Now is a great time to take the youngsters out fishing in one our local lakes stocked with trout.

If you purchase a big or small game hunting license, western Washington pheasant permit, trapping license, Watchable Wildlife decal, saltwater or freshwater combination recreational fishing license, you will receive a vehicle access pass for WDFW-managed lands and wont need the Discover Pass on those lands. You will still need the Discover Pass to hunt or fish on Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or State Parks land.

The governor just signed into law the need to possess the new pass, which costs $30 for the year or $10 for a one-day pass. The pass, which will be available in mid-June, will cover state recreational lands including state parks, boat launches, campgrounds, heritage sites, wildlife and natural areas, trails and trailheads. 

Your state park camping reservation stub or camping fee receipt will serve as your permit for the duration of your stay in the park where you have paid for a campsite. If you visit other state parks in the area, you will need an annual or daily Discover Pass. You will need a pass if you are camping on lands managed by the DNR or Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

In the Pacific Coast Region these state parks are affected: Pacific Beach, Griffiths-Priday, Ocean City, Damon Point, Westport Light, Twin Harbors, Grayland Beach, Bottle Beach, Leadbetter Point, Pacific Pines, Cape Disappointment, Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and Fort Columbia.

SPRINGERS

Now that spring Chinook are passing through Bonneville Dam in numbers ranging from 4,000 to 12,000 fish per day, new fishing opportunities are opening up on the Columbia River. Fishery managers have re-opened that portion of the Columbia river between Rocky Point/Tongue Point upriver to Beacon Rock until June 15. Bank fishing will also be allowed four miles further upriver to the fishing boundary below Bonneville dam. Anglers may retain one hatchery adult Chinook as part of their limit.

HALIBUT

   This past weekend, eight charter boats went out after halibut, two boats taking limits, six boats with near limits and the fish ranged 20 to 40 pounds apiece. The Marine Area 1 (Columbia River) quota total is 15,418 pounds, the early season 10,793 pounds and the late season 4,625 pounds still a long way to go.

STURGEON

Sturgeon fishing opened Saturday, but we received no successful sturgeon stories to date.

SPECIAL HUNT PERMITS

Now that the May 18 deadline for submitting for special hunting permits has passed, hunters have until the last week of June to await results of the drawings. Hunters will be advised of their drawing status by email or postcard, depending on their preference.

   There certainly is no shortage of outdoor activities to partake in; May 21 and 22 offer the last chance to stock up on razor clams on the Long Beach Peninsula. Trout fishing is still good in Black Lake for children and adults alike, the Radar lakes are always an option as well as surf perch fishing off the beach. Lots to do!

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Ron Malast can be reached at 665-3573 or raiders7777@centurylink.net