Woodland Creek Community Center 6729 Pacific Avenue SE, Lacey, WA 98503
Club News and Current Events
SSCPSA President's Monthly Newsletter December 2021
It was great to see everyone who came to the November meeting. Dan Ayres, WDFW’s Coastal Shellfish Manager gave us a very informative and interesting presentation on razor clams and crab. For example, I have been digging razor clams for almost 70 years and learned for the first time that there are male and female clams. I also learned that razor clams are the best bait to use to catch crabs. The only problem with this is that I would rather eat the clams myself. I hope the success of this meeting was the first of many future meetings.
It seems that almost every week a new threat to our ability to fish in our usual and accomplished places for salmon and steelhead arises. The latest is a possibility that all coastal rivers and their tributaries will be either closed or only limited fishing opportunities will be permitted. For those of us in the South Sound that regularly fish the Chehalis, Wynoochee, Satsop and Skookumchuck rivers these threats mean we may not be stuck at home and not outdoors enjoying the activity we all look forward to. There are many factors contributing these decisions, but first and foremost is the fact that fewer fish to catch and that recreational fishing appears to be taking a back seat at the table where the decisions are made. That is why it is critical that we all make our presence known when WDFW holds virtual and in person meetings regarding season setting.
On a lighter note we do have several events scheduled for December. The first is the annual Christmas Party on December 2nd. We will provide turkey and ham and you will provide salads. There will be a raffle of many great items. We have been advised by the City of Lacey that we must require everyone in attendance to wear a mask at all times except when actually eating. The next event will be a combination crab and clam dig outing to the Willapa and Grayland on December 18 and our annual New Year’s Eve clam dig outing to Grayland on the 31st.
Our next regular meeting will be on January 6. The location of the meeting and speaker have yet to be determined. We will be unable to use the Lacey Community Center as it will be closed for the first two weeks of January. The member drawing is up to $100. Joe Morrow’s name was drawn at the November meeting for a $50 prize, unfortunately for him he wasn’t there.
We are having our meetings again! Next meeting is on 4 Nov. Come listen to WDFW's Dan Ayres talk about razor clamming.
Allen Morrow, President
South Sound Chapter Puget Sound Anglers
SSCPSA President's Monthly Newsletter November 2021
We are back to in person meetings beginning on November 4. The only restriction is that everyone must wear a mask while in the building. The featured speaker that evening will be Dan Ayres, WDFW’s Coastal Shell Fish Manager. Dan promises to give us an update on current razor clam populations, a prediction of what might happen next year and a description of the process used to determine clam digging opportunities. In addition there will be fish tales, the usual raffle for two $50.00 prizes and this month the drawing of a members name for a $50.00 prize. Bob Jamison was glad he attended our last meeting when he went home $50.00 richer.
The December meeting will be our annual Christmas Party. The club will provide turkey, ham, punch, dessert and snacks. You will provide salads and other side dishes on a pot luck basis. This event is dependent on having sufficient volunteers to make it happen. Dee will be sending out a sign up sheet soon. More on this will be available at the November meeting.
There are a number of upcoming events you might want to put on your calendar. The first is a combination crab/clam dig outing to Willapa Bay and Grayland on November 20. Next will be another combination crab/clam dig outing to Willapa Bay and Grayland on December 18. We plan to end 2021 with a clam dig at Grayland on December 31. More information on each of these event will be sent out later, but if you are interested in attending any of them please let Mike Silvers or me know.
I am looking forward to seeing you all Thursday night.
Allen Morrow, President
South Sound Chapter Puget Sound Anglers
There will be a November general meeting on November 4 unless the COVID situation worsens and meetings are banned again. If that happens, I will send out a notice. The current rules will require everyone to wear a mask. Although it is not a requirement, we ask that everyone attending the meeting be vaccinated. There will be a speaker at the meeting - Dan Ayers of WDFW will be talking Razor Clams.
There are a number of upcoming events you need to put on your calendar. The first will be a combination crab/clam dig to Willipa Bay and Grayland on November 20; next will be another combination crab/clam dig to Willipa Bay and Grayland on December 18 and our traditional New Year’s Eve clam dig at Grayland on December 31. More specific information regarding these events will be sent later. However, it will help us plan for each outing if you could let Mike Silvers at setthehook55@gmail.com or me (ramorrow@pacifier.com) know now if you would like to come to any of them. We would especially like to know if you plan to be there, are bringing your boat if you have one, and have room for someone on it.
