of my heart. He finally knows how radical they are and now he gets it, and he likes it! I needed that almost as much as he did. I would have loved to have been there, but I honestly love that he went out and did that for himself, that he’s choosing to give himself to something that will actually bring joy into his life and bring out the good in himself. Again, those tugs might not be my own, but they directly feed my river of life. They help me carry myself with purpose and, honestly, it’s the only way to be.

IF MY PERSPECTIVE was selfish, I might mildly hate my existence. Driving back and forth working 60-some hours in four days. Come home Sunday night late to our school week.

46 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

Wake up, make the lunches, take my babes to school. Get to town, shop for groceries and the household. Games every day I’m home. Homework and housework. And, oh yeah, I’m a writer!? Let’s try and find time to write something inspirational. Please wait just a little longer, Andy, I promise I am writing. All that just to turn around and work 60-some hours more, drive two hours back home and do it all over again.

But no. No, I’m a gracious badass who is blessed enough to get to live this life and pull it all off. I help make people’s lives better simply by being a part of them. I have healthy children. A happy husband.

I am an author in a wonderful publication with an editor who believes in me. I am a legit fisherwoman. I have a job that was made for me, and whenever I do make it out to fish, I absolutely do know how to connect with the fish and get my tug on. I was a major part in helping boat 19 salmon in three days of fall fishing inside the river, with five of those being giant Chinook. I can make those fish bite and I can also pay that knowledge forward in so many different ways, and because of that, my heart is on the river and I couldn’t change it, even if I tried. NS

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The dream of catching a rosy-cheeked and double-striped buck drew Amanda Wiles to the Forks area, where rainy weather couldn’t dampen her enthusiasm for the pursuit of such a steelhead. (AMANDA WILES)

A WINTER STEELHEAD DREAM

By Amanda Wiles

M

y line is peeling off the reel as this fish makes his way all over the river to try and free himself. As I gain control, I catch a glimpse of the majestic fish and say, “Is that my buck?!” to which my husband replies while grabbing the net in preparation of netting him, “Yup!” Winter steelhead fishing in the Pacific Northwest is not for the faint of heart. The weather is less than appealing and most days it is a grind on the river. Each season I learn more and more about how to prepare myself for long hours on the river in the elements, as well as how these creatures’ minds work. There is something about a

in Forks took a turn and we would be in winter steelhead that is just too alluring for a very unpleasant wet few days on to not chase after. I am always in awe of the river. Not to worry, as I have spent their beauty. Each fish has its very the last handful of years really own unique markings, and I perfecting my clothing gear so could sit there in the cold river, as to be able to spend the hands frozen while I hold 15th ANNUAL 15th most time on the river, the fish in the water, in any conditions. and just enjoy that of But in all moment and the honesty, winter beauty of the fish steelhead fishing forever.

Northwest for me amounts to ample clothes, heated THIS TRIP WAS a getaway socks and feeling like the for my husband and I. kid from A Christmas Story No clients, no friends or stuck in his snowsuit and family, just the two of us unable to move. “At least I am warm and doing what we absolutely love doing dry,” I think to myself as I waddle myself as a team. In true fashion, the weather

REAL WOMEN

FISHING

nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2024 Northwest Sportsman

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the float to allow more time for fishing.

The rain started first thing in the morning, but not to worry, I was bundled up and waterproof to my core. As we made our way downstream, we hit a few holes that produced some nice fish, but I had one goal for that day. I wanted to try and get my dream buck. He would be slightly colored up, a double stripe down his side and belly, and have bright rosy cheeks.

I knew it was possible over in Forks, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up.

As the day went on, so did the rain. It was off and on, off and on, with moments of sunlight. My husband was really sealing the deal on some nice steelhead and it did not seem to be my day, which happens regularly while fishing with him. I swear, that man has been given a specific set of skills from God and fishing is one of them. He can catch any species of fish wherever we go. It is slightly annoying, but always fun to watch. At least I would continue to fish and get the most out of every minute we had on the river.

As we anchored in a familiar spot, I got my gear ready to go into a drift. I adjusted my bobber stop for the depth of the hole and made sure my presentation would be just perfect. We know there are fish in this spot. After a few casts and watching my husband get a small hit, I tossed my gear in. I must have had some sort of intuition on this specific drift because I also turned my GoPro on to film everything. My bobber was perfectly straight up and down and I mended my line so as to not disturb my bobber and gear below. Right after I mended my line, the bobber went down fast; I knew it wasn’t a snag. I set the hook and held on. “Fish on!”

Although Wiles considers herself to be a “bobber and egg girl,” she notes that trying different approaches (in this case, running a jig from Adriel Willis of Slay J’s jigs) is part of becoming a better angler. (AMANDA WILES) down to the raft.

Our first day’s run was a simple float downstream to see how the river had changed since we’d last been there. Water levels were not as high as we would have liked, but were still manageable in the raft. The rain was minimal, and the fish were as well. We both hooked into some gorgeous hens, and I was completely content with that. I had been wanting

50 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

to try out some new jigs made by Slay J’s, which is headed up by a girlfriend in the fishing community, and it was nice to be able to put those to use and see how well they performed with steelhead. I will always be a bobber and egg girl, but switching it up and seeing something else work just as well was a positive.

THE NEXT DAY we put in slightly higher on

AS I FOUGHT the fish, my hubby worked on finishing his drift and then grabbed the net.

The fish peeled line out and really showed me his strength. This is always my favorite part – the fight, especially on a light-action rod, and being able to feel everything. It is the best, in my mind. As I worked the fish closer to the raft, I got a small glimpse of him. Oh my God, I thought, did I get my dream steelhead?!?

“Is this my buck?” I asked my husband, who can see much better than my 5-foot-2 self. “Yup!” he replied.

All I could think was, I cannot lose this fish. I made sure my drag was just right to allow him to run if he needed to but also be able to pull him in quick when he gave up the fight.

We got him in the net and I screamed like a child. I was so excited, and he was absolutely stunning. We moved the raft over to the bank for pictures and I had time to admire his beauty. What a beautiful fish, so strong and so gorgeous. I was over the moon. After some quick photos, I released him and watched him swim off to continue his life cycle.

We finished the day in constant rain. The sun had peaked through for pictures with my fish, but after that, nothing more. Still, what a fantastic day on the river! They aren’t always this magical; some days can be downright frustrating.

But the glimmer and memory of days like this are locked in my mind and constantly push me along the way.

Winter steelheading isn’t easy; it’s not a fun, easy boat ride trolling on the big river like some summer fishing. This type of fishing makes you develop skills, change things up and molds you into a better fisherman. Maybe, just maybe you too will land one of these fish of a thousand casts and continue the obsession of searching for your own dream steelhead. NS

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54 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

If the Clam Lady can get out on the beach for razor clams, so can you! She and her walker, clam gun and bag of shellfish were spotted last spring on the sands just south of Westport. “I hope she will inspire others to get out and enjoy what the PNW has to offer,” wrote Bill Meade, who sent the pic snapped by son Billy. (KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST)

15th ANNUAL 15th Call ’em the salmon slammin’ siblings, but to be honest, Tobey Anderson’s early November coho was a whole lot nicer than bro Paul Ishii’s. They were fishing with guide Mike Zavadlov near Forks. (MIKE Z’S GUIDE SERVICE)

REAL WOMEN

of

Northwest

FISHING

If its scientific name starts with Oncorhynchus, you can bet Rhonna Schnell is on it! Her 2024 catches included Columbia Gorge fall Chinook, a Southern Oregon rainbow and Wallowa Lake kokanee. (KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST)

For your shot at winning great fishing and hunting knives from Coast and Kershaw in our Knife Photo Contest, send your full-resolution, original images with all the pertinent details – who’s in the pic; when and where they were; what they caught their fish on/weapon they used to bag the game; and any other details you’d like to reveal (the more, the merrier!) – to awalgamott@media-inc.com or Northwest Sportsman, 941 Powell Ave SW, Suite 120, Renton, WA 98057. By sending us photos, you affirm you have the right to distribute them for use in our print and Internet publications. nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2024

Northwest Sportsman 55

Guarantee that there’s nobody who more eagerly awaits late winter and early spring fishing season at Waitts Lake near Spokane than Jessica Faris, who rides herd on its German brown and rainbow trout. (KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST)

Jenn Wyatt is no stranger to the briny blue, and the waters off Westport were good for her this past summer, for sure! (KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST)

15th ANNUAL 15th

REAL WOMEN

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Northwest

FISHING

“Pink lady” Jamie McLeod started off her 2024 salmon season with a 15-pound Lower Columbia springer, and her pink rod and pink Mini Cut Plug kept it rocking through the fall fishery! (KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST)

56 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

Sekiu served up Lisa Huffman’s biggest Chinook to date (top), and daughterin-law and June 2021 cover gal Annika Huffman’s king was a nice one too!

Both were spinning anchovies in a helmet in mid-July. (KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST)

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2024 Lund 2075 Pro-V Bass

One of the newest rivals to fiberglass bass boats is the new aluminum 2075 Pro V Bass XS tournament fishing boat from Lund. This aluminum bass boat comes in a four-seat layout version something only fiberglass bass boats can dream about. This versatile plus aluminum bass boat is designed to handle both shallow and rough water conditions. Two massive casting decks and industry leading rod storage means the Lund 2075 Pro-V Bass XS is built to perform.

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Lund Predator 1870 CC

The Lund 1870 Predator CC (center console) river jon boat is a rugged aluminum camo hunting boat for any outdoorsmen. The center console design provides 360 degree maneuverability and carries Lund’s legacy of unmatched durability. Whether you searching for catfish in the bayou or casting for norther pike in Canada.

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58 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

READER PHOTOS

15th ANNUAL 15th

REAL WOMEN

of

Northwest

FISHING

Carissa Nicole Anderson made the run out unto the ocean off Long Beach for a crack at kings last summer. The Astoria-area angler also works Buoy 10 for fall salmon and hunts deer in Central Oregon. (KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST)

The Snake served up a very good how-do-you-do to Kaiha Hovanec with this early 2024 steelhead.

She’d been away from fishing at college and whatnot for a few years, but her catch sealed something of a family connection to the big river. (KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST)

PHOTO CONTEST MONTHLY

Winner!

Building on the success of her first steelhead (left), caught last April with fiancé Jacob Ross, Cat kept at it and landed this summer-run casting and reeling in a jig on an ultralight trout rod and 6-pound line. “I couldn’t be more proud of her,” says Jacob.

“She’s been fishing almost two years now and has come a long ways. She is no longer a beginner fisherwoman and is addicted like the rest of us now.” (KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST)

nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2024

Northwest Sportsman 59

READER PHOTOS

15th ANNUAL 15th

REAL WOMEN

of

Northwest

FISHING

Between deer hunting and fishing for walleye and bass – this largie came from Potholes Reservoir – the Columbia Basin is Maralee Moore’s playground! (KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST)

Terry Itami outpaced husband Rick on the Snake River fall Chinook opener at Lewiston, hooking three and landing two.

“I think Terry uses her systems analyst skills to humble me in the boat,” reported Rick, who lost the only fish that bit for him. (KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST)

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60 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

Ice fishing isn’t for everyone, your intrepid editor included, but Michael Slate’s purchase of an ice shelter, heater and foam floors last season spurred wife Lila to joining him on the hardwater for some perch fishing.

(KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST)

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Northwest Sportsman 61

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15th ANNUAL 15th

REAL WOMEN

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Fishing guide Mike Zavadlov helps Olympia-area angler-author Tobey Ishii Anderson read the water on an Olympic Peninsula stream. (PAUL ISHII)

Northwest

FISHING TINKER, TAILOR, GUIDE …:

On My Fly And Gear Fishing Journey, How Experts Have Helped Me Become A Better Angler

By Tobey Ishii Anderson

R

etiring from teaching after 40 years left me with a long wish list. One of the many items was to fish. It sounded so relaxing and calming.

How was I to start?

I went to the local fishing shop and the helpful owner set me on the path to an odyssey. He suggested that I join the community fishing club. Every town has one. I would be able to gain a wealth of information from the regulars. It was at the first meeting when an old-time member

gave me some advice: “Go and fish with a guide, preferably not your husband!” I took his suggestion and went on my first fishing trip with a guide on a boat.

LETTING MY MIND glide through the calmness of the morning air, I could see the smooth rocks in the clear river water.

“Mend the line!”

The voice was alert and booming!

Mend what? What’s been torn? What does that even mean?

The guide belted out the command again. “Mend it, Tobey!”

I began wiggling the line back and forth as if I knew what I was doing. The fair-sized trout skittered by the line as I jiggled it.

Experience was what I needed. The guides were going to be the ones to supply this, starting with “mending the line.”

The rivers have been the curriculum and the guides my teachers. I was on the receiving end of the stick, something I was not used to having been a teacher.

I didn’t realize how illiterate I was with this subject of fishing. The guides taught me how to read the water, create various knots and learn the extensive vocabulary.

nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2024 Northwest Sportsman

63

They had their own style of instructing and talent for the fishing academics.

Finding that compatible guide who can put you at ease is not so simple. The one who can teach you to strengthen your weaknesses yet focus on your strengths is a treasure. It’s the class that all parents want their kids to be in.

I’VE BECOME BETTER at gauging distance, as guide Mike told me to cast one-third of the way to the bank, then halfway toward the seam. Thirty feet out by the rock was where the salmon was. Being used to the metric system, I had to do some conversion. He taught me how to read the water like a dog-eared novel, all the favorite parts marked. Look for the seam in the water where the river smooths out.

Science is involved, as John told me how to load the rod. That was physics.

Potential to kinetic energy. Release the power. The line went flying past my ear, landing on the water without a coil. A huge brown trout gobbled the Elk Hair Caddis as if from a scene in National Geographic.

Kaylee demonstrated how to use the force of the river, wading across without being swept away. Put one foot forward, slowly. Push against the flowing water in a diagonal line. We made it to the other side to get to the destination riffle. She informed me that the riffles provide active oxygen to the water, attracting fish.

The Green River in Utah was the river of patience. Tod showed me how to untangle the organized chaos of knots in the leader. His fingers deftly cleared the tight knot until the mesh of dangling flies was freed.

The most interesting method was from the School of Tough Love Fishing.

This is a course developed by my fishing buddy brother, Paul. “Well, do you want ‘touchy feely” or the honest truth of how you are doing?”

This was his philosophical approach: “What do you think you should have done?”

“Haven’t you made this cast a million

64 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

Guides can show you the light on waters you’ve never worked or never will again. This one (below) on the upper Nile River assisted Ishii Anderson at the humble rate of $5 a day. (PAUL ISHII)

times?”

“Look at the water. Where is the seam?

How do you know it’s a deep pool? Why are you casting there?”

In all honesty, this “no fluff method” helped me fine-tune my casting. I can now anticipate and become more sensitive to my surroundings, thus know where to throw out the line.

THE CALMEST GUIDE wasn’t even a guide.

My Peace Corps buddy Sarah sat on a rock on the Stillaguamish River reading a travel

magazine. Flipping through the pages, she would occasionally glance my way as I was frantically casting, breaking the sound barrier with thwacks.

“Try over in that dark water, Tobey.”

I made the cast with a somewhat decent presentation. Sure enough, as soon as the fly landed, I caught a beautiful cutthroat. Sarah didn’t like to fish but she was a careful observer, being a journalist.

Eventually, reminders to let the first cast lie on the water rather than in the boat or to open the bale before casting became

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ingrained in my brain. You know you are doing well when the guide gives less and less instruction.

“Great cast, Tobey” is a comment which can energize you for the rest of the float!

Guides can also take you to magical places – in the author’s case, Mongolian waters teeming with grayling, lenoks and taimen, a fly fishing trip Ishii Anderson recalled in the January 2023 issue of this magazine. (PAUL ISHII)

66 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

It’s like getting a gold star in third grade!

I realized that guiding is a profession that incorporates specialized skills in one tackle bag. A fishing guide is also an environmentalist, medical technician, navigator, biologist and therapist. They do it all!

They have made a lasting contribution

to my fishing education. I just hope my report card will reflect this.

The guides not only are my teachers, but also have become my friends. NS Editor’s note: Tobey Ishii Anderson is a flyfishing, rock-climbing, storytelling grandma.

