News From Around The Area

Steelhead season is quickly approaching, but coho fishing on the lakes is not over. In addition to the lakes, there are other opportunities around that are sure to interest you. Here’s the latest on what’s going on…

Siltcoos Lake Still Fishing Well
Over Thanksgiving week, fishing was very good, according to Dean Hendricks, North Country Lures. Thursday was red-hot, with many fish caught. Many anglers caught fish using North Country Lures’ Sonic Bell and Plugs (available at Bridgeport Market and The Sportsman). Other days were hit-and-miss. There are plenty of fish around, but with cold water temps (49 degrees F) the key is to keep moving to find biters. The dam was open last week and water levels in Siltcoos are several feet down. A reminder that this fishery closes on Dec. 31. As for Tahkenitch, I haven’t heard many good reports this season. I’ve been down there at least 6 times and don’t have much to show for the effort. A big change from last year.

Crabbing Holding Up
Reports I’m getting are that crabbing is holding up well in the lower river. Expect good crabbing until we get a big push of fresh water. Try all the usuals – fish heads, turkey, etc. If you’re not getting crabs, keep moving your pots until you find them.

Steelhead Forecast For Siuslaw
According to ODFW biologist George Westfall, there’s no good method for predicting steelhead returns to the Siuslaw. That said, returns should be in the range of approx. 4% based on previous years’ returns, good ocean conditions, smolts that were bigger than average when released and good freshwater conditions for outmigrating fish. Also, summer steelhead returns of stocks on the Oregon coast (Siletz and Rogue) were excellent, which hints at good winter fish returns. The steelhead returning this winter were released in 2007 from two different locations: 35,000 at Green Creek (Lake Creek) and 49,000 at Whittaker Creek (mainstem). In addition to these fish, look for a large number of older 3-salt fish to be in the mix. Expect 2500-3500 clipped steelhead this winter, with the possibility of more.

Munsel Producing Big Trout
Hendricks also let me know that some big trout are being caught on Munsel Lake. Anglers have been trolling deep (20 feet) and are landing rainbow trout in the 3 lb. (and larger) category. My guess is that similar catches can be made on other area lakes if the effort is put in.

As For The River
River levels are still too low for good boating, and will be so for the next few days. Fresh chinook can still be found in the vicinity of Tide, but you’ll have to search them out. There’s still plenty of water for fish to make their way upriver. All in all, a poor chinook season, but better than last year. Look for better numbers for the next several years. When I get some spawning fish numbers, you will be the first to know.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

How Close Is Too Close?

Last week I pulled my boat into the Siltcoos River, which might raise a few eyebrows. It sure did from the bank anglers who were throwing spinners off docks nearby. I positioned the boat upstream, dropped the anchor, and my guest and I dropped back some plugs to work in the current while we had a sandwich and discussed our next move. I had no intention of staying long, just long enough to eat lunch. One of the people tossing spinners wasn’t very happy about me being there. He yelled something to the effect, “You have that nice boat but you’re right there?” While I basically told him that he didn’t own the river, this encounter got me to thinking: how close is too close?

Where There’s Fish, Expect Crowds
We’d all like to have a river full of salmon to ourselves. But let’s face it: where there’s fish, there’s going to be competition from other anglers. More fish, more crowds. Crowds below hatcheries on the Sacramento River system in California typically number in the hundreds when fishing is good. Anglers can be lined up three-deep waiting to make a cast. Fistfights and thrown rocks are common. We here on the Central Coast don’t have this problem, but there are certain spots where the fish are confined and there’s going to be conflicts between bank anglers and boaters. The Siltcoos River is one of these spots. The Siltcoos Outlet attracts a lot of attention because every coho salmon coming into the lake is moving right through the river. And it’s the only place that has good bank access. Boats want to get in the river too because fish are ocean-fresh and confined to a small channel.

How To Interact Peacefully
Boaters should not anchor directly in front of bank fisherman, period. This is poor etiquette in a small river. Bank fisherman, if the boat is there first, don’t expect them to move just because they can go anywhere in the lake. It doesn’t always work like that, especially if the lake is rough. Boaters, leave enough room for bank fisherman to cast. Bankies, don’t cast over boaters’ lines just to try to make a point. If you have to talk it out, try to do so in a non-confrontational manner. If you start conversations in a nasty manner, nothing else you say will be heard.

Pressure On Siltcoos
Fishing pressure on Siltcoos this fall has been the most since the lakes were re-opened. There have been a couple of days when the parking lot at Westlake was FULL. I’m sure that all those who love and appreciate this fishery are hoping that Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife will make sure that escapement is still being met and that enough coho are making it up the tributaries to spawn. I have a feeling that pressure will increase over the next several years.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

Spawning Fish Surveys Track Returns, Help Biologists

Every fall on fish-bearing streams all over the Oregon coast, fisheries professionals wade and raft streams counting spawning fish. On Knowles Creek in Mapleton, U.S. Forest Service employees and volunteers have been conducting surveys throughout the entire watershed since 2000. Having taken part in these surveys for the past 5 years, I can tell you there are few other fisheries-related jobs that are as rewarding.

What You’re Looking For
On Knowles Creek, surveyors wade sections from bottom to top, counting live and dead salmon, jacks, redds (nests) and noting other fish observed (such as steelhead and cutthroat trout). Weather conditions, stream levels and visibility are recorded for each stream section, as these factors affect how many and how well fish are seen. Careful observation helps surveyors tell the difference between coho and chinook salmon. Where fish actively spawn also clues surveyors in to what species they’re looking at – chinook prefer lower reaches on Knowles Creek while coho prefer upper reaches and tributaries. Carcasses of dead fish are cut at the tail so they aren’t counted again on future surveys.

Why Surveys Are Useful
Spawning fish surveys are one of the tools used by state and federal fisheries managers to determine run sizes and enact regulations that are in the best interest of the salmon. For instance, poor spawning fish numbers over the past two seasons was a “red flag” to fisheries managers and was a factor in reducing daily and seasonal bag limits for fall chinook on the coast. On Knowles Creek, spawning fish surveys help managers determine the success of habitat restoration projects that were started in the early 1990’s. So, spawning fish surveys, along with data collected at the smolt trap and snorkel surveys help give managers a better idea of freshwater production in Knowles Creek.

