Woodland Creek Community Center 6729 Pacific Avenue SE, Lacey, WA 98503
Club News and Current Events
Just a reminder for those who have not paid your club dues yet, time is getting short . Dues are $35.00 and can be paid at the general meetings or you can mail them to PSA, P.O.Box 1002, Olympia, Washington 98507. If your dues are not paid by April you will be removed from the membership list, will not get The Reel News and will be removed from the e-mail list.
Also we need a member to volunteer for the secretary/treasurer position. I am retiring from this position after 21 years. I will help the member learn the job and it is not difficult. Along that line we need a member to volunteer to be banquet chairman. I can also help train for this position.
If you are interested you can call me at 360-491-0431 to ask any questions.
Dee Glenn
360-491-0431
We had 2 boats and 6 fishing for flat fish on March 4 - fishing was slow, but, a few fish were caught - starry flounder, rock sole, Irish lord and sculpin. Was a good day on the water.
Our club's bylaws require us to elect these officers, president, vice president, secretary/treasurer and two board members, at the March meeting. The purpose of this email to solicit candidates for these essential positions. The very survival of the South Sound Chapter Puget Sound Anglers is dependent upon members of the club stepping up and taking on one of these positions.
This year the most critical position is secretary/treasurer. Dee Glenn, who has graciously served in this position for twenty years has decided to retire effective March 31, 2023. She has agreed to serve jointly with the person elected at the March meeting for up to one year to provide the necessary training. If no one is elected to the position at the March meeting the club will almost surely die because we will have nobody to do what she does to keep us functioning. If you are interested in taking on her duties, but need more information, please give Dee a call at 360 491 0431.
Please let me know at ramorrow@pacifier.com or 360 866 0189 if you are interested in any of these positions.
Allen Morrow
Chair Nominating Committee
South Sound Chapter – March 2023
Martin F Chen - President
February has come and gone. The month began with a very informative presentation by Jason Morgan from the Northwest Straits foundation on their efforts to locate and remove derelict nets and crab pots from Puget Sound. We had high hopes that we would be able to have a couple of clam digs and surf perch outings but the weather gods put a damper on those efforts.
We are now entering the busiest time of our year. There are a lot of events on the attached calendar during March and April that require active volunteer participation. Perhaps the most critical of these events will occur on Thursday March 2 when we elect officers for the upcoming year at our annual meeting. This year we will elect a President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer and two board members. All of these positions are important for the continued operation of our club, but this year the need to elect a new Secretary/Treasurer is paramount. Dee Glenn, who has held this office for over 20 years, has announced that she plans to retire effective June 1. We currently have candidates for all these positions other than Secretary/Treasurer. We currently have around 110 members and It is essential that someone within that group will step up and take on that role. If you are interested but need more information regarding the duties please call Dee at 360 491-0431 or me at 360 866-0189.
Other events in March begin on Saturday March 4 with a Flounder fishing outing in Area 13. You need to let Martin Chen know if you plan to attend either at the March 2 meeting or by phone at 360 490-3383. The plan is to meet at Zittles Marina at 9:00 AM for assignment to a boat or at the Luhr Beach Launch if a prior arrangement has been made with a boat operator who plans to launch there. If you are new to this fishery you might want to go to our web page and look at Bottom Fishing Areas 11, 12 and 13 under the Fishing Info and Info Links Tab.
The next March event is on Saturday and Sunday 3/18 and 19. We have been asked to man a kid’s fish pond at Cabela’s. We will need volunteers to help the kids fish at this event. Cabela’s will furnish breakfast, lunch and snacks. If you want to volunteer, plan to be at Cabela’s at 8:00 AM on one or both days.
The final March event will be on Saturday 3/25. This is the date for our annual Club Member Boat Show and Coast Guard Safety inspection. This is an opportunity to get your boat inspected to ensure it meets all the Coast Guard safety requirements and to show it off to your fellow club members. The plan is to assemble at Swantown Marina’s upper parking lot around 9:00 AM. Viki Sharp from the United States Power Squadron will conduct the inspections from 10:00 to noon or as long as it takes to inspect every boat.
Events don’t stop in March. We have our two biggest kid fishing events beginning the second week of April with the kid’s fish-in at Longs Pond. We will need volunteers to assemble the rods on Monday April 10, to put in the net on April 14 and to help the kids fish on April 15. Volunteers will also be needed on April 28 and 29 to assemble the pond and help the kids fish at Columbus Park on Black Lake. Exact times for each event will be posted closer to the events.
Just a reminder your dues are due by the first of April. If they aren’t paid by that date you will be removed from the list of active members and will no longer get the Reel News and any club communications. They can be paid at the March meeting or by sending a check in the amount of $35.00 payable to South Sound Chapter Puget Sound Anglers to PO Box 1002, Olympia, WA 98507-1002.
Although most of us aren’t actively fishing this time of year, we are looking forward to getting out as the weather improves. I am attaching our current Boat Share list (in both PFD and Word). If you aren’t on either the boat owner or passenger list and would like to be added look for the signup sheet at the March meeting or contact me at 360 866-0189.