This article was inspired by her brother Paul Ishii.

MAKING ART REAL WOMEN FROM FISH FISHING 15th ANNUAL 15th

of

Northwest

By Rick Itami

I

grew up in a family of eight kids – four boys came first, and then four girls.

My parents were second-generation Japanese-Americans who fit the “opposites attract” saying. Dad was a farmer and Mom was a professional violinist.

My older brother Dennis was the only son who started out farming in Dad’s footsteps, but after losing his two sons in a tragic farming accident, he began a successful international marketing business. Mom started all of us kids playing the violin at around age 6, but none of us became professional musicians like her. In fact, the eight of us pursued completely different career paths from one another.

MY THIRD TO the youngest sister, Jan Hopkins of Everett, Washington, is gifted with a remarkable artistic talent that never ceases to amaze me. She specializes in artistic creations that use materials from Mother Jan Hopkins tans a salmon skin in the backyard of her Everett home. (COURTESY JAN HOPKINS)

Nature such as various types of tree leaves, seaweed, dried fruit peels, tree bark and – most unique of all – fish skins. Yes, you read that right, fish skins.

Jan’s journey in the art world didn’t start with fish skins, however. She first became intrigued with Native American basket making, taking enough classes over the years – mostly from members of indigenous tribes in the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia – to make her an expert.

As time went by, Jan expanded her use of natural materials. I remember one day walking along a Puget Sound beach with her and her husband Chris, who is an accomplished artist himself, when Jan spotted some seaweed that had washed up on the shore and immediately saw something that she could turn into a work of art. She picked up some pieces and took them home. That’s how her artist-mind operates.

Jan sees beauty where most others don’t – even in slimy discarded sturgeon skins. She transforms them into incredible pieces of art, in keeping with Indigenous people who honor the sacrifice of the fish.

OVER 20 YEARS ago, Jan was attracted to the scute design on sturgeon skins and knew she could create special art pieces out of them. In her early days of experimenting with sturgeon skins, it took her a while to figure out how to collect the number of skins she needed. Her husband Chris conveniently forgot to ask fishing guides he went out with for the skins. Jan even solicited her son Justin to dumpster dive around marinas in search of skins.

Finally, she tagged along on a fishing trip with Chris and talked to his guide about saving sturgeon skins for her. Luckily, the guide was more than accommodating and

“Fish out of Water” by Jan Hopkins combines the skins of sturgeon, salmon and halibut with ostrich and seashore shells, bull kelp and waxed linen.

(COURTESY JAN HOPKINS)

nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2024 Northwest Sportsman

69

A work in progress – fish skins with a few simple tools Hopkins uses to process them. (COURTESY JAN HOPKINS)

Marcia Young.

“There has been a resurgence of interest in making fish leather by native makers,” says Jan. “Making things from fish skins was even a Japanese tradition.”

She has shown her creations at art galleries across the US and displays individual pieces on Facebook that often attract interested collectors.

As you might suspect, Jan’s clients tend to be high-end sophisticates, people who I don’t identify with. But as her redneck older brother, I am proud of my sister’s art creations and hope you enjoy them as much as I do. NS Editor’s note: To view more photos of Jan Hopkins’ work, go to her blog/website at janhopkinsart.blogspot.com.

furnished her with dozens of skins.

Jan says that in the beginning she didn’t tan the skins and just used them raw. She would clean, dry and oil the skins and cut out pieces that she would sew together by hand to make things like vases and even human torsos.

About 10 years ago, Jan added salmon, halibut and other fish skins to the materials she uses in her art. In 2019, she learned how to tan the skins by attending classes at Vancouver, BC’s Emily Carr University of Art and Design.

She obtains halibut skins from fisherman friends from Haida Gwaii who allow her to process skins alongside them while they process the meat for the Indigenous community. She also goes to Costco to acquire salmon, black cod and trout for skinning.

JAN’S CREATIONS ARE so

70 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

unique that she has been recognized nationally. Most recently, she was featured in Create Naturally: Go Outside and Rediscover Nature with 15 Makers by

A pair of Hopkins’ early creations – a basket and first sturgeon skin vase.

(COURTESY JAN HOPKINS)

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nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2024 Northwest Sportsman

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72 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

MIXED BAG

By Andy Walgamott

Big Bust At Big Creek

A Polaris Ranger being driven through the Skykomish River between Monroe and Sultan in mid-October. “Driving through a body of water that has the potential for fish life is a violation,” say state game wardens. (WDFW)

T

hree anglers were caught in September with 22 salmon hooked on a small Lower Columbia creek during its annual late summer closure.

Oregon fish and wildlife troopers say a sergeant responded to Big Creek after being tipped off to the illegal activity in the vicinity of the Clatsop County park. At the scene, one of the crew attempted to hide their fishing gear in the brush and they claimed they hadn’t been angling, but “quickly” reversed course and admitted to having done so, revealing a fish bag and a backpack bursting with coho. A large cooler in their trunk of their vehicle was also full of salmon.

Big Creek Hatchery rears coho and tule Chinook and is closed August 16-October 15 to ensure broodstock goals are met.

Last year the creek opened early and with an expanded bag limit for coho, but that was not the case this fall.

The sergeant seized the three anglers’ rods, cited them for unlawful take of salmon during season and “several other offenses,” and donated the 22 fish to a charity.

Man Drives Through Wild Chinook Redd

A

Western Washington man drove his side-by-side through a wild Chinook redd on a stretch of the Skykomish River that has been closed to all fishing most of this salmon and steelhead season due to critically low numbers of the stock.

Washington game wardens said that criminal charges of unlawful hydraulic project activities and unlawful take of an endangered species are being filed with Snohomish County prosecutors.

They say the man was spotted around 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 12, by Sergeant Wendy Willette while he was operating the Polaris Ranger about halfway across the Sky near the Thunderbird Hole midway between Monroe and Sultan.

Using the lights, siren and public address system in her rig, Willette attempted to stop the man, but he headed downstream and exited the river on the opposite shore from

Ben Howard Road. Willette and another officer located the man’s residence and attempted to talk to him there, but he fled again. After they obtained a search warrant for the property, they found the still-wet UTV in his barn and seized it.

BY

CHANCE, BIOLOGISTS from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife had surveyed this part of the Skykomish two days before and had marked several wild king nests. Agency officers used a drone to fly over the river, “easily locating a Chinook redd with (the driver’s) tire treads going right through the middle of it.”

WDFW says a Chinook redd can hold 2,000 to 4,000 eggs, and while observed survivability to outmigration rates vary, according to a 2013 study looking at 20002011 data from the Sky, the average was 9.3 percent, so a nest could be expected to

JACKASS OF THE MONTH

S

“

enseless. Reckless.

Indiscriminate.”

Those were the words of a Wisconsin sheriff about a case involving the alleged killing, wastage and cruel treatment towards 100-plus deer by three 16-year-old boys and a 36-year-old woman.

The slaughter occurred between spring 2023 and July 2024 between Green Bay and Milwaukee and also involved hitting some

with a vehicle.

According to Sheriff Ryan F. Waldschmidt, the quartet would drive around at night with a spotlight and fire on deer they saw. If they thought they hit one, they would go check it out, and if it was a buck, they would cut the antlers off if it was a larger deer. “Most of the deer they found dead would be left to rot where they lay,” officers stated. The killing came to their attention with a tip about “multiple velvet-antlered buck heads … rotting in a trash receptacle,” per Field & Stream.

The suspects also purposefully drove

around to hit deer on roads. One whitetail that survived but was “severely wounded” was used for a slew of selfies and videos in the vehicle and inside a home before it eventually died hours later.

Waldschmidt produced a literal laundry list of criminal and civil wildlife violations stemming from the case and thanked the initial tipster. “Wildlife and hunting are a deep part of Wisconsin’s heritage and history, and the horrific acts committed against these animals will shock the conscience of hunters and nonhunters alike,” he added.

nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2024

Northwest Sportsman 73

MIXED BAG

A Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife drone image shows the Chinook redd (outlined in yellow at top left) and the path of the sideby-side (red dots) in the Skykomish just upstream of Thousand Trails Thunderbird. (WDFW)

produce from 186 smolts on the low end to 372 on the high.

Low wild Chinook numbers on the Skykomish and neighboring Snoqualmie are part of the reason for severely constrained summer seasons on the Sky in recent years.

In 2023, the numbers were below what’s known as the lower abundance threshold, allowing for just three days of fishing in late May; this year’s expected return was even

deeper underwater, in the lower bound threshold, and so there was no fishing whatsoever until November 1.

“With these fish already facing a vast array of environmental hazards, the added threat of a motor vehicle being driven through redds can only have disastrous results,” WDFW officers said in a Facebook post. “Even if the car commercials show vehicles driving through rivers and streams,

More than a building...it’s a solution!

do not do it! It is harmful to fish life, destroys habitat, and it is illegal.”

While Snohomish County Assessor’s maps show property lines in portions of where the Skykomish is currently flowing in this particular area, state laws protecting salmon and other fish trump being able to drive on submerged riverbed.

“Regardless of land ownership, driving through a body of water that has the potential for fish life is a violation,” said Becky Elder, WDFW Police spokeswoman.

She pointed toWashington Administrative Codes 220-660-050 and 220-660-100 and said they “are clear in that regard. When ‘construction or other work’ terminology is used, that includes driving through water bodies. Adhering to this requirement is one of the most important things we can do to ensure fish are protected. Habitat violations kill many more fish than poaching violations.”

At the time of the incident, the Sky was flowing at a low 500 cubic feet per second, as fall rains had yet to lift it for good out of its late-summer lows.

Here’s to Snohomish County prosecutors acting on game wardens’ charging recommendations.

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74 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

OUTDOOR

CALENDAR DECEMBER

Nov. 29-Dec. 5 Tentative razor clam digs scheduled on select Washington Coast beaches, dependent on marine toxin levels – info: wdfw.wa.gov

Nov. 29-Dec. 15 Oregon brant season dates 1 General Eastern Oregon fall turkey hunting season switches to only open on private lands with permission Extended pheasant season dates at select Western Washington release sites (no birds stocked) 4 ODFW Introduction to Hunting in Oregon Workshop ($, register), Tualatin Cabela’s – info: myodfw.com/workshops-and-events 4 Early Season Winter Steelhead webinar ($, register) – info: theguidesforecast.com/nws 5 Oregon Zone 2 duck and scaup seasons resume 8 Last day of many Washington late bow and muzzleloader deer and elk seasons 10 Oregon High Desert and Blue Mountains Zone Canada goose season resumes 12-18 Tentative razor clam digs scheduled on select Washington Coast beaches, dependent on marine toxin levels – info above 14 Washington Goose Management Area 1 season resumes 15 Last day of remaining Washington late bow and muzzleloader deer and elk seasons 21 Oregon South Coast Zone goose season resumes 28-31 Tentative razor clam digs scheduled on select Washington Coast beaches, dependent on marine toxin levels – info above 31 Last day to hunt rooster pheasants in Oregon; Last day of Eastern Washington general fall turkey hunting season; End of Oregon and Idaho 2024 fishing and hunting license years

1-15

1 4 8 10 15 16 17 18 26 31

JANUARY 2025 Oregon and Idaho fishing and hunting licenses required First of 14 brant goose hunting days in Pacific County (others: January 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25 and 26) Last day to hunt scaup in Oregon Zone 2 Deadline to file Washington big game hunting report for special incentive permit eligibility Last day to hunt Hungarian partridge, quail and pheasant in Eastern Washington Oregon High Desert and Blue Mountains Zone late white and whitefronted goose opener Last day to hunt ducks in Idaho Duck Areas 2 and 3 First of three brant goose hunting days in Clallam and Whatcom Counties (others: January 22, 25) Last day to hunt ducks in Oregon Zones 1 and 2 and scaup in Zone 1; Last day to hunt Canada geese in Southwest, High Desert and Blue Mountains, and Mid-Columbia Zones; Last day to hunt Wilson’s snipe in Oregon Zone 2 Deadline to file mandatory hunter reports in Washington and Oregon; Last day to hunt upland birds in Oregon and Idaho; Last day to hunt ducks in Idaho Area 1; Last day to hunt turkeys in Oregon; Last day to hunt chukar in Eastern Washington; Last day to fish for trout, salmon and/or steelhead on many Western Washington river systems

FEBRUARY 1 8 8-18 10

Oregon and Washington statewide veterans and active military waterfowl hunting day; Washington statewide youth waterfowl hunting day; Oregon Mid-Columbia Zone white and white-fronted goose late season opener Washington GMA 2 Coast and Inland zones late goose opener (state wildlife areas and federal refuges closed; open select dates) Washington GMA 1 late white goose season dates Deadline to apply for Oregon spring black bear permits nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2024

Northwest Sportsman 77

2025 BOAT AND SPORTSMEN’S SHOW

CALENDAR

Antler and horn displays are a favorite at winter sportsmen’s shows. (ANDY WALGAMOTT)

JANUARY 8-12 Portland Boat Show, Expo Center, Portland; otshows.com 17-19 The Great Rockies Sport Show, MetraPark Expo Center, Billings; greatrockiesshow.com 23-26 Tacoma RV Show, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma; otshows.com 24-26 Tri-Cities Sportsmen Show, HAPO Center, Pasco; shuylerproductions.com 29-Feb. 2 Vancouver International Boat Show, BC Place and Granville Island, Vancouver, British Columbia; vancouverboatshow.ca 29-Feb. 2 Washington Sportsmen’s Show, Washington State Fair Events Center, Puyallup; otshows.com 31-Feb. 1 Western Idaho Fly Fishing Expo, Expo Idaho, Boise; flyfishersinternational.org 31-Feb. 2 Eugene Sportsmen’s & Outdoor Show, Lane Events Center, Eugene; exposureshows.com 31-Feb. 8 Seattle Boat Show, Lumen Field Event Center and Bell Harbor Marina, Seattle; seattleboatshow.com

FEBRUARY 7-9

Douglas County Sportsmen’s & Outdoor Recreation Show, Douglas County Fairgrounds, Roseburg; exposureshows.com 7-9 Willamette Sportsman Show, Linn County Expo Center, Albany; willamettesportsmanshow.com 12-16 Pacific Northwest Sportsmen’s Show, Expo Center, Portland; otshows.com 21-23 Central Washington Sportsmen Show, Yakima Valley Sundome, Yakima; jlmproductionsllc.com 21-23 Jackson County Sportsmen’s & Outdoor Recreation Show, Jackson County Expo, Medford; exposureshows.com

22-23 Saltwater Sportsmen’s Show, Oregon State Fairgrounds, Salem; saltwatersportsmensshow.com

27-March 2 The Idaho Sportsman Show, Expo Idaho, Boise; idahosportsmanshow.com

6-9

MARCH

Central Oregon Sportsmen’s Show, Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, Redmond; otshows.com 7-8 Northwest Fly Tyer & Fly Fishing Expo, Linn County Fairgrounds, Albany; nwexpo.com 7-9 BC Sportsmen’s Show, Tradex, Abbotsford, BC; bcsportsmenshow.ca 14-16 Klamath Falls Sportsmen’s & Outdoor Recreation Show, Klamath County Fairgrounds, Klamath Falls; exposureshows.com 20-23 Big Horn Outdoor Adventure Show, Spokane Fair & Expo Center, Spokane; bighornshow.com 28-30 Vancouver Outdoor Expo, Clark County Fairgrounds, Vancouver, Washington; vancouveroutdoorexpo.com

APRIL 25-27 Victoria Outdoor Adventure Show, Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre, Victoria, BC; victoriaoutdoorshow.com

MAY 15-17 Anacortes Boat & Yacht Show, Cap Sante Marina, Anacortes; anacortesboatandyachtshow.com

nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2024

Northwest Sportsman 79

Santa Claus’s Little Secret There are still a few coho and chums to be caught around Western Washington – and maybe more than usual, given fall’s apparently bigger than expected returns.

By Mark Yuasa

T

he deluge of late-fall and early-winter rainstorms moving in from the Pacific Ocean draw migrating salmon into Western Washington rivers, and what many don’t realize is that December can be productive for coho and/or chum fishing too.

While these late-season salmon fisheries are spread far and wide – from the northern Olympic Peninsula and south-central coast to Southwest Washington and Puget Sound – they’re a better alternative than suffering from all the holiday mall shopping madness.