Volunteers Welcome
If you’d like to see some spawning fish for yourself, we’re always looking for volunteers to help us complete these surveys. The wading can be physically demanding, but the sites and sounds of Knowles Creek in the winter more than make up for it. Contact Paul Burns, U.S. Forest Service, (541) 902-6953 or call me for more information.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

News From Around The Area

Fall is finally here. Rains and wind arrived this weekend and is predicted for the next few days. There’s plenty going on both on the river and on the lakes for salmon and trout. Here’s the latest:

Siltcoos Lake Producing Well
Last week I took folks out to Siltcoos 3 days, and we limited with big, beautiful Coho salmon all 3 trips. We also released several fish and caught many jacks and trout. The dam was opened for at least one day last week, and should be open continuously with storms coming. We were successful fly fishing and tossing spinners, but best catches came trolling plugs in Maple Arm and Fiddle Arm. Wiggle Warts™ in pink and orange produced best. I trolled relatively slow and made sure the plugs were far enough behind the boat (40-50 feet) to get the maximum dive. While we’re on the subject of plug fishing, anglers should take the time to change out the treble hooks on plugs. Add a siwash (single) hook on a small barrel swivel to the split rings on the plug. Size #1 or #2 Gamakatsu siwash hooks are perfect for small-medium size plugs. A lot of folks feel that treble hooks are better, but believe me the single hooks don’t miss much. And if you plan on releasing dark or small fish, the siwash hooks do much less damage. This is especially true for the small trout that sometimes take these plugs.

Tidewater Fishing
As of last week, large, fresh Chinook were still being checked at the ramp at Old Town. I got a tip from a very reliable source that good fish were still being caught in the Cushman/Dairy Hole vicinity on the Siuslaw. While Chinook aren’t holding in the lower river like they did back in September, you can still intercept fresh fish in the lower river. And you won’t have to dodge any other boats. The effort on the river has fallen off the table. There’s nobody out there fishing! Get out there, cover some water (read: troll) and find some chrome-bright fish.

River Fishing
Rising river levels will bring a mix of dark and bright fish into the river from The Forks down. A reminder that the river is CLOSED above The Forks and CLOSED for all of Lake Creek to prevent snagging and poaching. Bobber fishing with eggs will produce well over the next several weeks in deeper holes and slots. Here’s a couple of things to consider: please gently release any fish you don’t want to keep and be sure to pack out your trash. Bring an extra bag and pack out the other guy’s trash too. Nothing is worse than getting down to your favorite spot and see shrimp and egg containers everywhere. Leave it looking better than you found it.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

Hello Anglers!

Here's a couple of shots of chinook from the river from the last few days. I've been fishing Siltcoos Lake the last couple of days and fishing is HOT. Several limits have been taken in the vicinity of Maple Arm. Troll plugs or cast spinners. Here's this week's Siuslaw News article....

Trolling for Coho Salmon In the Lakes

Within the next few weeks, Coho salmon will start moving into Siltcoos and Tahkenitch Lakes in greater numbers. We here on the central coast are fortunate enough to have the only wild Coho fishery in Oregon. These fish are aggressive and easier to catch than their larger cousins (Chinook).

Why Trolling?
Trolling is the best way to cover water and increase your chances of finding aggressive fish. You constantly have your offering in the water and at the level where fish will find it. Trolling also puts your presentation down to the right depth quickly and efficiently.

Rods, Reels and Line
When trolling, consider using a medium action rod/reel combination spooled with 15 lb. test line. A medium action rod allows for good plug action and makes for a fun fight once a salmon is hooked. I use a 7 ft. rod so I can net the fish easily by myself. If you use a longer rod, it makes netting difficult. Levelwind or baitcasting reels are made for trolling. Attach a barrel swivel to the main line and attach 4 feet of lighter leader (10 or 12 lb. test). Again, lighter line (and tackle) allows for greater plug movement.

What Plugs To Use
While many different plugs and spinners work, I use Wiggle Warts™, Hot Shots™ and Brad’s Wigglers™ more than any other. I have a selection of colors including pink, orange, blue/silver, green/silver and silver. I recommend changing colors often to find the plug the fish are taking. In order to change plugs without re-tying, tie a locking snap or snap swivel on the end of your leader.

Where To Look for Fish
The first thing to do is look at a map of the lake you’ll be fishing. Notice the “arms” or coves of the lake into which tributaries drain. That’s where the salmon will eventually end up – they’re going to head up those tributaries to spawn. The salmon will mill around in these arms until enough rain falls to raise stream levels. On one lake, look for names such as Fiddle and Maple, and on another lake look for names like Five Mile and Leitel. These names will point you in the right direction.

Final Thoughts
Take a buddy or two fishing with you. You can run different plugs and find what the fish want. Another great location to find fish is in the lake adjacent to the outlet. All fish heading into the lake will be moving right past you (at some point). Try letting out 40-60’ of line when trolling. This will maximize the depth at which the plug will dive and keep you out of the weeds.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

Landing Fish With Seals Around

Before I talk about anything regarding seals and fish, there’s a few things you need to know. Seals are not the reason fish numbers have declined in some areas. If everything is in balance in a river system, the impact of seals on salmon is minimal. When fish runs are in trouble because of habitat loss, human activity (dams, water draw downs, etc.) and poor ocean conditions, the impact of pinnipeds (seals and sea lions) is substantial. Every angler who fishes long enough on coastal rivers will lose a fish to a seal. It is very frustrating. Fall salmon are too difficult to catch to lose one to a seal. There’s a few things you can do to increase your odds of landing a hooked fish when seals are around.

Use Heavier Rods, Reels and Line
Fighting a fish is the most exciting part of salmon fishing, and its exhilarating when a fish makes several long runs. When a salmon runs, it increases the chances of a seal taking notice. Try to play the fish to the boat as quickly as possible. Using heavier rods, reels, and line allows you to control a fish better. I recommend using at least 25 lb. test leaders and 30 lb. test mainline.

Positioning Your Boat Gives You An Advantage
If seals are in the area, try motoring toward a hooked fish. Close the distance between the boat and the fish as much as possible. The angler with the fish on the line will need to reel like crazy to keep pressure on the fish. The boat will help to scare a seal away from the fish.

Wait Until The Last Minute to Show Your Net
If seals can be trained to balance a beach ball on their noses and blow a horn at the circus, you’d better believe they know what a net in someone’s hands means! These critters are very smart, and raising a net is like ringing the dinner bell. Try to remain calm (tough with a fish on) and wait until the last minute to break the net out. Even better is fighting a fish sitting down, where you just look like another angler to a seal.

A Word Of Caution
It is illegal to haze seals in any way. This means no paintball guns, wrist rockets, M-80s, or the like. Hazing seals is a Class A Misdemeanor and can be punishable by a large fine, jail time or both. The next time you’re out and see some seals, be thankful. The seals follow the fish and you know you’re fishing in the right spot.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

October Fish Starting To Show

Last week the fishing in upper tidewater was tough. Most fish moved up the river with the rains. During the last few days signs that another large group of chinook are in the river were many: we saw several anglers hook up while trolling above C&D Dock. Trolling herring or spinners and bobber fishing with sand shrimp or eggs (or both) will produce good catches for the next several days. Building tides will bring in fresh chinook this week.

