Now's the time to start targeting the early winter hatchery fish, as many like to refer them to as "brats". The following is a list of rivers that generally produce good numbers during December and January. They are typically going to be your 4 - 6lb average fish, but chrome bright and full of spunk.

These are only suggestions and of course you'll have to look a river conditions to see which rivers might be your best bets. The rivers below typically have a high success rate during the December - January time frame.

n Skykomish River: Reiter Ponds - Ah, a float fishermans dream. Huge boulders and generally clear water make this a VERY poplular destination for beginners and experts as well. When the fish are in, you will have company. When they say you better find you're rock, they're not kidding. Stand on a rock and keep your spot.

As mentioned above, this is float fishing water extroardinaire. Floating a jig under a float produces great numbers of this here. Also, try either a small egg cluster or sandshrimp under a float as well.

When the water's moving a little faster or has some color, don't hesitate to try a little drift fishing with bait as well. Watch out for the snags though, those boulders are grabby!

For a more complete description of fishing the sky, click here.

n Snoqualmie River - A great destination for early hatchery fish. I generally start below Tokul Creek at Big Eddy. Even if the creek is open, I for one don't consider that fishing. Sorry, just my opinion. Tokul Creek is basically 4 - 10ft wide, not deep, I said wide! Fish follow the creek upstream to the hatchery. The fish tend to sit in behind the boulders which you'll see plenty of fisherman lined the banks and "set" their presentation in these very small pools. You can't cast as you can generally touch the other side of the bank with you rod tip. It's legal, just doesn't seem right to me.

OK then, on to where I would suggest you start fishing. Again, Big Eddy is below Tokul Creek. This is a tremendous holding area and you'll see the other fishermen lined up throwing their presentions. This is float fishing water. Fairly deep, I'd start off floating bait, eggs or sandshrimp here. Try your jigs next.

Once you're tired of the semi-combat fishery, you can head downstream for quite a ways. A combination of good float water and some excellent drift fishing holes great you all the way down. Some really good pocket water is right below the boat launch. You'll be competing with not only those on the bank, but from drift boats as well.

For you drift boats, a great float is from Plum's Landing down to Fall City. Many holes along the way to pull plugs or float your presentation.

Another popular bank fishery is at Fall City where the Raging River dumps into the Snoqualmie. A very deep hole best fished drift fishing with eggs or sandshrimp. Follow the drift all the way to the bridge and hit it hard agains the far bank and the rocks.

Even further down is where the Tolt River Dumps in. The whole stretch from just above the tolt, all the way down through the park has some spectacular drifts. Another great stretch for you boat anglers, especially those with a sled that can side drift.

n Cowlitz River: Blue Creek - I think this is where the phrase "combat fishing" was coined. If the fish are in, this will be incredibly crowded with everyone fishing literally shoulder to shoulder. It also produces big time!

Anywhere you can find bank access will work. This is also the first place I ever watched someone not only fish a jig, but school me and walk away with his limit with me never touching a fish. In other words, jigs work here.

Not only will the bankies be combat fishing, but so will the boat anglers. Sleds are the ticket here and from Blue Creek down a few miles is side drifting at it's best.

There's been some great numbers this year and the fish are BIG! I've heard of several in the teens already and these are the early fish.

n Bogachiel / Calawah - I lumped these together because generally when I fish one I fish them both. I start at the confluence at the mouth of the Calawah. Bring a float rod and a drift rod because the water here can be excellent for both depending on which stretch of river you're in. Oh, and some comfy wading boots will help too as if the fish aren't in one spot, hoof it!

These are both good rivers to fish and move on. If they're not there, keep moving, then hit the same holes on the way back down. You'd be suprised how often fresh fish will move in.

If you going to float this river, you better know it! I'd suggest going with a guide the first time as this is a very technical river to float. Great river to fish, put nasty float!

For a more complete description of fishing the Bogey, click here.

n Cascade River - A small river which dumps into the Skagit, the river flat out produces great numbers of hatchery brats. When I said small, I meant VERY small. Fish from the mouth where it dumps into the Skagit, up river about a mile. You can walk the hole bank, then turn around and come back down.

Small river, small presentations. Fish very light line, small hooks, small baits. If you can, float a small egg cluster with just a split shot or two and you'll be in business.

Oh, some spectacular scenery here and Bald Eagles galore!

I'd include the Skagit in this list, but you really have to know this river to do good consistantly. The Skagit is so big and in my opinion the hardest river to learn of all those I've fished. It'll produce the numbers, but for those that know the river.

For a more complete description of fishing the Skagit, click here.

n Elochoman River - Another small river with very limited bank access. Basically below the fish hatchery is the best access, and also the best fishing for early season fish. Maybe not combat fishing, but pretty darn close. When the fish are in the hatchery parking lot will be full and you'll be fishing with 30 or 40 of your closest new friends.

Good float fishing here, both jigs and bait. If the water's up a little try drift fishing eggs first, then switch to a float. If the water is low, float and jig is your best bet.

Another good spot is below the "old" hatchery on Beaver Creek road. This is a great float fishing area. Jigs under a float has produced well for me here.

Again use small river tactics, light line and small presentations.

n East Fork Lewis River - Once again a small river, but for targeting these hatchery fish it's a great producer.

Two parks are your best bet, Daybreak Park and Lewisville Park. Both are great float fishing waters especially during low clear conditions. Jigs have been fantastic in the last few years. A nightmare pattern has worked exceptionally well.

Up a little higher is Lucia Falls. Again, jigs will be your top producer here but the the lower tailout it great for drifting some eggs through.

It's a very nice drift from Lewisville down to Daybreak with some great drift fishing water.

n Snake River - OK, not early winter runs, but "B" run Steelhead, but now is GO TIME!

For a more complete description of fishing the Snake, click here.