“I wouldn’t give up on December when it comes to salmon fishing – just make sure to put a heater in the boat and dress for the weather,” says Todd Daniels of Tall Tails Guide Service (206-437-8766). “Early winter is a great time to fish, and we’ll continue to see waves of coho and chum moving upstream with each high-water event.”

Grays Harbor, Willapa Bay and the Lower Columbia River have two distinct runs of coho – often referred to as earlytimed A-run and late-timed B-run fish – with the first arriving from late August through early November, followed by a second run showing up

Still dudded up in his snowboarding gear from a session of catching air on nearby White Pass, Austin Han fights a December coho on the upper Cowlitz River. With big returns this fall, more of the salmon have been transported and released above the system’s dams. (KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST) 80 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

FISHING

nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2024 Northwest Sportsman

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FISHING before Thanksgiving and well into Christmas and even through early in the New Year.

What makes this period even more appealing is that an angler willing to brave the colder, wetter weather may find plenty of elbow room and in some instances have a whole fishing hole to themselves.

While fishing can be magical at times, when the bite isn’t happening, you’ll also appreciate the breathtaking, vibrant scenery of the ever-changing foliage, lush green valleys and forests lined with cedar, spruce, maple and fir trees, and snowcapped mountains that are a feast for the eyes as well as the soul.

Whether you’re a skilled angler or a newbie seeking a new adventure, salmon fishing in December is an unforgettable experience that you’ll cherish and have you looking for extra time to spend on the water.

COHO RETURNS WAX EXPECTATIONS

“It is a hardware game in December,” tips fishing guide Todd Daniels (left). “Be sure to add a lot of scent to your gear, especially when you’ve got reduced visibility, and don’t be afraid to go bigger on your presentations.” (TODD DANIELS, TALLTAILSGUIDESERVICE.COM)

84 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is still compiling 2024 Puget Sound coho return data, but judging by the decent sport catches along inner-marine areas from August into early November, it could end up being a better than expected run.

During last spring’s salmonseason-setting process, WDFW fishery managers predicted a combined Puget Sound hatchery and wild coho forecast of 722,134, down slightly from 760,029 in 2023, but still fairly decent.

Along the Columbia, Washington and Oregon fishery managers don’t provide coho run-size updates and are unable to confidently say right now if 2024 returns are larger than expected.

However, positive signals include the fish passage count at Bonneville Dam. The preseason forecast was for approximately 60,000 adult coho there, consisting of 47,200 early-stock and 12,900 late-stock fish. But the total early-stock adult coho passage at Bonneville totaled 143,767 fish, which was three times higher than forecast.

Late coho passage at the dam began in early November.

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FISHING True, most Washington coho arrive in September and October, but some trickle in in December, primarily to Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor systems. Barry Dubnow caught these two weeks before Santa made his big run in the leadup to the Seahawks’ last Super Bowl victory. (KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST)

The 2024 coho forecast to the Columbia mouth was for 279,900 adults, including 171,800 early and 108,100 late fish. The forecast was 71 percent of the recent 10-year average return of 394,100 adults. The preseason forecast for coho to the Select Area commercial fishing sites in the lower river was 30,900 adults.

The overall 2024 preseason coho forecast, which includes Puget Sound, the Washington Coast and Columbia River, was 1,472,032, down from 2,088,859 in 2023.

86 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

TIPS AND TRICKS TO GET COHO TO BITE As coho move into freshwater systems, the once dependable bite tends to slow down and the fish become finicky.

This is a part of the season to become creative to successfully catch coho.

“The best time to catch coho in the rivers is right after it goes up from a rainfall and then begins to drop back down,” says Justin Wong of Cut Plug Charters (seattlesalmonfishing.com), who has enjoyed river fishing for two-plus decades.

“I’ll look for fish in deep holes or

around slack, slow-water areas just outside the current like the softer water of back eddies,” Wong says. “A lot of times you’ll find fish around the timbers, and don’t be afraid to fish around structure like overhanging trees and brush. When the river is dirty, find a clearer water spot where a small creek dumps into the river.”

Coho don’t tend to hang around in one area of a river for very long and it’s best to constantly move from one spot to another to improve your catch ratio. What was a great area one day may not be fruitful the next or even within minutes after a hot bite.

Scouting out a river ahead of time plays to your advantage, and also keep your eyes open for coho milling on the surface. We’ve all heard the claim that rollers and jumpers aren’t going to grab your presentation, but that’s a myth, so keep throwing different gear at them until they do.

Once coho are in rivers they do tend to get easily spooked. Splashing in the water, whether it’s a lure hitting the water’s surface or an angler walking through a shallow area, can put fish on edge, as can your shadow reflecting off the surface. Sunny days and calm water are times when being stealthy pays off. Wear polarized sunglasses to give you the edge.

Boats moving through the river are another culprit of scattering fish, and it also makes sense to cast from a longer distance into a hole or spot where fish are hunkered down.

Another tactic is once you hook a coho, move the boat toward the shore, get out and gently walk your way toward the beach and keep the hooting and hollering to a minimum.

FISHING GEAR AND OTHER ESSENTIALS Be sure to choose a rod and reel that optimizes your fishing technique, whether that be casting spoons or spinners, twitching jigs, back-trolling plugs or float fishing. Fishing guides like to stack a variety of rods in the boat so they are ready to switch out tactics at a moment’s notice.

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FISHING up 20- to 30-pound braid allows you to feel just about everything on the end of your line. A shorter, mediumheavy- to medium-action-style rod in the 7- to 8-foot range does the job when it comes to twitching jigs and casting spinners or lures. Go with a slightly longer rod for plug fishing.

December is the time of year to switch over from bait like an egg cluster to spinners or spoons, a 3/8-ounce jig or running plugs about 45 to 55 feet behind the boat. Color choice and the size of a presentation are important factors. During high and dirty water conditions, go bigger and dial it up with a brighter pink, orange, cerise, white and chartreuse presentation. As it clears and drops, switch back to darker tones like purple or black.

“It is a hardware game in December,” Daniels says. “Be sure to add a lot of scent to your gear, especially when you’ve got reduced

visibility, and don’t be afraid to go bigger on your presentations. In the traveling lanes or along the gravel bars, I’ll back-troll plugs like a K14 or K15 or Mag Lip 3.5 or 4.0. I’ll also wrap them with sardines and on smaller plugs, I’ll wrap those with tuna. If that doesn’t work, I’ll go through the same area and toss spinners.”

Remember, it’s wintertime, so wear a layer of warm clothing under rain gear or a waterproof jacket, pants and boots to ensure you won’t be whining halfway through a trip.

Others will don hip or chest waders and boots with studs or spikes to keep from slipping down a slippery slope or rocky river bottom. A proper-fitting life jacket and whistle should be part of your most valuable essentials when it comes to river fishing.

WHERE TO GO There are numerous Westside rivers worth trying for late-arriving salmon

in December.

Coastal options include the Bogachiel, Calawah, Quillayute and Sol Duc Rivers, which are open through December 15. The Chehalis, Hoquiam, Newaukum, Satsop, Skookumchuck, Wishkah and Wynoochee Rivers are open through December 31.

The Humptulips River is open for chums and coho (only hatchery coho may be retained) through December 31. It can be fished even after a heavy rainstorm, especially the midsection at Reynvaan Bar, a long gravel bar offering easy access for bank fishing.

The bar is the starting point for drift boaters to work all the way down to the lower Dike Road boat launch.

During the late season, the Humptulips’ upper stretch from Highway 101, located about a mile above the Stevens Creek Hatchery, can be fished by drift boat down to Reynvaan Bar. Be versatile in the gear and have float, plug and

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FISHING twitching rods ready, plus keep the spinners, spoons and plugs nearby.

Bank anglers can toss out a float with salmon egg clusters or spinners along the upper sections around the Stevens Creek Hatchery and near the “Wall,” a steep clay-banked bluff that sits right off a deep fishing hole.

On the South Coast, options to catch salmon include open sections of the Naselle, Nemah, North and Willapa Rivers. The normal-timed coho run is typically made up of hatchery fish and the late run is typically comprised of wild coho.

The best time to go is December through January.

In Southwest Washington, rivers open for coho through December 31 include the Cowlitz (target areas from Barrier Dam downstream), Kalama, North Fork Lewis and Washougal.

If you plan to try these rivers, go in the early part of December, as the run begins to peter out by the latter part

of the month.

In the Puget Sound region, the Snohomish, Skykomish, and Wallace Rivers are open for coho only through December 31. The Skagit River from the mouth to the Cascade River Road (Marblemount Bridge) is open for coho only through December 31. Sections of the Green River are open for coho and chum through December 31.

Speaking of chums, retention is open within portions of Marine Area 13 (South Puget Sound), Kennedy Creek in Totten Inlet and Carr Inlet through December 7. This allows fishing opportunity on healthy fall stocks returning to South Sound inlets while protecting winter chums heading to the Nisqually River, which haven’t met their escapement goal in recent years and remain a focus of conservation in fishery planning.

The overall Puget Sound chum population is exceeding preseason

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expectations and strong numbers have been documented throughout marine areas of Central and South Puget Sound this fall. Inseason estimates indicate a 2024 return sufficient enough to allow for limited recreational harvest in South Sound with a low risk of negatively impacting natural stocks returning to the area.

Whatever species or river you fish for salmon, be sure to check what is open/closed, gear/bait restrictions and other rules in the 2024-25 WDFW fishing pamphlet or refer to the WDFW website at eregulations .com/washington/fishing.

For emergency rule updates, go to the WDFW webpage at wdfw .wa.gov/fishing/regulations. NS Editor’s note: Mark Yuasa is a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife communications manager and longtime local fishing and outdoor writer.

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FISHING Bide your time till the arrival of broodstock and wild winter steelhead with earlyreturning hatchery fish on Oregon’s Northwest Zone systems. (BOB REES)

Brats Fuel Early Winter Fishing Your monthly Oregon fishing outlook provided by The Guide’s Forecast.

By Bob Rees

D

ecember can be a quiet month for Oregon’s recreational fishing community. Anglers, however, have winter steelhead on the mind, and good early-season opportunities do exist.

There’s a clear distinction between early-season steelhead and late-

season returns, with the former largely made up of hatchery brats.

These fish tend to first arrive by about Thanksgiving and success rates around the holidays are often a bellwether for how overall winter steelhead success may go.

In all reality, these early-season steelhead are flash-in-the-pan returnees, with the first good push

happening around December 10, and fish already on their way towards spawning by the 10th of January.

Migration is highly dependent on rain events, and the North Coast receives the majority of this return.

The Highway 30 systems (Gnat and Big Creeks, the Klaskanine River), along with the Necanicum, North Fork Nehalem and Alsea nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2024 Northwest Sportsman

97

FISHING LATE-SEASON CHINOOK ARE a thing

A warm, calm, sunny early November day provided a chance to run from Brookings to the St. George Reef Lighthouse for Jerry Han and a buddy. They used 50gram slow-pitch jigs in pink and blue from Jyg Pro to catch late-season rockfish and lingcod. (KNIFE PHOTO CONTEST)

systems all have fair returns of this stock of steelhead. That’s great for bank anglers, although some systems have better public access than others.

Most veteran steelheaders focus their efforts at the hatcheries, where these steelhead migrate to quickly following a rain freshet. Oftentimes, returning adults are recycled through the system again, but don’t often bite any better the second time around.

These fish are bait biters, although many argue that they don’t bite all that well in the first place. It’s best to target them following a rain event and plunking Spin-N-Glos with eggs 98 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

or shrimp can be effective in high flows. They most often take the path of least resistance, so the higher the flows, the closer to the bank you should target them.

Later-returning steelhead, starting in late January, are a mix of wild fish and hatchery broodstock fish (progeny spawned from wild adults).

These higher-quality steelhead come back over an extended period of time and, depending on the watershed, can provide excellent catch-and-keep opportunities for both bank and boat anglers. We’ll cover this fishery in more detail next month.

of the past on the North Coast, but South Coast systems such as the Elk, Sixes and, to a lesser degree, the Chetco can provide some December opportunity. The Wilson and Kilchis Rivers on the North Coast used to have good December returns, but the fishery is closed now.

South Coast Chinook seem most responsive to back-bounced eggs, but plugs can also be an effective option when fished in the right spots. The December option seems to fade after midmonth.

Tahkenitch, Tenmile and Siltcoos Lakes will still offer up some early December coho options, mostly for boaters working the shorelines near tributary mouths. Casting spinners or trolling plugs can be effective after a significant rain event that draws fresh-run fish into these lake systems.

Although December can be a volatile month for offshore fishing, saltwater anglers can find a mecca of opportunity and little competition for sea bass, lingcod and high-quality Dungeness crab.

December 1 marks the reopener of sport crabbing for ocean-goers; we just need decent weather to take advantage of the opportunity.

Recovery rates from fall samples point to a December opener for the commercial crab fleet, at least south of Cape Falcon. This will limit the window for sport crabbers to take advantage of quality catches from Garibaldi south, where the best bottomfishing also takes place.

Sea bass fishing should remain excellent when the weather allows, and quality lingcod seem to make their way shoreward in the winter months as well, putting them well within range of nearshore boaters.

Bay crabbing should hold up well too this month, especially on the Lower Columbia, where the commercial opener often doesn’t happen until January. NS Editor’s note: For more information, visit TheGuidesForecast.com.

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FISHING

Eastside Winter Wonderlakes Roosevelt and Rock shine for nice-sized trout from bank and boat this time of year, and we mapped top spots!

Story and cutlines by Jeff Holmes

T

he Spokane area offers excellent opportunities 12 months out of the year for trout anglers chasing rainbows, browns and other trout species in both moving and stillwaters. For me, however, December and the rest of the winter months are the best time of the year to angle for my favorites, rainbows and browns. Winter is also one of the best months to visit the hub of the Inland Northwest, with some of the West’s cheapest and best skiing close to Spokane. I shudder at the thought of shopping, but the Spokane area is loaded with stores, good restaurants and abundant lodging. Spokane has become a pretty cool place in recent years, and it’s a fine compromise to lure family or significant others on a winter getaway that gives them what they want and positions you to fish the two best winter trout lakes in the state of Washington.

Lake Roosevelt and Rock Lake are my favorite places to chase big trout in the winter, and both can be reached in just over an hour’s drive from Spokane. When water temperatures dip below 50 degrees in late fall, it brings giant kokanee, big rainbows and trophy browns to

The past two falls have been the fastest start to the Lake Roosevelt trout fishery maybe ever, and December should be fantastic. Last month, John Schalk of Airway Heights, Ken Hicks of Spokane Valley (pictured here) and Schalk’s Lab Gunner saw quite a sight on one of Roosevelt’s many beaches while landing these quick limits of fatty rainbows. A bald eagle repeatedly dive-bombed a group of turkeys across the cove from them until it finally killed one. Wildlife, fresh air, wood smoke and freedom are a few of the things you can find on a Lake Roosevelt beach in winter. (JOHN SCHALK) nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2024 Northwest Sportsman

101

FISHING the top of the water column and also into nearshore areas for watercraft and bank anglers alike. I love Roosevelt for its expansive access and productive beaches featuring plunking opportunities for the very tastiest of plankton-fed rainbow trout in the West. The giant Columbia River impoundment also offers great boat angling for rainbows and plussized kokanee, occasional landlocked Chinook, and also walleye and burbot.

Rock is less friendly to bank anglers, although there is viable access, but for boaters, the lake’s rainbows and large brown trout are toothy and active amidst great natural beauty.

Both big lakes never freeze, and their water temps remain a bit higher than smaller lakes due to the insulating factor of just so much – wait for it – water. All angling in winter carries with it some dangers, and Roosevelt and Rock must be respected and should not be tested in boats on windy days, when fishing is generally less productive anyway. But when conditions allow, and they usually

To rod tip

do, fishing is excellent and offers a ready respite from wintertime blues and holiday stresses. For anglers new to these big lakes or for those who wish they knew better where to fish, the sheer size of the fisheries can be intimidating. But it shouldn’t be. Every beach on Roosevelt kicks out tasty rainbows, and every shoreline on Rock has browns and rainbows ambushing prey. Here’s a rundown of some wellknown spots that can significantly reduce your learning curve and can perhaps inspire some confidence that you’re in “the right spot.”