Questions About Siltcoos and Tahkenitch Dam Opening
A fisherman stopped me at the ramp on Siltcoos Lake on Sunday and asked me some questions about water releases on the lakes. While I couldn’t answer them at the time, I did some research. Here’s what I found out: according to George Westfall, ODFW biologist, the dams are controlled by International Paper and there is no set schedule for opening the dams. Both dams have fish ladders that allow Coho and Cutthroat to pass them. The dams are opened in the late fall to prevent flooding, and Siltcoos is drawn down to 6 feet above sea level on or about Nov. 1 per an agreement with Dunes City.

Vehicle Break Ins Can Ruin A Good Outing
When we got back to the ramp on Tahkenitch on Sunday, I noticed that one of the vehicles had its canopy window smashed. What a bummer. Usually the low life thief gets away with a few dollars worth of items, but it’ll cost you several hundred to replace the window. Here’s a few things you can do to avoid a costly insurance claim.
Don’t leave anything of value in the car, period.
Pay attention to other vehicles in the parking lot. Someone could be scoping you out.
Avoid parking in secluded areas if possible.
Report suspicious activity. If you’re the victim of a break-in, report it. While you’re not likely to get your wallet back, you might stop another vehicle from getting its window smashed.

Report From The Lakes
We fished both Tahkenitch and Siltcoos on Sunday. Water temps at both lakes were good, and Tahkenitch looked great. We talked to a couple of boats in Five Mile Arm who reported catching jacks the day before. Coho are present, but not in great numbers. On Siltcoos, the algae bloom turned the water pea green. No one we talked to had done any good for salmon, but trout fishing was good. We caught several nice trout while trolling for silvers.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

News From Around The Area

Last weekend’s storm delivered way over 2 inches of rain to Mapleton and the surrounding mountains, changing tidewater fishing for the next several days. Here’s the latest on what I’m seeing and hearing out there:

Upriver Fish?
Many folks headed upriver to try to find those moving fish over the weekend. I’ve heard wide ranging stories from getting skunked to hooking several fish. For the most part, if you hooked any fish above Mapleton, you did well. A very reliable source reported landing one chinook, having a couple of other takes, and talking to a lot of folks who had nothing. The river was still too low for safe drift boating on Sunday. Remember, Lake Creek and the Siuslaw above Lake Creek are closed to salmon fishing this year.

Tidewater Fishing
Upper tidewater fishing had been very consistent until the weekend rains. Fishing around Mapleton and below slowed considerably over the weekend. The rain cooled the river into the upper 50’s, which will make for better fishing once fresh fish arrive. Trolling spinners is a great way to cover water and find aggressive fish when they are spread out. Some folks might feel that tidewater fishing is over for the year. Don’t believe it! More fish are coming, and once river levels drop all the way down, they will spend some time in tidewater.

Siltcoos and Tahkenitch Open
Boats have been spotted fishing Tahkenitch lake near the outlet this week. Nobody has reported anything to me yet, but my guess is that silvers are pouring into the lakes, especially with the tremendous numbers of silvers we’re seeing in the river this year. Trolling spinners (like North Country Super Hoochies™) in pink and green would be a great way to catch these fish. If you get out there, call me and send me a report.

Follow That Fish!
Last week we saw a couple of guys hook a large chinook. As they held their position in the river, the big fish worked closer and closer to the shore. Eventually, the fish found some old pilings, wrapped around them, and the guys lost the fish. I felt bad for them, not only because the fish was surely a beauty, but also because there were things they could have done to push the odds in their favor. First, close the gap between your boat and the fish. You can move toward the fish as the angler takes up line. Second, move away from the bank. Lead that fish to the middle of the river where there’s less debris to wrap around.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

Saber-tooth Salmon Spotted On Siuslaw!

Hello Anglers,

Fishing had been very consistent on the Siuslaw (3-5 fish per day) until the rainstorm over the weekend. We had over 2 inches of rain in Mapleton, which put a damper on tidewater fishing for a few days. Most of the fish in tidewater moved upriver as the river rose significantly. It will take a few days, but fish will once again hold in tidewater where trolling and bobber fishing will be effective.

Here's a photo of a 47-lb. chinook that lady-angler Susan from Wisconsin landed recently. Way to go Sue! This is a fish of a lifetime, and the largest fish I've seen on the Siuslaw this year.

See You On The Water,

Action Jackson

North Country Lures Producing Good Catches

Over the past several days, it didn’t seem like my herring were getting bit very well. We’d pick up a fish here and a fish there, but not consistently. Last Thursday the guys fishing with me pulled herring for 7 hours and no fish. We switched over to North Country Lures’ Super Hoochies and hooked 7 fish in 2 hours. We’ve been hooking fish every day on the Super Hoochies and they’ve been outfishing herring on my boat.

Rigging Spinners
From your spreader, attach a 3-3 ½’ section of monofilament. Tie on a bead-chain swivel. Add another 3-3 ½’ section of monofilament. Attach your spinner. As for your lead line (dropper) I usually use a 12-24” length and 3-6 oz. It’s more important to be on the bottom than away from the boat, so go heavy. I’ve been using PowerPro 65 lb. test braided line for my mainline, Maxima Ultragreen 30 lb. test for my leaders and 20 lb. test for my dropper. 20 lb. test may sound too strong, but the dropper will still break before the leader and lead is expensive (and poisonous). I want that lead back if I can get it. By having a stronger dropper, you can usually get the lead back.

Strategies For Spinner Fishing
Here’s a few things that might help you pick up a fish the next time you’re on the water:
Try an irregular trolling pattern. Instead of trolling in a straight line for hours, do a little zigging and zagging if you have the room. Giving your bait a little weird speed and motion is sometimes enough to draw a strike.
Concentrate on transition zones. Look for areas that change depth, such as areas that change from deep to shallow. Fish on the move are often concentrated in these transition zones. Fishing a large stretch of water all the same depth? Fish the edges, trolling close to the bank.
Use scent on your spinners. Pro-Cure™ makes a great variety of gels that stick to the spinner blade for a long time.

Get Your Spinners At Bridgeport Market
Bridgeport Market is right next to the boat launch in Old Town and carries a complete supply of North Country Spinners, including the Super Hoochie. Bridgeport Market also has bait and ice and sells fishing licenses. Contact Jay or Cindy at 997-5091 or check out the Bridgeport Market website (www.bridgeportlandingcondos.com/market).

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

News From Around The Area

Chinook are starting to show in better numbers from Florence upriver. Tides are building this week and will bring more fish into the river. Also, if all the traffic in one part of the river is getting on your nerves, move upriver. Rolling salmon have appeared in Mapleton, so fish are throughout tidewater. While most folks are trolling herring, don’t be afraid to troll spinners or wobblers either. We were out last Thursday and the herring weren’t getting bit. We switched over to spinners and ended up with 3 fish to the boat, plus a couple of missed fish.

