Drought Doubt and Big Steelies Coming

I guess everyone is a little discouraged about the relatively dry fall we're having. I haven't even had my sled down the lower ends of the Oregon north coatal rivers near Tillamook yet this year! We've had some decent days from the bank in the low clear water; deeper holes for Kings. I had to cancel 2 trips to go up and boat the Satsop this fall because of low water, and I'm hoping that the Nov. silvers will still be coming up in good numbers and be mostly bright still; IF WE GET SOME FRIGGIN RAIN SOON. Excuse please . Question: if we get rain soon what kind of shape will most of the Satsop silvers likely be in? (just in case the T-Nooks come up in low numbers). .... On the up side we've had some very good days on the Cowlitz and NF Lewis, but that's starting to dwindle from what I've heard? Any reports lately from those 2 rivers? .... But I want the multi big King days on the T-Nooks and we're running out of time. This is the second driest fall I can remember to the 1976 fall drought (that year the ODFW had to seine net tidewater of smaller coastal rivers to get their needed hatchery take. .... Looking forward, when the rains get going, we are predicted to have the best winter steelhead season in many years region wide; more numbers and bigger fish with the improved ocean survival rates in the last couple years. - RT

[Big Willie]

I sure hope so Steve, gettin' tired of doing yard work. Bring on the metalheads!

[Spooled]

Hi R.T. Hopefully you are right about the winter run. I just bought a new drift boat and now, no rain. Some friends suggest I buy a ski boat, because when they bought theirs, all it did was rain. We have fished the John Day River the last few weeks and although the quantity of fish caught was not anything special, the quality is awesome. Two weeks ago I caught a 15 lb. hatchery and an 8 lb native. Last week a guy on our boat (unfortunatly my boss) caught a 17 lb. native. His first steelhead It isn't the most exciting fishing pulling plugs in slow water, but at least there is water and fish.

Hey Gary, there are already a few steelies coming in early w/o any rain! What does that tell ya . And Marty gave me some good suggestions on where to row your Willie when the rivers come up. Be ready! ... LOL Spooled. Maybe that's not such a bad idea; buy both a driftboat and a ski boat (or better, a 2-seat wave runner and warm wetsuit). That way you have this weather thing covered. - RT

[Dances]

Let us all pray to the fish god for some rain and big steelies this fall

[Mr. Fisherman]

Catching a steely has been my white elephant I think someone sneaks up and rubs banannas on my bait when I'm not looking .
I'm gonna' give it hell anyway .

No nanners club anyone?


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Live to Fish
Fish to Live

[Penn]

Rain we need.. but just watch. When we do start getting it, we'll get too much as usual. Is there no winning?

[nivtup]

I agree with Penn, once it starts it might not stop til July 5th.