LAKE ROOSEVELT Nearly three-quarters of a million catchable-sized triploids get stocked in Lake Roosevelt annually from a robust net-pen rearing operation.

These fish grow fast, are tasty and cruise beaches and rocky shorelines along the reservoir’s entire length, with the best fishing occurring within the huge zone depicted in the accompanying map. Great fishing occurs north of Hunters Campground

(number 11 on the map), but in the winter most of the lake’s vast population of daphnia (krill-like freshwater invertebrates more easily referred to as freshwater plankton) hangs up in the “elbow” of Roosevelt, above and below the Spokane River Arm of the lake. As the lake is drawn down to make space for snowpack runoff beginning in late winter or spring, that food source is pushed further downlake toward Grand Coulee Dam. In December, however, most of the food and the hottest fishing is usually in the elbow of the lake, with excellent angling possible – and at times likely – everywhere in the mapped region.

Roosevelt also offers some spectacular catch-and-release fishing for wild rainbows with intact adipose fins, and on rare occasions these specimens can push 10 pounds.

Roosevelt’s hatchery triploid rainbows with clipped adiposes are as fat and red-fleshed as they come, and sometimes they reach 2 feet or larger, averaging 17 inches easily. An 18-

24-inch leader 6- to 8-pound fluorocarbon or monofilament

I pictured this simple rig last winter, and here it is again for good reason. And you may see it again.

When coupled with corn-flavored Power Bait, the magic of the size 18 Gamakatsu treble hook will regularly outfish any dough rig or other trout bait setup I’ve seen. I’ve had this fact confirmed by more expert anglers than me. Seriously, get online and find these ultra-sharp little red trebles and completely cover them, just barely, with the aforementioned bait. Whether at Roosevelt or another favorite trout lake, the tiny bait profile will pay dividends. That said, I don’t recommend this rig at ultra-rocky and irregularly bottomed Rock Lake, where you will surely snag. (JEFF HOLMES) 102 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

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1 Crescent Bay 2 Spring Canyon 3 Keller Ferry 4 Hanson Harbor 5 Jones Bay 6 Lincoln Mill 7 Hawk Creek 8 Seven Bays 9 Fort Spokane 10 Porcupine Bay 11 Hunters Campground

inch fish here can sometimes weigh 3 pounds! Growth rates are quick, thanks to a perhaps unlimited supply of daphnia.

You need not have a boat to fish Roosevelt, although a boat helps for walleye and kokanee and allows plunkers to access distant, unpressured beaches with tons of unbothered rainbows ready to gobble Power Bait or worm and marshmallow combos. Rainbows and burbot are equally and at times more accessible from the bank. See the photo on the previous page for the single best trout shore fishing rig you 104 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

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will ever find, one featuring a size 18 treble hook. The tiny presentation is not only thrifty on dough bait, but its small profile also seems to trigger many times more bites than larger hooks, even little size 14s.

To make the rig even more lethal, get yourself a supply of corn-flavored Power Bait, which consistently outproduces every variety I’ve tried. It sounds dumb, but try it. I did on a tip from a super-productive beach angler at Hanson Harbor one day after he gave me some, and later that night I scoured the internet for many jars. Whether you use this rig or something else, shore angling here is awesome. I stopped trailering a boat to Roosevelt when I learned that I could do better from the shore, as well as have a fire, cook meats and save money and reduce risk by not dragging my boat here. That said, you won’t catch kokanee from the bank, and walleye are only accessible from certain beaches during specific times.

Boat angling on Roosevelt can be awesome, but I like to keep it simple.

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Starting low on the reservoir near Grand Coulee Dam and working upstream to Hunters Campground, the following 11 spots are great places to fish. The Colville Indian Reservation side of the reservoir is just as productive but requires a tribal license, so I’ll focus on the non-tribal shoreline of Roosevelt. Please note that the lake gets drawn down in elevation all year to accommodate spring runoff. As that happens, some boat launches become unusable. You can easily google “grand coulee dam forebay elevation” to see where the lake level is at. Usable elevations for launches are included here for the launches mentioned, and usable elevations for all Roosevelt launches are easily found on the Grand Coulee Dam Visitor’s Guide (google “boat launch accessibility on lake roosevelt”).

1) Crescent Bay Located just above Grand Coulee Dam, Crescent Bay and adjoining shorelines are as low on the reservoir as one can reasonably fish.

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FISHING With easy access from Grand Coulee, lots of shoreline to fish and a boat ramp, Crescent Bay offers excellent access and shines all winter and spring for bank anglers. Launching a boat remains possible until the lake forebay elevation reaches 1,265 feet.

Later in winter and in spring when the lake is drawn down, the bite here and elsewhere around the dam can be excellent, and boaters can launch just upstream at Spring Canyon and make a short run toward the dam.

2) Spring Canyon This popular campground has a boat launch that’s accessible at a super-low 1,222foot pool level and has tons of fishy shoreline below the group camping area, the day-use area and on both sides of the park. I am a fan of the fishing and the relatively short run to the dam and to Swawilla Basin, home to arguably the best kokanee angling on the lake. Like the other National Park Service campgrounds along the lake, reservations can be made at recreation.gov. NPS manages recreation here because it is a national recreation area. This spot always fishes well, but that is especially true during the drawdown when much of the lake’s feed and trout are drawn down low into the reservoir.

3) Keller Ferry The Keller Ferry offers free passage to the Colville Indian Reservation and access to the tiny town of Keller, the San Poil River and the similarly named arm of Lake Roosevelt, but a tribal license is required unless launching from the south side of the reservoir and fishing from a boat. The ferry landing sits adjacent and to the east of Keller Ferry Campground. There is lots of bank access on both sides of the ferry terminal and all over the campground, including in the boat basin, where the fishing can be excellent when the rainbows are inside. The campground is another one of the launches that can be used at an extremely low elevation of 1,229 feet.

106 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

4) Hanson Harbor It’s quite a drive into this small boat launch and long stretch of beach north of Wilbur along Highway 2, but there is a good amount of access, a vault toilet, a launching dock and a ramp that’s usable to 1,253 feet. It’s a pretty drive into this access, but the road can be slick and should be approached with caution. Since there are quite a few homes and vacation homes here, they generally take good care of the road. Due to its close proximity to the San Poil River, where there is a robust population of wild spawners, rainbows here and at Keller Ferry often sport an extra fin and must be released carefully. Bring a net, and don’t drag fish onto the beach or you will likely doom them.

5) Jones Bay I almost didn’t mention this launch, accessible at 1,266 feet, because the road into the ramp and fishing area is shaded and can be treacherous when there’s snow and ice. If conditions are good, it’s a nice place to explore alongside a trip to Hanson Harbor.

6) Lincoln Mill This popular and very nice launch north of Creston is accessible at 1,245 feet and offers access to a long stretch of water to the east that is popular with boaters targeting kokanee and rainbows.

There’s also shore access near the launch and by the net pens below the old mill.

7) Hawk Creek Along with a cool little

campground that’s walk-in only in winter, and plenty of shore access to explore, especially out of season when folks are scarce and there are nearly as many mule deer as people.

Shore angling can be excellent, and it’s conveniently accessed from Davenport.

9) Fort Spokane Easily and quickly accessed from Spokane via Davenport, the beaches at Fort Spokane are extremely popular during winter and give folks room to stretch out. Like all beaches, some casting positions are better than others, but trout swim past them all. Don’t be afraid to walk is my suggestion, but one needn’t go far past the parking area on the west side of the bridge to find good access, including a popular trail near the vault toilet. There’s a launch on the east side of the bridge accessible to 1,247 feet.

10) Porcupine Bay This popular launch (accessible to 1,243 feet) and fishing area is a favorite of bankies and is on the Spokane River Arm of Lake Roosevelt. Porcupine was out of commission a few years ago after a tremendous landslide took out the access road, but it is back and kicking out fish. (Last month’s landslide on Roosevelt was uplake across from the mouth of the Colville River and resulted in a runaway triploid netpen that was eventually tracked down.)

It’s accessed via Davenport.

11) Hunters Campground A ways up the

waterfall and a small campground, Hawk Creek offers good fishing and a small launch accessible only at or near full pool of 1,281 feet. Most people boat into Hawk Creek or drive in and fish from shore. I caught my first ever Roosevelt rainbow here and recommend it for its rustic vibe and hiking trails.

lake from the elbow at the Spokane Arm, Hunters Campground is very popular with bank anglers and offers a low-water ramp accessible to 1,230 feet. Like all access points detailed here, Hunters is also popular for walleye with boat anglers. A dedicated group of bankies patrols the shoreline here and does very well on rainbows.

8) Seven Bays This popular retirement and vacation-home community has a launch accessible at 1,227 feet, a

Rock Lake is a 7-mile-long, 360-footdeep lake where the Channeled

ROCK LAKE

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FISHING Rock Lake’s brown trout surely bite best in low-light conditions, but during the winter you can encounter nice specimens like this, or even old behemoths, any time of day. The lake holds many more rainbows than browns, very nice ones too, but it’s the lure of colorful and potential trophy browns that has drug me out to the lake on many a frigid winter day. The map included here should help you to reduce your learning curve, but Rock can be fickle one day and fantastic the next. It’s a unique puzzle unlike any lake in Washington. (JEFF HOLMES)

Scablands meet the Palouse. Once considered for a state park, the brushy cliff- and pine-lined shorelines are striking, as is the display of wildlife including elk, mule deer, coyotes, otters, turkeys, eagles and a large diversity of other birds. The lake has a rich geologic and rural history and the distinction of being the only lake in Whitman County. An unimproved state boat launch off Rock Lake Road is the only access point, and no one lives on the entire lake except for one rarely occupied cabin 5 miles up the lake.

Rock is home to brown trout that may approach 20 pounds and that certainly eclipse 10 every year, along with robust rainbows taping out to over 20 inches. It’s an ultra-trouty, violent, trout-eat-trout world at Rock. Giant 108 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

meaty flies and bold lures rule the day on big fish. Rock is best fished from a boat, and launching with a four-wheel drive is very wise, given the lake’s rocky, uneven “launch.” Like Roosevelt, Rock can see big winds, fast, and a 14-foot deep-V boat with a strong engine are the minimum recommended.

Fish are on the surface in winter, so it’s a great place to troll or to cast and strip flies. Trolling is most popular here and is a low-effort approach that delivers well, but throwing big lures at and around shoreline structure is the best way to target trophy trout unless specifically trolling with trophy trout tactics.

Fly anglers will catch lots of 14- to 18-inch trout at Rock – some much larger – fishing Muddlers, Buggers and

leech patterns. But a larger class of fish comes to larger flies here. Rock’s biggest fish eat a lot of other fish, especially the browns. I sometimes fish 5- to 6-inch rabbit-fur leeches here, which the 14-inchers bite too. Browns and rainbows love dull brown and dull olive rabbit fur anything here. For lures, Rapala Shad Raps and Floating Minnows are popular, as are plugs in general, and I’ve done well on a lot of them. Mag Lip plugs have done work for me here, along with spinners, FlatFish, and more.

But these days when I use terminal tackle, I prefer to fish large (6- to 10inch) swimbaits and other suspended minnow imitations that imitate hatchery trout. It’s a fact that big trout at Rock dine on Washington

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ROCK LAKE

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Ro ck Lak eR d

1 WDFW Access Site 2 Slaughter Pen Bay Troll Danger: Underwater Obstructions 3 Whiskey Cave Troll 4 Rainbow Alley 5 Johnson’s Beach and Point 6 Halfway Point 7 Cabin Troll 8 Hanging Gardens of Rock Lake 9 Otter Point 10 Rock Creek Inlet

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Department of Fish and Wildlife’s dime and target the many age classes of hatchery browns and rainbows that are stocked here each spring, along with suckers, carp and other minnows. I prefer to catch bigger fish over more fish at Rock, and I release all but doomed browns or the occasional batch of average-sized rainbows for the smoker. As a general rule, browns don’t taste very good, but the rainbows here make great table fare. Even a slow day at Rock can be rewarding due to the grandeur of the setting and the fact that the lake is never crowded, even on a busy day.

The 10 spots depicted on the map on the following page are my favorites, but trout can be found throughout the 110 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

1 mile

Ewan

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5 miles

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lake all winter. Please note the redhighlighted danger area on the lake’s southeastern shoreline. While this is not close to the only dangerous spot on a waterbody where shallow points extend well into the lake or where shallow, rock islands lurk just below the surface, this is the most dangerous part of the lake, in my opinion. Flattopped rock pinnacles protrude from the bottom into very, very shallow water, and boaters who are not extremely slow and cautious risk a catastrophic boat wreck. As a survivor of a high-speed catastrophic Rock Lake boat wreck (unrelated to rocks) and someone who has born distant witness to fatal and non-fatal accidents over the years, my best advice is believe the

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hype about Rock’s dangers, and only run fast down the center of the lake.

Beware the wind and big rolling waves that develop quickly.

1) WDFW Access Site Calling this a boat launch is getting loose with the language, but boats are launched here. Newcomers should scout the launch, ask questions of the regulars and perhaps observe others. It’s fairly intuitive where to launch here, but what can’t be seen is the sharp dropoff one must sometimes hang their trailer off of. It helps to have a friend to back you in so you can drive off the trailer, but I have solo launched here approximately 100 times, no exaggeration. The same

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FISHING dropoff that sometimes confounds newcomers to the launch is a great place for shore anglers to fish slip bobbers with coon shrimp, worms, eggs or other popular baits best fished below a float. Plunking here takes you out of the strike zone and almost assures you will snag up. To the left of the launching area, downstream in the Rock Creek outlet, there are trout to be caught, but the water is shallow and should be prospected carefully.

2) Slaughter Pen Bay Troll From the duck blind in the very southeast corner of the lake stretching several hundred yards north to a bay opening with another duck blind, this troll can be very productive, but watch your depth and don’t get too close to shore.

Be mindful to drag your offerings past the points, but stay in water greater than 17 feet deep.

3) Whiskey Cave Troll Look for Rock Lake history online and you’ll read about a cave where whiskey barrels were kept in 1920s Prohibition during a history that’s hard to imagine today: a timber industry, a saloon and whorehouse, and construction of the now-defunct railroad that parallels Rock’s eastern shore. That cave has been mostly concealed in recent years by stacked rocks but can be seen close to the water’s edge north of the number on the map. I’ve had boom and bust fishing along this shoreline and recommend checking it out for the novelty and potential for nice browns.

4) Rainbow Alley The southern end of this troll starts at the beginning of a cliff face and a timbered bench and continues perhaps half a mile north past several prominent cliff points that jut into the lake. Trolling the dropoff along these cliffs is a good idea for those seeking rainbow holdovers, and the points seem to produce best.

Don’t bother trolling into the little bays; flirt with the dropoff into 160 to 180 feet. I’ve also landed some 112 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

large browns throwing both flies and lures at this shoreline while using my two-pole permit and simultaneously trolling a fast-sinking fly line and brown Krystal Flash Woolly Buggers for rainbows.

5) Johnson’s Beach and Point Rock Lake has very little shallow water habitat, and this spot almost at midlake is a great one to explore. I will not give away secrets, but I will tell you that excellent fishing for browns and rainbows can be had here by flirting with shallow water and dropoffs.

The beach and bay are shallow, so work the point as it drops off and the shoreline that extends north from the point where the number sits on the map. In warmer weather, there is solid spinyray fishing here too.

6) Halfway Point As elsewhere, flirt with the dropoff at this halfway point on the lake. My boat has landed a 24-inch rainbow here and browns a few inches larger. I’ve also witnessed a brown here that was well over 10 pounds, chasing catchable rainbows to the surface. Beware the supershallow shelves that jut sometimes 50 feet into the lake. You can be in 2 feet and 300 feet of water here within a stone’s throw of the two spots.

7) Cabin Troll The shoreline south and north of the one cabin on the lake has produced some awesome fish and more awesome memories for me, although I do better in spring than in winter here. It’s nonetheless worth fishing and learning and is not fished as often as other spots. One of many memories includes landing a 21-inch rainbow topwater on an F11 Rapala and getting one of the three meaty trebles deeply buried in my thumb with the 4-pound writhing trout hooked with the other two trebles.

