Late Wickiup Report-Thank you FRG!

[Spoiled Daddy]

Went on our annual kokanee run with the guys this past week, Tues-Friday. The weather at Wickiup had its way with us this past few days, so we didn't have a chance to pick up large numbers, but the quality of the fish was great. They are very large this year, both in length and weight, with a couple pushing 18 inches and lots from 15-17 inches. We averaged 12 fish per boat per day.

On Tuesday, we arrived to a winter like wind and snow storm. On Wednesday, just wind. On Thursday, it decided to really blow and we had to get off the water by 11:30 AM after taking water over the bow 3-4 times during one particular bad squall. Yesterday we awoke to a beautiful morning and flat water. Most fish we caught were either by the dam near Goose Island or off the Davis Creek arm.

On Wednesday, we were introduced to Fall River Guy, who happens to be a cousin of one of the guys on this trip. All I have to say is when FRG talks kokanee, stop what you are doing and LISTEN to him. He absolutely knows what he is talking about. We would have never caught the amount of fish we did except for his advice on when, where and how. Taking them on his combo's of small dodgers and hoochies is a blast! To Brian - T H A N K Y O U and it was very good meeting you! :cheers:

Now it is time to fire up the smoker and get to work on putting these fish away for later fine dining!

[Dullhook]

Thanks for reporting. Brian definitely knows his business. All of these Wickiup reports have me all excited to be heading over there Monday. Kokanee that size are really a challenge to get into the net!

[Don Fischer]

Made my third trip to Wickiup in my life today. Perfect record. Have never caught a fish of any kind there and have never seen one caught. One guy today said he'd caught a few but I didn't see them. Several others said they weren't having any luck. Boy there sure is a big campground at Gull Point now and an absolute ton of people.

Oh well the grand daughter got to run the boat, she's 5 and both my dogs went on their first boat ride and were great!

Guess the end of the month I'll go to the John Day arm of the Columbia. No kokanee there but I've never struck out there either! Come to think of it, I've never caught a fish at Crane Prairie or seen one caught either.

[FallRiverGuy]

It was a pleasure meeting you and your group. You guys had some very challenging weather to fish in and made the best of it. I am glad you got some fish for the smoker. I would rather catch a few of those fish than a bucket of smaller ones.