Destination

A September wind rattled in the yellowing cottonwood leaves and made the red and orange vine maples shiver. The last mile was a series of switchbacks that took us into the Ice Lake basin at 8000 feet above sea level. 

Our guide, Barry Cox, led the way on his buckskin, a pack-horse on a lead rope behind him. I was mounted on a bay and dad brought up the rear on a sure-footed gray. I could see the lake finally through the trees, deep blue and green. Alpine meadows with weather-twisted firs and pine trees gave way to steep, landslide country where little in the way of plant life grew. High above, were granite cliffs and rocky, rugged peaks. I shaded my eyes with my hand to look. Somewhere up there, I was told, there were mountain goats.

Barry turned his horse left and we crossed Adams Creek, leaning forward in our saddles as the horses scrambled up the high bank. We rounded a knob and followed a narrow trail along the rocky beach. At the water’s edge, we saw brook trout, our reason for being here. A few eight- to ten-inch brookies hung suspended in the clear blue water where the shallows gave way to deeper water.

We made camp in a little basin away from the water, moving a few rocks to make room for the tent. While dad opened our packs, Barry borrowed a fly rod and headed down to the water. I was right behind him.

Before I could even make a cast, Barry had hooked and landed a ten-inch brook trout. It took three casts before I hooked a fish. I was using a No. 14 Adams and I set it down outside of the shallows and saw a brook trout, coming up and up from the dark green depths. He opened his mouth and took the fly back down. It promised to be a good day of fishing. Barry soon retired for a nap and a lunch of trout while dad and I continued on around the lake. We moved down the beach a few yards whenever the bite slowed.

It didn't seem to matter what fly we used. After I lost the Adams I switched to a bead head Prince Nymph. We caught fish on whatever fly we tried. A Mosquito pattern worked as did the Hare's Ear and Zug Bug. Streamer patterns caught fish and so did a Mouserat that I cast alongside a log and swam back. 

The most fun were the grasshopper patterns we cast along the shoreline or just outside of the shallows to entice cruising fish. These fish knew how to eat a grasshopper. They exploded on top of the fly, seeming to want to dunk the hopper before swallowing it. In the clear, calm water we could often see the fish as it climbed to smash the fly.

It was three o'clock when we finally stopped for lunch, carrying five brookies back to camp and frying them over a small fire. Afternoon gave way to evening and dad and I fished until it was nearly dark. The trout were so hungry I believe I could have caught 300 fish that day if I had kept at it. They ranged in size from six to eleven inches with most of the fish measuring between eight and ten inches.

Each fish was different in appearance though all were brookies. Some had dull coloration while others were brilliant with orange fins tipped in white. Some had extremely large heads with underfed bodies, older fish whose bodies had not kept up with the growth of their heads. Too many fish and not enough food.

In the morning the fish didn't come as quickly to the fly as they had the previous night. I guess I spent more time looking at the mountains and the wildflowers too, hoping to imprint on my mind what I was seeing.

The showy daisies were in bloom, as well as alpine buttercups, Indian paintbrush and mountain gentian. 

In the afternoon, we rode out, leaning back in our saddles as the horses picked their way down the switchbacks, our stirrups hanging over nothing but the pure mountain air. 

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For a copy of the Fishing Central Oregon book, send $29.99 to Gary Lewis Outdoors, PO Box 1364, Bend, OR 97709 To contact Gary Lewis, visit www.GaryLewisOutdoors.com

For salmon anglers in the Pacific Northwest, November heralds the final transition from targeting open saltwater to focusing on tidewaters and rivers. Yes, there are some saltwater opportunities (for example, blackmouth, when open), but the vast majority of anglers have put away their boats and are pursuing salmon in the rivers. That said, there are some prime opportunities to target and catch salmon out of your fishing boats, so don’t button them up just yet!

One of my favorite fisheries out of my boat in November has to be the Hoodsport chum fishery. The fight of a 10-15 pound chum ranks up there as one of the hardest fighting salmon you can catch. Taking on a chum with steelhead gear will give you all the battle you could ask for as these brutes slash and pull with every ounce of energy they have. One look at their fighting canine teeth and you’ll know this is a fish that is serious, very serious, about its reproducing goal.

All up and down Hood Canal you’ll find chum as they work their way toward their spawning grounds. The state hatchery at Hoodsport and three miles south of there at Potlatch (a smaller, Native American hatchery) are the destination for many of these chum as they work their way down Hood Canal.

I have caught fish in both locations, and each spot has reason to recommend it. Potlatch, being smaller, has limited shore angling and parking, which is roadside only. That said, there are also fewer anglers there. Hoodsport, meanwhile, is the Fishing Mecca that chum anglers are drawn to. Fishing right out in front of the hatchery and watching hundreds of fish jockey for position as the tide sweeps them into the small feeder creek leading to the hatchery is truly a sight to behold. Of course, along with the fish comes combat fishing in all its glory. As the tide comes in and fishing space decreases, getting to know your neighbor takes on a whole new meaning.

If you’re a fortunate one you’ll be fishing out of a boat – or some type of floating device. The waters around Hoodsport are open and the wind can come up and blow hard, plus fast running tides can make it a challenge to get an anchor to set. Be sure to bring an anchor with some bite, and terminal chain so you’ll stick in the rocky bottom. I’ve seen anglers fishing out of all manner of floating devices on calm days, including single person pontoons and float tubes. Be sure to have your life jackets on and just don’t venture too far off shore. If you are feeling anxious that’s your inner voice telling you a fish isn’t worth your life – pay attention to it!

For boaters, the launch is two miles south of Hoodsport at the Skokomish Park at Potlatch. The launch has two concrete lanes which are in varying state of repair (read that as back down with caution!). There is ample parking, and a restroom. Once launched it’s a quick run to either terminal hatchery, faster to the small Potlatch facility.