The speaker at the March meeting will be Art Tachell on the topic of fishing in Marine Area 11. Art is the President of the Gig Harbor PSA Chapter and a very knowledgeable source of fishing information in that area. The member drawing amount is growing. Bob Green, not only missed a great talk, but the opportunity to take home $300 by staying home on February 2. Don’t miss your chance to take home $350.00 by missing the March meeting.
Additional Clam Digs announced - Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers today confirmed razor clam digging reopens at Mocrocks beaches Feb. 4 followed by opportunities there on Feb. 6 and Feb. 8. This is in addition to Copalis Beach digs on Feb. 5 and Feb. 7.
The Lacey Community Center is closed for the first two weeks of January so our January 5th meeting will be held at the Mountain View Church at 940 Israel Rd, Tumwater 98501. It's at the corner of Israel Rd and 11th Avenue Southwest, across 11th Ave from Tumwater High School and across Israel Rd from State Parks, and the I 5 Freeway is the western border of the property. If you enter off Israel Rd, go immediately left and park near the southwest corner of the building. If you enter off 11th, keep heading west. Walk along the west (freeway) side of the building until you find the 2nd set of double glass doors. Enter and look for the room 418 on the right. Setup begins 6 pm and meeting will start at 7 pm.
Coming south from Lacey or north from Centralia on I 5, exit on to Tumwater Blvd, make the a left at the stoplight onto 11th Avenue SW and continue to Israel Rd. Left on Israel and then right into parking lot.
The speaker will be Martin Chen who will share his knowledge of fishing for bottom fish in Marine Areas 11, 12 and 13. We hope to see you all there.
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South Sound Chapter – November 2022
Martin F Chen - President
I hope everyone is having a great holiday season. We started it with our annual Christmas banquet which unfortunately was held on a miserable weather night. However, 51 members and guests did make it and we all enjoyed a good meal and companionship.
We will kick off 2023 with our January general meeting on the 5th with one significant change from the usual meeting format. The Lacey Community Center will not available that evening so the meeting WILL BE HELD AT MOUNTAIN VIEW CHURCH, 940 ISRAEL RD. SW, TUMWATER, WA 98501, ROOM 418. The Speaker that evening will be Martin Chen who will share his knowledge of how, where and when to fish for flat fish (flounders) in Puget Sound.
This is the time of year when we typically have scheduled a number of clam digs, but mother nature’s toxic Domoic Acid has put a stop to that activity. We do plan to have a couple of other outings and other events in the upcoming months as you can see in the attached proposed calendar for the first four months of 2023. The first of these is a surf perch outing and wienie roast on January 15, 2023. We will have more information regarding this event at the January meeting. Please take an especially close look to the April Kids-in fishing events and put them on your calendar.
We are always looking for other outing opportunities. If you have one please let me or Mike Silvers know about it. For example, we have had several successful crab outings to Willipa Bay that were not on anyone’s calendar. Someone just suggested that crabbing was good at and put out a notice and it came together. If you are planning a fishing outing of any kind and don’t want to go alone and have room for another person you can also use the attached Boat Share list to see if anyone would like to accompany you. This list, although called the Boat Share list, isn’t limited to boating outings. You can also use it for shore bound activities.
Just a reminder as we enter the new year that your dues are due. The dues for 2023 will remain at $35.00 for a family membership. You can pay them at the January 5 meeting or mail them to Dee Glenn, 4608 17th Ave. SE, Lacey, WA 98503.
Allen Morrow
360 866-0189
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South Sound Chapter – November 2022
Martin F Chen - President
Come one, come all to the annual Club Holiday party on Thursday December 1 at the Lacey Community Center. As has been the custom for many years the club provides turkey, ham, dessert and drinks. You provide side dishes and salads. The evening will begin with a social hour at 6:00 PM with dinner at 7:00 PM and end with a raffle offering over $1,000 worth of items of all sorts. The raffle items include some for kids, wives, household, fishing and other outdoor activities. This is an opportunity for you to find something you need or perhaps gift items for those on your Christmas list.
We had 2 successful outings earlier this month. The first on 11/12 was a chum outing to Mill Creek. We had 3 boat loads of members and guests participate in the event. Everyone had a great time even though there were thousands of Chum milling around us and in some cases almost jumping into the boat that didn’t want to bite. I think everyone did get to play at least one fish with at least 4 fish going into the box on my boat.
The second event was a crabbing outing to Tokeland on 11/19. It was a good day on the water.
Five boats launched at Tokeland with 15 people and everybody caught their limits. The weather cooperated and made it a great day. About 1/3 of our crabs were soft shelled. Once the tide started running the crab stopped coming. We went from 12 in a pot to 1. It appears that this is a slack tide fishery. We are planning another crab outing to Tokeland on Sunday December 4. The morning slack tide is at 10:00 AM. The plan is to leave the Mud Bay Park and Ride no later than 6:30 AM which should put us in Tokeland early enough get the pots set by 9:00 AM. Hopefully, there will be fewer soft shelled crab but not enough to permitting a commercial opening before that date. If you are interested in coming either as a passenger or boater please let Mike Silvers (setthehook55@gmail.com, 360 951 5160) or Allen Morrow (ramorrow@pacifier.com, 360 866 0189) know. There will also be a sign-up sheet at the Holiday Party.
