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Area 12 Hood Canal Report
Washington

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09/02/2012
Clams
Afternoon
09/07/2012
4
2003

Ah, I'll try posting this as saltwater since it's more appropraite (Mike can delete river report).

Late report, been dealing/busy with several things lately outisde fishing.

Anyway, made it out to Quilcene (lower river) to see what was up and to area just south of there for some clam digging. Ran into fellow Walaker sportradicle (sp?) while doing some clam digging just outside the Quil fishing area and had a pleasant short chat with him.

I skipped the fishing altogether because I was with a group more interested in clams and oysters so this is maybe more of a saltwater report and not so much fishing (booo).

The clamming was great for the little manilas and we all enjoyed a nice feast that night.

The salmon were pretty thick in the area I looked (closed section between Rodgers St and mouth). But, as mentioned, I was with a group not interested in fishing so I had to skip it altogether (booo- looked like easy limits).

Looked like easy floss fishery (have to be IN the mouth BTW) above Rodgers St (drift fishing gear) and I had the gear to do it but not the time.

The water is very skinny on low tide in the intertidal zone, almost anorexic by salmon standards with the split little fingers of fresh water running down to the salt on low tides (see r. ton video for view of that in river forum section). Is it OK to fish for them in that section since it isn't in the salt? Thought it would be closed unless it is mixing with saltwater but guess not, maybe the 'mouth' is a set point and not fluctuating with the tide. I should look into that.

Makes for an interesting scene where even a dryfly salmon flossing could be possible LOL.

On the pleasant side, there were several molded up summer run chums above the tidal zone in the main channel so nice to see that population being represented some. I hope they continue to rebound.

4 stars for the easy manila limits and a few shucked oysters to boot (the oysters weren't as good as the manilas).

BTW, be responsible and don't drink and drive please! That beverage was being consumed at our overnight destination point, not the river.

Good luck everyone!


Comments

returnofthefish
9/7/2012 8:22:00 PM
thanks for the report. I rarely see any clamming reports if any at all.
Trouttrakr
9/8/2012 11:39:00 AM
I agree. We need more clamming/oystering reports... YUM!!!!!
SportRadical
9/10/2012 11:42:00 AM
Close enough, SportRadical=) It was nice to meet you. Our clams, coho and even the milky oysters turned out to taste great as well.
knotabassturd
9/10/2012 3:24:00 PM
Knew my spelling would fail me LOL. Glad to hear you got out after the salmon and looked like you guys had the area dialed in (getting the clams and oysters to round out the trip). I'm really kicking myself for not getting out there for a fish or two for the smoker.
Good clams. We just let them sit in saltwater overnight and then rinsed them off real good. Steamed them without water, relying on their own juices. If we had a bottle of dry white wine, that would have been the simmering juice :-) But they were still delicious little buggers. Was good to meet you out there. Good luck the rest of the season.
knotabassturd
9/10/2012 3:27:00 PM
Come to think of it, would have been real good to get my 9 year old out there to catch a salmon so she could show it off to her friends that trip. Opportunity missed. Maybe next time.
jens
9/11/2012 11:49:00 AM
Nothing like clams steamed plain. The only way I cook mine. Thanks for the report (:
knotabassturd
9/11/2012 4:24:00 PM
Yep a straight steam works darn well keeping that sweet flavor. The cold beverage helps balance out the sweetness
too ;-)
BTW- good to see you jens, it has been awhile!
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Available Guide

Available Fishing Guide:
Website: Darrell & Dads Family Guide Service

Phone: (509) 687-0709