When you arrive, survey the already anchor boats, taking into account the amount of anchor line you’ll need to get a solid grip on the bottom, as well as the shore anglers. Anchoring too close to the shore bound anglers will earn you a steady rain of lures and weights at your boat. Stay outside their casting zone - you’ll have plenty of water to work over and opportunities to catch fish the shore anglers don’t have.

As to the type of gear you should bring… you’re going to enjoy a variety of methods to catch these Hoodsport chum. Like chum everywhere, chartreuse and green are always great colors to choose. Pink or cerise is also good color choices. For rod/reel setups I use my steelhead gear, both spinning reels and casting will get the job done. I like an 8 ½ foot medium action rod. Line should be strong enough to turn these big brutes so as to avoid massive tangle ups with your fellow anglers. I like 18-20 pound test. Chums are not leader shy in my experience so keep things hefty.

What technique you use is up to you but here are a few tried and true methods:

Floats and jigs , or floats and corkies with yarn can be deadly. A ¼ or 3/8-ounce pink, black or purple marabou jig fished under a float is deadly. Tipped with a piece of shrimp meat or coon shrimp tail is even better. The yarn is a nice trick as it helps by getting caught up in the chums teeth, allow you to drive the hook home. Other bait you can put under a float includes the ever popular anchovy or herring, whole or plug cut.

Think of the tide as the river current. Set your depth for the lure so it’s running a foot or so off the bottom. Vary the depth if you aren’t getting bites. These fish will hit suspended jigs. Cast “upstream”, i.e. up into the tide, and let your gear drift down with the tide to the end of the “drift”. If the coast is clear, free spool your line, keeping the float straight up and down to extend the drift. When the float goes under set the hook and be ready to do battle!

Twitching jigs – ditch the float and cast the jig on its own. Another effective technique, but be prepared for a lot of foul-hooked chum. Dragging a chum in by the tail is not fun, nor is it sporting to be snagging fish. If you find yourself foul hooking too many fish move on to a different method…

Casting spinners. Again, it’s a solid technique to try if the action is slow. I personally would remove the treble hook and use a single si-wash hook. A number 3 or 4 blade fished with a slow retrieve is just the ticket.

Corkie, yarn, and slinky. I personally have caught a lot of fish using this method and seldom snag fish. Again, think of the tide as a river. Cast out and let your gear drift. You’ll know you have a bite because your rod will be about ripped out of your hands. I use a 3-4 foot leader length.

Regarding the above technique, I’m sure I’m going to get comments about flossing – I personally think it’s a bunch of malarkey. Why do I say that? Because I remember a day years ago fishing Hoodsport when the chum were in thick, jumping all around us, swimming by in schools of 10-20 fish. I had my corkie/yarn/slinky set up going, casting, retrieving, and not getting a bump for a good hour. Suddenly, the bite magically turned on and my gear started getting bit. In came fish after fish, hooked in the jaw. Explain to me how one can have a steady procession of fish go by with mouths open for a good hour and not “floss” one fish, then suddenly start catching one jaw hooked fish after another? And trust me when I say this, those hook-ups were solid strikes, not to be mistaken with a snagging sensation. Anyway, the flossing debate is one we anglers love to engage in every year and likely will do so as long as we fish corkies.

The fly fishermen do quite well at Hoodsport as well, fishing sinking tips and flies of various styles and colors. I’m not a fly guy but it sure does look like fun. Maybe on my next trip I’ll give it a try.

Before you set out, be sure to check the Hoodsport netting line at 360-877-5222. Typically the nets go in on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but this is not set in stone. There’s nothing worse than driving a hundred miles only to find nets spread in every direction. So save yourself that aggravation before you set out.

Fishing for hard fighting chum is a blast. Get in on the action this November!

My reel was peeling line at a dizzying rate and it felt like I had a freight train attached on the other end. Without thinking I applied my thumb to the level line spool and pulled back with a loud “ouch!” “That’ll leave a mark” our guide Dave deadpanned. The fish was a good fifty yards behind our boat before I was able to slowly start to regain line. Foot by foot the strong chinook and I battled back and forth, each of us gaining, and then losing line to the other.

The most popular location anglers congregate is Vernita Bridge. There is a large open area to the north of the bridge on the east side of the river. Every year a small town of anglers set up their base camp here. All variety of tents, RVs, and sleeping in the back of trucks can be seen. At night the cries of the coyotes remind you that this is wild country. Camping is free, but a Discovery pass is required. The launch here is rough and rocky and four-wheel drive is a must. Plan on your boat getting scraped up on the rocky shoreline and be sure to bring waders to help during the launch and retrieval process. Launching, by the way, starts at o-dark hundred. Alarm clocks are optional – unless you’re a deep sleeper, you will be awakened by the lights and sounds of anglers starting to launch around 3am.

Closer and closer the powerful fish came, each run a little less intense. Now a giant tail could be seen, trailing a large V wake behind it. Finally, the fish, exhausted came to the side of the boat and I saw the reassuring sign of fatigue as the fish laid on its side, telling us we were getting closer to that critical moment. Net sliding under the fish Dave skillfully scooped him up and into our boat. But not before the big fish gave one final flip of his tail, giving all of us an early morning soaking. Wow! This upriver fall bright was twenty plus pounds of pure power and beauty, not to mention great eating. The smiles and high fives of my friends were the icing on the cake and the day was just beginning!

A perfect morning, the sun just breaking over the shoreline and catching a hot Hanford Reach fall chinook - it’s the stuff dreams are made of, and it was living up to be everything I had heard about the Reach.

Washington’s Hanford Reach is synonymous with some of the state’s best fall chinook fishing to be found – and not coincidentally, the last of the chinook fishing to be found for the season. It’s the icing on the cake, and what icing it is! The Reach is the perfect setting and the perfect fish to end the year’s salmon fishing on the Columbia River. These are the brutes that dreams are made of. A fish worth dreaming about during the long off season and savoring the brief weeks they are available to catch. Battle plans must be made, so let’s talk about what you need to know to get into this fishery and have a chance at one of these amazing fish.

