Natural Beauty Lures Anglers and Hunters
Despite its proximity to the bustling urban center of Portland, residents of Vancouver and Clark County have just as convenient access to nature, making hunting and fishing a booming pastime.
“It is a unique opportunity in an urban setting,” says Guy Norman, the regional director of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Region 5. “The people of Clark County have the best of both worlds.”
A significant draw for outdoorsmen and women is the area’s spectacular scenery, which includes Mount St. Helens and Mount Hood close by.
“It’s quite a landscape,” Norman says.
For hunters, migratory birds, such as geese, are plentiful in this area known for its natural beauty.
“Goose hunting is popular in the lowlands,” Norman says. “Clark County is not a big-game hunting area. Here it’s more migratory birds and upland bird hunting.”
Besides the Columbia River, Clark County boasts a total of 39 lakes, making it a paradise for anglers. The salmon and steelhead runs draw fishermen from throughout the region.
“Seasonally, we get thousands of people into the area,” Norman says. “A lot of people come from around the county and the state for the spring and fall. During the spring period, Battle Ground [Lake] and Klineline [Pond] have healthy trout and salmon and are popular.”
Visit www.fishingworks.com for a complete listing of the county’s lakes and information on each.
Sport fishing has a major impact on Washington’s economy, as well, with resident and visiting anglers alike supporting 12,850 jobs and $376.1 million in earnings statewide, according to a new report presented to the state Fish and Wildlife Commission by TCW Economics.
