Fish Biologist Chad Jackson doesn't usually doesn't project such as sad note, but here he is with the bad news. Read on.

Chad Jackson, Fish and Wildlife Columbia Basin district fish biologist, said most lakes in the south end of the region that are open were either treated last fall and have no fish in them yet, or are covered with unsafe ice. "Stay tuned for more fishing coming to the Basin in March," Jackson said.

The Spencer Report

We have presented information during the past few weeks about the local Youth Outdoors Unlimited program, initiated by a group of volunteers. Their first youth to participate in the program is Spencer Kimbro.

The goal is for him to take the Washington Hunter Safety Course and then participate in a hunt next fall. We have asked Spencer to send us a report each week of his experiences and progress through the course and of his outdoor related experiences.

There are no limits on the report, Spencer. Tell us if you read an outdoor-related book, watch a video or attend a class. You may be interested, as other listeners will be, in the 14 th annual Great Backyard Bird Count, Feb. 18-21. Look for more information about the count in this column in the future.

Here is Spencer's first report, By Spencer, Awesome Kid, Kimbro:

"Hi Dennis, I am excited to begin my hunter safety course February 7. As you know, this course is required to get my license so I can go hunting! Ya!

"I would also like to tell you about a guy named Tom Porter, who is a sled dog owner. He says his dogs are very gentle. He likes to educate kids about his dogs. Tom has also been demonstrating for the Warden 5th graders for five years. 

"He is supposed to come the first or third Mondays of February. When we know for sure I will let you know.

"So long and talk to you soon and hope to meet you some day.

"Sincerely, Spencer the awesome kid."

Great report, Spencer. Keep them coming, one a week. We look forward to following your progress of your outdoor adventures.

From Rod Hammons of R&R Guide Service in Brewster:    

With the break in the weather the weekend warriors are out in full force. Steelhead fishing remains fair with most of the fish being wild in the main stem of the Columbia. With the added pressure it can be tough to get a keeper. My best advice is to do something different than everyone else is doing. 

My attention will be turning to walleye in the coming weeks as the pre-spawn will be getting under way.

Contact Rod at 509-689-2849.

From Anton Jones of Darrell & Dad's Family Guide Service in Manson:

Steelhead fishing on the Upper Columbia rocks on. A 1/8th oz. Worden's Maxi jig in that Calypso pattern under a bobber baited with Pautzke Fire Cured shrimp was very effective for Steelhead.   

  As the surface water temp at Rufus cools below 40F, give up on casting and trolling applications more quickly than you would if the surface temperature was above 40F.  Fish deep with Pautzke's Firebait near the pens for best success. 

This is also prime time for catching triploid rainbows at Rufus. 

Your safety tip of the week is to stop and think, use light and an assistant when you are backing your trailered boat in at the end of the day. This is especially useful in the winter when you get so tired and the days are very short, you are always putting it away in the dark. You can prevent damage to your props, your boat and your buildings by taking those precautions.  Not that I'd know from experience...  

Contact Anton at 509-687-0709 or toll-free 866-360-1523

Backyard Bird Count

The 14 th annual Great Backyard Bird Count, Feb. 18-21, is a way for wildlife enthusiasts of all kinds across the continent to help scientists learn more about bird populations, distribution and movements in late winter. Led by the Cornell University Lab of Ornithology, National Audubon Society, and Bird Studies Canada, with sponsorship from Wild Birds Unlimited, count participants count birds anywhere, in backyards, city parks or at wildlife refuges, for as little as 15 minutes a day or as long as they wish during the four-day period. They tally the highest number of birds of each species seen together at any one time, and report their counts through an online checklist at www.birdsource.org/gbbc/.

As the count progresses, anyone with Internet access can explore what is being reported from their own towns or anywhere in the United States and Canada. They can also see how this year's numbers compare with those from previous years. The count is conducted in February to provide a snapshot of how birds are surviving the winter and where they are located just before spring migrations begin in March.

Rich Finger, Fish and Wildlife Columbia Basin district wildlife biologist, said the local big waters, Moses Lake and Potholes Reservoir, are usually the best bet for seeing lots of the earliest waterfowl migrants, such as Canada geese and pintail ducks. Bald eagles can also be readily observed in the same areas where they're taking advantage of the influx of waterfowl.

Hunter Reports due by Jan. 31

All hunters are required to submit a hunter report for each big game or turkey transport tag acquired for the previous hunting season by January 31. Hunters not reporting by January 31 may be subject to a $10 penalty, which must be paid before a license for the next season can be purchased.

From Fish and Wildlife:

Of all the mid-winter fishing opportunities now available in the region, Fish and Wildlife recommends fishing Lake Roosevelt.

Lake Roosevelt's kokanee fishery is usually pretty good at this time of year. Try trolling small flies and plugs in four to six feet of water for large kokanee measuring 20 inches and more.

This is also the start of the lake's fishing season for walleye, which are starting to stage at the mouth of the Spokane River to make their annual spawning run up the river.

Anglers also continue to pull rainbow trout out of Lake Roosevelt.

Night fishing for Roosevelt's three-to-five-pound burbot should be productive, too. Even bigger burbot, up to 10 pounds, can be caught in Sullivan Lake in Pend Oreille County. Burbot are nocturnal predators, so night fishing is most effective. These fish are now gathering to spawn, so if you find one you usually find others.

Dennis fished for burbot, also known as fresh water lings, when he was in high school, but haven't heard a report of anyone fishing for them in a long time. Are there still some around?

Sprague Lake might be a good bet for rainbows, but reported questionable ice conditions in late January are a reminder that anglers need to be cautious.

With warming air and water temperatures, steelhead fishing picks up a bit at this time of year on the upper Columbia River. Most of that action is above Wells Dam on the mainstem Columbia River and in sections of the Methow River.

Master Hunter Applications

Fish and Wildlife is currently accepting enrollment applications through Feb. 15 for the Master Hunter program.