They call “The Reach” the last free-flowing stretch of the Columbia. With dams seemingly from one end of the Columbia to the other, this stretch of water has no dams to impede it. Here, from Priest Rapids dam down to Richland anglers have 63 miles of productive water to fish. Ideal spawning grounds make this a natural holding location for big chinook to do their reproducing thing. For the boat angler, you’ll find a variety of deep holes, shallow runs, and everything in between. A prop boat can be used – with extreme caution, however, downriver in the area known as Coyote Rapids a jet is the way to go.

Just upstream from the rough launch at Vernita you’ll run into the first hole, the Hog Hole. This spot will hold fish early and throughout the season. It’s in the middle of the river and runs a couple hundred yards in length and has a depth of 15-40 feet. Fish will be both suspended and hugging the bottom here. The hole is deep enough to require a way to get your gear down to the fish. This can include divers, dropper weights, and, yes, downriggers. A word of caution – the Columbia is a big, strong, and powerful river. Snagging a downrigger ball on the bottom of the Columbia has the potential for some seriously bad consequences and requires the boat captain and crew to be ready to deal with them. The times I’ve used downriggers I always have a wire cutter at the ready and a good dose of “always pay attention” to go along with it. It goes without saying if another boat hooks up to be ready to pull those riggers up. Backtrolling this hole works well and as you push the fish ever shallower by ready for that take down.

A variety of salmon catching gear can be used for Hanford chinook depending on the depth and speed of the spot you are fishing. Among the most popular setups are flashers with super baits (packed with tuna), plugs, flatfish (wrapped with a sardine or herring strip), and the ever-effective spin-n-glo with eggs, or eggs and shrimp. Anglers that are flexible and willing to adapt techniques to river flow and time of day will be most successful. Backtrolling your gear down the hole can be very effective, pushing fish back down the hole and triggering them to bite out of aggression is a tried-and-true technique.

Farther upriver as you head to toward the dam, you’ll find the King Hole about a mile and a half above the bridge, then the China Bar and Midway Drifts. One of my personal favorite spots is the deep hole just down from the dam. As well as being great holding water, it’s a stunningly beautiful spot. The deep hole off the rocks is great for downrigger fishing. You may even want to try running a diver twenty feet behind your release and bringing the ball up ten feet off the bottom, letting the diver do the work of bring your bait down to the bottom. Be sure to pay attention to the regulations and know the areas that are closed, downriver from the dam and on the west shoreline where the hatchery is located.

Below the Vernita Bridge you will find several more popular spots, including those famous old reactors. It’s about a three-mile run down to the B/C hole, and another four miles to reactor number one, and then number two. Beyond a large bend you’ll find the famous White Bluffs with a nice sixty-foot-deep hole. There’s a concrete launch located here, however; this is the area where running a prop boat becomes a dicey proposition. Be mindful that water levels can go up and down five to six feet in a day, leaving riffles where clear passage had been. It would be best to learn this water by first going with a guide before venturing out on your own.

Finally, farther downstream around the areas of the mouth of the Yakima down to the mouth of the Snake you’ll find slower water, more suited for prop boats. With several launches located around Richland, Pasco, and Kennewick, smaller boats will have a safer time of it than at the fast-flowing upper Reach spots.

As to timing, these up-river brights can be targeted from mid-September well into late October. Don’t be fooled by the dark coloring on these fish – they cut just fine and taste great!

The Reach is truly an amazing place to fish with the very real opportunity of hooking into large chinook. Multi-fish days are not unusual. As a bonus, while fishing you’ll be treated to amazing scenery. Besides moth-balled nuclear reactors, it’s very possible to see coyote, mule deer, several varieties of waterfowl, and even herds of elk on the shoreline. Some of the best weather in the Pacific Northwest can be had with temperatures moderating from the scorching hot summer days. You’ll find cool nights and a sky full of stars to gaze at as the coyotes sing you to sleep. And most likely you’ll be rewarded with some tasty chinook to take home.

While there are so many lakes with amazing fishing opportunities in Washington State that I love, Riffe Lake may just be my favorite. Located just 60 miles south of Tacoma, Riffe Lake is a 13-mile long reservoir that’s famous for its landlocked salmon fishing. Tacoma Power not only raises and lowers the water levels of this lake, but they also stock it with thousands of coho salmon every year. Once they meet their quota of fish, they put the excess fish in Riffe Lake to give sportsmen an opportunity to target them there. It’s usually well worth the drive, Riffe Lake is a consistently good fishery. I cut my teeth learning how to troll on this lake. Landlocked coho taste amazing on the grill and the smoker. The action is typically hot and fast. Let’s go over how to have a successful day at Riffe Lake!

Trolling is by far the most popular way to fish Riffe Lake. You don’t need to run all the way across the lake to catch fish; you can start trolling right after you launch. You can use your kokanee setups- the coho here are about the same size. Coho in Riffe Lake love the color pink! You’ll want to use small pink dodgers and pink lures. Some popular lures include Mack’s Wedding Rings, Brad’s Kokanee Cut Plugs, small spoons, and small hoochie spinners. The coho are usually willing, aggressive biters. If you get some hits but no fish, reel up and check your bait. This trait also makes them a great way to teach kids how to reel in bigger fish. Before taking your kids out to the Sound to target the big boys, let them practice reeling in these feisty Riffe Lake coho!

During this time of year, the heat will have pushed the coho down in the water column. Salmonids do not tolerate warm water temperatures as well as other species. They will also travel deeper during the heat of the day to escape the sun. During sunset, sunrise, and on cloudy days, you won’t have to fish quite as deep.  A good fish finder is essential to find out how deep to run your downriggers. Riffe Lake is extremely deep and large. With 13 miles of 200 feet deep water, there’s a lot of room for fish to spread out.

