January Trout Fishing?

[TyeeMatt]

I know it's a stretch but I'm wondering if any fellow anglers have had any success fishing for trout in Western Washington during January. I've had success fishing the Yakima in early spring but really want to get into some fish in the next couple months. I couldn't (and wouldn't want to) drag my girlfriend out steelheading but I've found that I can often disguise a trout fishing trip to a lake or river as a romantic getaway and we're both happy...just as long as she doesn't see my pontoon packed underneath all the camping gear. We're both itching to get outside this winter, perhaps reserve a forest service cabin or year-round campsite where we can build a big fire, as long as it's near water with fish in it. Any insight or tips are much appreciated.

[jonb]

Trout fishing should be decent for brown trout this time of year, or maybe try a restricted fishery, I would suggest, cranberry lake, in island county for browns and bows, open year round, statewide general rules. Emergency rule change in affect until Feb 14 daily limit 10. Lone lake island county, selective gear rules, year round, daily limit 1 minimum size 18" should be good for better sized fish. Green lake in Seattle is still putting out steelhead and bows. Martha lake (wb) has browns too, but has been slow recently.. Also try targeting trout in rivers that are open.. should be some sea run cutts to be had. Good luck.

[G-Man]

The trout fishing can be pretty good this time of year on the west side. This question comes up quite regularly and the forum is full of good information. Lake Washington shore fishing heats up in the winter months and good sized rainbows and cutthroat trout can be caught with nothing more than a slip sinker and a baited hook. Here is a link to get you started:

http://www.washingtonlakes.com/forum/vi ... out#p56422

If you are going to drop your pontoon in the lakes this time of year, be sure to wear a life vest and stay off the water when the wind is blowing.

[hewesfisher]

If you are going to drop your pontoon in the lakes this time of year, be sure to wear a life vest and stay off the water when the wind is blowing.

Ditto that! We don't need, nor want, another post like this one - http://www.washingtonlakes.com/forum/vi ... =2&t=21180" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;