Its fall, that means its time to do your part to save the fry age class of this year.

Do your part!

Squawfish are capable of eating 15 salmon smolt a day, which means in lakes they will eat more sportfish fry due to their smaller size. Squawfish are also able to eat fish which are much larger than what other species can, up to 1/2 their overall length! We need to reduce the number of these predators.

Do your part!

Over the past week, two missions were undertaken. The Thumb and I went out on one, harvesting 24 total (and getting one helluva show with 3 bald eagles feeding on some of the fish). Yesterday, another trip went out, pulling 20 more.

These fish are an odd sort. Most caught in the warm months are lethargic, lazy fish that don't fight. In the fall, this changes dramatically. THESE THINGS FIGHT LIKE TROUT! In the colder water, they will run sideways, headshake, strike hard, run, twist, and in general put up a great fight.

Go to your preferred spots. Especially those where throughout the year you were catching smaller fish, under 8". Fish these areas HARD with a crankbait, pulled slowly near weed edges and structure. Pause occasionally. This will lure them out. Once caught, either destroy them and feed them to the raptors on the water, or take them home. This fish is a fantastic organic fertilizer for gardens or any type of plant.

DO NOT PUT THEM BACK IN THE WATER LIVE!

There may be a squally tournament occurring next year, stay tuned!

E

gpc

11/8/2007 12:49:00 AM

They will also work for crab bait for the people closer to the west side and should work for craw dads as well. Thanks Gisteppo for helping with the squaw population.

Gisteppo

11/8/2007 9:46:00 AM

That is precisely where these are headed! Dungeness fishing this time of year is fantastic on the Oregon coast.

E

bjperry

11/8/2007 1:02:00 PM

Is there a good place on long lake to fish for these things from the bank? If so, what's a good method to use if bank fishing for them?

Gisteppo

11/8/2007 1:08:00 PM

BJ, head to the stretch on hwy 291 where the little spokane joins long lake, there is a big hole there that produces, and they are feeding on the whitefish and trout getting flushed out. Also, the landing and riprap out in the tumtum area, just before you go up the hill. They like to ambush off of those rocks. Some of the best spots are truly boat-in, but a rowboat will get you to quite a few. You can also work the dock at the Spokane House, and the state boat launch. For a fee I can guide people out to a few spots as well.

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GatorNate

11/28/2007 7:07:00 PM

Gisteppo-
I've followed your comments for a while now and you really seem to know your stuff. I have spent quite a bit of time out at Long Lake the past few years and am in love with the bass fishing there. November has yeilded the best fishing to date (for me anyway) 4 smallmouth between 4 and 5 lbs and countless 2 to 3 lbs.(all in the same area) Catch and release only! I have been researching the negative impact of the Squawfish and I am fully on board with a 'tournament' to get their numbers down!! All of my fishing buddies are on board as well. Just let us know when!

jbd482

3/3/2008 4:19:00 PM

i mainly fish for smallies at the pend oreille river but i might have to try out long lake this year.oh an just want to say tourney sounds great,ive been a squaw fish killer for at least 5 years.depending on the fee i might be interested in your guiding to.

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