It’s a month away, but we are in the planning stage for our annual Christmas banquet on December 2, 2021. Dee Glenn would appreciate any help you can provide in planning for this event. If you are interested give her a call at 360-491-0431 or send an email at deeglenn2@comcast.net. For those new to the club, the Christmas banquet is a potluck with the club providing ham, turkey, punch and snacks. It will begin a social hour at 6:00 PM and there will be large bucket raffle at the close of the evening.
It is now time to look forward to 2022 when we hope to able to return tour regular routine. 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.
Unfortunately the COVID situation has not improved and we will be unable to hold our October meeting. The Board of Directors made this decision after reviewing data showing that the pandemic remains real in this area with the local hospitals being at capacity and a dramatic increase in the number of deaths related to COVID infections. Hopefully, the situation will improve soon and we will be able to resume regular meetings starting in November.Although we don’t believe it is prudent to hold indoor meetings we do believe that outdoor activities are safe and with that in mind have scheduled several outings.
The first event was a surf perch/clam dig outing to Mocrocks on September 25. We had a good day on the beach even though the surf perch part was a bust with only 2 very small perch, a couple of flounder and some sculpins being brought to shore. However, most everyone brought home a limit of 20 clams. It was an opportunity to see friendly faces and catch up with what is happening with other members
Other upcoming events are an excursion to Mayfield Lake on October 23 (changed from Riffe Lake due to water levels) ; a combination crab/clam dig to Willipa Bay and Grayland on November 20; another combination crab/clam dig to Willipa Bay and Grayland on December 18 and our traditional New Years Eve clam dig at Grayland on December 31. More specific information regarding these events will be sent later. However, it will help us plan for each outing if you could let Mike Silvers or me know now if you would like to come to any of them. We would especially like to know if you plan to be there, are bringing your boat, if you have one, and have room for someone on it. As of this time we have preliminary commitments from two boat owners and room for four individuals without a boat
Please let me or Mike Silvers know if you have any ideas for other outings. For example, there are a number of other possible dates for clam dig outings which we could put together if there is enough interest. We also would appreciate suggestions for other outing opportunities.
You can contact Mike at setthehook55@gmail.comor 360 951-5160. My contact is ramorrow@pacifier.comor 360 866-0189.
Allen Morrow, President
South Sound Chapter Puget Sound Anglers
Volunteers needed September 22 & 24:
Hello Everyone, I am forwarding emails regarding an opportunity to assist Rods and Reels in Need ( Larry Stamp) and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service at an event to provide Big Brothers and Big Sisters fishing rods and reels and instruction on how to use them. The event will happen at the Lacey Community Center ( Long's Pond) on September 22 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM. One more thing to add. Another option for assisting would be to help sort through, organize, and prep donated rod and reel combos prior to the events. Larry with Rods and Reels in Need has a shed and two trailers with donated gear and it would be a big help if folks could spare an hour or two here and there to help him prep the gear. This could be done any time between now and the events. There is a second event in the parking lot of Salvation Army on Friday, September 24th. This is strictly giving away gently used rod & reel combos to families that qualify for their holiday give and meal program.
If you are interested in helping, please respond to Dan Spencer (daniel_spencer@fws.gov) or Larry Stamp (rodsandreelsinneed@gmail.com).
Allen Morrow, President South Sound Chapter Puget Sound Anglers
SSCPSA President's Monthly Newsletter October 2021
The evil COVID virus bites us again. Unless there is a significant change in the number of new cases in Thurston County between now and October 7 the Board has decided to cancel the scheduled meeting. Hopefully, the situation will improve as more people are vaccinated and obeying the mask requirements. I will send out an update if it becomes possible for us to hold the meeting.
While we are concerned about holding an inside meeting, we believe that it is possible to safely gather outdoors. With that in mind we are scheduling a number of outings in the next several months. The first of those outings was a Surf Perch/Clam Dig on September 25. Hopefully, many of you were able to join us at that event. Upcoming events are an excursion to Riffe Lake on October 23; a combination crab/clam dig to Willapa Bay and Grayland on November 20; another combination crab/clam dig to Willapa Bay and Grayland on December 18 and our traditional New Year’s Eve clam dig at Grayland on December 31. More information regarding these events will be sent later. Please let me or Mike Silvers know if you have any ideas for other outings. Please see the Calendar of Events tab for more information.
