My springer plans had fallen through for the Cowlitz, but the fishing bug was burning inside me and I had to go fishing! I contacted Randy (rseas) and we decided to hit Lake Samish for kokanee.

I’m always up for some kokanee trolling so I was pumped and met Randy at 6am at the launch. After a quick AIS inspection we were on the water and putting out our lines. Two on the downriggers and two using leaded lines. All rods had dodgers and Randy’s homemade kokanee flies. Primary color choices were pink or green. One fake maggot on the inside hook and one kernel of corn on the trailing hook.

We started right out from the launch and was marking kokanee everywhere, as well as seeing them jumping. Initially the leaded lines (2 colors best) were out performing the downriggers, but I would say by the end of the day they were about even. Downriggers generally were set around 35-39 feet deep.

This is Randy’s “home lake” and he had no problem at all getting us our limits of fish. We fished the main lake for five and then moved into the little lake for the remaining five fish. The fish are running 9 to 12” right now. We had a mix of mostly 11-12” fish. Randy expects these fish to run 14-16 inches by the end of the summer.

Reminder – you need a Discovery Pass at this launch.

If you don’t mind the AIS issue Lake Samish is red hot. You can take an online course to get a reduced price on the annual sticker. http://whatcomboatinspections.com/ais-awareness-course
2016 AIS Permit Fees:

• Annual Motorized/Registered Permit: $50 (Get a $10 discount by taking the online course)
• 3-Day Pass (Motorized/registered only): $20 (No discount available — 3 consecutive days only)
• Annual Non-Motorized Permit: $10 (Get a $10 discount by taking the online course)

It’s a bit of a hassle and added cost, but if you can fish this lake often enough you’ll recoup your cost in lots of shiny kokanee!

---