Skykomish

[cobble cruiser]

We have been finding a few nice fish as well. Here is one of the several hook ups we got Saturday afternoon! Not quite as nice as Derek's but you get the idea that there is some nice swimmers lingering around! Woo Hoo.

[Nelly]

No wonder there's not a bunch of fish in the hatchery!

You guys are catching them all!!!

[House]

Derek Anderson of Screamin Reels did some serious work today on the Skykomish, hooking eight and boating five nice fish!

Bill Gunning and crew with two steelies and three chinook!

IMG952011062895134811 (2).jpg (84.66 KiB) Viewed 8355 times

Derek also stated he lost the nicest three-salt steelhead he has seen this year! Also the chinook have been on the upswing and the steelhead bite has remained steady.
For a guided trip call Derek at (206) 849-2574

[Smalma]

Hatchery returns continue to lag far behind recent returns.

According to the latest WDFW hatchery escapement report (6/30) the Wallace hatchery has trapped 134 summer Chinook. Last year at this time they had 515 which was well below a pace expected to produce the needed brood stock.

The low numbers at the hatchery are particularly troubling given the high water this year.

tight lines
Curt

[Derek Anderson]

Tom,

The King above was caught in the lower section of the river around Monroe just using the standard corky and eggs. We have hooked a handful of chinook this size with most getting the better end of the deal, however this Chinook found his way into the Icy Tech fish box along with a couple of steelhead that day. Most of my chinook have been averaging seven to twelve pounds. The number of Chinook has been getting better and better as the water temperature has increased over the last couple of weeks. There is no talk as of yet about any Chinook closure. I have talked with Tom and Katie with WDFW who have been out on the river checking anglers two to three times a week. They both specifically said there is not talk of any closures. Tom believes once the flows start to drop as snow pack decreases and the water temperature increases we will see more Chinook enter the river. With that I believe he is spot on with what I am seeing every day on the river. Only time will tell but as of now fishing is very consistant with some really nice fish being caught daily in our own backyard! There is nothing like fishing the Skykomish catching both Kings and Steelhead on a 4-8 pound test G-Loomis Rod! The next few weeks are going to be great on the Skykomish and I really look forward to it!

Tight Lines,
Derek Anderson

[cobble cruiser]

Tom,

The number of Chinook has been getting better and better as the water temperature has increased over the last couple of weeks. Tom believes once the flows start to drop as snow pack decreases and the water temperature increases we will see more Chinook enter the river.

Tight Lines,
Derek Anderson

I totally agree. In fact, even though yesterday's water clarity was marginally better than split pead soup there were quite a few "rollers" from Wallace to Monroe. Seems that everytime the river drops and clears a bit the fishing really picks up. I have to believe the water temperature and this crazy snow pack has been playing a part on this years run timing. The Columbia River springer fishery is a good example of this. Positive and maybe a little wishful thinking but I'm stickin' to it!

[cobble cruiser]

The water level dipped down a bit yesterday so we headed out and found some fish. No real behemouths but a fun day on the water!

[Nelly]

Great job Capt Cook...Or, should I say Captain "Hook"!
Those are some dandies!
Didya get 'em all drifting bait?

[cobble cruiser]

Every one of them were caught drifting eggs cured from a Sky king. I even tried bait divers and plugs with no success. Went back to side drifting and bingo!