It’s a fishy time of year

I don’t consider myself a seedy character, but I love this time of year when my attention turns to writing about hookers, nymphs and maggots.

Fishing never ends here in the Inland Northwest, but April is a special month when waters get warmer, fish get more active and new seasons start to open.

On April 29, hundreds of thousands of people are expected to take a break from soccer games, golf courses and other modern distractions to be out on a favorite fishing hole for Washington’s lowland lake-fishing season opener. State officials expect as many as 300,000 anglers.

North Idaho’s next major opening day is May 27, when streams such as the St. Joe and Coeur d’Alene open for trout fishing.

Washington’s lowland lakes opener is about six times bigger than any other single sporting event in the state, said Jeff Koenings, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife director.

“Fortunately, we’re not all in one place that day,” he said. “I wish I could guarantee perfect weather, but I can say there will be plenty of fish to go around. ”

More than 21 million fish ranging from fry to lunkers have been stocked in Washington since last year.

Regardless of what state they fish, anglers are required to do a certain amount of homework before they wet a line. Seasons and regulations change annually to keep up with evolving fisheries.

The Spokesman-Review produces this annual fishing section to help alert anglers to the changes, but it’s still important to check state regulations pamphlets for rules governing specific waters.

And don’t hold too dearly to any early-season experiences you had in 2005. The region’s snowpack is much more substantial this year and it’s coming off slowly with the cool spring weather. Once runoff starts, streams aren’t likely to be in shape for fishing in late May as they were last year.

Meantime, many lowland lakes are full of water for the first time in years of drought.

The good ol’ days of fishing are back at many waters.

Read on.