Can't miss fishing trips for 2015

Okay, I'm hoping to sit down over Christmas break and chart out my 2015 wishing for fishing calendar.  I'm wanting to amp up the adventures this coming year.  What are some can't miss fishing adventures?  Where?  When? And why?
So far my wish list consists of:
January- Lake washington for cutthroat- my local fishery-
January-march various North puget sound blackmouth- local fishery
Neah Bay- rock fish, ling- destination- need to determine best time
Depoe Bay- Rock fish, ling- destination-need to determine best time
April May - wil. channel for springers- destination.
July-Oct sound for chinook, coho PINKS - local fishing
August -Warrenton/Hammond chinook coho- destination is it possible with the PB craziness??
September- Johns river- salmon- destination- same PB question.

Any must try adventures I should consider?  Anyone hit those spots regularly and want some company?  Anyone know when the various events/derbies typically are and which ones are "can't miss"? 

Shoot for the tournaments.I'm going to more in  2015

Shoot for the tournaments.I'm going to more in  2015

Definitely on my list.  I made it to one this year and had a blast.  Those HOW folks know how to potluck!   Anyone know when they typically set the dates for 2015 events and where to find them on this site?

I've found a lot of the derbies and kayak tournaments are not timed well for the peak time of many fisheries. I'm sure the reason for that is to avoid conflict with powerboats and such. IMO go to a tournament/derby for the camaraderie and to support a good cause not to maximize your catch rate.

You are welcome to join me this year for springer fishing on the Willamette. You've got a lot of salmon and bottomfishing on your list. I'd encourage you to look into doing some kokanee or bass fishing. 

  Welcome to NWKA crackergraham,

 For the various tournaments and HOW events you need to keep an eye on the Events sub-forum. And to stay in touch with all the HOW events you may need to "friend" HOW on facebook to get all of their goings on. If a HOW co-ordinator has a better suggestion -- please sound off. I know I miss a few events.

 Some events dates are subject to change-- due to seasonal , emergency orders, and other variables. Be vigilant.

  A few other options you might want to consider up your way----
Steelhead fishing from now thru closing in the spring
Sturgeon c/r in the Portland area. It gets better in the winter and there are a lot of our people that are happy to show a guy the ropes down there. Just put out an invite.
Neah Bay area for the very short Halibut opening. One of the few spots in Washington you can expect to catch a halibut from a kayak. Besides that the area is spectacular and the fishing is pretty damn good too.
Westport jetty for ling, cabezon, and black rocks......when ling season opens --March or April
Willapa Bay for Kings in August.
John's River is good with a kayak in September.
Hood Canal for chum salmon in October and November.
Then in December ---- rinse and repeat.
Colombia River from August on for a few months for Kings and Silver. Very doable from a kayak. You will have company down there .

  Hope that will help some with your planning.....the NorthWest has a lot to offer fishermen. Make it happen

I've found a lot of the derbies and kayak tournaments are not timed well for the peak time of many fisheries. I'm sure the reason for that is to avoid conflict with powerboats and such. IMO go to a tournament/derby for the camaraderie and to support a good cause not to maximize your catch rate.

You are welcome to join me this year for springer fishing on the Willamette. You've got a lot of salmon and bottomfishing on your list. I'd encourage you to look into doing some kokanee or bass fishing. 

I actually have the events listed pretty high on the list for the very reason you say to prioritize it.... I found the community/camaraderie aspects to be really cool.  Thanks for the springer offer.  Will take you up on your if I make it down there.  My brother lives in St Helens and fishes that channel all the time... I've been out with him a few times (alumaweld deep V).  This will be my first year doing it in a kayak... and I hope to catch... and convince him to join me on these adventures.  He's very intrigued so far:)  If he can watch me go on a slay ride or two... will likely seal the deal.

I might add:
Sequim or Port Angeles for Halibut
Long Beach for ocean salmon
Rufus for triploid trout
Potholes or Rufus for Walleye

-Mark-

  Welcome to NWKA crackergraham,

 For the various tournaments and HOW events you need to keep an eye on the Events sub-forum. And to stay in touch with all the HOW events you may need to "friend" HOW on facebook to get all of their goings on. If a HOW co-ordinator has a better suggestion -- please sound off. I know I miss a few events.

 Some events dates are subject to change-- due to seasonal , emergency orders, and other variables. Be vigilant.

  A few other options you might want to consider up your way----
Steelhead fishing from now thru closing in the spring
Sturgeon c/r in the Portland area. It gets better in the winter and there are a lot of our people that are happy to show a guy the ropes down there. Just put out an invite.
Neah Bay area for the very short Halibut opening. One of the few spots in Washington you can expect to catch a halibut from a kayak. Besides that the area is spectacular and the fishing is pretty damn good too.
Westport jetty for ling, cabezon, and black rocks......when ling season opens --March or April
Willapa Bay for Kings in August.
John's River is good with a kayak in September.
Hood Canal for chum salmon in October and November.
Then in December ---- rinse and repeat.
Colombia River from August on for a few months for Kings and Silver. Very doable from a kayak. You will have company down there .

  Hope that will help some with your planning.....the NorthWest has a lot to offer fishermen. Make it happen

Mark, thanks for the welcome!  I love reading through this site.  And thanks for the ideas!  I'll have to research up on the Neah Bay area... figured the Halibut would be pretty far out.... but I'd love to try for one.  You've just laid out an awesome circuit (and given me a handful of other great areas to research)... can combine our lists and have salt water options all year long!  I don't discount the freshwater options either... I've just never really fished lakes (always salt or rivers).  My neighbor has some good fresh water destinations on his wish list, so I'll probably start learning that better.  Love your closer... "make it happen"!  Amen.