If It’s A Coho, Let It Go!
Oregon State Troopers have confiscated coho salmon mistakenly kept over the past several days. Not only will you get a ticket, you can also lose your fishing equipment. If you’re not sure which fish is which, here’s a few features you can use to identify your catch:

Coho (silver) salmon have small spots on the dorsal (top) side of the fish, and have spots on the upper lobe of the tail ONLY. Also, the coho salmon’s gumline is white or light gray. Males have a bulbous nose which helps in identification. Typically coho salmon are much smaller than chinook, but don’t use this as a distinguishing characteristic. Some chinook come back as 3 year-old fish and will be very similar in size to a coho.

Chinook (king) salmon usually have larger, irregular shaped spots on the back, and have spots on BOTH lobes of their tail. Also, chinook salmon have a black gumline (this is where the name “blackmouth” salmon comes from). Most chinook return to freshwater as 4 year-old fish, but may return older and larger. A salmon that is 30 lbs. or more is most definitely a chinook.

Several anglers have already caught coho in the river. Even though most of these fish are still out in the ocean, its not too early for them to be caught. Don’t use run timing as a distinguishing characteristic. There’s a nice display at the ramp in Old Town showing the differences between the two species.

Reminder: Lake Creek Closed To Salmon Fishing in 2008
Trooper Lea also wanted me to reminder folks that Lake Creek is closed to chinook fishing for 2008. There have been reports of people fishing the area and troopers don’t want to ticket anglers who didn’t know the regulations. Popular spots along Lake Creek have been posted, but signs have been removed. Oregon State Police will be watching Lake Creek carefully to make sure regulations are being followed.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

Central Oregon Offers Numerous Fly Fishing Options

Many of us couldn’t imagine being anywhere else than the Oregon Coast in the fall with salmon and cutthroat fishing in full swing, plus beautiful weather. And even though we can make a strong case that this is “Heaven on Earth”, there’s another part of the state that can also make that claim. The Sisters area of Central Oregon is absolutely beautiful and offers an incredible number of fishing opportunities close by.

Get Outfitted The Right Way Before You Start
The Fly Fisher’s Place in Sisters offers anything and everything you need to explore Central Oregon with a fly rod. From high quality rods and reels to clothing and waders to flies and tying materials, this is the place to begin your trip. Jeff Perin, owner of The Fly Fisher’s Place, is extremely knowledgeable about the area and how to fish it. Jeff has put together a team of very qualified guides who are expert boatmen, friendly and excellent anglers. If your just looking for advice on where to go and what to do, Jeff and his team will gladly help you out. We all know that fishing can be difficult and frustrating at times, so talking with a team of anglers with the inside scoop can really shorten the learning curve.

Choices, Choices
Sisters is in the heart of some of the best fishing in North America. Here’s a brief list of some of the best of the best:
Deschutes River – This world-famous river is close by, offering incredible trout and steelhead fishing in a unique setting. The Deschutes is long and varied with many opportunities and some dangerous water. If you’re planning a fishing trip, it’s best to go with an expert first.
Metolius River – This river, which flows cool, gin-clear and constant year-round, offers some of the toughest yet most rewarding fishing anywhere. The Metolius is spring fed and the trout tend to be very specific in what they choose to eat. Precision and stealth are the name of the game here.
Crooked River – The Crooked River is one of the most productive trout streams in Oregon, offering excellent numbers of redband rainbow trout. To find less competition try the Crooked River Gorge. The Gorge offers tougher access and good fishing.
Upper McKenzie and Upper North Fork of the Santiam – These west slope fisheries are also very close to the Sisters area. Too treacherous for boating, they offer unique walk-and-wade opportunities for adventurous anglers.
High Mountain Lakes – The options here are too many to mention. While many have good road access, others are hike-in and are lightly fished. Do your research ahead of time and have a trip you’ll remember forever.

Get In Touch With The Folks Who Know
To find out more about the numerous fishing options in the Sisters area, contact The Fly Fisher’s Place at (541) 549-3474 or at www.flyfishersplace.com. Contact a team of experts who can give you the information to be successful.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

“Fish On” Means Give Way

Last week I was out trolling on the river and a very nice couple was trolling very close to me. As we were talking about how beautiful the weather was (and other topics), one of their rods goes down. The first thing I did was ask if it was running at me, and, since it was, I reeled up my line as fast as I could so me didn’t get tangled. I maneuvered my boat to stay out of their way, got past them a safe distance, and dropped my bait back down. I watched them fight the fish for about 5 minutes or so and saw other boats very close to them. I couldn’t tell exactly how close until I talked to them later. When I caught back up with them on another pass, they told me that another boat actually trolled RIGHT INTO THE BACK OF THEIR BOAT! In the process, they lost the fish. I couldn’t believe it. At times it can be hard enough to hook a salmon, and losing it because of the carelessness of another boat is inexcusable. During the next few weeks its going to be getting more and more crowded on the coastal rivers. Considering what I saw last week I thought it might be a good time to talk about river etiquette again.

Reel ‘Em Up, Fast!
If another boat hooks a fish close by, have everyone in the boat reel their baits up as fast as possible. A salmon can peel 50 yards of line (or more) very quickly. If lines get tangled, the chances of landing the fish go down dramatically. If someone else’s fish gets around my line, I cut the line. I have several pre-tied leaders ready to go just in case something like this happens. It only takes a few minutes to re-tie, and the angler who lands a fish thanks to you doing your part will be forever thankful.

Steer Your Boat Clear
After all lines are in, get your boat out of the way. The boat fighting the fish has the right-of-way, and its up to you to stay clear. Remember, the boat with the fish is pretty busy and hectic, whereas you can stay out of the way much easier. According to U.S. Coast Guard protocol, a boat “Not Under Command” has the right-of-way over all other boats. After you are in the clear, drop your baits back down.

Let Other Boaters Know What’s Going On
In close quarters, communication is very important. Some boaters don’t pay as much attention as they should, so don’t be afraid to shout, wave your arms, or blow the horn if its handy. And if you’re in a boat that gets yelled at, don’t take offense. There’s a chance you weren’t paying attention like you should be, and if someone has a fish on they’re excited! Don’t blow their chances of landing their fish by being stubborn or inconsiderate.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

News From Around The Area

Fall is just around the corner and the fish can feel it. Things are picking up and good fishing is just around the corner. Last week’s rain (over 2 inches in Mapleton) will cool the water down and draw fish in. Here’s what I’ve seen the last few days and what others are reporting:

Fish Are In On The Umpqua
A good bite has been happening on the Umpqua recently. Fish down toward Winchester Bay for a chance at both clipped Silvers and Chinook. Last week fish were caught up to Reedsport and above. Herring are the bait of choice and most anglers are running them with flashers. My experience is that there doesn’t seem to be as much debris in the water on the Umpqua, making it easier to run flashers. As with the Siuslaw, most boats move with the tide, making it easier to keep your presentation on the bottom and in the strike zone. Over the weekend there were quite a few boats, so fish the weekdays for less traffic.