We had hoped to have several clam dig outings this Fall but, the notorious Domoic acid toxin has caused WDFW to close all beaches to clam harvest. Test results, released on Nov. 23 for razor clams, indicate domoic acid levels on all beaches, have exceeded the health guidelines for safe consumption set by Washington Department of Health (WDOH) officials. WDFW shellfish staff will continue to regularly dig test samples of razor clams to monitor the situation. WDOH requires two test samples taken 10 days apart must fall under the health guideline level before a beach can reopen for digging. WDFW will announce future opportunities when marine toxin tests show it is safe to do so. Based on this information it is unlikely that clam digging will be allowed for the rest of this year.
We are always looking for new outing opportunities. For example, in the past they have included boat ramp and river bank clean ups. If you have any suggestions please let any board member know. Outings don’t have to always be related to fishing.
The next general meeting will be on January 5. The speaker and location (the Lacey Community Center is usually closed the first two weeks of the year) will be announced later. Also your annual dues ($35.00) is due the first of the year. It can be paid at the meeting. Finally, the member drawing is up to $300 if you are at the meeting and your name is drawn. Jay Evans missed an opportunity to collect $250 at the November meeting.
South Sound Chapter – November 2022
Martin F Chen - President
Happy Halloween!
As we approach the month of November it appears that the winter rains have finally arrived. Hopefully this means the we have put the many days of smoky air and threat of fire behind us for another year. It is also means that WDFW has finally reopened the Grays Harbor and Willipa Bay tributary rivers for fishing subject to the permanent rules. WDFW has also opened Marine Areas 10 and 11 for the retention of chum salmon. Hopefully, they will extend this to Marne Area 13 in the near future.
As you can see on the attached calendar the Board has come up with a number of outings for the month of November. We hope that there is something on the agenda that will interest everyone. It is our hope that we will be able to continue to find opportunities like these throughout the winter months. All of these outings are subject to WDFW approval and weather conditions.
The first outing is a clam dig and wienie roast on Sunday November 6. There will be a 0.0 low tide that day at 5:08 PM. The plan is to leave the Mud Bay Park and Ride at 1:00 PM and car pool or caravan to Grayland. If you want to meet us on the beach we will be going to a new spot on the beach. To get there turn right on Grayland Beach Road as you enter Grayland. The road is between the Ocean Spring Resort and the Pomegranate Gifts Store (a red building). The street address is 1757 SR 105 S, Grayland if you want to put it in your GPS. When you get to the beach turn right and go the first creek. We should be around 100 yards north of the creek. Look for a gray Toyota pickup with our banner. If you plan to be there please either sign up at the November 3 meeting or let Mike Silvers know at 360 951 5160 or setthehook55@gmail.com.
The next Saturday, November 12 we are planning a chum catch and release (catch and keep if WDFW changes the rule) outing in Marine Area 13. The plan is to leave Swantown at 9:00 AM and go to Little Skookum Bay or Mill Creek in Hammersly Inlet. More information about this outing and a signup sheet for those interested in either bringing their boat or looking for a ride will be available at the November meeting.
Finally, we are planning a crab outing to Tokeland on November 19. At this point the plan is to leave the Mud Bay Park and Ride at 6:30 AM which should get us to Tokeland with the boats in the water in time to set the pots before the high tide at 9:30 AM. Again, more information regarding this outing and a signup sheet will be available at the November meeting.
Another upcoming event is our annual Christmas Party on December 1. This is a potluck dinner with the club providing turkey and ham entrees and everyone else bring the side dishes. To make this event a success we will need volunteers to help set up the room, work in the kitchen, organize the raffle and clean up the room. Most importantly, we will need several volunteers to cook the turkeys and hams which the club will pay for. Dee will have signup sheet at the November meeting for those interested.
I look forward to seeing everyone at the November 3 meeting. The speaker will be Wayne Hammond from Northwest Salmon Research. It is their mission to help preserve and enhance our unique salmon culture through support of salmon research and educational activities, understanding best practices, sharing outcomes and raising public awareness about the importance of increasing the numbers of healthy, sustainable adult salmon stocks for the shared benefit of ALL stakeholders. Wayne will be discussing their net pen programs.
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South Sound Chapter – October 2022
Martin F Chen - President
Summer has come and gone. We enjoyed good weather and for many of us excellent fishing opportunities throughout the region. Fishing in Area 13 was best it has been for several year both in quantity and size of the fish as evidenced by the number of fish weighed in at our annual Club Member and Guest Derby. If you missed an opportunity to fish in the ocean, you missed one of the best years in recent history. We frequently received reports of limits of Kings, Coho, Ling Cod and rockfish. It was amazing that the season in Area 2 remained open until the end of September. We can only hope that this was not a onetime event and that we can look forward to a repeat in future years.
