Those mallards would come down like an elephant falling out of a tree, and often in big bunches. Meseberg is not a fan of steel shot, saying it still results in more unrecovered game, but he says motion decoys tend to help bring birds within steel's more restricted range. Don't let anyone outlaw devices which can keep hunting on crowded public areas viable. Another top opportunity for the hardy angler in Eastern Washington right now is the winter rainbow trout fishery on Lake Roosevelt. Prime, fat fish will average 16-20 inches, and the Spring Canyon area near Grand Coulee has been particularly good.
Water levels are low, however, due to power needs, so boat launching in the area is limited.
The winter blackmouth season resumes Feb. 16, targeting those hatchery chinook put in the water by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife with funds from the Puget Sound enhancement surcharge on fishing licenses. The program supposedly puts 2.5 million fish in the water annually from rearing ponds mostly located on south Sound tributaries, but rumors persist that the program isn't utilizing its full potential and isn't providing the numbers of fish in the boat that it should for local anglers. We have a lot of fish around and they tend to be bigger than normal. Wash. If you have questions or comments, please contact us .