After work

[fishmonger]

I went out after work last night to the Kickitat River. The Klick is in Washington, about 10 miles west of The Dalles. It drains the north slope of Mt Adams, and gets out of shape when it is hot from glacial meltwater. It was only my 3rd time out on this river, and the water was pretty cloudy, so I was still really only in scouting mode.

I shared a run with a family of otters for about 20 minutes before they floated past me and headed downstream, here is mom and one of the kids:
http://www.myfishingpictures.com/img/102796.JPG (http://www.myfishingpictures.com/?p=102796&c=500&z=1)

I caught 6 smolts, and a 15 lb Steelhead. It was a really stubborn fish, it just pulled like alog until it got close to the bank, then it went bananas. I was soaked from head to toe after landing it. I think it was a hatchery fish, but it still had some of it's adipose fin, so I let it go. I still haven't killed a Steelhead, I figure it's good for the fish-kharma :D
http://www.myfishingpictures.com/img/102797.JPG (http://www.myfishingpictures.com/?p=102797&c=500&z=1)

FM

[skibum]

Sweet!!! When you coming back here for some hooch time???

[fishmonger]

Not until late August. Shannon and the boys get here on Monday, and I had to give up 3 trips home to cover their plane tix. I may stay here over Labor Day weekend to go fishing for 50 lb Chinooks :yikes:

I'm going Spey casting on the White Salmon River tonight, and this weekend, there are lots of steelies in there now, but the word is not out yet. My buddy has a buddy that works for the DNR, and he does river surveys by snorkeling. He counted 370 fish in a run we fish on Wed. It's a tough trail down to the river, so the lazy meat-farmers don't like this spot. It melts lbs off my fat butt though, but so does pulling on big fish! :D

FM

[skibum]

Well I would'nt be coming back here either if I was you.. You sure you dont need me to turn the motor over on your boat?? It collecting dust yet??? Tires still have air??? ect, ect....lol

[knot trying]

Mark,

How are you ever going to be able to fish the Hooch and enjoy it after these kinds of experiences?

Since knot's yacht is still down, you should let me and Dennis keep your boat in peak operational form...

Enjoy having the family out there, must be a summer run of something to catch...