Crabbing Picking Up
Crabbing is starting to get a lot better during the last couple of weeks. All your favorite crabbing bays (Alsea, Siuslaw, Winchester) are producing good catches. Best crabbing will be found during the incoming tide, close to the mouth. Recent rains should not slow down catches as there’s not enough fresh water to push crabs out. Many different baits will produce, including shad, tuna heads, chicken or turkey, salmon carcasses, etc.

Not Too Early For The Siuslaw
Though more fish are present down south on the Umpqua, a few fish are starting to show on the Siuslaw. Fishing will get better as the water cools. Some fish have been checked in for little effort.

Know Your Closed Area
Last Friday I ran into some very nice guys from the U.S. Coast Guard, Siuslaw River Station. They informed me that when the Rough Bay Warning Lights are on and the bar is closed, the area downriver from Marker #4 is restricted. If you have any questions, you can call the U.S. Coast Guard recorded message at (541) 902-7792. Next, you can tune your AM/FM radio to 1610 AM. You can also hail the Coast Guard directly on your VHF radio channel 16.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

Brining Herring

Hello Readers! I’ve recently been getting some questions on preparing herring for trolling. Here’s an quick and effective brine I like to use. Remember to experiment with different scents as it is a key to success. No single scent is the most effective every day.

Herring is probably the #1 bait for Fall Chinook salmon. If you talked to 100 salmon anglers, you’re likely to get that many different brines for herring! There are numerous scents and secret recipes that fishermen have, too many to go into here. Start with a basic recipe, and experiment. What’s that? You say you have the surefire, can’t miss formula? Shoot me an e-mail and I’ll try it out!

The Basic Recipe
This recipe will brine 4-6 dozen herring. Don’t need that many, cut back the ingredients equally to fit the amount of bait you want to brine. To eliminate unwanted scents, use latex gloves to put together the brine.
2 ½ gallons distilled water. You can use tap water, but let the water sit overnight. This allows chlorine to evaporate. Scent is very important. You want to make sure the herring only absorb the scents you want them to absorb.
3 tablespoons of Mrs. Stewart’s liquid bluing. This makes the herring’s scales really shine. Mrs. Stewart’s is not particularly easy to find, so don’t start asking around the night you need it. Randy’s Riverview Market in Mapleton stocks it, and local grocers can order it.
4 cups rock salt, canning salt, or non-iodized salt.
1 cup powdered milk. Powdered milk firms the herring without burning it.
Scent of your choosing. Popular scents include garlic oil (from a jar of minced garlic) or 2 tablespoons of pure anise oil.
Mix all ingredients together, making sure to allow time for the salt to dissolve.


Now, For the Herring…
Most herring purchased these days are “shrink wrapped” to preserve them and minimize freezer burn. Partially thaw the herring before you brine them. Make sure to poke holes in the package as you allow them to thaw. If you don’t, the plastic wrapping will pull scales off these delicate fish during the thawing process.

Letting Them Brine
You’ll want the herring to brine at least overnight. If possible, store them in a cool spot or refrigerate the herring while they brine. After brining, they can be refrozen. Frozen herring cut much better than soft herring, and you’ll lose fewer scales. If you’re fishing all day, put some herring in a small cooler that you’ll be opening a lot, and place others in another cooler that stays shut, keeping the bait frozen until you’re ready to use them.

Drop me a line and let me know what you think about these or other topics.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

Tie Your Own Spinner Rigs For Blueback

If you’re looking for some fishing in the river until good numbers of Chinook show, look no further than Searun cutthroat trout, or Blueback. Right now there are plenty around, they’re aggressive and great to eat. Local fish expert Lynn Hood tells me folks are doing very well in the vicinity of C&D Dock, but fish are available from Mapleton down (and probably above if you know where to look).

Spinners Are Popular
Running into Hood at The Riverview Market was inspirational. He was tying up a spinner for Blueback that looked very simple and effective. It reminded me of the anchovy spinners used at the mouth of the Rogue River for Fall Chinook. The big differences are that you don’t need a treble hook, and you don’t need heavy leader. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
10-12 lb. leader. I thought about this one a lot. Some guys would say that this is too heavy for Blueback. It’s true – it is more than you need. But here’s why I say use it – if something much larger grabs your spinner, you want to have at least a fighting chance of landing it.
An assortment of 4-6 mm beads. Look for different colors such as orange, green, blue, chartreuse, yellow and red. Get some beads in each 4, 5 and 6 mm if you can find them. If you need help finding bead sources give me a call and I can point you in the right direction.
Plastic clevises. A lot of folks use wire or metal clevises and that’s fine. Let me tell you why I use the plastic – because you can change spinner blades quickly. Simply snap one off and put on another. And rarely do you lose a blade (unless you lose the whole spinner).
An assortment of #3 and #4 Colorado spinner blades. Try some of these popular colors: silver, brass, copper, and some painted blades (green, fluorescent orange, blue, etc.). There are many different finishes available. Again – if you need some help – I can tell you where to get started.
Baitholder hooks. These hooks have a long, straight shank that has barbs to help hold a nightcrawler on the hook. Experiment with different sizes to get what you like, but I often use something between a #1 and #4. Gamakatsu makes a very good Baitholder hook that’s sticky sharp out of the package and stays that way.

Very Simple, Very Easy
On approximately 36” of leader, tie on the hook, add 3 of the large beads, 3 of the medium beads, and 2 of the small beads. Add the clevis. Add the blade to the clevis. It doesn’t get any easier. On the river, add ½ nightcrawler and troll your spinner behind a Ford Fender™ or Cow Bell™. Don’t forget to use a small trolling rudder to keep your rig from twisting up.

The Blueback are in, so if you’re not catching switch colors, blades and location until you find the formula that works.


See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

Back From Alaska

Hello Readers!

Just got back from guiding in Alaska for the last 5 weeks for Larry Lund at Togiak River Lodge. Fishing this year for kings wasn't as good as some years, but we still caught many fish. We had several 30+ fish days for kings up to 40 lbs. The weather wasn't nice with high winds, rain and cold on several days. But when Alaska is nice, its one of the most beautiful places on earth. If you're considering a trip to Alaska, you can't go wrong with Togiak River Lodge. The fishing, the food and service is top-notch.

So You Want To Be A Fishing Guide In Alaska

Many young men come north every summer with stars in their eyes. They dream of 100 fish days, endless daylight and having all the comforts of home. While its true fishing can be incredible, most who come here aren’t prepared for the hard work for hours and days on end.