With the future in mind the Board has initiated a program to match those members looking for an opportunity to fish with members looking for someone to share their boat. I am attaching the current list to this message. If you would like to be added to either list you can sign on at the October 6 meeting or contact Martin Chen (marchen101@aol.com) or me (ramorrow@pacifier.com).
Mike Silvers gave a short presentation on crossing the Westport bar at the September meeting. He also pointed out that we have charts for Marine Areas 1,2 and 3 that have various potential bottom fish spots marked with GPS coordinates. These charts will be available at each meeting. There is a $5.00 charge for each chart.
It is now time to look forward to the rest of the year. I am attaching a calendar that shows potential clam dig, surf perch and crabbing outings. All of these events are dependent on WDFW regulations and weather. If you have any ideas for other outings please let me or any board member know. We are always trying to find new opportunities get together.
One upcoming event is the annual Christmas Banquet on December 1. It is a long way off, but we need someone to step up and volunteer to organize the event. For those new to the club this is a traditional dinner with the club providing the turkey and ham main course and dessert with the rest of the meal being potluck. There will also be a raffle.
Ours next meeting will be Thursday October 6. Aimee Christy of the Pacific Shellfish Institute will talk about Light Trap monitoring of Dungeness Crab populations and harmful algal blooms. The next board meeting will be at Dee Glenn’s house October 19 and members are invited to attend. The member drawing is up to $250.00. Bob Cody missed the September meeting and a chance to take home $200.00.
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South Sound Chapter – September 2022
Martin F Chen - President
August has been a good month for many of us who have had the opportunity to get out on the water. The highlight of the month was our annual Club Member and Guest Derby. There were more fish weighed in this year than any prior year. In fact, I believe the number brought to the weigh station exceeded the sum total of fish weighed in the previous three years combined. Congratulations to Jason Dunham the winner with a 19.18# fish. Second place went to Jason Anderson 14.0# and third place to David Sperry 13.14#. This is a good opportunity to thank Dee Glenn for volunteering to staff the weigh station.
It light of the significantly improved success rate for the derby and the many reports of fish caught by our members in Area 13 recently it seems somewhat odd for WDFW to suspend all salmon fishing until further notice. They claim they are taking this action due to indications that returns are less than expected which may result in inadequate brood stock and natural spawners. We seem to be finding a better than average return. Maybe they should do some test fisheries or at least walk down to Percival Landing and take a look (see the attached picture taken 8/28/2022).
One of the things that brought me to this club was the opportunity to learn how, where, when and what to fish for in our local area. Over the years I have learned a lot by attending our monthly meetings and listening to many expert speakers. But the best instruction has been the opportunity to go out with other more experienced members and actually see their techniques and skill on the water. With that in mind we have started what we are calling a “Boat Share List.” This is an opportunity that works two ways. First it will provide a list of those of us with boats who are willing to take others out on a space available basis. Second it provides a list of those who would like an opportunity to go out with another member. I am attaching a copy of the current list to this document. If you would like to be added to either part of the list please let Martin Chen (marchen101@aol.com) or me (ramorrow@pacifier.com) know.
I am attaching the proposed calendar of club events for the remainder of the year. Many of the planned outings are tentative as they are dependent on WDFW scheduling. Hopefully, their recent actions to limit recreational opportunities will not be extended for the rest of the year to other species like razor clams.
Plan on coming to the September meeting this Thursday evening (September 1). The speaker will be long time member Larry Skewis. Larry’s topic will be boat and trailer maintenance.
South Sound Chapter – August 2022
Martin F Chen - President
In June we had a club members fishing day at Riffe Lake. Club members also put on a fishing clinic for kids at the Gwinnwood Day Camp on Hick’s Lake. Our annual Garage sale on July 16-17 was a huge success in more ways than one – members unloaded stuff, members and the public upgraded their stuff, especially fishing tackle and boating equipment, and finally we made a record $6000 for kid’s fishing events. Thanks and congratulations to all those to donated and helped, and especially the Silvers for hosting this event every year at their place. Jim Tuggle gave a rousing talk for our members at the July general meeting.
Four events are coming up: July 23 club members will put on a fishing clinic for 40 cub scouts at Long’s Pond in Lacey. Saturday August 6 the club will have the portable trout pond set up bayside at the Westport Tuna Classic put on by Mission Outdoors. Volunteers are needed to setup the pond Friday morning and operate the pond on Saturday. The club’s annual Salmon Derby is coming Saturday August 20. Tickets are $30 per angler and will be available at the August meeting and afterwards from Dee Glenn. Prizes for the top three legal salmon will be $500, 300 and 200.
We are working on a rideshare list for folks with boats who want to share and folks who would like to join them. More details at the general meeting Thursday August 4, 7 pm at the Lacey Community Center.
Club members: New variants of the Covid-19 virus have made inroads into our area, I personally know 6 friends or family members that got it in the last 5 weeks. From my study into what hospitals are reporting: what increases your chance of a Covid infection leading to hospitalization is; 1. not being vaccinated, 2. having a pre-existing condition and 3. Being over 65 and vaccinated but not boosted. So if you fall into any of those categories, please take action now and don't lose any fishing time!