Ron Garner was the featured speaker at our September meeting. He provided an inspired discussion of things PSA has accomplished in its efforts to promote recreational fishing while protecting and restoring salmon runs throughout the Northwest Region. As Ron pointed out in his talk it is imperative that everyone, recreational, commercial and tribal, join together in these efforts or we will all lose together.
The continued success of clubs like ours is dependent on the dedication and efforts of volunteers. We continue to look for individuals interested in becoming more active in keeping the club going. The current officers and members of the board have all served ably for many years, but it is time for new people with new ideas to come on board. If you are interested in becoming a more active volunteer in any capacity please contact me at ramorrow@pacifier.com or Steve Cummings Stephencummings1@comcast.net.
It is my hope that we will be able to hold our November meeting in person. Until that time please plan to attend the Riffe Lake outing. If you are fishing have do so safely and let us all know how you did.
September 2nd meeting info:
At this time the meeting on Thursday is a go provided everyone in attendance is wearing a mask. Lacey has made it very clear that we cannot allow anyone in the building without a mask.
Ron Garner, the current State PSA President, is tentatively scheduled to be the speaker. I am awaiting conformation from him. Other events at the meeting will include the derby winner award and the raffle drawing for the rest of us that purchased tickets. If Ron can’t make it we can have an extended fish tale discussion. Based on recent emails there is a lot to talk about.
Allen Morrow, President
South Sound Chapter Puget Sound Anglers
SSCPSA President's Monthly Newsletter September 2021
It was great to be able to have a in person meeting in August. Those who attended the meeting heard a very timely presentation by Steve Andrews on the techniques he uses to catch Kings and Coho in the
South Sound. Perhaps the tips he shared allowed someone to catch one of the wining fish in our annual Member and Guest Derby which happened after I wrote this report. This is the time of the year when traditionally we have been preparing for the kids fish pond at the
Washington State Fair. However, for the second year in a row that is not going to happen. I appreciate all the time and effort everyone has provided in the past to make this event a success and wish it could
be happening again this year, but it is not possible. However, we have been asked to take part in an upcoming Kid’s Tackle Giveaway and Fishing event on the afternoon of September 22. This is a program
sponsored by Big Brothers and Sisters and Rods & Reels in need. More information regarding the event will be sent later. The Board is in the process of scheduling outings for the next several months. The first of these is a surf perch outing to Grayland on September 18. Another anticipated outing is a trip to Riffe Lake in October. In October, November and December we hope to have clam dig outings provided there is an open season. Finally, we are planning our annual crab outing to the Willapa in late December. The specifics of any of these events aren’t finalized yet. More information will be provided as it become available.
Our next monthly meeting will be on Thursday September 2 provided we are allowed to hold it at the Lacey Community Center location. Under the current COVID rules we can hold the meeting, but
everyone in attendance must wear a mask. The speaker that evening will be Ron Garner, President, Puget Sound Anglers who will discuss the efforts our association is taking to ensure we have continued
opportunities for recreational fishing. This should be a lively and educational discussion that I hope is permitted to come about.
SSCPSA President's Monthly Newsletter August 2021
WE ARE BACK IN BUSINESS! It was wonderful to see over 70 members and guests at our welcome back barbeque on July 7. I want to extend my sincere thanks to all who volunteered to make this very enjoyable event a great success. However, I must extend a special thank you to Dee Glenn. Not only was the welcome back barbeque Dee’s idea, but she also arranged for the venue, made all of salads we enjoyed, did the shopping for the raffle items and coordinated the entire event. I don’t know what we would do without her.
We are returning to our normal general meeting schedule on Thursday August 5 at 7:00 PM. The speaker that evening will be Steve Andrews. Steve is a very successful angler everywhere he fishes, but especially in Area 13. He will share his knowledge of hot spots in the local area and the techniques he uses.
This is especially timely as our annual Chapter Member and Guest Derby will be on Saturday, August 21. Tickets for the derby are $30.00/person and will be available at the August meeting or from Mike Silvers (setthehook55@gmail.com), Dee Glenn (deeglen2@comcast .net) or me (ramorrow@pacifier.com). This year’s prizes are first place $400, second $200, third $100 and $75 for the mystery fish. In addition, this year every entrant will be entered into a drawing for additional prizes. Any legal salmon may be entered. The weigh station will be open at the Boston Harbor Marina from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
As has been the practice in the past $5.00 of the derby ticket price will be donated for pancreatic cancer research in honor of Terry Rudnick. With that in mind Terry has recently announced that on August 21 his annual breakfast on the water will return. He says, “Covid put us out of business last year, and will have some impact on this year’s event as well. We’ll be serving lattes, hot coffee, juice and muffins, but the grill will be closed this year. The raffle we added a few years ago keeps getting bigger, and we’ve added lots of new stuff for this year.” I am sure more information regarding this event will be forthcoming.