Opening Camp
I was fortunate enough to have commitments at home that kept me from most of the most strenuous days. Usually there are a variety of building projects: maybe a new deck, window installations, or walkway construction. Last year the lodge I work for built two new cabins in ten days. We hauled gravel, 5-gallons at a time, from downriver to cover up soft spots around buildings and paths. Every boat and motor must be gone through to make sure it won’t fail at the wrong time. Boats are cleaned and re-carpeted. Tons of materials are brought in and put away. Everything from tools and paint to food and toilet paper are stowed. Trash is either burned or hauled downriver to the dump. The main lodge and guest rooms are cleaned. Tackle is sorted and distributed. And then there’s the constant upkeep of all machines, water and sewage pumps, motors and other equipment. Hopefully you can find the right tool or part you need as you can’t just run down to Ace Hardware. If you need it right now, expect it at least a week after you order it. Oh, and expect it to be twice as much as you’re used to paying.

Washing Out
I came over to Togiak Village with a young guy who was hired to help around camp and guide later in the year for Silvers. He was worried about how much he’d get to guide since there seemed to be so many guys ahead of him. I told him it was likely that not every guide would make it through the season. And it didn’t take long. Through his own weakness and immaturity, one of the guides ended up quitting and going home. He had the dream of fishing 7 days a week and catching tons of fish every day. What he didn’t realize is that guiding isn’t about catching fish. Guiding is about responsibility, safety and being a team player. His ego prevented him from accepting advice and moving on, and $800 to change his plane ticket didn’t stop him either.

The guide who washed out wasn’t the only one to leave camp so far. One of the young guys hired to help out around camp had personality conflicts with the chefs. Throwing 18 people together who don’t know each other is bound to cause conflicts. Every person is just not going to get along with everyone else. This is where maturity and inter-personal skills come into play.

Bugs and Weather
So far, the weather here has been cold and rainy. The sun pops out every now and then, but soon disappears. Its nice in a way because it keeps the bugs down. When the wind dies and the sun does come out, billions of biting insects are ready to suck the life out of every living mammal around. Mosquitos, No See Ums and White Socks (a small biting gnat) will find you no matter where you are.

There’s plenty to fall in love with here and the rewards too many to mention. The quiet and beauty of the bush make up for the hardships. The personal lessons learned from sticking it out will last a lifetime. The volume of fish in the rivers is incredible. But it takes someone with character to make the most of the experience.

See You On The Water,
Action Jackson

Regulations for 2008 Fall Chinook Season Still Up In The Air

Late last week the Fish and Wildlife Commission met to rule on emergency regulations for the 2008 Fall Chinook fishery for coastal rivers. Based on public input, expected chinook returns and the best available data, ODFW staff recommended allowing the harvest of 1 fish per day, 5 per season for the 2008 season. While this sounds like a huge hit for recreational fisherman, at least we are able to fish in the river this year. Considering commercial fisherman won’t be allowed to fish for salmon in the ocean and no coastal river in Oregon is expected to meet its minimum escapement, I feel fortunate to be able to fish.

As of Tuesday morning, the Fish and Wildlife Commission hasn’t officially adopted the 1/5 rule for this fall. The ODFW website says that regulations will be finalized over the next few weeks and will take effect on Aug. 1. Here’s the link to the very brief press release http://www.dfw.state.or.us/news/2008/june/060608.asp.

Fishing and Hunting Licenses Going Up Again
In 2010, fishing and hunting licenses are set to increase again. There are three options that have been put forth. Here are the links so you can check out the increases for yourself.
http://www.trustplannow.com/sites/default/files/PackageB.pdf
http://www.trustplannow.com/sites/default/files/PackageC.pdf
http://www.trustplannow.com/sites/default/files/PackageD.pdf
An interesting new item has been added – a “2 Pole License” that would allow an angler to add a 2nd rod for an additional annual fee. The 2 Pole License couldn’t be used when salmon, steelhead or sturgeon fishing. Package “D” has the biggest increases and would actually allow for some money to be re-invested into fish and wildlife projects. Package A, which involves commercial license increases is not listed here.

North To Alaska! (For A Few Weeks)
I’ll be heading to Alaska for a few weeks this summer, guiding at Togiak River Lodge (http://www.togiaklodge.com/) for the Chinook and Rainbow Trout. In the meantime, I’ll be taking a short break from my weekly articles to concentrate on fishing up north. Look for a few updates on the fishing this summer.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

Run Timing – Then And Now

A few weeks ago, a fellow angler and I were talking about how the salmon and steelhead weren’t showing up the same time of year they used to. This friend told me, “You know, the steelhead fishing was really good around Thanksgiving, and the run was over by January.” That got me to thinking about when fish should be showing up. Were the runs years ago healthier than today?

When Do Fish Come Back?
Anadromous (sea run) fish return to their home river anywhere from months before they spawn to hours before they spawn. For instance, on the Columbia River, steelhead bound for rivers in Idaho (Columbia River tributaries) enter freshwater many months before they actually spawn. And on Oregon coastal rivers, salmon and steelhead may spawn just hours after entering freshwater. In other words, the length of the journey to spawning grounds dictates (in part) when fish enter a river. Anadromous fish, particularly fall chinook salmon, may also hold in lower stretches of coastal rivers until water levels raise enough to allow them to access suitable spawning gravel. An example of this is as follows: a fall fish may enter the river in September and slowly work its way upriver, and when freshets raise the water level in early November, the fish enters a tributary and spawns during the middle of November.

Run Timing – An Inexact Science
While it’s tough to predict when the “peak” of the run will be, research on salmonids gives us some clues as to when most of the fish will be in the river. On Oregon coastal rivers, run distribution is on a Bell Curve. When examining fall chinook salmon, this means that some fish will be present in the bay and river during July, and some fish will be present in January, but the peak of the run will be present some time during October or November. We make this assumption based on sport catch and results of spawning fish surveys. When we take a look at winter steelhead, the timing is different. Most of these fish spawn in the spring (March and April). And while some steelhead are in the rivers in November and some fish are in the river in May, the peak of the run will probably be in January and February. A Thankgiving peak run just doesn’t sound quite right to me, at least not on the Oregon coast.

What Affects Run Timing?
It’s not that my friend was wrong. I’m sure he had the dates right. But there are many things that can impact run timing of salmon and steelhead. Probably the biggest single impact on run timing in the past was poor hatchery practices. And this is how it works: the eggs of fish used by the hatchery were taken from the first fish that made it to the weir. So, over a few generations the hatchery, by just taking these early fish, inadvertently selected for early arriving fish. Today, hatchery practices are changing. Those in charge realize that fish should be selected throughout the run to ensure that fish come back during the entire time they would naturally.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

Ethanol And Your Boat

In the most recent Underway magazine (sponsored by the Oregon State Marine Board and U.S. Coast Guard), there were several interesting articles. One of the articles discussed ethanol blended fuel, better known as E-10. This is something that folks have asked me about, and now I’d like to share what the OSMB has to say about it.