General Meeting Agenda July 7, 2022
Budget Report – Dee
Events: Outings
1. Garage Sale – Mike Silvers- when setup starts
2. Annual Salmon Derby – Mike Silvers – is there a tie-in with Terry this year?
3. Board meeting 7/20
4. Kids fishing events – Boy Scouts
5. Westport event – Steve Cummings
Fishing Reports: 1. Club outing to Riffe Lake, Martin, Mike, Jason
2. Ocean salmon – Mike
3. Miscellaneous – crab, shrimp etc. – any members volunteering info.
Intermission and Book Signings
Featured speaker – Jim Tuggle
Raffle and Drawing.
Next meeting August 4.
President’s message from Martin Chen for July 2022.
Our June chapter meeting feature our own members as speakers: John Ignac and Jason Anderson did a great presentation on their TRN sponsored trip to Baja, with several other chapter members. Stay tuned for announcements about next year. We had a good turnout of members and families with kids at the Cabela’s fishing pond June 11-12. Club members set up and operated the kid’s fishing pond at the Rods and Reels in Need Expo June 18. Seven members helped about 250 kids catch a trout. Our board has gotten requests from 3 other organizations to hold kid’s fishing events for this summer, so there’s a lot of community interest out there. Coming up very soon are two events: A June 25 club outing to Riffe Lake to catch landlocked coho and triploid rainbows and the annual Garage Sale July 16. Bring in that fishing/boating gear now that you’ve upgraded and other unneeded things. We will need some volunteers to setup and price items on July 15 – contact Mike Silvers. Our speaker at the general meeting July 7 will be none other than Jim “Tug” Tuggle to talk about salmon recovery. I suspect he might bring some copies of his books to sign too! The board meeting will be Wednesday July 20 and members are welcome to attend. The Annual Club member’s fishing derby is on Saturday August 20.
SSCPSA President's Monthly Newsletter June 2022
The speakers at our June meeting will be John Ignac, Jason Anderson, Mike Silvers, Steve Andrews and Allen Morrow. The topic will be our recent trip to Baja California.
South Sound Chapter News for June 2022
Martin F Chen, President
We have one events coming up in May and two in June. Saturday May 21 was the butter/geoduck/any other bivalve dig at Hope Island State Park. See the pictures of this trip on the Home tab. Steamer clams, butter clams, horse clams and oysters were harvested by the participants. Friday morning, June 17 we are going to setup the kids fishing pond for the first annual Rods and Reels in Need Expo, volunteers needed (contact Mike Silvers). The event will be Saturday June 18 at the Thurston County Fairgrounds from 10-5. There will be marine industry reps (Verle’s), book signings (Jim Tuggle) and many other attractions. Saturday June 25 we will have a club fish-in at Riffe Lake. Watch for a signup sheet, fishing methods and details at the June 2 meeting. Riffe is a good producer of landlocked coho, triploid trout and the occasional chinook and the methods are the same as salmon fishing. We are looking forward to our June 2 meeting 7 pm at the Lacey Community Center – a full report on our member’s Baja Trip is anticipated. The Board meeting is Wednesday June 15. The weather will turn and summer will be here!
SSCPSA President's Monthly Newsletter May 2022
South Sound Chapter
PRESIDENT: Martin Chen (360)490-3383 – VICE PRESIDENT: Jason Anderson (360) 870-4112 SECRETARY/TREASURER: Dee Glenn (360) 491-0431
We had three events this month. The annual Seafood Banquet and Raffle was the April monthly meeting. Over 80 people came for the all-you-can-eat steelhead, whitefish, steamer clams, chowder, shrimp macaroni salad and green salad. We have some talented cooks in our group and thanks to Jason and Jay for heading this up.
Our big event is the Lacey Family Fish-in, which we couldn’t do in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. This is an event put on with City of Lacey Parks and Recreation at Long’s Pond right behind the Community Center. WDFW provided 2000 trout from Lakewood Hatchery plus John Pahutski and Colby Buell. We set out 400 feet of net and subdivided it into three separate enclosures. There was a surplus of fishing outfits built up from 2020 and 2021 (thank you Cabelas/Bass Pro) so this year each registered kid got to take an outfit home for free. Education is a big part of this event so there was a Boating Safety presentation, plankton viewing with Stream Team, casting Lessons and even some fish anatomy lessons at the fish cleaning table. About 20 volunteers were there, including some from Capitol Bass Club and Cabelas. A big thank you to everyone involved. We had 445 kids brave the wind, rain and even hail. Quite a few kept fishing in the open part of the pond after their time in the netted area was over.
Congratulations to Mike Silvers on organizing this event.
The third event was the annual members Boat Show and Safety Inspection at the Swantown Marina. This is a chance to get the inspection sticker on your boat before the summer starts, and to see someone else’s setup. Eight boats were declared ready for the salt.
