Kids, camping & Bass: Willey 6/1-3/07

[Hunt'nFish]

Well, I was planning to go to Haystack Res w/ the family for the weekend but....
my sweet and tolerable wife had pointed out how many $$ I've spent lately going to Brownlee the other week and off shore after halibut last weekend.

So with cheap, frugal thoughts in mind, we decide to hit our "secret spot" on the river for a weekend of fun in the sun locally. So we tossed a cooler, a couple bed rolls and tents in the boat and did a boat in camp.

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Mike_in_Oregon/Willamette%20Rvr/DSCN3457.jpg

Fishing kinda sucked w/ the full moon and all, but I found enough to stay entertained in the mornings. Fishing their hides under submerged logs and such seemed to work best. Lost one really nice fish that I think might have gone 4lbs on the scale but we'll never know now. Screwed it up: I'd just switched rods and threw on a motor oil Gitzit tube and I guess I'd loosened the drag on the reel prior and of course when I set the hook it didn't penetrate the lip. It jumped & threw the tube. Nice fish. Did pick up a couple around 16", pretty skinny fish, doubt they would go 2lbs.

FF doesn't have temp but I hear the rvr is running around 60F. Water was a little off color for some reason.

I even tried to put a shad pattern together for some mid day action w/ the kids, but just couldn't find the right mix of depth & flow to work my little Dick Knight spoons. Even tried a little tiny red roostertail w/ silver blade. I could mark them on the graph but just couldn't find a lure that would flicker in that little current.

But with temps in the high 80's it was nice to be on the water w/ the family.
Hunt'nFish

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Mike_in_Oregon/Willamette%20Rvr/DSCN3472.jpg

[Thecrease]

Well, I was planning to go to Haystack Res w/ the family for the weekend but....
my sweet and tolerable wife had pointed out how many $$ I've spent lately going to Brownlee the other week and off shore after halibut last weekend.

So with cheap, frugal thoughts in mind, we decide to hit our "secret spot" on the river for a weekend of fun in the sun locally.

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Mike_in_Oregon/Willamette%20Rvr/DSCN3457.jpg

Fishing kinda sucked w/ the full moon and all, but I found enough to stay entertained in the mornings. Fishing their hides under submerged logs and such seemed to work best. Lost one really nice fish that I think might have gone 4lbs on the scale but we'll never know now. Screwed it up: I'd just switched rods and threw on a motor oil Gitzit tube and I guess I'd loosened the drag on the reel prior and of course when I set the hook it didn't penetrate the lip. It jumped & threw the tube. Nice fish. Did pick up a couple around 16", pretty skinny fish, doubt they would go 2lbs.

FF doesn't have temp but I hear the rvr is running around 60F. Water was a little off color for some reason.

I even tried to put a shad pattern together for some mid day action w/ the kids, but just couldn't find the right mix of depth & flow to work my little Dick Knight spoons. Even tried a little tiny red roostertail w/ silver blade. I could mark them on the graph but just couldn't find a lure that would flicker in that little current.

But with temps in the high 80's it was nice to be on the water w/ the family.
Hunt'nFish

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Mike_in_Oregon/Willamette%20Rvr/DSCN3472.jpg
Sounds like you had a good time with the fam.

I killed the shad at Bonneville with a chartruse jighead that has a gold hook.

Clayton

[Hunt'nFish]

Glad to hear you had fun w/ them.

You know I never thought to try a crappie jig...I had some of those.
I have to admit I was screwing around. You don't really hear about people shad fishing up river. Like others, normally I just hit the Mult Channel and fish the out going tide where I have a spot all figured out. But up river I didn't have the flow to wiggle my DK lures and I couldn't get a Roostertail to spin. So I bagged my efforts and just figured I'd have to hit the Mult. Channel later this week.

The kids & I are usually good for a couple trips before the bait freezer is full.
Hunt'nFish

[AtItAgain]

Mike,

It looks you have a sandy beach right close to home. Looks like you had a good weekend. Sorry to hear that a decent fish got away. Well, its there for next time.

Nice pics and thanks for sharing.

Mike

[team doyle]

nice report mike,
it's a pleasure to see the family out on the river w/dad.
good job!
joe

[Hunt'nFish]

Yep, put kids, a dog, sand & water together outdoors and it's a sure recipe for good times. I'm not sure who got more worn out...the kids or the dog. Nothing like a cold beer by the fire on a warm summer night. The river is so peaceful after everyone has gone home. Even had a doe vist us again. She must be attracted by our voices....or we're camped in her ffeding place. Last year she walked through camp, right by the fire with her fawn. Dog was so tired he didn't even move.

I'll give one clue to where I was....just one. "Prop Getter Reef" ring a bell?
Now shush...keep it to yourself.
I know some of you know, cuz I seen at least 2 IFish stickers go by.

WOW, it amazes me how many people do not know what red & green can mean.
Yes, I witnessed major damage occuring repeatedly. Two assists for the weekend.
I also can't understand how the ski folk can simply ignore someone in need.
Last year I watched a brand new 26' Kingfisher with Twin Yamaha's learn the hard way.
Yep that turned my stomach just watching them abuse that fine craft.
Hunt'nFish

[Headhunter]

Mike,

Looks like a great time to be had! I see Chris's old boat is still white. I was expecting OD green by now:shrug:that is unless you decided to keep the Tracker for this season too? You might want to get that painted up (camo) before its TUNA whack & stack time!!! Before you know it, its going to be ducking time!

Jim

[1bigfish]

Looks like everyone had a great time. Good job getting the kids out.

[dragon67]

Looks like you had a good time. Not sure what river you were on but it looks like a nice spot

[Hunt'nFish]

Looks like a great time to be had! I see Chris's old boat is still white. I was expecting OD green by now:shrug: ....<snip>....Before you know it, its going to be ducking time!
Jim

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n122/Mike_in_Oregon/DSCN3467crop.jpg

Jim,
What?.....you think a white boat will flair the birds? NAW....:laugh:
I know, I know....need to paint it. but I'm thinking of going w/ a Brownish Tan over Olive Drab. Heck once the blind goes on you don't see it anyway.
BTW, AtItAgain has the Tracker now. And he's already got it painted. (he's motivated!)

Dan, we were on the Willey. Boy I'm sure liking the way the electric's mount & mushrrom roller is working out. Only took one battery down 1/4 all weekend. I think the 140suz pumps out a fair bit of charge current.
Hunt'nFish

[dragon67]

Looks like you had a nice time. I am glad that the kids had such a great time. Hey if you ever need I have a tent that has a doggy door that is about your dogs size.