WDFW FISHING RULE CHANGE - Smelt

WDFW FISHING RULE CHANGE
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091
http://wdfw.wa.gov

December 24, 2008

2009 Smelt seasons set for SW Washington


Species affected: Smelt

Effective dates: Jan. 1 through March 31, 2009

Action (1): Open seven days a week, 24 hours a day

Location: Columbia River

Daily Limit: 25-pound daily limit

Action (2): Open Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Location: Cowlitz River

Daily Limit: 10-pound daily limit

Reason for action: A Level 1 fishery was adopted in accordance with the Washington and Oregon Eulachon Management Plan. Abundance and productivity indicators project a weak return of smelt for 2009. This rule is consistent with WDFW Hearing action of December 18, 2008.

Information contact: Region 5 Office (360) 696-6211

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.

What flies do you recommend for smelt? Something in a long-shanked dipnet?

Ladyfisher,

Haven't tasted a smelt in years. My dad used to catch them through the ice in Lake Champlain on the Vermont side in the winter. Mom would fry up a big batch and dad would make up a batch of his "secret sauce' to dip them in and we'd all dive in like starving scarecrows. Dad made a big to do about his sauce and would never let any of us, including mom, see just what all the ingredients were that went into the mix. I think it was a combo of ketchup, Worchestershire sauce, A.I. sauce, a little fresh squeezed lemon juice, a little horseradish and lord knows what else. Yum!!! Made myself hungry just thinking about a mess.

Having waded the shallows and 'dipped' the very best of the smelt, from the fresh water of Lake Huron, for many, many seasons, I would suggest a 'dry fly.' (The standard was about 8 inches long, an inch wide and had two rows of metal teeth running the full length (the hook was movable and traveled the full length of the teeth)) It was always an elusive subject at the time, most folks starting off in the evenings with one, only to lose it during the course of events. Yes, DG, a dry fly would be most the relevant and desired.