The next General Meeting is May 5 at the Lacey Community Center. For a change of pace, we will have Chris White from the Bob Oke game farm talk about the westside pheasant release program. We will also talk about the midday Razor clam dig/surfperch at Twin Harbors May 7, and a geoduck/butter clam dig at Hope Island State Park May 21. Four beaching boats will be available to go to Hope Island and boat pools will be arranged from Boston Harbor and Arcadia. June 18 we will be running a kid’s fishing pond at the Rods and Reels in Need Expo at the Thurston County Fairgrounds. Start saving and sorting surplus fishing/boating/hunting gear for the annual Garage Sale July 16 (Set up on July 15). Do you really need all those flashers? If you haven’t paid your dues yet, bring them to the May meeting.
SSCPSA President's Monthly Newsletter April 2022
PRESIDENT: Martin Chen (360)490-3383 – VICE PRESIDENT: Jason Anderson (360) 870-4112 SECRETARY/TREASURER: Dee Glenn (360) 491-0431
CHAPTER MESSAGE BY PAST PRESIDENT ALLEN MORROW
There were two highlights to the March meeting. First was the election of officers for the next year. The new officers are President Martin Chen; Vice President Jason Anderson; Secretary/Treasurer Dee Glenn; and Board Members Jonathan Chamrad and Darwin Kumm. I want to extend my sincere thanks to these folks for their willingness to step forward and lead this chapter onward. The second highlight was an engaging and educational talk by Martin Chen on a disease that is prevalent in late release Chinook Salmon and his efforts to find a way to reduce its severity or eliminate it entirely. This condition which affects the kidneys of the juvenile salmon in some cases causes death to over 50% of the fingerlings before they can be released from the hatchery. We have a number of events on the calendar for the month of April. The annual Kids Fish-in in conjunction with Lacey Parks and Recreation will return on April 9. We expect to have 400 to 600 kids at the event each of which will go home with new rod and reel. We need volunteers to help put the rods/reels together on Monday April 4 at 5:00 PM at the White House and on Saturday April 9 at 6:30 AM to help the kids learn to use their new fishing tackle. If you want to help please let Mike Silvers know at (360) 951-5160 or setthehook55@gmail.com. Our April general meeting on Thursday April 7 is our annual seafood banquet at the Lacey Community Center. Social hour will be from 6:00-7:00, with dinner starting at 7:00. A large bucket raffle for men, women and kids stuff will follow the dinner. The cost is $15.00 (kid's 10 and younger are free). We will be serving salmon/steelhead, steamer clams, chowder, salads, and garlic bread. Hot dogs will also be served for those who don't want seafood. On Saturday April 16 we will have our annual Swantown Boat Show and Safety inspection in the upper parking lot from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM. This in opportunity for you to show off your boat and more importantly get it inspected to ensure it meets all the Coast Guard safety requirements. A representative of the U. S. Power Squadron will conduct the surveys and will issue a decal to be placed on the boat verifying that it is safe. I have found that having the decal has allowed me to avoid safety inspections by the Coast Guard of local law enforcement officials. Finally, just a reminder that your 2022 dues are due if you haven’t already paid them. The can be paid at the April banquet or by sending a check to South Chapter Puget Sound Anglers, PO Box 1002, Olympia, WA 98507.
SSCPSA President's Monthly Newsletter March 2022
I want to thank everyone who contacted their legislative representatives regarding attempts in the legislature to change the leadership structure of WDFW. These bills which would have rolled the WDFW into the Department of Natural Resources or in other ways severely reduced the authority of the WDFW Commission all died early in the Legislative session. This happened because many of us took the time to express our opinion about the proposed action. For example, in the case of the bill moving control of WDFW from the current commission to the Department of Natural Resources out of 47 people who signed in to speak at the hearing 44 opposed the bill. There were also 261 written comments regarding the bill with only 2 in support. Legislators do listen and heed the views of their constituents if enough let them know what they think. Now it is up to all of us to put pressure on the Commission and the Governor to ensure it follows the mandate to enhance fishing opportunities for all Washington citizens. We have a number of upcoming events on the calendar. I am attaching a copy of the current prospective calendar. If you have any suggestions for additional outings or other activities please let me know. I would like to emphasize a couple of upcoming events. The first is the annual Kids Fish-in at Longs Pond on Saturday, April 9. We are working with the Lacey Parks and Recreation to ensure that this event happens. We will need volunteers on the day of the event and to help us put together the rods that will be given to each participant on Monday, April 4. Put those dates on your calendar and help us introduce up to 600 kids to the joy of fishing. Also, in April we will have our annual Seafood banquet on Thursday, April 7. We hope to have the traditional salmon and steamer clam menu. If you have any salmon or steelhead you would like to donate for the dinner, please let Jay Evans or Jason Anderson who have agreed to chair this activity know. I have always wondered where salmon and steelhead go when they leave the rivers they were hatched in. I am attaching an article Martin Chen found that partially answers that question and also addresses the effect of ocean conditions on the survivability of the various species of anadromous fish we like and want to catch.
We had our pond out for a kid’s fishing event for the first time in over 2 years on February 19. The activity was in conjunction with WDFW at Vance Pond 2 in Elma. What made the event different than previous outings is that it was stocked with 12 Steelhead and 25 brood stock trout averaging around 3 pounds. Just imagine trying to catch a steelhead with a trout rod in a 10’ by 20’ pond. Tangles were common but there were many happy kids at the end of the day. I would like to thank everyone who turned out to make this a success.
