A short walk down river

[Meskel]

Took the wife and went for a hike down the river on Sunday, nothing like spending time with a love one all the while scouting new fishing holes.

Came across a spot where to my amazement there were 25+ Salmon swimming around one another. It is a thing of beauty to be that close to such a big fish.

Then to my astonishment the wife said to go get my gear and see what I could do. I was on my way before she even finished the sentence. On my return I proceeded to throw everything in my limited arsenal on the river to no avail. But when I threw out both a Hex and Salmon fly pattern the wife and I were in for a treat. These large fish started coming to the surface breaching right and left, never closer then a foot from my fly, never to feed on any surrounding bugs, just to put on a show.

It was cool to see a three foot fish come completely out of the water on one side of my fly and then back down on the other.

After thinking of it for a while it was probably for the best seeing I was using a 5wt. :grin:

[Riverkeeper]

That is cool, I like watching those big brown bruisers swim around in small water.
Just be aware that if you were on a tributary of the Sandy above marmot dam, I believe those waters are closed to all salmon/steelhead fishing. :alert:

[Meskel]

Riverkeeper

All the information that I have been able to obtain, even posted materials along the Salmon river say that angling is open for all species with either fly or lure till mid October catch and release only. Please advise me if you know otherwise.

Also where might I find a decent illustration of the Sandy River and its tributaries (mostly the ones up above marmot damn)?

[Riverkeeper]

Check HERE. (http://www.dfw.state.or.us/ODFWhtml/Regulations/2005zones/2005_willamette.pdf)

I believe it says all waters are closed for salmon and steelhead unless it specifically says differently in the special regs, which it does not for the upper sandy basin.

I was under the impression that the sandy tribs (upper sandy, zig zag, salmon) were refuges for native salmon and steelhead, and were closed to fishing for them. This would make sense, since only native fish are allowed over marmot dam.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, please!

[mandinga]

which salmon river...


Lincoln Co? or Sandy watershed? BIG difference. :whazzup:

[Meskel]

The Salmon river that feeds into the Sandy River. I to have herd that only natives are up past the damn. After reading all the Oreg fish regs im still unsure. I do believe that the sign posted said (and I will check again on my way home) That the river was open to angling with lure or fly for all species CATCH and RELEASE only.

I am perfectly happy chasing after the trout and have caught a couple that were a bit over 15 inches, if I was to get one that is over 18 isn’t that considered a steelhead, and wouldn’t I then be in violation unintentionally?

Please advise im not wanting to do anything illegal here.

Also in the regs I think that it says that brook trout are fair game in the Salmon river, am I reading this right?

Thanks for all the help.

Meskel

[lilnorthfork]

Meskel,
When you talked about getting rid of the local wildlife because they threatened the trout in 'your' hole I gave you the benefit of the doubt and figured you were joking. With this post you are beginning to paint a not-so-pretty picture.
You have proven that you could learn to catch a trout with a fly rod; perhaps it is time to put down the rod for a time and prove you can also learn to be a sportsman. That means learning the fisheries and the regulations that govern them, not merely reading the signs along the river.
Unless you have a different set of regs than the rest of us, there is no specific mention of the Salmon River, only a reference to all tributaries of the Sandy upstream of Marmot Dam, which makes no mention of salmon or steelhead. Page 47 of the regs clearly states that in the Willamette Zone, as with every other zone, salmon and steelhead fishing is "closed in all waters unless noted by species under Special Regulations". The regs do mention a 'Salmon Creek' with no limit on brook trout taken... in Lane County.
Granted the fishing regulations can be confusing, but I have never had a question that couldn't be cleared up with one call to the ODFW regional offices... phone numbers can be found on page 5 of the regs.
Sorry for the harsh tone of this post, but I promise that learning the regulations, along with a few things about the fisheries and the ecosystem they support, will only enhance your fishing experiences... and maybe save you and your wallet some heartache.
Jon Stagnitti

[Meskel]

I would like to first thank Riverkeeper for setting me straight and opening my eyes. I was clearly fishing with a trout set up in hole that held larger fish. I use this sight to relate my experiences to others and learn a sport that is new to me and to feed my child like exuberance for this great new world with knowledge. I see that I need to look to other outlets for a full education. I would and will take any thing you have to offer LNF as well as others.
I practice a strict rule of catch and release. I take every effort not to alter the surrounding eco system in every way possible why fishing. I would NEVER harm any wildlife that was not first threatening my life, and in that instant I would rather escape the situation at all cost. I am not a bad person, nor are any of my intentions, and I am truly saddened that this is the picture I have painted for you and possibly others.

Meskel

[lilnorthfork]

Thanks for not getting defensive.:flowered: Your neighbors at The Fly Fishing Shop can tell you a whole bunch about the Sandy and its tribs.
lnf

[EugeneFisher]

Away from the regs, I enjoyed hearing about your hike, and know exactly how you feel! When I am joined by my loved one on the water, it's like no other experience. Hopefully we can all enjoy more of these days as the weather continues to allow us more outdoor enjoyment.

[nookslayer]

uh oh, another hi-jacking! Where's Giz when you need him!

I appreciate the rules and regs.
I also appreciate the fact that Meskel replied in a civilized manner when his sportsmanship was called into question.
I agree with everything you have said LNF, but before attacking someone I think you should question the party first and learn all of the facts. Remember the phrase "innocent until proven guilty"? Now maybe I am being a little defensive since Meskel is a sibling, but I know for a fact that he would in no way intentionally break the rules or regs. He wants nothing more than to be a good sportsman by your definition. Keep in mind that we were all beginners once and all have made mistakes.
Now back to the nature walk... did you say you wife actually told you to go fishing Brian? Can she teach mine that statement?