Don’t know for certain but I would check the regs as sometimes plastics such as soft beads and worms are considered bait. The ramp to put in shouldn’t be an issue but the ramp to pull out is longer and steep and can be worse when icy.

 

"BAIT" In Washington is restricted to things that have scent or flavor. You should be safe with beads.

In Oregon that would include all plastics, e.g. beads, worms, power baits etc.

 

The hatchery launch is only a problem after high water if the mud gets deep but bear (hatchery guy) will clear it with a loader. Like said above if it's below freezing you'll need a rope to pull your boat up the Wilson ramp.

The river has swung away from the launch and is taking a channel above... I don't know if people are floating the channel or not, last year you were fine to go by the hatchery Creek but it's less and less water each year.

Good luck, should be good fishing

 

I’ll be there, but a few days later on Fri and Sat.
If the river drops back down, it might be decent fishing. Beware of the Calawah, it looks pretty from the nice launch parking lot, turns into a beast around the corner.

 

Acura?? The locals are gonna love you…

 

California & Oregon plates will do that too.

 

Thanks for all the input guys. Yeah I agree with the Acura and wish I didn’t have to drive the wife’s vehicle. My truck broke down and I’m not gonna pass on fishing because of a vehicle. Hope I don’t get my tires slashed. I will say this though, it pulls my boat like no other and it’s super nice to warm your rear end up when you get off the river.

 

Anything to report?! Low and clear?

I might make a mad dash up, but would probably fish the Hoh, myself.

As far as vehicles getting damaged because of make, model or state, that just isn't reality. At least not anymore, if it ever truly was. I have never had an issue in over 25 years of floating those rivers.

 

Had a good float yesterday. I think it is a little early for the run because of the boats I talked to only 1 had a fish in the box. We hooked into two, 1 got wrapped around the anchor line because I'm an idiot and dropped anchor instead of heading to the bank to land it and the other spit the hook. As far as water clarity it was perfect steelhead green and cold. We used worms, soft beads, and jigs all under a float. Had most of our luck with soft beads since we are still trying out the presentation and rigging of worms. The launch and the Hatchery and Wilsons were both easy to get into and out of and the Road-Runner shuttle was easy to schedule and had my vehicle to the take out by 9 am. We launched at daylight and were off the water right at dark. That is a short run but your able to really pick it apart and take your time.

Reach out if anyone needs anymore information, I will be headed back the first of January so I will report back with updated success. All in all it was a great trip to learn another river in the area.

 

I have to say, what a friendly post Shlchurch! I mean, you asked your question and followed it up with, not only a report but also a willingness to help other people out.
That's the way it should work brother!
Thanks for the info!