Keep a close eye on your fish finder, it’s easy to get lulled into a false sense of security when trolling in such deep water. The lake shallows up surprisingly quickly, especially near islands. Some days the fish can be 90 feet deep. The fish school up very tightly, so they will be easy to find on your fish finder. Be ready to adjust the settings on your fish finder, especially if you’re used to fishing shallow lakes. You don’t need to see all 200+ feet of the lake, adjust your settings so you only see the depth you need. 

As of this writing, all boat launches except Mossyrock Park are closed due to low water levels. As previously mentioned, Tacoma Power raises and lowers the water levels throughout the year. You can give them a call or check their website to see which boat launches are open. There’s a nice fish cleaning station at Mossyrock Park, restrooms, ample parking, and a play area for the kids. You can find restaurants, stores, and other amenities at the nearby town of Mossyrock.

Once you’ve launched, you can start your troll and turn left or right. I’ve consistently found fish in both directions. Some days, we’ve limited out all 4 people in an hour, and couldn’t even get all 4 rods back in the water! There are fish all over Riffe Lake. If you’re struggling to find willing biters, try targeting points and islands. These fish like drop-offs, just like their saltwater cousins. 

There’s something for everyone at Riffe Lake. Don’t have a boat? No worries, there are several places near the dams that you can shore fish. Cast out a piece of shrimp underneath a bobber, and wait. Just like when you’re fishing from a boat, you’ll want to adjust the depth you’re fishing at to find the fish. Remember that there is a 5 fish limit. You can catch a variety of species at this lake other than coho, including cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, chinook salmon, and steelhead. Salmonids have a hard time surviving catch and release, especially in this hot weather.

Another word of warning, check the forecast before heading out. Riffe Lake is famous for those afternoon winds that can blow small vessels off the . Most importantly, remember to have fun! Riffe Lake is a special fishery. Where else can you consistently bring home limits of land locked salmon? Go catch your limit, let the kids play at the park, and have some ice cream and burgers in Mossyrock before heading home to barbeque your fish!

Fishing season is officially in full swing! With so many lakes, rivers, and marine areas to choose from, it can be hard to pick your next adventure. If you’re never fished Riffe Lake before, or if it’s been a while, you should put it at the top of your list. It’s one of my favorite fishing destinations, and I make it a point to fish it as much as I can every year. Not only is the fishing top notch, but the scenery is beautiful and the surrounding towns are well worth visiting. I can’t think of many other lakes that offer such a wide variety of fish, let alone with such a good opportunity.

You can catch brown trout, cutthroat trout, smallmouth bass, chinook salmon, coho salmon, crappie, and brown bullhead. The lake is simply packed with fish, and they’re willing biters. You can take the boat out or shore fish, and finish out the day with a Dam Burger from Pioneer Bar & Grill in Mossyrock before heading home to grill your catch. It’s a bit of a drive, but it’s a great way to spend a day!

Located in Lewis County, Tacoma Power created RIffe Lake by constructing Mossyrock Dam on the Cowlitz River in 1968, flooding the communities of Riffe, Nesika, and Kosmos. It has a maximum depth of 360 feet and is about 23.5 miles long. Not only does the lake boast good populations of land-locked coho salmon, but you can also catch triploid trout! Back in 2020, Tacoma Power bought about 400,000 Rufus Woods strain triploid trout and released them into the lake for anglers to catch. The fish have had plenty of time to grow and they are a ton of fun to catch. If you’re lucky, you may even hook into a steelhead or a chinook salmon on the same day! Tacoma Power releases these fish into the lake as well, once they’ve met their stocking quotas. With such a plethora of fish to catch, you can see why Riffe Lake is a favorite of many northwesterners.

Trolling Techniques

Riffe Lake has plenty of room for boats of all shapes and sizes. It is almost 24 miles long and up to 360 feet deep, which can sound intimidating. Not to worry, there are thousands of fish in the lake, and most days they are willing biters. There have been many days when we can’t even put the planer boards out because the two downrigger poles or lead lines are constantly going off! Early in the season, lead lines, divers, and dropper weights work just fine. The fish are still feeding on the surface and haven’t been driven down to the depths by the hot sun. As the season progresses, however, a good fish finder is a must, particularly for the land-locked coho. Troll until you find a school, mark where you get bites, and don’t be afraid to put a little scent on your lure.

I find that the land-locked coho are particularly attracted to pink lures and dodgers. You can use corn or maggots to bait your hooks. Spinners, plugs, spoons- they all catch fish at this lake. I tend to use whatever I already have rigged up for kokanee fishing at other lakes. As for locations, you really can’t go wrong on Riffe Lake- you can start trolling almost as soon as you launch at Mossyrock Park and will usually start catching fish right away. If the fish are being stubborn, try targeting points and coves. Keep an eye on your fish finder if you’re using downriggers, the lake can shallow up surprisingly quickly.

In recent years, it’s been difficult to keep the triploid trout off your hooks if you want to target the land-locked coho salmon in the reservoir. The salmon and trout tend to bite on the same lures and hang out at the same depths in the early season, so you can expect to catch a mixed bag. In general, the coho hang out deeper than the trout in the later season, making downriggers and a good fish finder almost a necessity for targeting them. The salmon tend to like a faster troll, so don’t be afraid to bump it up to 1.9 or 2.2 MPH. However, the trout taste great on the grill and put up a great fight, so most anglers don’t mind catching them.

As a word of caution to boaters, check the water levels at Tacoma Power’s website or give them a call before heading out. The lake’s level fluctuates throughout the year and launching can be difficult when water levels are low. The launch at Mossyrock Park is usually your best bet year-round. It has a large dock with 2 lanes to launch at, which is nice when the ramp is busy. Don’t sweat the crowds too much though, the lake is massive and there is plenty of room for everyone. The other boat launches, Taidnapam and Kosmos, are unsuitable for low water conditions. Check the wind forecast before hitching up the boat- the afternoon winds at Riffe Lake can kick up and create nasty white caps, catching unprepared boaters off guard.

