OUT & ABOUT

OUTLAY

Buddies save at Idaho parks

A yearlong pass that allows a carload of fun-lovers into any Idaho State Park is a bargain at $25.

The deal is even sweeter if you introduce another family to the fun at State Parks facilities – Priest and Round lakes and Farragut, to name a few. Idaho State Parks has a standing deal of selling two annual passports (vehicle passes) for $30.

Info: www.idahoparks.org.

OUTMATCHED

Bumper crop

Two snowy owls who gave birdwatchers much pleasure this winter pushed their luck too far by extending their winter migration in the Spokane region into late April.

After being hit by a vehicle, one of the arctic visitors was being treated at the Ponti Veterinary Clinic, where a wing had to be amputated and an eye removed.

Another snowy owl that had been lingering in the Fishtrap Lake area was found dead in the median of Interstate 90.

OUTCAST

Anglers flock to Spey clinic

Who: Salmon and steelheaders immersed in the aura of two-handed rods that can send a fly line soaring to jaw-dropping distances.

What: Fifth Annual Sandy River Spey Clave, featuring instruction by experts – including international champ Steve Rajeff, who holds the two-handed distance casting record of 295 feet – and demo time for participants to experience the latest Spey-casting equipment.

When: May 13-14.

Where: Sandy River at Oxbow Park east of Portland.

Cost: Free, including meals!

About: Spey fishing is named after the River Spey in Scotland, where the two-handed technique became popular in the mid-1800s. Spey casting requires special two-hand rods, typically 12 to 15 feet long, and roll-casting styles that eliminate backcasts and snagging brush.

Info: www.flyfishusa.com/ spey-clave.htm or call The Fly Fishing Shop, (800) 266-3971.

OUTLOOK

Best fishing times

The U.S. Naval Observatory lists peak fishing times in these lunar tables. To maximize results, be fishing at least one hour before and continue one hour after given times, which apply to all time zones.

(* indicates best days.)

Through May 14

Today

9:25 p.m. 9:45 p.m.

Monday

10:05 p.m. 10:25 a.m.

Tuesday

10:45 p.m. 11:05 a.m.

* Wednesday

11:25 p.m. 11:40 a.m.

* Thursday

12:10 a.m. 12:30 p.m.

* Friday

– 12:40 p.m.

* Saturday

12:55 a.m. 12:25 p.m.

Next Sunday

1:50 a.m. 2:20 p.m.