We are back to having in person meetings on the first Thursday of the month. The meetings will continue to be at the Lacey Community Center starting at 7:00 PM. Masks are still required for entry into the Community Center as I am drafting this message, but hopefully that restriction will be eliminated soon. Martin Chen will be the speaker at the March meeting. Martin is a retired fish pathologist who will speak on preventing a chronic fish disease in hatcheries that threatens the viability of salmon smolts being released into the wild.
Joe Morrow and Forrest Gill both missed chances to go home with $50 and $100 respectively by missing the January and February meetings. Don’t miss your opportunity to take home $150 by missing the March meeting.
SSCPSA President's Monthly Newsletter February 2022
The first month of 2022 has come and it appears to be a repeat of 2021. We are still facing the effects of the COVID pandemic, Mother Nature has sent us first terrible weather and then the threat of a tsunami and finally the state legislature is considering changes to WDFW. There are three bills under consideration that will change the current leadership of the WDFW as established by the residents of this great state some years ago. Although many of us disagree with many of the decisions made by the current leadership of the department these bills are really a power grab by several groups that want to substitute their false view of the science behind the current management of our fish hatcheries and other wildlife resources for established science being used by WDFW today. If they pass, I firmly believe hatchery product will be further reduced and we will have less opportunity to fish in the future. It is imperative for all of us let our representatives know that we oppose each and every one of them.
I am concerned about the future leadership of our chapter. Our annual election of new officers will be at the March meeting. As I write these comments we are seeking candidates for these offices, President, Secretary/Treasurer, and 2 board positions. Under the club’s bylaws which limit the president to a two year term I will be no longer eligible to hold the office after that meeting. Someone has to step up and agree take on the duties of the position. We have the same problem with the two board positions. Thankfully, the position does not apply to the Secretary/Treasurer however, Dee Glenn the incumbent, who has held the position for over 20 years, would appreciate an opportunity to train her eventual replacement.
You may have noticed that there wasn’t a January newsletter. We are in the process of reexamining the format of the newsletter. One of the suggestions is to change it from an emailed monthly document to an interactive facebook page. If you have thoughts regarding staying with the current format or going to an online version please let me or any board member know. I am sure this will be a topic of discussion at the February meeting.
Finally, your 2022 dues are due. You can send them to South Sound Chapter PSA, PO Box 1002, Olympia, WA 98507-1002 or bring them to our February 3rd meeting. I hope to see you all at that meeting.
SSCPSA President's Monthly Newsletter January 2022
We ended a very unusual and somewhat trying year, due the ongoing COVID pandemic, with a very successful holiday banquet. Over 75 members, their families and guests enjoyed a delicious turkey and ham dinner. It was great to see everyone again. I want to thank those who volunteered to make this happen. It my sincere hope that this will be the start on our return to normality. Hopefully everyone will continue to practice safe and effective practices so that we can defeat COVID.
We were only able to hold two regular meetings in 2021, but we did have two successful banquets, our annual member derby and several outings. In addition, many of us enjoyed successful fishing trips to Westport and Hood Canal especially in August and early September. Unfortunately, for many of us fishing in Area 13 was not as productive. Hopefully that is not a forewarning of the future in our local area.
It is now time to look forward to 2022. We plan to have clam dig and possibly surf perch outings in January and February, a trout fishing outing to Lake Lawrence in conjunction with the Nisqually Valley VFW Derby in March, the Kids Fish-In in April and an outing to Mayfield Lake in May. More information regarding these activities will be sent out prior to each event.
The Board of Directors is seeking input from all of our members regarding topics they want addressed at our monthly meetings and what other activities should be on our agenda. If you have any issues, topics or suggestions for outings please contact any board member. We also are seeking nominations for the offices of President, Vice President and two Board Members. If you are interested in running for one of these positions or want to nominate someone please contact any current officer or board member.
Our next meeting will be on January 6 at the Lacey Community Center beginning at 7:00 PM. the speaker will be Clay Anderson. Clay will give us insight into bass fishing in local lakes and the potholes of Eastern Washington. In light of recent WDFW decisions to close the Chehalis system to winter fishing, Area 13 to crabbing and to first close and then provide restricted opportunities to fish for Chum it is becoming more likely that if we want to fish we will need to learn about other possibilities in our local area such as bass.
In closing, it is time to renew your membership by paying your 2022 dues. You can accomplish this by sending a check in the amount of $35.00 payable to South Sound Chapter PSA to PO Box 1002, Olympia, WA 98507-1002.
Outings, Events and Announcements
Happy thanksgiving everyone.
A couple of us are planning a fishing expedition to Mayfield Lake for trout on Black Friday (November 27). So far we have 2 boats committed and are looking for those without boats who would like to fish or those who want to join us with their boat. If you are interested please let me or Mike Silvers know by Thanksgiving day. You can reach me at ramorrow@pacifier.com and Mike at setthehook55@gmail.com.