Still Fishing Techniques

Don’t have a boat? No worries, Riffe Lake has plenty of shore access! You can fish at the dam in Mossyrock or at the fishing bridge at Taidnapam Park. These spots can get crowded on nice weekends though. Most shore anglers cast out shrimp or worms under a bobber with a sliding weight. Experiment with setting your bobber stopper anywhere from 3ft to 15 ft until you figure out where the fish are at. 

If you can’t get a spot at the dam or fishing bridge, fishing at nearby Lake Mayfield or Swofford Pond is a good alternative. Lake Mayfield is stocked with tiger muskies, which are difficult but extremely rewarding to catch. WDFW also stocks decent numbers of rainbow trout there every year. Swofford Pond has good populations of panfish, stocked rainbow trout, and brown bullhead. There is a boat launch at both lakes, and good shore access. Many folks fish Swofford Pond with inflatables and kayaks, as there is an internal combustion motor ban. 

Before you grab those poles and hook up the boat, keep in mind that Riffe Lake has a 5 fish limit. They can be any combination of landlocked salmon and trout, so you cannot legally keep 5 coho and 5 trout. The land locked coho don’t tend to survive catch and release very well, particularly in the summer heat. The lake is large and deep, and those afternoon winds can kick up unexpectedly, so make sure that everyone on your boat has a life jacket. Keep these rules in mind, hook up the boat, and have fun!

In the previous year, Rob and I had the chance to connect with Toby Wyatt, the Northwest Guide from Reel Time Fishing, along with his wife Cindy, while we were in Cabo San Lucas. We eagerly seized the opportunity to escape the chilly season and head down to Mexico to explore the exciting developments of Reel Time Fishing in Cabo.

Toby, an experienced PNW guide renowned for fishing from Buoy 10 to the Clearwater River, has devoted several years to developing his Mexico venture. He has fine-tuned the guest experience down to a science, curating everything from local captains and upscale resorts to luxurious transportation and diverse vacation possibilities beyond fishing. Upon our arrival, his team was readily available to steer us in the right direction and acquaint us with the intricacies of Cabo. Having Toby's steadfast support provided us with a reassuring sense of security and tranquility as we ventured abroad.

Planning Ahead

In early December, we strategically planned our journey to Cabo, a prime period for sport fishing, especially with favorable Marlin-catching opportunities (which both Rob and I were enthusiastic about). Our airfare was secured, and our dates with Reel Time were locked in, thanks to arrangements made half a year prior with a cohort of industry friends from Spokane. We also ensured our passports were up to date. Accompanying us on this adventure were the renowned Chef and Restaurateur Adam Hegsted, Chef Aaron Fish and his wife Miranda, Creative Director Jason Olsen and his wife Heather, as well as Rob and myself. Embarking on this expedition as a group added an enjoyable dimension, and thanks to Toby's recommendations, we were able to shape the ideal trip we had envisioned.

As a united group, we touched down in Cabo and navigated customs, proceeding to the transportation meticulously coordinated by Reel Time Fishing. Awaiting us was a sleek black Escalade, and our designated driver, "Eddie," who could only be likened to our personal guide – Toby's trusted on-site emissary. Our airport pickup was characterized by sophistication, and we were subsequently transported to our lavish all-inclusive abode, the Hotel Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas. Throughout our journey, Eddie remained at the wheel, chauffeuring us to the docks, an exciting ATV escapade, and any destination of our choosing, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience.

Our Stay

The resort proved to be an absolute marvel. Our desires were not only met but effortlessly anticipated. Our all-inclusive package encompassed both beverages and cuisine, with a plethora of restaurants, entertainment options, and pools that catered to every whim. Our refrigerator remained abundantly stocked, and a continuous flow of tequila was readily available, satisfying our every indulgence. 

The primary motivation behind our trip revolved around the fishing prospects, and we were not disappointed – they were exceptional! Rob and I both achieved the thrilling feat of reeling in our first Marlin, an experience that will forever stand out in our memories. Across two days of deep-sea angling, we hauled in Ahi Tuna and Mahi Mahi as well. The intense battles Rob and I waged against our Marlin catches surged with an adrenaline rush unparalleled in the waters of the Northwest. The sensation was beyond expectation; truly an extraordinary encounter worthy of being on anyone's bucket list. Our cooler brimmed with the bounties of Mahi Mahi and Tuna, all set to journey home with us. Following the local custom, we released the Marlin back to the sea. The crew adeptly managed the cleaning process and even connected us with a processor to ensure our catch was expertly prepared for transport on our flight back.

Crave TV

We embarked on a Crave TV episode alongside Chef Adam Hegsted and Chef Aaron Fish, capturing the awe-inspiring sight of Northwest culinary experts skillfully crafting fish dishes infused with the vibrant flavors of Cabo's ingredients. Our poolside relaxation day proved refreshing, and we delved into the local shopping scene, exploring charming boutiques. A leisurely boat taxi ride across the bay allowed us to embrace the coastal charm. Venturing into the countryside, we engaged in an exhilarating desert off-road adventure, navigating the terrain with four-wheelers.

"It's an incredible way to punctuate the time spent on the water. There's something invigorating about cruising through the Mexican desert that truly makes you feel alive." - Jason Olsen

I had the opportunity to sit down with Jason Olsen and discuss his firsthand experience in Cabo with Reel Time Fishing.

Jason:

How was your fishing experience with Toby's team?

"Second to none! Nothing compares to that whole trip. It’s a lot of buildup. And it doesn’t disappoint. As far as going out on the boat with Pepe, knowing he was linked to Toby, I felt comfortable and safe knowing I was in good hands. Toby has seasoned dudes, and he has a standard for bringing people on. I would definitely go again at the drop of a dime. I was impressed with Pepe. He knew exactly what to do and where to go. He had an innate instinct on where to go to catch the fish and had electronics to get us on the fish. Also, having someone to show us around and be our wheels on the ground, saved us money and we did it in style."

What kinds of fish did you reel in?

"Yellow Tin Tuna, mostly. We went out from about 5 am and by 11 am we caught 10 Tuna."