I hugged the fish tightly to my body and bit the fish like a grizzly between head and body to dispatch it and then administered first aid, which included beer as I recall.

8) Hanging Gardens of Rock Lake Beginning at number 8 on the map and moving north toward number 9, two major springs trickle out of the rock and are home to lots of brush that is very beautiful in springtime. This entire nearly mile-long bay on both sides of these “hanging gardens” is an excellent place to hunt big browns.

A train tunnel can be seen just south of number 9, and it was home to a train accident that sent railcars full of Model Ts into the lake. In low water, evidence of this crash is still visible, though most of the wreckage surely plummeted into the extremely deep waters of the north end of Rock.

9) Otter Point Trolling past and casting to the prominent points here can pay dividends for rainbows and browns.

If, on a nice day, you make it to the far end of Rock, you’ll see the points very plainly. People in my boat have taken many beautiful trout here.

Otters can be observed occasionally here and seem to favor these points.

10) Rock Creek Inlet Rock Creek has deposited smallmouth and kokanee in Rock in recent years, washdowns from Chapman Lake, where WDFW has won a fight with selfish landowners and is soon to secure a knockout by putting in a new access.

Rock Creek also dumps loads of nutrients in the lake, triggering the food chain, and can be excellent trout fishing. Although the spectacular shoreline and waterfall 150 yards from the lake might tempt you to get out, stay below the high-water line, or, better yet, stay in your boat. This ground is highly patrolled! You can see the falls from the lake. I saw a horrible fishing show recently where a lure company rep was trolling way out in front of the inlet where juvenile hatchery fish seem to accumulate in huge numbers. They landed 9- to 12-inch rainbow after rainbow and marveled at the fishing. Uh, no. Fish closer to shore and target grown-up trout, not the nursery. NS

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Lucy the Vizsla brings a California quail to hand on a snowy winter day in Northcentral Washington. (JASON BROOKS) 122 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

COLUMN

Top Off 2024 With Topknots W

ith it snowing hard one Christmas morning, we gathered around the tree to open NW PURSUITS our presents. The

By Jason Brooks customary socks, sweaters and other gifts inside quickly opened boxes and bags led to cordial “thank yous.”

It was then that I picked up something heavy, a small box wrapped in paper that made me wonder what it could be. As the paper ripped, it revealed the number “20” followed by “gauge” and then “size 8 shot.” It was a box of shells and my dad’s smile said it all when I opened it. My dad then handed me a long box adorned with the same paper. He’d been worried that I would figure out the bigger present if it were under the tree, so instead he’d wrapped a box of shells.

This single-shot 20-gauge started my love affair with my favorite game bird, the tiny California quail. That same Christmas day, we used the lull between opening gifts and dinner to go out and find some birds. Driving along the backroads of apple orchards, it did not take long before we found quail. Not having a dog, my dad would walk up and kick the bushes as I steadied for the flush. After that day, every time a quail took flight at my feet, I would relive that Christmas memory.

This is why California quail hunting holds a special place for me, and each time I take the field for them, I am once again a 12-year-old boy on a cold Christmas day.

THE PETITE GAME bird also known as valley quail is found across the West, and in my

home state of Washington, they inhabit the eastern half of the state. They’re found on arid sage plateaus, among apple and cherry orchards, tucked into deep canyons with flowing creeks covered by Russian olive, and, of course, throughout neighborhoods.

California quail do not live long, with most only living a year or less, since they are a prey species with a lot of predators that feed upon them. Yet each spring quail will have their first brood in June, with enough time to have a second hatch about six weeks later. Each brood will be around 12 chicks, and the young quail can fly 10 days after hatching. Because of this, their population can vary from year to year, and since they adapt well to urban environments, their population is not as sensitive as ringneck pheasants. Some years you will find so many quail that it seems like an endless supply, only to return a year later and find the same draws void of any birds.

Springtime rains can affect the first hatch and summertime droughts can impact the second brood, but for the most part, quail numbers remain steady over time.

FINDING HUNTING PLACES for quail has become increasingly difficult. Those old backroads along the edges of the orchards are now neighborhoods and homes.

Fortunately for bird hunters, there are several Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife access sites and lands that offer good quail hunting. Look for areas with water and thick brush that the tiny birds can use for cover and to nest in. (Along with the state securing habitat, another way to help quail is to return later in winter and hunt the predators such as coyotes and bobcats that feed on them.) Several wildlife areas owned by WDFW also rely on volunteer nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2024

Northwest Sportsman 123

COLUMN

A topknot hunter takes aim in the thick cover of a draw. Working the edges of ravines and kicking the brush can cause quail coveys to take flight, providing a chance to pursue smaller groups of birds that don’t fly far. (JASON BROOKS) organizations that fill bird feeders and place water guzzlers in draws and coulees that help the birds during harsh winters and dry summers.

Unlike pheasants, which tend to draw the most attention, or chukar that are found along steep canyons, quail are often hunted by happenstance. When a good pointer locks up, the hunters behind the dog hope for a flushing rooster, but when the sage erupts with a couple quail going in different directions, the shotguns come up in surprise. Most who hunt pheasants and chukar will do so with size 6 or larger shot in high brass, but that is not needed for quail, 124 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

as it’s harder to hit them with the sparser shot count compared to a load of size 8.

The standard load for quail hunters comes in low brass to save your shoulder from a pounding, since you can expect a lot of shooting to occur throughout the day.

Use size 8 or 7½ shot in 20-gauge or even a 28-gauge, which is seeing an increase in popularity once again. Those toting 12-gauges mostly do so because this is the gun they have, or they are hoping for a rooster to get up. But quail hunters know that the 12 is a bit much. A good choke such as an improved cylinder will allow your shot to spread out quickly and increase the

chances of hitting the fast-flying birds.

Quail are small and that is what makes them so much fun to hunt. In Washington, you are allowed 10 per day of the California variety and this often means an all-day hunt. Coveys will hold tight and once you break them apart, the birds usually do not fly far, landing in singles and doubles. This makes for a great hunt, as you can mark where birds land and then get them to flush again but not in big groups, which helps in the wingshooting.

YOUNGER HUNTERS CAN learn a lot from a quail hunt. Handling a shotgun as well as

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COLUMN safety are key, but knowing that there will be a lot of shooting during the day helps keep interest up. For us older hunters, the quail makes us feel young again, a reminder of our youth and a way to keep hunting when the chukar hills become too steep and the thick cattails where roosters hide just too much work to plow through.

This is the versatility of quail hunting, as all can partake and enjoy it.

A dog really helps, especially when birds hold tight or you knock one down and cannot find it. But it is not necessary to have a dog. You can often find birds walking between sagebrush plants or feeding on open hillsides; however, it is the distinct call that gives them away most.

Quail are very vocal, with a sentry often calling out to collect the covey.

A few years after I received that shotgun, I was carrying it down a steep gulch. A small creek ran down the middle and it was lined with Russian olive, thick brush and just enough blackberry bushes to keep me from walking through the center. Instead, I hiked along the edge of the cover and periodically flushed birds. Halfway down the draw while taking a lunch break, I heard the distinctive call of a California quail. Looking to where the noise was coming from, I spotted a bird sitting on a branch of a small crab apple tree.

This is where I headed next, kicking brush along the way.

Quail are also perfect for bird dog

Quail hunting is a link to Brooks’ youth, the building block for the hunter he’s become and a chance to reminisce about the fine gun dogs, like Lucy and Ruby before her, he’s had in the decades since. (JASON BROOKS) 126 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

Quail are a great species for getting young or new hunters into the field, thanks to typically good numbers and usually plentiful shot opportunities.

Ryan Brooks, the author’s son, holds a pair taken on a winter’s day. (JASON BROOKS) training, as you are likely to find several of them. Chaos can ensue, and so obedience training is key to a good bird dog. Unlike the single flush of a pheasant, the rise of a covey of quail can confuse a young dog. Exposing them to days on end of quail will quickly teach them to listen to their handler.

For a young hunter and a good bird dog together, there is nothing better than a quail hunt. When my boys were young, we would take our beloved Vizsla, Lucy, out to chase quail near my childhood home in Northcentral Washington. Each hunter was given a box of shells and strict guidelines on when to shoot. Shells would fly as fast as those tiny birds, but a few quail fell to the shot and Lucy was right there to pick them up.

As the years have gone by, Lucy has passed, along with her predecessor, Ruby, our first Vizsla. The boys are both in college and have busy schedules, so I once again head afield to chase birds alone. Waiting to hear the sentry’s call while I kick some brush hoping for a quick flush of the tiny California quail, I am 12 years old again in my mind, with a single-shot 20-gauge and a box of shells with bright-colored Christmas paper still taped to it. There is something about quail hunting that brings back memories and allows hunters to relive years past. NS

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HUNTING

’Tis The Season For Birds

The end of the year is a fine time to get after a wide range of Oregon fowl.

By Troy Rodakowski

N

o matter the fine feathered fowl you decide to pursue this holiday season, rest assured that Oregon has some of the

best around on offer. Just take a peek across the state through late January and I guarantee you’ll find something that suits your fancy.

Growing up in the Beaver State, I always relished the first hint of fall

and Mother Nature’s progression as the leaves slowly changed to brilliant reds, golds and yellows. The smell of rain and the feel of cool, crisp mornings resonated as sweatshirts and warm coffee became a daily necessity.

Chukar might be this season’s best bet for Oregon upland game birds, thanks to strong production from Baker to Lake Counties. Numbers in Harney County are particularly eyepopping at 340 of the partridge per 10-mile survey segment.

Author Troy Rodakowski and daughter Reese show off an Eastern Oregon chukar from earlier this fall. (TROY RODAKOWSKI) nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2024 Northwest Sportsman

129

HUNTING

Cackling geese provide wingshooters with great opportunities from late fall clear into early spring. (TROY RODAKOWSKI)

Hunting season was now here. All the brilliant colors of pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn, apples, pears and lateseason harvested nuts decorate my mind with warm feelings of fantastic Thanksgiving and Christmas meals with family. Most of these meals have included wild venison, turkey, quail, pheasant, duck, goose and chukar.

EARLIER THIS FALL, while pronghorn hunting in Harney County, I was happy to see there were so many chukar around. So many, in fact, that they seemed like hordes of locusts 130 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

invading the lowland sagebrush and grassland prairies.

“This year looks to be one of the best chukar seasons in recent history,” confirms Mikal Cline, state game bird coordinator for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The season for these tasty birds runs through the end of January and looks to be lights-out for 2024-25.

Mountain and valley quail numbers are very good as well and offer some excellent wingshooting opportunities throughout the state.

Good coveys of birds and above-

average habitat conditions have bolstered the numbers. Mainly, the good amounts of moisture available throughout summer aided in aboveaverage brood success. Mountain quail are thriving in the Coast Range and throughout Southwest Oregon, especially in habitat near and adjacent to recent burns near the upper Klamath River.

“Smaller burns that create fresh feed and cover are an excellent aide to bolster bird populations,” notes Cline.

Grouse have been reported to have nested two or more weeks later

HUNTING opening weekend near Vale, Juntura and Ontario than they had seen for several seasons.

Conservation Reserve Program acreage near Heppner holds wild roosters and over the years we have found really good numbers of birds on the ground. Dogs usually get birdy and go on point in the shallow green draws with thick sage and grass where pheasant prefer to hunker down and hide. On cold, clear days when the sun appears, they will feed out into the open and scratch through the snow while looking for small seeds, grains and plant life to nibble on.

While farming communities across the state have excellent bird habitat to access, if you aren’t up for knocking on doors, look to ODFW wildlife areas.

Several provide good bird hunting, especially late in the season.

A turkey is often the centerpiece of at least one holiday meal, and thanks to expanding populations and relaxed regulations, Oregon’s fall harvest has been rising in recent years. (TROY RODAKOWSKI)

than normal this year, so the jury is still out on how well their broods survived the summer. Ruffed and blue grouse seasons run through January 31 as well and provide great opportunities to take the family into the woods along with your fourlegged friend to find a few. Valley and mountain quail seasons both run through the end of next month too. Birds require good water sources for survival, so focusing on locations with good cover adjacent to or near water will increase your odds.

Cereal grain production is cyclical throughout the state and greatly affects the ability of ringneck pheasants to prosper. In Western Oregon, with the fee season long since past, most hunting in and near the Willamette Valley will be on private lands. Populations in the Columbia Basin and Malheur National Wildlife Refuge are reported to be stable but also limited. Several hunters last fall reported seeing more wild birds on 132 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

MANY OF US holiday bird hounds will spend our winter days tucked into warm blinds sheltered from the rain, wind, sleet and snow. This year seems to be shaping up nicely for many species of ducks in the Pacific Flyway.

Mallard numbers are up 8 percent from 2023, wigeon 55 percent.

Greenwing teal and scaup are up 20 and 18 percent, respectively. The unfortunate news is that, nationally, northern pintail are 49 percent below the long-term average and down 11 percent from last year, but as detailed in these pages last issue, there may be more opportunity for the birds in the 2025-26 season.

Getting in on draw blind hunting opportunities in several of Oregon’s wildlife areas can be a smart move for hunters, especially late in the season, and I highly recommend trying them out. After Thanksgiving, when cackling Canadas are in, there are plenty of opportunities on private agricultural tracts, where geese create extensive damage to crops and most landowners are usually very happy to grant access to hunt.

We have had slow mornings in the duck blind change very quickly when large flocks of migrating cacklers show

up. These birds don’t like to decoy easily but do provide some excellent pass shooting and will add some good weight to your lanyard at the end of the day. They make the perfect little roast Christmas goose with stuffing and homemade cranberry orange sauce glaze.

Note that given the early arrival of avian flu with migrating cacklers, ODFW is advising hunters to report (866-968-2600; wildlife.health@ odfw.oregon.gov) sick or dead geese and other waterfowl and not to handle affected birds.

LAST BUT NOT least – and one of the most famous holiday birds of all – the wild turkey is definitely one of my favorites. Folks tend to overlook the fall season Oregon offers on these magnificent birds, but with expanding populations, increased bag limits and depredation hunts, we all have a pretty good chance to stuff one for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Over a couple years, I was able to harvest a late-season bird just before New Year’s and we made sure that he was in the fryer before the ball dropped.

Turkey flocks tend to build up in the wintertime, which means more eyeballs to bust your hunt. Breaking up a flock and calling them back to you using a “kee-kee” call is a triedand-true method.

Oregon’s fall harvest is on a rising trajectory, with 1,206 turkeys taken in 2021, 1,546 in 2022 and 1,726 last year, thanks to recent season extensions. With seasons running through the end of January (but only on private lands with permission in Eastern Oregon), there are plenty of excellent opportunities. See the regulations and dates for the areas you plan on hunting.

“Oregon has excellent fall turkey opportunities at the moment, as our flocks just seem to continue expanding,” notes Cline, who adds, “Hunters should check out ODFW’s Hunt by Reservation lottery, which we run monthly through the fall turkey season.” NS

nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2024 Northwest Sportsman

133

COLUMN

Time For .410s And .22s F

orgive me but I find it amusing how some people declare true love for the 28-gauge but ON TARGET d i s d a i n

By Dave Workman the .410bore shotgun when it comes to late-season upland bird and small game hunting.

Likewise, this is the time of year when a winter hike should always include at least a .22-caliber pistol or rifle.

My own preference goes toward anything stamped with “Ruger” on the barrel, as I know they are accurate and reliable where grouse or rabbits are concerned.

I’ve owned a .410 shotgun for several years. It’s a little side-by-side double with fixed full chokes on both sides and double triggers.

Chambered for 3-inch shells, this cute scattergun comes from Stoeger, and it is already a proven grouse killer. I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to conk a rabbit or snowshoe hare, and this month just might deliver the goods.

Rabbit hunting season in Washington continues through March 15, with a fiverabbit daily bag and possession limit of 15 cottontails or snowshoe hares. By now the hares should be all white, and spotting them against a brushy background should not be difficult.

Grouse hunting continues across the Evergreen State through January 15, and it

When author Dave Workman uses steel in his .410, it’s this stuff (top). A 3-inch load of No. 6s out in the Columbia Basin can put the hurt on quail or rabbits. And when he goes out with a rimfire, he loads up with 40- or 37-grain lead in the magazine of his Ruger 10/22. The .22 Long Rifle is a potent load. (DAVE WORKMAN)

will take some brush beating to flush them, but they’re there! Bag limit is still four a day, but that must include at least one bird of a different pedigree; i.e. three blues and one ruffed, or two of each, or just settle for three birds in the cooler. Pull that off this time of year, and it will be a helluva feat!