I have seen several reports of successful trips at Westport and local waters in recent days. One of the things I enjoy most about my membership in this organization is the opportunity to learn from others. Please continue to share your fishing reports. You can do so by sending an email to psa-mailing@googlegroups.com. If you are on the water good luck and be safe.
SSCPSA President's Monthly Newsletter July 2021
At long last we will have an in person meeting. We are going to celebrate this by having a barbeque dinner and raffle on Wednesday July 7 at the Lacey Community Center. There will be a social hour beginning at 6:00 PM with dinner being served at 7:00. I look forward to seeing everyone that evening.
On Saturday June 12 we had a very successful boat show which was coupled with an opportunity to have a safety inspection performed by a representative of from the United States Power Squadron. Fourteen members brought their boats and demonstrated how they have them rigged for types of fishing. I know I came away with some different ideas that I plan to try this summer. In my mind the most important part of the day was the safety inspection. I was pleased to learn that all 14 boats passed with flying colors and received a decal showing that fact. The decal is important because if you have one you usually are not subject to vessel safety checks by the Coast Guard, WDFW or local law enforcement. I want to acknowledge and thank Viki Sharp, who gave up her Saturday to perform the checks. For those who couldn’t make it to the show, Viki is willing to come to you and do the check. Her contact number if 360 866-7134 (leave a message).
Don’t forget our annual garage sale on Saturday, July 17. This event is a major fund raiser for the club. Sale items need not be fishing related. We are looking for any item you might want to donate other than clothing. You can drop off the items you wish to donate at Mike Silvers’ house (4554 14th Ave SE, Lacey, WA) at any time. We will be setting up the sale on the afternoon of July 16 and would appreciate any help at that time as well as on the day of the sale.
One of the things that makes organizations like ours work is the involvement of volunteer members. We have been lucky to have them throughout the years. One such member, Chris Salp has done fantastic job of editing our newsletter for several years. Unfortunately, for us he has recently moved and is no longer able to continue in that role. Therefore, we need a replacement. Please let me know if you are interested.
We will resume our normal meeting schedule on Thursday August 5. Steve Andrews, a very experienced South Sound area angler, will be the speaker at that meeting. He will share his knowledge of hot spots in the local area and the techniques he uses. This is especially timely as our annual Chapter Member and Guest Derby will be on Saturday, August 21. More information on the derby will be forth coming.
June 12 -
2021 Boat Safety Inspection and Boat Show Puget Sound Anglers has scheduled a Coast Guard inspector to inspect boats and issue 2021 Safety stickers for their boats. While we are there, we decided to have our annual Boat Show. Come get your boat inspected by Coast Guard for safety and see how we have our boats rigged for fish, cruising, shrimping and just to spend a day on the water. Location/time: Swan Town Marina parking lot Saturday 10:00-2:00 June 12, 2021. See downloadable safety checklist document at the bottom of this page.
SSCPSA President's Monthly Newsletter June 2021
It appears that the year long suspension of our in person meetings is nearing an end. There is still a possibility that we might have a zoom meeting on June 3 if we can solve some technical issues that have plagued us for the past year. In any event we do plan to have a welcome back general meeting on Saturday July 10. The plan is to hold the meeting in the late afternoon at the Lacey Community Center picnic area. There will be a barbeque dinner and raffle. More information regarding the timing of the
event will be forthcoming. Regular monthly meetings will commence on the first Thursday in August and continue for the rest of the year.
The next event will be our annual garage sale on July 17. This is a significant fund raiser for our club. In the past we have sold not only fishing gear (which most of us probably have more unused items than we need), but also washers, driers, a travel trailer, a boat and many other items someone had laying around the house. The only restriction we place on donations is NO CLOTHING.
