Hooking the next generation of fishers
Andrew Christiansen
Reporter
The odds were in favor of the kids during last Saturday’s fishing clinic and outdoor education day at Mt. Adams-Guler Park, at Trout Lake. Great fishing weather, lots of fish, the right bait, and no escape, allowed 238 kids to hook and remove most of the 1,400 fish planted by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). This was the 20th year for the event which is organized by the U.S. Forest Service, Mt. Adams Ranger District at the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Partnering in the effort were the White Salmon Steelheaders, and WDFW. Also helping out were students from Trout Lake School, Andy’s Valley Service, the Skamania County Sheriff’s office with their rescue boat, Northwest Service Academy and the Trout Lake Grocery who provided worms for bait. The total crowd with parents and grandparents was estimated at 500-600 by the Mt. Adams Ranger Station staff.
The WDFW stocked an isolated portion of an irrigation ditch with 1,400 rainbow trout from the Goldendale Hatchery plus a dozen 4.2 pound brood stock fish, according to John Weinheimer, of the WDFW. The other fish averaged just under a half-pound each. Poles were provided, mostly a simple stick with leader, sinkers and a hook. The weather was a perfect cool, damp day and the fish were biting. Each person was allowed up to five fish which were taken to a fish cleaning station manned by WDFW personnel. By late morning many of the fish were hitting the frying pan as families enjoyed lunch and visits to educational and fun exhibits.
Face and t-shirt painting was a popular stop organized by Sarah Brophy, a volunteer from Portland who has been involved with the event from its beginning. Also on hand was story teller Will Hornyak, also from Portland and animal costumes from the Forest Service helped kids get into the outdoor mood.
As the day drew to an end, 11 of the big fish had been caught and the one hold out was within minutes of eluding capture. But, alas, the 12th big fish couldn’t avoid the temptation of a big, juicy worm and was caught and destined for a dinner plate.
Trout fishing is open along a number of Klickitat County streams. On the Klickitat River until Nov. 30, a limit of two fish at least 12 inches long while salmon may be caught with certain restrictions for the rest of the year. Check the Washington fishing guide for specifics.
The Little Klickitat is a youth only steam running where trout fishing is open with no minimum size and a limit of five fish per day for youth under 15. Spring Creek, outside Goldendale is open through Oct. 31 for trout fishing minimum eight inches, limit five.
The Columbia River has an abundance of species of fish including bass, walleye, salmon and sturgeon. Bass and walleye have year-round fishing with no minimum size. The limit on bass is five and you may retain up to three over 15 inches long. The limit on walleye is 10 with retention of up to five fish over 18 inches and one over 24 inches.
Sturgeon management limits have been reached from the Bonneville Dam to McNary Dam, but catch and release is allowed with the exception of certain protected areas.
Salmon and steelhead fishing is open through July 31 from Bonneville Dam to McNary Dam. The minimum size is 12 inches with a daily limit of six fish. The regulations say up to two adult hatchery salmon or hatchery steelhead or one of each can be retained. No wild salmon or steelhead may be removed from the water. From John Day Dam to McNary Dam the regulations state that up to two adult hatchery Chinook or hatchery steelhead or one of each may be kept with all other salmon released. After Aug. 1, coho may also be retained.
Locals win three events at Ketchum Kalf Rodeo
Andrew Christiansen
Reporter
Chris Miller was presented the Hank Ladiges memorial buckle for her years of work with the Ketchum Kalf Rodeo at Glenwood last weekend. It was part of the tradition of the rodeo which has been part of the Klickitat County scene since 1934. In addition to the rodeo was a Saturday night dance, Sunday morning parade, kids games and the fun of camping among the pine trees east of the rodeo arena.
The Shawna Roberson memorial buckle presented to the the winner of the junior barrel racing event went to Randi Johnson, of Goldendale.
Other local winners were Tate Bailey, of Centerville, tops in breakaway roping, and Goldendale’s Mike Thiele who won the cow milking contest. Thiele and Brad Cameron, of Centerville were fifth in team roping where Cody Slater, of Goldendale and his partner Bill Timinsky, of The Dalles place second. Shelby Kayser and Kelsey Kayser, both of Centerville, did well in breakaway roping, placing fifth and sixth, respectively. Clint Endicott, of Goldendale placed fourth in tie down roping and Nate Kayser, of Centerville was second in cow milking. Goldendale’s Gavine Cooper was fourth in bareback bronc riding.
Wanderscheids take Goldendale “open” titles
Goldendale Golf Course got into the spirit of the U.S. Open by holding their own tournament last weekend, even “teaming up” with the pros for overall scoring championship. It was a Wanderscheid sweep for the championship in the gross score division with Zach Wanderscheid shooting a 71 in the men’s class and Brie Wanderscheid coming home with a 91 for the women. Net score winners were Mark Giovannoni with a 71 and Nancy Beyerlin shooting a 90.
A blind draw was held, pairing each of the Goldendale players with one of the PGA pros competing at the U.S. Open on Saturday. The pros’ score was combined with the Goldendale net scores resulting in a three-way tie. Matt Anderson and Tiger Woods scored 146, as did the pairs of Adam Black and Ernie Els, and Mark Giovannoni and Shaun Micheel.
The Kiwanis Tournament is at the Goldendale Golf Course this Saturday. |