Snowshoe hares began changing color in the higher elevations back in late October. My pal Brian Lull was making his way through a swampy area above Highway 12 over in Yakima County when he spotted a bunny in the thicket and conked it with a shot from his 20-gauge O/U Franchi. It was

showing white on the belly and legs.

There appears to be a decent crop of cottontails around, and you can hunt the tangly brush in any lowland or midrange area. Take it slow, look for bunny tracks in any snow you encounter, and shoot straight!

Some years back, one guy writing about shotguns declared the .410 to be a rather useless gun and I quickly took him to task.

The .410-bore shotgun is capable of putting game in the bag, and I’m living proof. I’ve got both steel and lead loads for my gun, and the ballistics are rather impressive.

The 3-inch Federal steel No. 6 holds a 3/8-ounce payload which, according to the box, leaves the muzzle at 1,400 feet per second. There is not a rabbit or fool hen nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2024

Northwest Sportsman 135

COLUMN This snowshoe hare, taken in late October, was already beginning to turn white for the winter.

(DAVE WORKMAN)

Hint: If someone on your Christmas shopping list has a .22 LR or .22 WMR rifle or pistol in the safe, make sure Santa brings them a couple of boxes of ammunition.

MORE BIRD OPS

capable of taking a solid hit from a charge of shot at that velocity and shaking it off.

Likewise, Federal No. 7½ Hi-Brass lead, also in a 3-inch shell, clocks 1,135 fps at the muzzle, and in the dense thickets where shots will be easily within 20 yards, this translates to game in the cooler.

WHAT ABOUT .22S? There may be nothing more rewarding, at least for me, than popping small game with a .22-caliber rifle or pistol. Ammunition is available that can leave the muzzle at more than 1,400 fps (CCI Velocitor), and it gets the job done every time.

Winchester offers several selections, including a 40-grain Super-X load with a muzzle velocity of 1,150 fps, and a 37-grain copper-plated hollowpoint leaving the muzzle at 1,330 fps.

Remington produces a 40-grain “Ranch Hand” round featuring a copper-plated bullet with a 1,255 fps muzzle velocity, and a 38-grain Ranch Hand plated hollowpoint that checks out at 1,340 fps.

Meanwhile, Federal’s Gold Medal 40-grain RNL has a muzzle velocity of 1,200 fps and its 38-grain copper-plated hollowpoint moves out at 1,260 fps.

So far this fall, I’ve removed a big blue grouse from circulation with a 20-yard shot using my Ruger 10/22 and a 40-grain roundnose Winchester bullet. Dead right there. Last year I shot grouse 136 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

with my Ruger MK IV pistol and never felt a bit guilty. I also conked blue grouse with my 20-gauge double using low-base Federal No. 6s with modified and improved cylinder chokes.

If you own a .22 Magnum, you are really in the game. Every .22 Magnum I’ve ever fired was accurate, the cartridge is a flat shooter and the bullet hits hard. If it’s sizzle you want, that’s what you get from Remington’s 40-grain JHP with a muzzle velocity of 1,910 fps. Federal offers a 50-grain JHP, which scoots out at 1,530 fps, while Winchester has a 40-grain JHP, which moves out at 1,910 fps.

New from Apex are steeland-tungsten loads for 20-gauge shotguns. These waterfowl loads feature No. 2 steel and No. 7.5 tungsten super shot, or TSS. (APEX AMMUNITION)

Some people wait until now to pursue quail and chukar. After all, they’ve got far less competition, and with a savvy dog, this can be a productive way to stay in the field.

California quail hunting continues in Eastern Washington through January 20, which is the same season finale for pheasants and gray partridge, or Huns. (See page 34 in the Game Bird and Small Game regs.)

Eastern Washington chukar season remains open through January 31.

What about waterfowl? December and early January offer top opportunities for ducks and geese in the Columbia Basin, in the Tri-Cities area, Nisqually Flats, Grays Harbor, Skagit Flats and other traditional wingshooting areas.

It all depends upon the weather. I’ve been on coyote hunting excursions out in the Basin when I’ve witnessed waterfowl hunters hitting the Dunes area, Potholes and other spots where ducks and geese seem to gravitate this time of year. I’ve been at MarDon Resort when huge flights of honkers have crossed overhead, and hunted pheasants down toward McNary and Plymouth when the evening skies were literally black with flights of ducks.

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COLUMN has expanded its TSS/S3 Steel Waterfowl Blend shotshell family with the addition of a 3-inch 20-gauge load featuring 7/8 ounce of No. 2 steel and ¼ ounce of No. 7.5 tungsten super shot. According to Apex, “These handcrafted ‘duplex’ loads are versatile for a variety of hunting situations, with the steel patterning especially well for closer shots over decoys, followed by the TSS, which has greater retained energy at longer ranges for improved terminal performance to reduce crippling.”

The pellets are plated with zinc to reduce friction. Apex TSS/S3 Steel Blend shotgun shells are also available with No. 4 steel and 7.5 tungsten super shot. For more, see ApexAmmunition.com.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

A .410 shotshell compared to a 20-gauge load. The small shell pays off with mild recoil and a greater challenge for the hunter. (DAVE WORKMAN)

138 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

And don’t forget to give your hunting pals and any landowner on whose property you hunted this year a call or send them a Christmas card. You’ve shared something special with these folks, and this is the time of year to thank them for the memories.

Get together with your pals and lift a

toast to those who are no longer with us.

Let their memories live forever, and their adventures or misadventures get better with each retelling.

The holidays are a special time of year, especially for the young hunters on your shopping list. Don’t forget them. Whether it’s just a box of ammo, a new pair of hunting boots, a red flannel shirt, warm socks or something else for the outdoors (I always liked getting a new hunting knife!), such gifts reinforce the excitement they have for the world outside.

If you have a son or daughter, or maybe a grandson or granddaughter who likes the outdoors, here’s another gift: Promise them a day or weekend of your time, and keep that promise. Time is the most important gift of all, it is irreplaceable and its value cannot be overestimated.

This gift is to be cellphone-free and loaded with extra patience, big smiles and, if you’re smart, a promise to “do it again real soon.”

And also remember your friends with a Northwest Sportsman subscription. NS

More Than One Cut To ‘ W

hen I first decided to hunt sandhill cranes, I struggled. They are CHEF IN a very majestic and THE WILD

By Guest Chef beautiful bird. It was Margie Nelson so wonderful to watch their ritualistic romance dance and their sound is mesmerizing. As a wild game cook, though, I decided that I would give it a go and if they tasted good, we’d be hunting crane. And I am here to say, they taste good – real good!

The old saying that sandhills are the “rib eye of the sky” is exactly correct. The breast of the crane is a beautiful dark-red meat.

When cooked to medium rare you won’t believe it is a migratory species of bird.

You can smoke or roast the full breast, then slice it like a beautiful prime rib. Or slice the breast into steaks and you can even butterfly them out for some delicious

140 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

cutlet-type steaks. However you cook the breast meat, remember to treat it as you would a prime piece of beef and cook it the way you enjoy with your favorite seasonings. For myself, that is medium rare and served with a nice blackberry balsamic. You won’t be sorry!

I’M A HUGE proponent of using the whole bird if possible. The long legs of sandhills are easily made more appealing by slightly braising at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about a half hour. Then hold onto the meat end of the drumstick and use a pair of pliers to pull out the long tendons. This will make your drumsticks more enjoyable to eat.

I have also cooked them over the fire after an overnight marinade of zesty Italian dressing or a delicious teriyaki. The long leg bone makes them fun to eat. You can leave the foot on for an added giggle.

Please make sure to wash their feet well!

The thighs are meaty and when

braised with the legs, some delicious fall vegetables and proper seasoning, you will have a pot of stew that no one will forget.

I think it is fun to share meals with friends and family using my wild harvests. It seems that the more unusual the fare, the more fun the meal can be. Just leave some feet on and roast up some legs over the fire pit in the yard while enjoying the beverage of your choice and see how much fun that is.

HUNTING SANDHILLS IN the Northwest can be tricky. All of the states have specific regulations due to the birds’ population density in that state and area. Conservation efforts are especially strict in Washington, where the sandhill crane is considered endangered and hunting is not allowed. In Oregon they are protected as sensitive and also unavailable for harvest.

You can, however, hunt these birds in portions of Idaho, Montana, Utah and more than a dozen other states, as well as

COLUMN

o ‘Rib Eye Of The Sky’ Alberta, Saskatchewan and other Canadian provinces. Check out the regulations for your state and others by going onto wildlife agencies’ pages for migratory birds and look into sandhill cranes.

I am a born and raised Montanan and hunting the sandhill for me proves to be a bit difficult trying to figure out where they are and how to get to them. Where I live in the Pacific Flyway, they can only be hunted by special permit and only in select counties due to population numbers. The Central Flyway, which is only 20 miles east of me, also has specific regulations and you need to put in for a permit in some of those areas.

Most of the hunting in that area is on private land due to the fact that sandhills prefer feeding in agricultural fields, although public land can always surprise you.

As you go further east in Montana, tags for sandhills can be bought over the counter. As hunters, we all know that regulations change frequently. I suggest

Wingshooters travel long distances to hunt sandhill cranes, which are renown for the quality of their meat. They are available for limited harvest in about one third of the states in America and several Canadian provinces.

(SANDRA UECKER, USFWS)

nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2024

Northwest Sportsman 141

COLUMN

2 RECIPES

FOR SANDHILL CRANES

BLACKBERRY BALSAMIC GLAZE FOR SANDHILL CRANE BREAST

2 cups blackberries (reserve a few for garnish) 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar 1/8 cup maple syrup 1/2 cup water Place all ingredients in a sauce pan and muddle the blackberries into the liquids.

Heat on medium to a simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce the liquid until it covers the back of your spoon and pour over your sandhill crane breast steaks. Top with a few fresh blackberries for a nice garnish.

There are several different ways to cook the breast meat of a crane, but for Margie Nelson, it’s best “medium rare and served with a nice blackberry balsamic.” (MARGIE NELSON)

“It’s not all about the boobs!” jokes Nelson on her Instagram account, wyldgourmet, about other tasty parts of a sandhill. Her recipe for crane leg and thigh stew includes an herb bundle, five kinds of root vegetables and duck fat, among other ingredients. (MARGIE NELSON)

SANDHILL CRANE THIGHS AND LEGS FALL VEGETABLE STEW Two thighs and two legs of sandhill crane Poultry seasoning of your choice, plus salt and pepper Duck fat for searing 1 tablespoon butter One quart of chicken stock or stock you have made using the carcass and bones from your sandhill An herb bundle of oregano, tarragon, thyme, rosemary, sage and a bay leaf Roast bulb of garlic 2 chopped or sliced golden beets 2 stalks of chopped celery 1/2 cup chopped fresh fennel 1 large diced shallot or 1 small diced sweet onion 3 chopped parsnips 2 chopped carrots Season the thighs and legs with poultry seasoning and salt and pepper. In a large stock pot melt your duck fat (or avocado oil) and butter and brown the thighs and legs.

Pour in the chicken stock to deglaze the stock pot and add the rest of the vegetables. Top off with your herb bundle.

Put a lid on your pot and braise in the oven at 350 degrees for half an hour. Pull the legs and remove the tendons with a pair of pliers, then return the legs to the pot and continue to cook for one hour.

Serve over mashed potatoes and enjoy your trophy meal.

This is a delicious fall comfort food – you won’t be sorry! –MN

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COLUMN states, so knowing the differences between them and sandhill cranes is crucial.

Now get out there and put the sandhill crane on your hunting lineup! They really are the “rib eye of the sky” and you can do your part for conservation and make a delicious trophy meal or two also.

And don’t forget to talk to your taxidermist about a mount. I laid my bird out on the floor and told my guy, “I want it to look just like this,” and that is exactly what I got, and it is spectacular. NS Besides making the most out of the meat from her harvest, a mount for the wall is another way author Margie Nelson honors these unique migratory upland birds. (MARGIE NELSON) that if you know of somewhere sandhills hang out, look up the regulations for that area and proceed accordingly.

I understand that using decoys and calls can enhance your chances of a successful hunt, although I have found that the fields are so populated with cranes that the use of these hunting techniques has not yet been required. It is best to hunt cranes

early in the morning and early afternoon when they are feeding. In my experience, they most likely will already be there, but I am going by my Montana hunts.

It is important to know your guns and ammo. The regulations are very specific by each state also. And just like anything else, it is important to know your target. Whooping cranes are an endangered species in all

Editor’s note: Author Margie Nelson was born in Livingston, Montana, where she was raised by her grandparents and learned skills from loading ammo and building guns to cooking outdoors over a fire or a wood stove. After careers ranging from lifeguard and marine biology in Hawaii to climbing the corporate ladder with Pepsi in Seattle and bartending at watering holes in Montana, she settled down to raise her son Rock. Margie teaches wild game processing and wild game cooking through her business, Wyld Gourmet. Follow her on Instagram at wyldgourmet.

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COLUMN

The Yeti LoadOut GoBox 60 Gear Case has held up well for author Scott Haugen through extensive use, putting it on his list of Christmas recommendations for fellow gun dog owners and outdoorsmen. (SCOTT HAUGEN)

Gun Dog-worthy Gift Ideas M

om always told me, “The older you get, the faster life goes by.” She was right.

Another Christmas GUN DOG season is already here!

By Scott Haugen But for us gun dog owners, that just means another excuse has come to spoil our beloved hunting partners.

As a full-time writer and photographer I spend over 280 days afield every year. I get to test a lot of gear. Here’s a look at items my dogs and I have used and will keep using.

HEYDAY TAGALONG 3-GALLON FOOD AND WATER STATIONS

Earlier this year Heyday Outdoor introduced their Tagalong Food 3G and Tagalong Water 3G stations for dogs. Each self-contained station stores 3 gallons, making them ideal for road trips or to keep in the truck and feed and water your dog after a day in the field, be it hunting or training. The creative, easy-to-stow carryand-use design makes the feeding and watering process quick, simple and clean.

During duck season when we’re hunting four to five days a week, I keep both the

food and water bins in the truck, refilling as needed. This makes for easy planning and handling, and it saves time. They ride well in the truck, are easy to clean and make the eating and drinking process very efficient.

Info: $120 each; heydayoutdoor.com.

YETI BOOMER BOWL AND GOBOX 60 Five years ago I picked up one Yeti Boomer Dog Bowl. I was so impressed with how durable it was and how easy it was to clean that I got a bowl for my other dog.

Today we have six Boomer Dog Bowls: one for each dog for feeding inside, one

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COLUMN 45-pound female, while the larger Boomer 8 is great for my 65-pound male.

Another Yeti item that’s helped keep my dog training gear organized is their LoadOut GoBox 60 Gear Case. I got the 15 Gear Case, then picked up the bigger 60 to store dog gear in my truck. I love the durability of the GoBox and the fact I can store key pieces of training gear – including electronics – that don’t get covered in fine dust on the many logging roads we travel in summer. The GoBox keeps everything sealed tight and the nonslip feet keep it from sliding in my truck. It’s tough, easy to maintain and quickly repacks for whatever my needs are.

Info: Bowls starting at $40; GoBox 60: $300; yeti.com.

Heyday Outdoor Tagalong Food 3G and Tagalong Water 3G stations store 3 gallons, making them ideal for road trips. (SCOTT HAUGEN)

NUTRISOURCE COME-POOCH-A

for water on the front and back porch that they use all year long – but especially in summer – and two that stay in the truck for drinking and eating for training sessions and following hunts. The latest bowl was a Boomer 8 for Kona, and it only cost $6 more to have his name inscribed on it.

I’ve tried many dog bowls over the years

and the Boomers are as good as the first day we got them. They’ve been through extreme conditions and held up great; even the rubber ring on the bottom is in perfect condition on every bowl despite being covered in dust, used in gravel, dirt, snow, ice and mud many times over the years.

The Boomer 4 Dog Bowl is perfect for my

Seven years ago I started feeding NutriSource food to my pudelpointers. I love the high protein and all-around health benefits of this food. I also use their treats, more for behavioral rewards around home than in training. I don’t train with treats.