What was the battle like?

"A lot harder than freshwater fish. High energy. At one point I had to strap myself into the chair."

Can you tell me about the flags?

"So the whole experience coming back to the dock was pretty great. After we caught the fish, Pepe had me hang up these flags I wasn’t sure what for. The minute we pulled into the marina, It was a bit of a parade. A bragging parade. Everyone could see what kind of fish we caught and how many from the amount of flags that were flying on our boat. It was pretty great to showboat our way into the Marina."

How was the dining experience?

"The resort accommodations and restaurants were amazing! The experience of going out in the morning and coming back and having my fish prepared by a local chef, was like no other. My liver hurt when I came home."

Jason's Wise Words:

"Take the seasickness patch, don’t be a hero! Go with a guide that is credible. Toby’s network takes the worry out of travel. Listen to Toby and you will do just fine. Use his knowledge and connections. The culture and being able to start my fishing endeavors at such a high caliber was an amazing opportunity."

Toby:

"One thing we do is we babysit our guests. We transport them from the airport to the resort to fishing and back. “We are like a coach in your corner.”

"We have a full service-all Baja Peninsula tour company that specializes in sport fishing. We help keep you safe and save you money. We have 4 captains in Cabo and packages with many of the Cabo Resorts. We can accommodate Groups of up to 40 people and have access to a 45 ft boat and 90 ft yacht. "

Whoo-hoo! The long-coveted Baker Lake sockeye season is in progress! The 2023 Baker Lake sockeye season is proving to be an interesting one. Through the North of Falcon process, the planned opener was scheduled to be Saturday July 15^th. Because record numbers of sockeye have signed up for a ride in the fish taxi, the WDFW decided to open the fishery 1 week earlier. The opener was July 8^th and the action has been on fire. It was reported that boat limits were the norm and many ice chests were full just a few hours or so after splashing the boat. In fact, on opening day one of the fishing specialists at Holiday Sports in Burlington, Philip Chuprinov, his wife Alexus and gang got their 12 fish boat limits in in less time than it took to drive to the lake and back.

OK, the fishing is good, but what is a “fish taxi” and why the early opener? Sockeye in Baker Lake are native to the system. After the Upper Baker Dam was constructed in 1959, sockeye were cut off from access to the natural Baker Lake. With limited success, various methods were used to trap and transport returning adult sockeye to the newly formed Baker Lake, while smolts were left to out migrate via controlled spillway releases. By 1985 the population crashed, and the trap count was only 99 fish. As a component of PSE’s permit to generate power, PSE developed a mitigation plan for sockeye recovery.

Long story short; both Baker Lake and now Lake Shannon have a surface to lake bed “gulper” net that funnels out-migrating sockeye smolts into a collection facility where they are processed, counted, and then transported for release at a trap facility on the Baker River in Concrete. The returning adult fish are trapped analyzed and then loaded into live transport trucks, AKA “fish taxis”, and transported up the hill. Some sockeye are placed in artificial spawning bed runs while others are held as hatchery broodstock. The rest are released into Baker Lake.

Historically, the Baker Lake sockeye run slowly ramps up, then spikes during the second week in July. This year, after a very short ramp up of 200-400 fish a day, on June 27^th the fish counts absolutely exploded. For the next 10 days, the daily trap count was running from 1,200-3,000 fish. With agreement of the North of Falcon team, the WDFW made the decision to maximize the fishing opportunity and open the fishery 1 week early.

The 2023 Baker Lake sockeye season is July 8^th – August 31^st but may close early to assure that 1,500 fish are able to spawn naturally in the lake. There is a 3 fish daily limit for adult sockeye. With the two-pole endorsement, two poles are allowed and all anglers onboard a boat may deploy gear until each angler onboard has caught their daily limit. Because Baker Lake is actively monitored for regulation compliance, make sure to record your catch before you redeploy the gear. The Baker Lake catch code is 825. Are you jonesing for a grilled sockeye fillet or a bowl of fresh sockeye poke yet? If so, read on, if not there’s always a Safeway seafood counter nearby (it’s probably cheaper).

There are 5 launch ramps on Baker Lake. They are as follows.

PSE Baker Lake (Kulshan) Launch

The boat ramp has a moderate grade. Concrete blocks have been placed along the side of the ramp for protection from erosion. No designated disabled parking. The parking lot slopes slightly. Nearby, Kulshan Campground offers campsites, a RV dump station, and both restrooms and porta potties. Overnight parking is discouraged within the boat ramp parking area but is available just down the hill from the ramp. Kulshan is typically my go to launch ramp.

Horseshoe Cove

The boat ramp has a gentle grade. Launching and load occur on both sides of the gravel and sand bar. The surface is uneven from wave erosion and vehicle use. No designated disabled parking. Horseshoe Cove Campground also offers campsites, drinking water, picnic area, group camp area, and vault toilets. Overnight parking is available. 4-wheel drive is advisable.

Panorama Point

The boat ramp has a gentle to moderate grade, lots of parking and a vault toilet. The Panorama Point Campground is separate from the launch. Depending on lake level, the asphalt ramp approach stops short of the shoreline. Additionally, a drop off has been created by wave action and the gravel is becoming rutted from parking lot run-off. With the uncertain ramp conditions, 4-wheel drive is advisable.

Swift Creek

The Swift Creek launch is paved or concrete and is usable at all lake levels. There is a tall bulkhead wall on one side with a short log boom on the other side of the ramp. There is also a small marina adjacent to the ramp. The marina has limited non-reservable short term tie up but no services or fuel. Swift Creek Campground offers campsites, drinking water, picnic shelters, a group camp area, and vault toilets. Overnight parking is available. I advise that you have a capable mate at this ramp. If solo, there are no provision to tie up your boat right at the ramp. Solo, you’ll have to deal with your boat after launching and you’ll be holding up traffic. Unless you’re offering free coffee and doughnuts, generally not a good thing at 2:30 in the morning when there is a long line of headlights glaring at you... Having somebody run the boat while you go park is a solid community-based plan.

