by The Troutist, April 02, 2011

I want to start this week’s column out with a correction. The last edition photo was of Mike Carey with a very nice Lohanton Cutthroat trout, courtesy of Mike Carey.

It has been said that you get what you pay for and free is something that does not exist. I have to disagree with those myths. I had the opportunity to attend Verle’s (360-426-0933) free salmon seminar on February 26th and I have to tell you I was very impressed with the staff and guest speakers along with the product sampling stations. This event was first class all the way, with noted speakers like Brian Lull of Northwest Sportsman Magazine, Captain John Keizer of Salt Patrol and lecturer at Salmon University, Bill Devers, Shawn Mackey, Allie Shearer, Bill Swan, and Randy Prengel.

Yes I did mention free sampling, Connie Ackrill and crew from Hookers seasoning served up some great deep fried cod and other tasty treats. Brent Peterson from Peterson Smoker Pucks offered up cold smoked cheese and smoked steelhead. The smoked salmon contest had several entries with Wil Henderson of Shelton taking first place with his smoked chum salmon. Like I have said time and time again if you prepare chum right it is quite tasty. Congratulations to Verle’s crew for a job well done.

This event got me to wondering how many other free events and outdoor activities are actually available. Here are a few of them. Because our little magazine is available at Wholesale Sports in Federal Way, Silverdale, and Lacey I gave each store a call. The Federal Way store (253-835-4100) offers free fly tying classes on the last Saturday of every month and as I understand it they are working on putting together a Halibut Seminar for the near future.

The Silverdale store (360-307-6900) no information was available at press time but don’t hesitate to give them a call. I have found them to be a good bunch of folks.

The Lacey store (360-459-5800) has free fly tying classes on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 6 to 7:50 PM. There are seats for about 10 participants, all material is furnished by Wholesale Sports and the Lacey Fly Fishing Club. This is on a first come first serve basis.

Thursday nights are free movie nights free popcorn is included. Aprils schedule so far is “Bugs of the Underworld, Flyfisher Guide to Aquatic Insects” at 5:30 pm on April 7th. A free Kokanee seminar with D. Kent Cannon from 1 to 4 pm on April 9th. Free GPS classes are offered as well, call for availability on these. So as you can see there are plenty of free and educational things to do.

Although this is not a free event I would mark this one on your calendar: South Olympic Peninsula Outdoor Recreation & Adventure Expo, May 21-22 Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds in Elma. This should be a great show. The crew from NW Wild Country Radio Show, Jack Glass, Glen Hall, Grant Goodeve, and the Crew of the Cornelia Marie are all making appearances. For more information call 1-800-621-9625 or 360-482-2651.
It seems everyone is getting amped for the traditional opening day of trout season. Even though there are many year round lakes, opening day is a tradition with many local families and friends. The WDFW has been busy stocking up some year-round lakes just too tide us over in anticipation of the opener.

In Pierce County, Lake Kapowsin has received 4,000 catchable rainbows and Lake Louise has received 1,560 catchable rainbows both lakes are year round lakes. Thurston Counties Offutt Lake received 1,836 brood-stock Cutthroat trout at the end of February. This lake is open year-round and just might be worth a check and see. Mason County’s Trails End Lake another year-round lake received 300 broodstock Cutthroat trout. Kitsap County’s Island Lake a year round lake received 200 broodstock Cutthroats. When in doubt I will always refer you to the WDFW Regulation Pamphlet.

I want to leave you with this parting thought. Every man claims to be the King of the castle. Unfortunately for him, his idea of a castle and the Queens might be two different things. Have a question or topic suggestion send me an e-mail at: thetroutist @yahoo.com .So until next time may your next trout be your trophy mount.


By “Uncle Wes” Malmberg

Special thanks to our sponsors:
Mason County Outdoors
Shelton, Wa.
360-426-4412

Cary’s Tire & Repair
Shelton, Wa.
360-426-9762

The Hiawatha Corporation
Shelton, Wa.
360-426-4562

Hood Canal Outfitters
Hoodsport, Wa.
360-877-9444

Olsen Furniture
Shelton, Wa.
360-426-4702

Olympic Insurance Agency
Shelton, Wa
360-427-6286

RM Brand, Gunsmith
Shelton, Wa
360-427-0767

U.S. MARINE Sales and Service
Olympia, Wa.
360-455-0788

Green Diamond Resource Center
Shelton, Wa.
360-426-3381