When NutriSource came out with their Come-pooch-a line, I tried it. I’m still using it and my dogs love it. Inspired by kombucha, Come-pooch-a is a unique

HOLIDAY PRESENT SUGGESTIONS FOR SPORTSMEN

Y

es, gun dogs deserve something under the tree, but let’s not overlook sportsmen either. Here are some good ideas for those in your life:

LOOPROPE One of the most universal tools I’ve ever used is the LoopRope. I’ve used them as an emergency leash and tether for my dogs, and for countless other tasks while hunting, fishing and camping. My wife Tiffany has them in her truck and on her bike and uses them all the time for securing items she’s hauling, even groceries.

The multiple fastening loops allow for safe, easy and secure holds with the steel, twosided LoopClips and can be customized to fit specific needs. They’re like a bungee on steroids and are much more streamlined than cargo nets. The LoopClips come in a range of sizes, which I use to secure dog training gear to lanyards, and more.

Info: Starting at $22; info: looprope.com.

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5.11 RESPONSE XR1 HEADLAMP Both Tiffany and I have been a huge fan of 5.11 performance clothes and travel bags and have used them around the world. Their attention to quality is what led me to try their Response XR1 Headlamp. Whether you’re walking to the duck blind in the dark, hiking out of the chukar hills at last light or brushing and feeding your dogs after a hard day afield, the XR1 is impressive. I’ve used a lot of headlamps over the years, and this has become my go-to choice. It casts 1,000 lumens in peak spot mode and is easy to switch to flood mode when needed. The lamp is easy to rotate and is removable.

Info: $84; 511tactical.com.

BENCHMADE O.M. KNIFE Last duck season I had a small knife on my duck call lanyard that opened up and poked a hole in my waders when I bent over. It was the second

time that had happened over the years.

The little, cheap blades I used to rely on would quickly rust and turn dull. It was my fault for settling on subpar knives. Then I tried Benchmade’s OM knife, and loved it.

Closed, the tiny knife is less than 3.5 inches long and weighs only 1.5 ounces.

The mechanism on this double-action out-the-front, or OTF, knife is fairly tight to open and has a safety feature so the blade will pop off the tracks if deployed into an object; it’s easy to reset by retracting the blade. With the OM you get the benefit of quick, one-handed access for immediate work, which is great should you need it to free a dog from decoy pull strings, vines or the like. I clip it on my duck call and dog training lanyards, or use the clip to secure it inside a pants pocket. It’s sharp, fast, convenient, incredibly durable and extremely versatile.

Info: $306; benchmade.com. –SH

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COLUMN topper that provides digestion support for dogs. The savory bone broth has a touch of tang found in yogurt, which most dogs love. My main goal for using Comepooch-a was to keep my dogs hydrated on those hot summer training days. But I’ve also used it as a topper on their regular NutriSource kibble to encourage them to eat more and slowly gain weight in preparation for hunting season. This topper is great for picky dogs, dogs with stress issues that decrease their appetite, and it helps maintain a healthy gut. It contains postbiotics, which are a byproduct of prebiotics and probiotics, meaning it’s ideal for offering immunity support and enhancing overall well-being. Available in beef, turkey and chicken bone broth.

Info: 12-ounce pack: $12; nutrisourcepetfoods.com. NS

A LoopRope (clockwise from top right), Benchmade OM Knife, personalized Yeti Boomer Bowl, NutriSource Come-pooch-a and 5.11 Response XR1 Headlamp are all great gifts that will benefit a hunter and their gun dog(s). (SCOTT HAUGEN)

Editor’s note: Scott Haugen is a full-time writer. See his puppy training videos and learn more about his many books at scotthaugen.com and follow him on Instagram and Facebook.

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With nearly all Northwest deer and elk hunts now in the rearview mirror – and hopefully some venison in your freezer for the long winter ahead! – it’s time to turn attention to the holiday gifting season. (ANDY WALGAMOTT)

9 Holiday Gift Ideas For Hunters W

ith the holidays quickly approaching, you may be starting to think about what you BECOMING can get for a friend or A HUNTER

By Dave Anderson family member who is an avid outdoorsman. However, when it comes to shopping for the hunters in your life, finding the right gift may feel like a challenge. Hunters have specific tastes and preferences when it comes to gear, and their equipment can often be pricey. But there are plenty of thoughtful and useful gifts out there to cater to those hunters.

Gift cards are always an easy choice and

1) Outdoor Edge RazorPro Replaceable Blade Knives I have many high-end knives from

Edge (outdooredge.com) in my pack. I have both the 3.5- and 3.0-inch versions.

If you go this route, I would also recommend investing in or gifting a Leatherman to help assist in removing the blades while in the field. The replaceable blades in this knife are wicked-sharp and sometimes can become difficult to remove. Having a Leatherman is just as much about safety as it is function.

Benchmade, Boker and even some custom ones, but I always have a replaceable-blade knife in my pack. It is super handy when breaking down elk or deer in the field. I can burn through at least four blades when I am taking care of an elk. I carry two different sizes of replaceable blades from Outdoor

2) Kuiu reusable game bags I always carry game bags with me in the field while hunting. I have found that having reusable ones that are lightweight not only cuts down on overall pack weight, but also cost.

There are many different companies that

a great gift idea, but there is something special about unwrapping a present for Christmas.

With that in mind, I have come up with some items that are not only budgetfriendly, but also one-size-fits-all options for those outdoor enthusiasts in your life.

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COLUMN have reusable game bags. I personally prefer those from Kuiu (kuiu.com). They have multiple sizes for quarters as well as bonedout meat, and even have sets available. I’ve field tested these bags and have used them already for multiple elk with zero issues.

They have held up great and are built to last.

3, 4, 5) Peax accessories I have several great gift ideas from a company called Peax (peaxequipment.com). They have a great rechargeable headlamp for under $100. I was hesitant to buy a rechargeable headlamp, but I have yet to run out of battery and have always been able to recharge during the day. For the past few years, I have been carrying a battery pack with me in the field to keep all of my electronic devices charged. But on most of my hunts lately, I have been back to camp where I have power, so I have not had an

For breaking down a big game animal in the field, author Dave Anderson likes Outdoor Edge RazorPro Replaceable Blade Knives in 3.5- and 3.0-inch sizes. (DAVE ANDERSON) issue with recharging.

Next up from Peax is their Storm Castle Gaiters. These are by far my favorite gaiters to wear. I am extremely hard on gaiters and do not hunt without them. They save a lot of wear and tear on expensive hunting pants. They also protect you from getting hung up on sticks and branches, as well as keep water out of your boots if you step into a creek.

Lastly, Peax has four different models of trekking poles. Trekking poles are like giving yourself four-wheel drive in the mountains. I hunted many years without them and experienced several slips and falls. However, in the last few years I started using trekking poles and realized how much of a knee- and lifesaver they are when hunting deep, steep mountainous terrain. Peax’s start out at $135 and go up to $180.

6, 7) Yeti products I am a true believer in

Anderson has sacked up multiple elk in lightweight, reusable game bags from Kuiu. “They have held up great and are built to last,” he writes. (DAVE ANDERSON) 156 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

getting what you pay for. That being said, I am a huge fan of Yeti products (yeti.com).

Trying to keep this budget-friendly, I would like to point out the new heavy-duty plastic water bottles they have. They are called the Yonder and come in a variety of sizes, but my favorite is the 50-ounce bottle, which comes in at an affordable price point of $30. I drink a lot of water, so having a large

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HUNTING COLUMN bottle to keep me hydrated all day is great.

I am not a huge fan of water bladders. A water bottle is much easier to clean and care for versus a bladder. These bottles are exceptionally durable and also have two different sized holes on top – one for filling and one for drinking.

If you want to spend a bit more and have the budget to do so, Yeti coolers are amazing. I have coolers that range from 40 to 210 quarts. They are expensive, but it is sure nice to have a cooler to fit your meat when temperatures are hot. No one wants to have their game spoil after putting in all that hard work to harvest an animal.

8) Gift cards I am always happy to get a gift card from Sportco/Outdoor Emporium (sportco.com), Kuiu or Cabela’s (cabelas .com). They’re a great option if you are unsure about what exactly to get someone.

Gift cards give those hunters in your life the choice to pick and choose what they want.

In addition to gift cards from any of the outdoor stores, I would point out another

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company that provides them. Silencer Central (silencercentral.com) has gift cards that range from $50 to $1,000. As I wrote in my July column, a suppressor is a great tool for any hunter. They reduce noise as well as recoil. Once you start shooting suppressed, you will not want to shoot a rifle without a suppressor again. I have purchased multiple suppressors and Silencer Central makes it extremely easy to do so. Most applications are being turned around in a week or two as of right now. It seems as if the long wait times of the past are over.

9) Battery packs This is a great option for any outdoor lover, including avid hunters, hikers and campers. Nothing is worse than losing power to your electronic devices, whether that be your cell phone or a satellite texting device like my Garmin inReach. I use my devices while in the field for not only navigation, but also communication.

There are great companies out there like Dark Energy (darkenergy.com) that

have awesome battery packs, as well as solar-charging devices to charge your devices or battery pack to keep you going.

Some of these solar panels weigh less than a pound and do not take up much room in a backpack at all.

I HOPE THAT these suggestions give you a few good options to consider for the holidays. When choosing a gift for a hunter, think about their hunting style, preferences and the kind of gear they already use. Many hunters and outdoor enthusiasts appreciate practical gifts that will enhance their experience in the field.

By selecting something thoughtful and functional, you will give them a gift they will genuinely appreciate. For me, most of these are essential items and I would not go out in the field without them. My mission with this article is to give everyone some ideas that will not break the bank but also make that sportsman or sportswoman in your life happy this holiday season. Happy hunting and happy holidays! NS

CUMBERLAND’S NORTHWEST TRAPPERS SUPPLY Hide Tan Formula has been used successfully by thousands of hunters and trappers across the U.S. and Canada. No more waiting several months for tanning. Now, you can tan your own hides and furs at home in less than a week, at a fraction of the normal cost.

Our Hide Formula tans deer hides either hair-on for a rug or mount, or hair-off for buckskin leather. Tans all fur skins – muskrat, mink, beaver, fox, coyote, raccoon, squirrel, rabbit, etc. It also applies to bear, elk, moose, cowhide, sheep and even snakeskin. Hide Tan Formula is premixed and ready to use and produces a soft, supple Indian-style tan in five to seven days.

One 8-ounce bottle will tan one deer hide in two medium-sized fur skins. Bear, elk, moose and caribou require three to six bottles.

Complete instructions are included. You’ll be amazed how easy it is!

Tanned hides and furs are great to decorate your home or camp and also to sell for extra income. Tanned hides and furs are in demand by black powder enthusiasts, American Indian traders, fly tyers, country trading posts and many crafters. Our products are proudly produced and bottled in the U.S. for over 20 years.

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P.O. Box 408, Owatonna, Minnesota 55060 • (507) 451-7607 trapper@nwtrappers.com • www.nwtrappers.com nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2024 Northwest Sportsman

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2024

Holiday Gift Guide

Tim’s Special Cut Meats

timsspecialcutmeats.com All the holiday fixins! Prime rib, tenderloin, steaks, turkeys, hams and more. Also offering gift certificates and freezer meat packages. Great gifts for the hard-to-shop-for person on your list!

Peet Shoe Dryer, Inc.

peetdryer.com In 1968, Gene Peet revolutionized footwear care with the invention of the world’s first shoe dryer. Since then, Peet Shoe Dryer’s unwavering commitment to American manufacturing has been a cornerstone of their success. The Advantage Plus (M2107F) Fan Dryer dries boots, cleats, shoes or skates in just one to four hours, making it the perfect gift and a smart choice for maintaining healthy, dry footwear.

OffGrid Faraday Bags

offgrid.co The OffGrid Faraday Duffel Bag offers superior protection with its built-in signal-blocking technology, shielding your devices from GPS, EMP, Wi-Fi and cellular tracking. Its rugged, water-resistant construction ensures durability, making it perfect for travel, outdoor activities or securing multiple devices. Stay organized and protected with this innovative duffel.

Chrome City Guide Service, LLC 360-751-8748 Call now for the winter steelhead fishing trip of a lifetime! A two-person rafting/fishing trip is $500 – rods, gear and Simms waders included. Guests fish a coastal stream in Southwest Washington, with the option of conventional fishing or fly fishing.

Taku Fisheries Exquisiteknives.com

exquisiteknives.com Exquisiteknives.com offers some of the finest and most collectible contemporary custom knives on the planet. Owner and master bladesmith with the American Bladesmith Society, Dave Ellis has been a lifelong knife collector and his personal collection spans makers from around the globe. This fantastic knife from the Exquisiteknives.com personal collection was made by Dr. Fred Carter. The marvelous photo was done by Ricardo Velarde, good friend of Exquisiteknives.com.

takustore.com Four pounds of both wild-caught Alaskan king salmon and wildcaught Alaskan halibut delivered directly to your doorstep overnight. Just $210 for the freshest and highest quality seafood from Alaska’s pristine waters. Directly from Alaskan fishermen to you.

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Michlitch Company

2024

Holiday Gift Guide

spokanespice.com Michlitch Company offers a wide variety of jerky and sausage-making seasonings and supplies. For the holiday season, they have gift boxes available for $30 each.

Each box includes three seasoning blends and one sauce. Visit the website to see their variety of products and gift boxes.

Boat Insurance Agency

Northwest Outfitters

boatinsurance.net The Boat Insurance Agency is an independent agency representing the best marine insurance companies. They carefully compare a number of policies to find the lowest premiums and best values for your boat insurance needs. Boat Insurance Agency is owned and operated by Northwest boaters. They have the local knowledge needed to understand boating in the West, along with your special needs. Contact them for an insurance quote and to learn more about the value and service they can offer.

nwoutfitters.com North Idaho’s locally owned fly shop and authorized Orvis dealer, Northwest Outfitters carries a large selection of the industry’s finest fishing equipment and sportswear. They also provide walk and wade guide trips on the North Fork Coeur d’Alene and power boat trips on the Chain Lakes for pike.

Tulalip Beef Jerky Experience beefjerkyx.com/tulalip Over 100 varieties of premium beef, pork, salmon, wild and exotic game jerky!

Choose from tender smoked, traditional, classic, biltong or crispy styles. Great gifting alternatives for all budgets.

Order online or shop at the Tulalip, Washington, store.

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Tri Cities Tackle

tricitiestackle.com Providing the Pacific Northwest with top-quality tackle and bait for every species, Tri Cities Tackle specializes in custom-painted gear. Explore their innovative Scent Bullets from Legacy Fishing, and the game-changing Vortex Blades – proven to enhance your fishing experience!

FISHING • HUNTING • NEWS

NWSPORTSMANMAG.COM

All Rivers & Saltwater Charters

allriversguideservice.com The team at All Rivers & Saltwater Charters offers shared and private, fully furnished Washington fishing charters for salmon, steelhead, tuna, lingcod, halibut and crab. Their charter fishing locations include the Seattle-area rivers, Puget Sound, Westport and San Juan Islands, the Columbia River and Olympic Peninsula rivers.

Stonefly Nets

stoneflynets.com Stonefly Nets make a perfect holiday gift for the fly fishing enthusiast in your life. Whether wading through rivers or casting from the shore, this thoughtful gift adds joy to their favorite outdoor adventure, enhancing their experience with quality, ease and the perfect balance of function and craftsmanship.

Coastal Marine Engine

Verle’s

verles.com Verle’s has the Big Chief front-loading smoker package for you. Smoking is made simple with the Big Chief Smoker, as all you have to do is plug it into a standard household outlet. Just place your food (after brining or preparation) on one of the five racks that sit over the top of the drip pan. The smoker’s capacity is 50 pounds of meat or fish!

Includes: smoker, four easy-slide chrome-plated grills, electric cord, drip pan, free bag of Smokehouse Alder Wood Chips, and recipe booklet.

Christmas holiday special – four bags of Smokehouse Chips & Chunks free with purchase of a Big Chief Smoker. Limited to stock on hand.