Shannon Creek Campground

The boat ramp has a gentle to moderate grade. Ruts are developing around the ramp due to the runoff from the parking lot drainage. Waves have been creating some erosion along the shoreline. No designated disabled parking. Shannon Creek Campground also offers campsites, drinking water, picnic sites and a vault toilet. This varies year to year, but they may be limiting launch access to campers registered at Shannon Creek Campground. 4-wheel drive is advisable, and this is the best launch for hand launch boats and inflatables. With just a short run you’re in Grand Central Sock-station.

Maybe a few words regarding the logistics and fishing Baker Lake. Once you turn onto Baker Lake Road there will be no services, fuel, food, or camping supplies available. Make sure your pre-trip planning includes extra fuel, ice, propane or whatever you’ll need for your trip. Early morning, evening and anytime you’re in the shade there will be mosquitos. Not a few pesky mosquitos but a large squadron of blood thirsty flying vampires, I think they even have radar, night vision, and little stick figures drawn on their blood engorged bodies. As a bonus, I even stepped on a yellow jacket nest last year, be aware. Above all, this is a true combat fishery. Patience and ramp courtesy will assure everyone enjoys the experience.

After some deep thought I think that the biggest thing I can say about late season Baker Lake sockeye fishing is patience. The fishing can be very hot or very cold. Whereas the day before, limits may have been the rule, it is not always, and fishing may be dead. Slow fishing or otherwise, there are a few things you can do to improve your odds and put a few late season fish in the box.

As mentioned, patience (theme) will be the name of the game, and trust your electronics. Especially during your pursuit of late season sockeye, you will see the fish on the meter before they chase down your offering. When chasing late season sockeye, the more flash the better. Some people run 2 attractors and/or run a dummy off their downrigger ball. Other people bend their flashers to give them more wiggle and flash. Make sure you keep your gear clean; I don’t think that the late season sockeye like the scent of yesterday’s bait or scent oils. That said, make sure to use fresh bait. The 2013 sockeye bait you found in the back of the bait/beer fridge is not going to cut it.

Location is important in your pursuit of late season Baker Lake sockeye, although there are stock areas of the lake that consistently fish well. Areas like the Kulshan Loop, Maple Grove, Silver Creek, Noisy Creek and the Race Track along Baker Lake Road all reliably produce fish. The problem is each of those areas will also have a healthy aluminum hatch. With all the gear dangling in front of their noses, the fish may just ignore it. In my experience it pays to go look for fish. Many times, I find schools of willing biters in shallow water. Often, after a slow morning I have just flatlined gear in shallower areas of the lake and picked off limits in one or two passes.

FISH ON THE METER! Now what? Typically, a “0” size 50/50, chrome or pearl dodger is the backbone of the setup. While you can catch fish on tandem red, black or blue hooks the fishiest gear includes small spinner blades, Smiley Blades or Wiggle Hoochie inserts. Thinking outside of the box also has advantages. Sometimes the fish just don’t want the standard gear. We have had success using the kokanee size Brad’s Cut Plug lures, Coho Killers with an extra bend in them, kokanee/sockeye flies, and Brad’s Wee Warts. Start with the basics, a “0” dodger and a bare 3/0 red hook, and then be prepared to make changes until you are consistently catching fish.

Downriggers are the way to go with this fishery, but dropper rigs rack up many of the fish caught at Baker Lake. When running downriggers, beware, the lake is uncharted and there are many stumps, old structures and who knows what else to snag you downrigger ball on. If using downriggers, be alert and be prepared to part company with your downrigger ball (does your pre-trip planning include an extra downrigger ball?). Safety first, especially if fishing out of a shallow freeboard skiff, kayak, or inflatable. A 10-pound hunk of lead is not worth losing your boat or giving your boat mate unexpected swim lessons. Try to maintain your trolling speed at .8-1.2 MPH, and we have found that 5-10’ setbacks from your downrigger clip are all that are required.

Another thought and in my mind a gem of an opportunity. Late in the season these fish form tight schools and cruise around on the flats where the Baker River flows into Baker Lake. There are several underwater springs in the area and the fish seem to be staging for the spawn. With caution you can slowly motor (or row) into the area, find a pocket of fish and drop a dead weight anchor. There will be a ton of logs and woody debris so don’t use any kind of pronged or claw anchor. An old pile of chain or bucket of cement is perfect. Caution: do not come into this area of the lake on plane or even any faster than at idle. Depending on lake level there are numerous stumps and trees just waiting to meet your prop. Why go to all this effort? Glad that you asked…

With a little luck and an adventurous spirit, you can set yourself up to sight fish sockeye with a fly rod. Let me tell you it is an absolute hoot, and once you have it dialed in, you’ll be a serf to the great sockeye gods. You’ll go to sleep dreaming about watching your line snap tight as the water seems to boil around it and wake up in a sweat still dreaming about your airborne quarry.

I’ve said this before; Baker Lake sockeye are the best eating fish in the state. To preserve their quality, bleed and ice your catch immediately. If you’re camping, gut the fish and pack the body cavity with ice, layer the fish in ice with a handful of rock salt evenly scattered around on top of the ice. It is best to use an ice chest that is dedicated to your prize catch. Leave the ice chest drain plugs out. This will prevent your catch from sitting in an ice chest ½ full of cold, very slimy sockeye sludge.

So, those are the late season basics; I wish you luck and an enjoyable trip to Baker Lake. Please be respectful of the opportunity to fish Baker System sockeye. This fishery is closely monitored and there will be multiple game wardens, WDFW, and Sheriff Department personnel conducting on the water checks. If there is widespread abuse, they will close the fishery. Be courteous, know the regulations, limits, and gently release any Dolly Varden trout caught.

