EVEN WITH A rain storm forecast to approach the levels of the first big fall deluge, anglers will be hard-pressed to miss Saturday’s hatchery coho opener in the Big Quilcene River.
The fishing season will look much different than in years past — and will be shorter, a scant two weeks in length.
Anglers should be aware of updated access points and parking areas due to the restoration project underway to reroute the Big Quilcene River.
Work on the north side of the river has closed access to the lower river via Linger Longer Road, the Fremont spur and the powerline right of way.
Removal of the Linger Longer Road bridge and construction of a temporary bridge at Rodgers Street have also significantly reduced parking at the old Jefferson County Riverside Park.
A parcel (991201001 on the map above) owned by Jefferson County at the intersection of Linger Longer Road and Muncie Avenue will provide about 20 parking spaces.
From there, anglers can follow the river east and access the old trails downstream of the powerlines. Please be aware of private lands to the east of the planned parking area and avoid trespassing.
Limited parking is also available along Rodgers Street and adjacent to the temporary bridge.
From the river mouth to the downstream terminus of the state Department of Fish and Wildlife’s public access easement Saturday through Aug. 31, anglers can keep a daily limit of four coho with a minimum size of 12 inches. All salmon other than coho must be released. A night closure is in effect, and anglers must abide by the anti-snagging rule.
Fishing also is open Saturday through Oct. 31 from the downstream terminus to the U.S. Highway 101 bridge with the same daily limit and rules as above.
Quilcene’s Ward Norden has been keeping track of the restoration project and said he was puzzled over what to tell people about the coho fishery this year.
“It only lasts two weeks and the most popular areas are blocked off by construction equipment,” Norden said. “Parking will be at a premium near the temporary new bridge. Anglers might need a law degree and a GPS to understand the regulations.
“There will likely be a couple teams of WDFW enforcers out to make sure no one is having too much fun or being very successful. Last year, hundreds of tickets were handed out in just a couple days, even to young children, to drive out the anglers often for specious reasons.”
Keep it clean
In previous seasons, the Big Quilcene fishery has been maligned for the amount of trash and waste left behind … human waste. Continued opportunity and access to a stretch of river will be conditioned on keeping the area in good order.
“All that being said, the good news at least for this year is that a ‘green group’ purchased what looks to be 10 to 20 acres along the river upstream from the temporary bridge, giving access to the south side of the river.
“This group will allow access to the river almost all the way to the WDFW access easement that starts at U.S. Highway 101. The green group plans to close this access opportunity if too much trash is left behind.
“The WDFW easement section of the river is open all the way through September, but the trail on the upstream end near 101 requires severe scrambling, a hardship for us old folks. This new access will be a gift to us.
“As a volunteer at the federal hatchery during spawning season, I expect to see hundreds more of surplus fish going to waste, sadly.”
Don’t risk it
At this point of the year, the Big Quilcene’s flow is much reduced. This rain event is likely to swell some small streams and creeks and bring rivers to unusually high levels for this time of year.
The hydrologic outlook presented by the National Weather Service said the storm “will pose a threat to those engaged in recreational activities in and along river channels.”
Low water levels
Visitors and campers heading to Bogachiel State Park will need to prepare for limited water availability for the remainder of the season.
Due to low water levels in the park’s well, potable water will be limited to use by registered campers only. Day-use visitors are asked to come prepared with their own water.
Restrooms will remain open. However, the park’s showers, dump station and RV tank filling water stations are closed.
The well is not expected to recharge until the fall rainy season.
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Sports reporter/columnist Michael Carman can be contacted at sports@peninsuladaily news.com.