Northwest Sportsman Magazine nwsportsmanmag.com The premier source for actionable fishing and hunting opportunities in the states of Washington, Oregon and Idaho. With input from top guides and expert sportsmen, each issue aims to give readers intelligent advice on how to harvest more fish and game that month, provide insight into major issues affecting fish and wildlife, and profile interesting sportsmen. No other magazine in the region can match the breadth of coverage nor the respect Northwest Sportsman has earned.

A one-year subscription is $39.95 for 12 issues.

Call 800-332-1736 or go online to subscribe.

Hi-Point Firearms

hi-pointfirearms.com MKS Supply is excited to announce the latest additions to the Hi-Point Firearms lineup: the 995P and 4595P pistols. The 995P, a pistol version of the popular Model 995 Carbine, is perfect for backpack carry, ensuring that you have a reliable firearm at your side wherever you go. A machined addition on the rear of the pistol includes a Picatinny rail, allowing for the attachment of various accessories, as well as compatibility for buffer tubes and folding braces, adding to the versatility of these firearms.

coastalmarineengine.com Get 10 percent off labor on any scheduled maintenance between January 2 and February 28. Please use discount code NWSM2025 when booking your service.

Salmoncrazy Adventures

salmoncrazyadventures.com Early bird deals on package trips! To qualify, book three days of fishing or more for private boat charter fishing. Call now to secure your dates! nwsportsmanmag.com | DECEMBER 2024

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Black Hills Ammunition

black-hills.com The Black Hills 6mm ARC 90-grain Dual Performance load is designed to shoot flatter to 600 yards compared to the 103-grain ELD-X introduced last year, plus open immediately upon impact to create a large, 7-inch-diameter wound channel.

Velocity is 2,650 feet per second with over 1,400 foot-pounds of energy.

2024

Holiday Gift Guide

Davis Tent

davistent.com The sleeping bag cover from Davis Tent is a great way to protect your sleeping bag and add a little warmth. You can even sleep under the stars on a starry night! Roll your sleeping bag, pillow and sleeping pad up and it’s a perfect bedroll to keep all your sleeping gear organized.

Diamond Lake Resort

diamondlake.net Diamond Lake Resort gift certificates are the perfect stocking stuffer for the outdoor enthusiast. Get your certificates at the website above or call 541-793-3333 to purchase.

Fisherman’s Gold

Teeny, Inc. Fly Lines

jimteeny.com Teeny, Inc. Fly Lines is offering their $50 coffee table book for $25, which includes free shipping in the United States. This book is hardbound, full-color, and full of stories and photos. A great personal gift!

fishermansgold.com Flounder Pounder Cinnamon Twist three-pack for $11.99. Best soft bait for bottomfishing. These high-quality baits won’t degrade over multiple uses and are made specifically for West Coast fisheries.

The Lodge at Otter Cove

lodgeottercove.com Give someone special the gift of an Alaskan adventure! The Lodge at Otter Cove’s all-inclusive three-day/ four-night package is priced at $3,995 per person plus taxes and fees. This includes three guided adventures, your accommodations and all of your meals. Check out their website or give Joe a call at 907-299-6450 for details.

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Puget Sound Fly Shop

pugetsoundflyshop.com Puget Sound Fly Shop has a comprehensive selection of fly fishing gear and fly tying items. Great gift items for the fly fishing enthusiasts. Gift cards are also available.

Choose quality Alaskan-made gear when planning your next adventure.

GUN SCABBARD waterproof gun bag

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Shop nomaralaska.com to see all the gear we make for outdoor adventures.

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2024

Holiday Gift Guide

Liberty Game Calls

libertygamecalls.com Liberty Game Calls are predominantly made of rubber, setting them apart from plastic game calls on the market. Rubber is soft and flexible and has exceptional sound transmission properties. Rubber’s high elasticity enables it to absorb and dissipate sound energy more effectively. This ensures that sound waves are not reflected or prematurely absorbed, allowing them to carry further and more efficiently. Rubber’s low density and significant internal damping produce deeper, more resonant sounds.

Rubber is the perfect material for calling game where the highest sound transmission and quality are essential for attracting game.

Colorado Buck’s Dream Catcher Beef dreamcatcherbeef.com Use code PRIME15 to get 15 percent off a prime rib.

McOmie’s Custom Lures

mcomiescustomluresllc.com McOmie’s Custom Lures’ 3.5 Colorado spinners with squid skirts and 3.5 Colorado blades make perfect stocking stuffers for the fishing family.

Taylor’s Sausage Fireweed Lodge

fireweedlodge.com Come stay and fish at Fireweed Lodge, the premier luxury Alaskan fishing lodge. Located on Alaska’s Prince of Wales Island. Make your reservations on their website.

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taylorsausage.com Taylor’s Sausage is a fourth-generation meat and sausage company. They have a factory in which they make hundreds of different flavors and types of jerky, sausage and smoked meats. Taylor’s offers holiday gift packages on their website and they will process your wild game into fine products to share with your family and friends.

Alaska Butcher Equipment & Supply

alaskabutcherequip.com Hunting and fishing processing equipment. Alaska Butcher Equipment & Supply has all you need to process your own hunt or catch! Local and familyowned. Friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Fishing for Walleye, Trout, Pike, Pan Fish, Bass, Stripers, Salmon and Whitefish with Bay de Noc Lures

WWW.BAYDENOCLURE.COM Dealer Inquires Welcome!

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Holiday Gift Guide

Rodeo City RV

rodeocityrv.com Huge end-of-year blowout sale – some trailers below dealer cost, all well below MSRP, no payments till 2025, along with many more incentives. Twenty percent off all parts in store. See how much you can save by shopping a small family-owned dealership and the amazing service you will receive.

GoDark Faraday Bags

godarkbags.com Safeguard your satellite phone with the GoDark Faraday Bag, designed to be highly water- and puncture-resistant. This innovative bag effectively blocks satellite signals, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, 5G and EMP interference. It features MOLLE straps on the back for convenient attachment to belts or bags, along with a secure magnetic buckle that allows for easy onehanded access.

Uncle Norm’s Marine Products

youtube.com/@UncleNormsMarine Uncle Norm’s Performance Fins cut through the water, decreasing turn radius and boat wander for better slow-speed control and docking ability. The horizontal fluke area across the top blocks the prop from drawing water from the surface, effectively eliminating ventilation. You’ll get on plane faster and gain a smoother ride.

Chrome Chasers Fishing Lodge

chromechasers.com Immerse yourself in the Alaska experience of a lifetime. Chrome Chasers offers fishing, glacier trips and wildlife viewing, including bears, whales and other sea life. Take home fresh seafood you harvest and learn how to prepare it with in-house cooking classes.

Experience Alaska!

Northern Rockies Adventures

nradventures.com Experience an all-inclusive fly-in fishing trip in Northern BC’s pristine Rockies. Fly to remote fisheries, guided by seasoned experts, and fish for rainbow trout, northern pike, Arctic grayling and more. Enjoy seamless premium service, from direct Vancouver flights to gourmet meals, and unforgettable wilderness adventure.

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Cranberry Creek Lodge Inc.

cranberrycreeklodge.com Come join Cranberry Creek Lodge for the Alaskan adventure of a lifetime!

From fighting monster halibut, lingcod and salmon to chasing trophy sea ducks and Sitka blacktail deer, you won’t want to miss out on this remote Alaskan experience.

Great gift idea to get the entire family in on the action! Located on Kodiak Island, Alaska.

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Nomar

nomaralaska.com The Nomar boat bag is a versatile splash-proof bag to tote your gear to the boat, to the beach or wherever a tough, heavy-duty bag is required. The top zips closed to protect its contents. Heavy-duty carry handles and D-rings on the side to add a carry strap. Measures 15 inches by 10 inches by 15 inches. Available in lots of colors.

Safe Jack

safejacks.com Safe Jack solves century-old stability and safety issues related to farm jacks and the classic bottle jack. The most common failure is not linked to the jack itself but to stability, too much ground loading in one spot, and the lift point. Check out these kits!

Wolfsen’s Meat & Sausage

wolfsensausage.com Wolfsen’s Meat & Sausage offers charcuterie boards made with Wolfsen’s made-in-house turkey, ham, tri-tip, snack sticks, grapes, nuts and cheese.

Wolfsen’s Gift Bags include: 1 small Wolfsen’s thermal bag; 1 pack of sausage; 1 pack of beef jerky; 1 pack of snack sticks; 1 4-ounce bag of Stewart & Jasper nuts; and 1 bottle of Wolfsen’s Sauce.

Deep Sea Sportfishing

Yaquina Bay Charters

yaquinabaycharters.com This holiday season, give the gift of an Oregon Coast fishing adventure! Gift cards are available online.

deepseasportfishing.net Deep Sea Sportfishing is a premier adventure destination for Westport fishing charter enthusiasts, boasting a fleet of exceptional vessels – the Comeback, El Matador, Tequila Too, Sudsy, Aurora and the Ultimate.

With a focus on providing an unforgettable deep-sea fishing experience, Deep Sea Sportfishing offers a diverse range of fishing trips, each tailored to cater to the preferences and skill levels of anglers.

KatchKooler Deluxe

silverhorde.com The KatchKooler Deluxe “Keeps Your Catch Fresher.” The compact design makes it easy to stow. A high-density closed-cell foam layer will keep your fish extra cold. Made with durable waterproof outer fabric and equipped with a strong handle. Excellent for transporting fish. It’s the perfect gift for the angler in your family.

170 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

Custom Boat Trailers Reliable Quality Service & Craftsmanship For Over 50 Years!

• NMMA Certified • All Steel Weld Frame, Fenders & Bunks • 2 YEAR WARRANTY

343 Thain Rd., Lewiston, Idaho • www.gateway-materials.com • 208-743-0720

CUMBERLAND’S NORTHWEST TRAPPERS SUPPLY Hide Tan Formula has been used successfully by thousands of hunters and trappers across the U.S. and Canada. No more waiting several months for tanning. Now, you can tan your own hides and furs at home in less than a week, at a fraction of the normal cost.

Our Hide Formula tans deer hides either hair-on for a rug or mount, or hair-off for buckskin leather. Tans all fur skins – muskrat, mink, beaver, fox, coyote, raccoon, squirrel, rabbit, etc. It also applies to bear, elk, moose, cowhide, sheep and even snakeskin. Hide Tan Formula is premixed and ready to use and produces a soft, supple Indian-style tan in five to seven days.

One 8-ounce bottle will tan one deer hide in two medium-sized fur skins. Bear, elk, moose and caribou require three to six bottles.

Complete instructions are included. You’ll be amazed how easy it is!

Tanned hides and furs are great to decorate your home or camp and also to sell for extra income. Tanned hides and furs are in demand by black powder enthusiasts, American Indian traders, fly tyers, country trading posts and many crafters. Our products are proudly produced and bottled in the U.S. for over 20 years.

Available at Cumberland’s Northwest Trappers Supply in Owatonna, Minnesota.

Call (507) 451-7607 or email trapper@nwtrappers.com. nwtrappers.com

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Anglers Haven Lodge

49anglers.com Anglers Haven Lodge offers world-class fishing for Chinook, coho, sockeye and pink salmon, as well as halibut, rockfish, lingcod, trophy rainbow and Dolly Varden trout, and steelhead from their comfortable lodge overlooking the beautiful Kasilof River. They also offer flyouts for bear viewing, duck hunting, clamming, glacier tours and sea kayaking.

Westview Marina

westviewmarina.com Epic British Columbia, Canada, fishing/ catching adventure. Drive or fly-in, four nights’ lodging, three full days of guided fishing/catching salmon, halibut, lingcod and much more, with all your meals off a large restaurant menu. Price is $2,100 USD each for a crew of four to six people. Call 1-250-287-1394 for more information.

Bite Me Northwest Adventures LLC

bitemenorthwestadventures.com • Winter/spring walleye trips, January-May; • Spring Chinook at Drano Lake, April-May; • Summer sockeye at the Brewster Pool, July-August.

All gear provided. Give them a call!

Horizon West Fishing Adventures

horizonwestcharters.com Horizon West Fishing Adventures is the premier fishing charter in Sitka, Alaska. They are laserfocused on giving guests the best fishing experience, starting with experienced captains and custom-built Coldwater boats. Their modern accommodations give you a relaxing place to rest after a fun-filled day on the water. Let’s go fishing!

172 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

Sportco

sportco.com Destroy the toughest of desserts with the Ka-Bar Dessert Destroyer Ice Cream Scoop. Also works great with melons such as watermelon and cantaloupe. Made in America with food- and water-safe Creamid. A unique holiday favorite only at Sportco!

THEY WRITE COUNTRY SONGS ABOUT MORNINGS LIKE THIS.

BUT AT 70 MPH YOU CAN’T HEAR THEM.

It’s a glorious sunrise, viewed in fast forward thanks to the power of your 250 ProXS. Because you need to get there while the fish are still eating breakfast.

Learn more at mercurymarine.com or visit your local dealer, today.

CONNECTICUT Connor’s and O’Brien Marina Pawcatuck, CT connorsandobrien.com Defender Industries Inc. Waterford, CT defender.com O’Hara’s Landing Salisbury, CT oharaslanding.com

Captain Bub’s Marine Inc. Lakeville, MA captainbubsmarine.com

Obsession Boats East Falmouth, MA capecodboatcenter.com

Doug Russell Marine Worcester, MA WorcesterBoating.com

Portside Marine Danvers, MA portsidemarine.us

Master Marine Boat Center, Inc.

503 Jacks Lane Riverfront Marine Sports Inc. Essex Marina LLC. Salisbury, MA Essex, MA Mt Vernon, WA 98273 riverfrontmarine.com essexmarinallc.com (360) 336-2176 South Attleboro Marine McLellan Brothers Inc. www.mastermarine.com North Attleboro, MA Everett, MA

NEW HAMPSHIRE Dover Marine Dover, NH dovermarine.com Winnisquam Marine Belmont, NH winnisquammarine.com RHODE ISLAND

M A S S AC H U S E T T S

mclellanbrosinc.com

www.sammarine.com

Billington Cove Marina Inc. Wakefield, RI bcoveyc.com

Action Marine & Watersports Inc. Holyoke, MA actionmarineholyoke.com

Merrimac Marine Supply Methuen, MA merrimacmarine.com

Wareham Boat Yard W. Wareham, MA wareham-boatyard-marina.com

Jamestown Distributors Bristol, RI jamestowndistributors.com

Bill’s Outboard Motor Service Hingham, MA billsoutboard.com

Nauset Marine-Orleans Orleans, MA nausetmarine.com

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Pacific Calls

pacificcustomcalls.com Deuces Double Reed Duck Call is the number-one-selling duck call at Pacific Calls. It has a great range, is easy to blow and is user-friendly, creating the perfect tool for any duck hunter.

Pocket Ox Finn Bay Lodge

finnbaylodge.com Give the gift of a once-in-a-lifetime adventure by purchasing a partial fishing trip up to an entire fishing trip for a loved one! Reach out to hello@ finnbaylodge.com to discuss pricing and options.

PocketOx.com The stocking-stuffer-size Half Calf is the tiniest mini hoist offered by Pocket Ox. A cut-down version of their 1,000-pound 8:1 Calf hoist, hence the name, the Half Calf is truly a block and tackle that will fit in a pocket. Standard 50 feet of “rope” has a blockto-block reach of 12 feet. May be ordered with 100 feet, doubling that distance while adding less than an ounce of carry weight.

Fish Hunters Guide Service

fishhuntersguideservice.com Holiday special! The more people in your group, the more you save! Up to $200 in savings! **$50 off the purchase for two guests, $75 off the purchase for three guests, $100 off the purchase for four guests, $150 off the purchase for five guests, and $200 off the purchase for six guests. This offer expires 1/1/25.

Texas Best Beef Jerky

texasbestbeefjerky.com Great for corporate or individual gift-giving.

Purchase 1 pound of Texas Best beef jerky and get a quarter pound free. Order today at the above website or call 940-691-3664, with the offer code Sportman.

174 Northwest Sportsman DECEMBER 2024 | nwsportsmanmag.com

Top Fly Guide Service

topflyguides.com Top Fly Guide Service provides guided fly fishing trips for trout and steelhead in Washington and Montana. Gear and instruction included!

Honest Cut Meats, LLC

honestcutmeats.com Honest Cut Meats is a full-service custom cut and wrap USDA facility. Specializing in smoked specialty meat, including all wild game.