First off, it will be mandatory for all gas stations statewide to start selling gasoline with 10% ethanol by Sept. 30, 2008. When this was first made public, many weren’t happy with the state’s decision – especially aircraft pilots and boaters. In response, legislators passed Senate Bill 1072, which allows retailers to sell unblended fuels for use in aircraft, ATVs, power tools and boats. Allowing unblended fuel to be sold came about when state officials learned that ethanol easily absorbs water, which contaminates fuel and causes engines to seize up. Also, since ethanol is a solvent, it can damage fiberglass fuel tanks, rubber and internal engine parts (especially in older boats).

State Marine Board officials feel that marinas are the most likely places to find unblended fuels, but that it may be difficult to find at gas stations. But there are things you can do to minimize any negative impacts.

· Make sure you know what fuel your retailer is dispensing.
· Run a non-alcohol fuel stabilizer in your boat’s fuel system at all times. This is definitely recommended for engines that sit for any length of time.
· The more use a boat gets, the less likely it is to have problems.
· When winterizing, keep your tank approx. 95% full to prevent condensation but allow room for expansion. Try to avoid any water intrusion.
· Install a water separating fuel filter.
· Change your fuel filter regularly.
· Replace older plastic tanks with new tanks.
· Replace older rubber fuel lines and inspect them regularly.
· Some older carbureted engines may require special tuning. Consult the manufacturer for details.

For more information about E-10, visit the OSMB website at http://www.boatoregon.com/OSMB/news/E10.shtml.

I’m going to run E-10. My boat gets a lot of use during the year and I already have a fuel-water separator in-line on my fuel system. Stay tuned for updates.


See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

Summer Must Reads and Must Sees

I know how it is. Many of you out there are already thinking about salmon fishing here on the river and its not even Memorial Day. Well, if you’re thinking about it you might as well read about it, look at some different rigging techniques and watch an informative DVD so when the fish are here you can maximize your opportunities. Frank Amato Publications (www.amatobooks.com) is the leading publisher of salmon and steelhead books and DVDs. The list of materials offered by Amato Publications is very impressive. You are guaranteed to learn something new. Here are some of the latest offerings.

· Angling Techniques For River Kings (DVD). Featuring Nick Amato, Kris Olsen and a personal friend of mine, Rob Russell. The DVD discusses fish location and techniques such as plug fishing, back bouncing, drift fishing and float fishing.
· Basic Stream Flies: How To Choose, Fish & Tie Them (Book). Though there are always exceptions, you don’t need hundreds of different flies when trout fishing. In most situations you only need a few different patterns. This book contains 28 patterns that can be used to match many scenarios. Each pattern is accompanied with step-by-step instructions on tying it.
· How To Catch Salmon, Sturgeon, Lingcod, Rockfish and Halibut Along The Pacific Coast (Book). This book is packed with great information that is useful for fishing in saltwater anywhere from California to Alaska. Author Wayne Heinz discusses fish behavior and the best methods for catching all of the fish listed in the title. Other topics covered include finding credible fishing reports, maps and tide tables, and cooking your catch.
· Illustrated Rigging For Salmon Steelhead Trout (Book). Robert Campbell has put together a great book that includes numerous rigging techniques for any situation you would encounter. Campbell includes rigging for rivers, lakes, the ocean and small streams. If you like to catch salmonids, get this book.
· 300 Tips To More Steelhead & Salmon (Book). When it comes to writing, there may be no other as prolific or accomplished than Scott Haugen. His latest book offers literally hundreds of tips to help anglers make the most of their time on the water and catch more fish. There are many tips bank anglers as well. From beginning angler to 70-year veteran of the Siuslaw, there will be something in this book you will find useful.
· Side-Drifting For Steelhead (DVD). Take it from me: side-drifting under the right conditions can be deadly. It is one of the top methods for fishing steelhead. Topics covered in this 60 minute DVD include: boat handling and position, reading water, weight selection, bait and etiquette.

Check out these and many, many other titles from Amato Publications. Make the most out of your next trip on the water.


See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

Invited Out On A Friend’s Boat? Some Things To Keep In Mind

As we all know, many anglers are boat-less. Let’s face it: there are better investments out there. From storage and maintenance to a truck to pull the boat to state fees and the recent boating license, I can see why so many anglers choose not to have one. Just because you don’t have a boat doesn’t mean you can’t team up with a friend or neighbor who does have a boat. It’s a relationship that can be mutually beneficial. If you’re invited aboard a friend’s boat for the first time, it can be a little weird. Here’s a few things to keep in mind that will (hopefully) get you invited back for future trips.

Before/During The Trip
There are lots of arrangements to take care of ahead of time. Coordinate with the boat owner to make sure you know where you are meeting and at what time. DON’T BE LATE! The people I fish with know that I am always early and ready to go. Be the same way. Other things to consider:
Before the trip is a good time to make food arrangements. If you bring food, have enough to share with the other folks on the boat.
Make sure the boat owner has a PFD (life jacket) for you. If not, bring one. If the boat is stopped and ticketed for not having enough safety equipment, it will be the boat owner who pays.
Do not bring uninvited guests. This includes dogs. Clear it with the boat owner first.
Ask about what gear you need to bring and don’t bring other stuff. A boat cluttered with extra poles, tackle boxes and coolers is a hassle.
Offer to get the bait. Find out what kind, what size and ask where to get it. Find out if it needs to be thawed or frozen. Bring enough for everyone on board.
Be considerate with trash and dropped food/drink. Even though a boat owner might not admit it, we really hate to see potato chips and soda spilled everywhere.
Help with the launch and retrieval of the boat.
Last, and definitely not least, don’t dictate what time you have to be off the water. If you’re going out, assume its all day. It is really annoying to have someone on the boat who wants to get back to the dock by 5:00 so they can catch a movie. This is very poor etiquette. We understand that other things need to get done. But don’t accept the invitation unless you can stay out.

I Probably Don’t Need To “Chip In” (He Was Going Fishing Anyway)
There are many, many costs associated with owning and operating a boat. The price of fuel seems to be going up every day. There are launch and parking fees to be paid. Offer to pay your share or more. To feel that someone was “going anyway” and so you don’t need to chip in is a great way not to be invited back. The boat owner may or may not accept your money, but make sure to pitch in.

When I’m trolling the river in the fall, I see many boats with just one person aboard. With so many folks out there crazy about fishing, surely there’s someone out there to help split the cost of fuel and help you clean up afterward. There’s a lot of room in this topic for a future article, so feel free to drop me a line and let me know how you operate, boat owner and boat-less alike.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

Recap of Fall Chinook Meeting In Newport

Interested anglers packed the library at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport last Wednesday to hear a presentation by ODFW biologists on options for this year’s fall chinook salmon season on the coast. ODFW is considering emergency changes to this year’s regulations because fall chinook runs are expected to be below minimum goals for the second straight year in every river system on the Oregon coast. To put this in perspective, the Siuslaw only failed to reach minimum targets for spawning fish once (1993) from 1985 until 2006.