Details will be finalized and announced once we have an idea of the number people interested in this outing.
Allen Morrow, President
South South Chapter Puget Sound Anglers
AT THIS TIME WE WILL BE HAVING LIMITED OUTINGS. PLEASE STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY AND CHECK BACK LATER FOR ANY UPDATES TO OUR EVENTS. Thank you!
Who wants to go Razor Clam Digging?
We are digging Twin Harbors this Saturday. We will have a bon fire at our normal location behind Grayland Beach State Park. Instead of taking Cranberry Road to gain access to the beach we will be using Grayland Beach Road then turning South about 1 1/2 miles. Drive until you find fresh water running onto the beach. We will be parked there. Cranberry Road was a little soft last dig.
WDFW approves 10 days of coastal razor clam digs beginning Friday, March 17, tentative dates announced for April
OLYMPIA – Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) shellfish managers today confirmed coastal razor clam digging reopens at Twin Harbors, and Copalis on Friday, March 17. This is in addition to Mocrocks which opens on Saturday, March 18.
"As wonderful as it is to now be able to offer harvest days on Twin Harbors, we are disappointed that Long Beach still remains above the domoic acid toxicity closure level," said Bryce Blumenthal, a WDFW coastal shellfish biologist. "Diggers can expect abundant populations of nice-sized clams on open beaches. Digs switch to morning low tides on March 23-26 providing the first daylight opportunities of spring."
The following digs during evening (p.m.) low tides will proceed as scheduled:
- March 17, Friday, 4:10 PM; 0.0 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
- March 18, Saturday, 5:06 PM; -0.5 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- March 19, Sunday, 5:54 PM; -0.7 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
- March 20, Monday, 6:38 PM -0.7 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- March 21, Tuesday, 7:18 PM; -0.5 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
- March 22, Wednesday, 7:56 PM; 0.0 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
The following digs during morning (a.m.) low tides will proceed as scheduled:
- March 23, Thursday, 8:29 AM; -0.3 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
- March 24, Friday, 9:13 AM; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- March 25, Saturday, 9:57 AM; -0.2 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
- March 26, Sunday, 10:44 AM; 0.2 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
Future tentative digs planned during morning (a.m.) low tides are scheduled (digging extended to 1 PM on April 12 only):
- April 6, Thursday, 7:34 AM; 0.3 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- April 7, Friday, 8:10 AM; -0.1 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
- April 8, Saturday, 8:48 AM; -0.3 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- April 9, Sunday, 9:29 AM; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
- April 10, Monday, 10:15 AM; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- April 11, Tuesday, 11:09 AM; -0.2 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
- April 12, Wednesday, 12:12 PM; 0.1 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks (digging extended until 1 PM)
- April 19, Wednesday, 6:44 AM; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- April 20, Thursday, 7:28 AM; -0.9 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
- April 21, Friday, 8:09 AM; -1.2 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- April 22, Saturday, 8:50 AM; -1.1 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
- April 23, Sunday, 9:31 AM; -0.8 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
- April 24, Monday, 10:14 AM; -0.4 feet; Twin Harbors, Copalis
- April 25, Tuesday, 11:01 AM; 0.1 feet; Twin Harbors, Mocrocks
The Washington Department of Health (WDOH) labs indicate domoic acid levels at Long Beach remain slightly above the health guideline cutoff range. WDFW will announce digging opportunities when marine toxin tests show it is safe to do so.
Domoic acid, a natural toxin produced by certain types of marine algae, can be harmful or fatal if consumed in sufficient quantities. WDFW shellfish staff will continue to regularly dig test samples of razor clams to monitor the situation. More information about domoic acid, as well as current levels at ocean beaches, can be found on WDFW's domoic acid webpage and on the DOH webpage.
The daily limit is 15 razor clams per person. Under state law, a daily limit consists of the first 15 clams dug regardless of size or condition, and each digger's clams must be kept in a separate container. Digging is prohibited in the razor clam reserves, which are marked by 10-foot poles with signs. A reserve located just south of the Ocean City approach on Copalis. The most successful digging occurs between one and two hours before the listed time of low tide.
With the spring fast approaching, Washingtonians should consider purchasing 2023-2024 recreational hunting and fishing licenses, and from hundreds of license vendors around the state. WDFW recommends buying your license before current licenses expire after March 31. All diggers age 15 or older must have an applicable fishing license to harvest razor clams on any beach. To be notified of in-season rule changes as they are announced sign up for email notifications at wdfw.wa.gov/about/lists.
Shellfish and seafood enthusiasts can also start making plans to attend the Ocean Shores Razor Clam and Seafood Festival on March 17-19, and the Long Beach Razor Clam Festival on April 8-9. These two long-running events celebrate the unique contribution of razor clams to Washington's culture and coastal communities.
Let me know if you are coming and there will be hot dogs waiting for you. If you want to car pool from Mud Bay let me know. If nobody wants to car pool I will probably go down a little earlier.
I'll see you there.
--
Mike Silvers
Puget Sound Anglers South Sound Chapter
setthehook55@gmail.com
cell/text (360)951-5160