It's time to get out the poles, tackle boxes and nets and head for nearby streams and lakes where fresh and saltwater fishing is rich with rainbow and silver trout, perch, bass and salmon.

Salmon

Fishing is going well in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, where the season opened Feb. 13. At Olson's Resort in Seiku, 26 anglers brought in 14 resident Chinook on opening day.

"That's pretty good fishing," said John Long, salmon manager for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. "I don't think we've seen a stronger opening for blackmouth anywhere else this year."

Fishing for blackmouth salmon is reportedly slow in northern Puget Sound waterways, but some anglers are doing well in the Straits. Although wild chinook must be released, anglers may keep two salmon per day.

In specified marine areas, fishermen may keep one blackmouth salmon per day, measuring at least 22 inches.

Fishermen have been seen with blackmouth at Tacoma's Pt. Defiance fishing dock.

Steelhead fishing closed on the Puyallup, Nooksack, Stillaguamish, Samish and Snohomish rivers and their tributaries as of Feb. 18.

Smelt

Through March 31, smelt fishing is open on the Columbia River in Washington, with a 10-pound daily limit.

Trout, perch and bass

At Bill's Boathouse on American Lake, owner David Anderson said anglers would need to wait for warmer weather before fishing really picks up.

"Water needs another 10 degrees according to the state biologist who visited a couple weeks ago," Anderson said. "The current temp is around 40 degrees. That being said, yesterday a guy caught a beautiful 17-inch rainbow off the dock using a bobber and worm, with his line about 10-feet down."

On American Lake, rainbows are the attraction and the staple, Anderson said.

"In late April we will release 6,500 trout that are estimated to be around a pound each," Anderson said.

Small-mouth bass run to nearly five pounds, and yellow perch, up to a pound or so, make their showing in late summer.

Anderson said the best bait to use is dynamite.

"That's illegal, though," he laughed. "Try worms, eggs or PowerBait."

Bill's Boathouse is located on Portland Avenue in Tillicum, and open dawn to dusk seven days a week. Fish off the dock for $4.25 (seniors, over 55, fish for $3), and there is generally no charge for children when accompanied by an adult.

Boats are available for rent. Call (253) 588-2594 to reserve a rowboat, motor boat or pontoon. Snacks, poles and bait are available.

For military personnel, Fort Lewis operates Russell's Landing on American Lake. Visit fortlewismwr.com/russelllanding.htm for more information.