Although many of us have been fishing throughout the winter, June is considered by many the start of the boating season. Many of us are already using our boats in lakes for trout and the salt for halibut and
shrimp. Salmon season will soon be upon us which means that we will be spending more time on the water. So, if you haven’t already done so, it is time to get your boat out of storage and make sure it is ready to be used. Even if you have, the first thing we all need to do is to refresh our knowledge of boating safety practices. The next thing to do is to check all your safety equipment to ensure that is serviceable. You should especially look at the expiration dates on your flares and fire extinguisher and replace those that are no longer valid. Finally, make sure the boat and the trailer it has been sitting on all winter are sound mechanically. If all these items check out, have a great summer on the water.
Another upcoming event is the annual member and guest derby set for August 21 if the WDFW reopens Area 13 for salmon fishing. John Ignac who has done a great job as chair of this event for the past three years has resigned but has agree to work with his replacement this summer. We need someone to step up and take on this task.
Finally, Chris Salp our Newsletter editor has moved to Port Angeles and has asked to be replaced. If you are interested in assuming this responsibility for this important function pleas let me know.
The past year has been a very trying time for our club. The inability to have regular meetings
has made it seem as if we have gone out of business. That is not true in fact we have had a
number of events throughout the year. These events include:
1. A rockfish/crab outing to Westport in July. Six members brought their boats and around 15
members had a day on the water. Unfortunately, the weather and fish didn’t cooperate, but we all had a good time. That month we also had a surf perch and wienie roast outing at Grayland attended by 25 members and guests. It was a great day for all.
2. We started the month of August with our annual garage sale. This is one of our primary fund raisers for the Kid’s Fishing Program and our general operating expenses. We did not know what to expect given the current COVID 19 conditions. To our surprise it was the best year ever. We almost doubled the amount earned over last year. This successful result
solved budgetary concerns facing the Board. I want to thank everyone who contributed items for the sale and helped out.
3. Our third annual derby on August 22 was a great success if you consider that there were 59 tickets sold and that it was a perfect day to be on the water. However, it was not a very successful day for those of us who measure fishing success by the number of fish in the box. There were only 2 fish brought to the weigh station.
The winner was Ben Bower with a 10.4# King with second place going to Bob Boes at 9.1#
4. In October eleven members had a great day digging clams and enjoying a wienie roast.
5. In early November we took several GIs from JBLM on a bobber dogging chum fishing expedition.
6. Another November outing was a trout fishing excursion to Mayfield Lake. Seven of us enjoyed a great fall day on the water. However, as seems to be the case on our outings the fish didn’t cooperate. Only three trout went home for dinner.
7. On the 19th of December we had a very successful crab outing to Willipa Bay. Ten members all came home with their limit of delicious crab.
8. After some unexpected snags we were able to hold a unique Kids Fish-in on April 17, 2021. The City of Lacey at the last minute told us that we couldn’t hold the planned event Long’s Pond due to COVID concerns. This was long after we had advertised the event and had accepted registrations
from over 100 kids each of whom expected to receive a free fishing pole, some instruction on water safety and how to use their new tackle and an opportunity to catch a fish. After considerable discussion the City agreed that we could use the parking lot and hand out the rods on a drive through basis as long as there was no formal instruction. There was also an agreement that they kids could fish on their own in Long’s Pond which had recently been stocked with 2,000 trout by WDFW. We managed to get 110 rods in the hands of deserving kids and saw several manage to catch a fish.
9. On May 8, 2021, we participated in WDFW’s “Hand-Raised Trout to Home-Cooked Meal” live virtual event. This was a program that started in the hatchery and followed the development of the fish to being caught in a lake and subsequently eaten. Our participation was how to set up fishing gear to catch these newly planted lake trout. If you are interested the program is available on WDFW’s You Tube site.
As you can see there have been activities involving the club throughout the year. In every case we have tried to get advance notice out to everyone prior to the event with the exception of the last event (WDFW limited us to one participant due to COVID restrictions). We do have several events on the calendar during the summer months. It is our hope that the COVID restrictions will soon be done away with and we can return to our normal monthly meeting schedule.
UP COMING EVENTS
June 6
Surf Perch outing to Grayland. The plan is to leave the Mud Bay Park and Ride at 10:00 AM. More info will be forth coming
June 12
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.
We will be leaving Mud Bay Park & Ride at 4:30 PM. Hot Dogs will be furnished. The Hot Dog sticks ate 3 1/2' long so we should be able to keep our distances.
I don't think I'll be fishing for Surf Perch this time. The surf is 3.5' and the wind is supposed to die down. If you do go fishing, don't go by yourself, make sure there is someone with you. Let me know if you are going and I will try to hook you up with someone else.
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