It was a foggy, rain-soaked day in King Salmon. One crusty looking grumpy guy in hip boots was clearly the ringmaster of what appeared to be a five-ring circus happening in front of me. An entire fleet of float planes were tied off to a massive wooden dock on the Naknek River. Dormant. Grounded due to the fog that socked in right down to my boots. Pilots were yelling at dock hands to get the planes loaded and the ringmaster just looked on with what seemed like surly disgust. Apparently, the tower was going to give special clearance for a few airplanes to fly. This fleet had been sitting for a couple days and everyone was anxious to make the planes do their job. It wasn't a time to be late to the party.

I sat there with my head down, staying out of the way, and waiting to be told to load up. I didn’t know a soul. I didn’t have any friends there. No family. No one. I was as alone as alone could be. The crusty looking grumpy ringmaster just called me “the kid from the south.” He finally came over to me and said “well kid, looks like I’m gonna have to fly you out to the Branch. Go ahead and load up in that 206 down there. I will be there in a minute.” I didn’t have the guts to ask what a 206 was. I knew it was an airplane but obviously it was a different airplane than the others. I knew that he knew I didn't know but, I wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of delivering more surliness my way. Instead, I asked the dock hand that was getting yelled at the most. He was glad to load my two duffel bags and backpack in the right airplane. When the ringmaster returned, I quickly loaded up per instruction and that was it. Off to the Branch. Just like I had done it a hundred times.

Bristol Bay

That was not only my first day in Bristol Bay but, it was my first day in Alaska. Almost 20 years ago now. I had no clue how much it would change my entire life. As the years and seasons rolled on, the grumpy ringmaster stopped referring to me as “that kid from the south.” I earned my spot in the Bristol Bay community and made friends. In later years as my interest in aviation grew, the ringmaster would message me asking about weather conditions at my location. I became a part of an inner circle that once again, changed my life forever. I am grateful for all of it.

Alaska

By the time I started working in Alaska, I was no stranger to the duffel bag life. Living out of a couple of bags and a backpack was normal for me. I had just never done it in a location as remote as Bristol Bay. I read somewhere once that people who go to Alaska for work are either running from something, looking for something, or they are just too stupid to get a job anywhere else. I was all three. Maybe not too stupid to work somewhere else, but I was checking boxes on my resume. I needed Alaska experience to go where I really wanted to go. Trouble was that I had inadvertently fallen in love with Bristol Bay. She turned out to be the dirtiest mistress a fishing guide could have. The one that I couldn’t walk away from. The one that will kill you if you stay too long and ruin you if you leave too early. Bristol Bay has a way of doing both, no matter what you do.

 If someone wanted to know exactly which part of Bristol Bay kept me returning for almost two decades, my answer would be “all of it.” Alaska is, without a doubt, the biggest adventure anyone can have. I’m sure somewhere in Siberia there is a bigger adventure but none of us are going there to do it any time soon. At least in my lifetime it seems that will be the case. Alaska has a certain captivating quality which speaks to those who are in fact, running, looking, or lost. Fishing fixes most everything and float planes fix everything else. Alaska has that in spades.

My Experience

 But honestly, as I sit here today trying to find a way to put in words that justly convey my experiences, the one thing that keeps coming to mind is the salmon migration. I lived for the days of hunting fresh, dime bright, chrome salmon straight in from the bay. No matter if I was up late studying weather patterns and maps trying to find a way to fly or if I was running a jet boat 50 miles one way down river to tidewater, it was the same rush. The satisfaction of watching waves of fish push a wake while migrating upriver, just as they have done for thousands of years. I lived for it. Dreamed about it. It’s the only thing I miss. This is the first summer in so many years that I have not been there for the migration. A couple nights ago, I dreamed about it. I was in the hip deep tidewater of the lower Branch. Fishing with my favorite 14’ spey rod. Chrome kings were streaming by, pushing wake. The tides were right, the skies were overcast and there was just enough wind to keep the mosquitoes at bay. Life was perfect.

 In my dream, I just stood there watching the wakes push upriver. Not fishing, not casting. Just puffing on a cigar and watching the whole thing happen. The dream was clearly a ridiculous romanticized abomination. Probably forced into my thoughts subliminally by some social media algorithm that doesn't really want people to fish, only act like they fish. Anyone that knows me knows that I can't smoke. It makes me deathly ill the next day. Worse than a hangover. I wish I could smoke cigars. It looks really cool. Most importantly though, the same people that know I can't smoke also know that if I’m breathing and capable of standing in the lower Branch, there is absolutely no chance I am not gonna swing for kings on a fresh high tide. No chance. Not now, not ever. It’s the one thing that will bring me out of retirement. Maybe next season..........

The annual run of American shad up the Columbia River is building steam. Over a 100,000 shad a day are being counted at the Bonneville Dam fish ladder. Marc Bush, owner of Twisted Waters Guide Service, recently took two clients shad fishing near Beacon Rock State Park and the two, Drew Monsey and his father Martin, caught 104 shad in short order, with Drew out fishing his dad by 11 fish.   If you would like to book a trip with Bush you can go to his Facebook page or his website at www.twistedwaters-gs.com.

You don’t need to have a guide to have success catching shad.  Two great places to fish for them from shore are just below Bonneville Dam and also below the John Day Dam.  Simply cast a 1/16-ounce jig or shad dart and use anywhere from ¼ to ½ ounce of lead above it (depending on the current).  Then, let it swing downstream with the current and wait for a bite before reeling in the jig and casting again.

Shad typically run between one and three pounds but they are scrappy fighters and fun to catch.   Kids in particular enjoy the non-stop action when the shad run is going strong.  The state record for shad is a 3.85-pound specimen caught by Tom Magnuson out of the Columbia River in 2005.

Some anglers will keep the shad to eat but others (myself included), cut these fish in half and use them for crab bait.  They are a very oily fish and work very well when it comes to attracting crabs.  Shad also work well as bait for sturgeon fishing and for catfish too.  

John Kruse – www.northwesternoutdoors.com and www.americaoutdoorsradio.com