Brenden,
As Preston's reply (and excellent summary of the subject) points out,
cutthroat run timing is highly variable. I think one of searun cutthroat's
strengths is their extraordinary ability to adapt to their environment and
exploit the many little ecological niches throughout their range. In the
case of North Puget Sound this includes major rivers, small streams and
even, in many cases, the puny little creeks that dribble across Puget Sound
beaches everywhere. Even our silt-laden urban creeks often support small
runs of searuns. In Carkeek Park, for instance, Piper and Venema creeks
support a run of perhaps 20-30 searun cutts that return in late October and
seem to disappear back to the salt within a few weeks. I've heard reports
of these fish being spotted in the creek again during the spring and summer
months, so it seems likely they never stray far from their home streams and
probably move in and out of the creeks frequently through the year, foraging
for food and, of course, spawning. I've also read similar accounts of
casual, repeated excursions from fresh water to the salt, especially in
small, short-run streams and creeks, and I suspect this may be very common
in many parts of Puget Sound and Hood Canal where such little creeks are
common. I believe this behavior is termed "amphidromous" (thank you, Scott
Craig), and probably occurs to some degree in most searun populations (for
instance, in our major rivers, returning to the lower estuarine areas in the
spring to intercept downstream migrating fry).
What this means to the angler is that good searun fishing can be found
nearly year-round, as long as you're willing to do a little exploring and
don't mind some fishless days. I know many fly-fishers who do well
thoughout the winter and early spring in both south and north Puget Sound.
I've heard recent reports of at least decent searun fishing in places such
as Kayak Point and Picnic Point. Personally, I've caught searuns - at least
occassionally - at Meadow Point (Shilshole), Carkeek Park, and Richmond
Beach Park - all close to my home in north Seattle - nearly every month of
the year.
So my advice is to get out and explore. Keep your eyes open, keep track of
tides and time of day and you'll start finding fish. The more you keep at
it the more you'll find - and the more you'll come to know and appreciate
these wonderful fish!
-Wes
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Brenden Portolese [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
> Sent: Monday, April 16, 2001 9:33 AM
> To: '[EMAIL PROTECTED]'
> Subject: Time of Year for Cutts in North Sound
>
>
> Greetings all,
>
> Ive been lurking the list for a few weeks now, and have a couple
> questions,
> One Im sure has been asked a million times before. But...
>
> I am starting my venture into the Sea-Run arena, and had one
> final question
> before I begin.. What are the best time(s) of the year to fish for sea-run
> cutts in the north sound. (Edmonds - Mukelteo)?
>
> Im willing to do the 'leg work' to find patterns and spots, heck,
> thats most
> of the fun, but it would be funner to know when the best chances
> for success
> are.
>
> Also, is there an FAQ associated with this list?
>
> Thanks for your words of wisdom in advance.
> Brenden
>
> - Been FF for about 2 years, mostly small streams and creeks around the
> Stilly.
>
>