Guiding Principles/Possible Options For Consideration
Early in the meeting, biologists laid out the principles that will guide any regulation changes: coast-wide consistency (i.e., no special regulations for each watershed), simple and easy to understand, enforceable, avoid unnecessary reductions in opportunities, and dealing with compelling local issues (i.e., changes in watersheds designed to protect fish from over-harvest or snagging).
Biologists forwarded several possible coast-wide options for consideration, including:
Maintaining traditional terminal ocean fisheries, but with new restrictions (affecting Tillamook, Port Orford, Brookings)
Keep newer terminal ocean fisheries closed (including Newport, Florence, Winchester Bay and Charleston)
Reducing the daily bag limit (from 2 fish to 1 fish)
Reducing the seasonal bag limit (from 20 to 10 or 5)
Reducing days/week open to fishing
Area closures
Other ideas

Commercial Fisheries Catching Oregon Fish
ODFW biologists acknowledged that a large percentage of fish that would have returned to Oregon streams are caught off Southeast Alaska and Northern British Columbia. Using coded-wire tags implanted in juvenile salmon from 3 different Oregon river systems, fisheries managers estimate that 20% of our chinook run is caught off Alaska, and another 10-12% is intercepted off British Columbia. Of the remaining approximately 70%, 20-25% is harvested in the rivers. It was unclear at the meeting if this number included fish taken by seals/sea lions or how this is accounted for. So, to recap, if 1,000 fall chinook would have returned to a river on the coast, perhaps 300 would be taken by commercials and another 175 would be harvested in the river leaving 525 (just over half) to spawn.

How ODFW Options Were Received
As far as maintaining traditional terminal ocean fisheries and keeping newer terminal ocean fisheries closed, the crowd wasn’t strongly in favor or opposed to any changes. ODFW estimates are that not many chinook are caught in these fisheries in our area. Anglers who concentrate more on the traditional terminal fisheries off Tillamook, Port Orford and Brookings were probably much more vocal about these options.

Much discussion revolved around changing the daily and seasonal bag limit. The audience had a wide range of opinions. Most felt that 20 fish per season was too many. A staff member from ODFW in attendance offered some interesting information regarding possible reduction in harvest from reducing the season limit. From analysis of returned salmon tags, ODFW has estimated that reducing the season limit to 10 fall chinook would result in a 1% decrease in harvest, and reducing the limit to 5 fall chinook would result in a 10% decrease in harvest. This analysis was produced based on approximately 13% return in salmon tags.

Many anglers voiced opinions on 1 vs. 2 fish per day. Some felt that with limited time and opportunity, not to mention the cost of fuel, anglers should be allowed to keep 2 fish per day. Others (including this writer) feel that 1 fish as large as a fall chinook is plenty per day. Other arguments revolved around whether hatchery chinook should be included as the 1 fish per day. “Party fishing” was also discussed. Party fishing is allowing anglers to keep a line in the water after taking a 1 fish limit until the boat has limited out. While those in attendance talked on both sides of this issue, I didn’t get a sense that anyone was strongly opposed to party fishing. Whether or not party fishing is allowed will probably come down to how tough an enforcement issue it is. Finally, folks were unanimously against limiting angling on certain days of the week. This possible change won’t go anywhere.

Siuslaw-Specific Changes
Considering the price of gas and the distance folks had to travel, there were several interested folks from our area in attendance. This was great to see. ODFW biologists mentioned they are considering closures of Lake Creek and the Siuslaw above Lake Creek until later in the season to limit snagging. One concerned angler commented that closing these waters until Oct. 10 would be enough time. I’m not so sure. Looking back on precipitation records for Mapleton over the past several decades, October can be a dry month. I am in favor of pushing back the opening of Lake Creek and the Upper River until Dec. 1. We can definitely count on enough water in the river by that time of year to make snagging very difficult. By Oct. 10? Maybe in some years, but not most years.

Other Ideas Mentioned
Other ideas put forth by the audience included: banning the use, sale and transport of salmon eggs for bait (I am in favor of this), limiting the number of female salmon (hens) an angler can take in a season (I am in favor of this) and making it mandatory to turn in your old salmon tag.

ODFW staff will forward regulation changes to the Fish and Wildlife Commission for an early June vote. Stay tuned for the results.


See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

Trout Fishing Is Here

Its that time of year again. The time of year when trout fishermen begin to get their gear out and head to local lakes in search of rainbow trout, which have been stocked in many of our local lakes. There are many things that are great about trout fishing: they’re plentiful, they’re willing biters, they fight hard and you don’t have to wait long for action. Trout fishing is a great way to introduce kids to fishing and nature as the non-stop excitement will keep them interested.

Where Are The Fish?
Rainbow trout are stocked in most of the lakes in the Florence vicinity. Munsel, Mercer, Cleawox, Dune, Erhardt, Carter, Elbow (and others) all have or will be stocked soon. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife maintains a stocking schedule available online at
http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/fishing/trout_stocking_schedules/2008/northwest/north_coast.asp. It tells dates stocked and numbers of trout planted. Rainbow trout are no longer stocked in rivers where they compete with native salmon and steelhead, such as the Siuslaw River. Efforts are best concentrated in lakes with recent stockings. Trout are also available in Siltcoos and Tahkenitch Lakes, though these are bigger lakes that require different techniques for consistent success.

Rods, Reels and Line
You’ll be pleased to find out that the same rod and reel you use for shad fishing also makes for a fine trout setup. The spinning rod and reel combination I prefer is a medium-light outfit consisting of a 6-6 ½ ‘ rod and a reel lined with 6 or 8 lb. test monofilament. Don’t go too heavy or you’ll miss the excitement of the fight. Also, a light setup will make it easier to cast light baits and lures. Local retailers have a fine selection of reasonably prices rod/reel combinations, many just for kids. I generally recommend steering clear of the “closed face” rod/reel combos, especially if you plan on doing any other types of fishing beyond trout and panfish. They won’t take much abuse, and a pain to re-line, and their drag systems won’t hold up to larger fish. While they are good for very young anglers, kids can just as easily be taught to effectively use spinning gear. Just try a few practice casts before baiting up.

Got Any Bait?
You can’t go wrong with Berkley Powerbait. It’s long lasting, buoyant, and trout love it. Take a pinch between your fingers, roll it into a ball, and run your hook through it. Another favorite of mine is a whole nightcrawler, hooked once through the tip, and allowed to slowly sink to the bottom (no weight). Oftentimes you’ll have a fish on before it hits the bottom. Other popular baits include grubs, crickets (can be tough to get) and kernel corn. Lures work great too. Small spinners and spoons for spin fishermen and all sorts of streamers, nymphs and single egg patterns for those fly fishing.

Hooks, Sinkers, Etc.
Since trout are not likely to be right on the surface, you’ll need to get your presentation down close to the bottom in order to catch them. Start out by tying on a small (#4 or #6) hook and place 1 or 2 small lead splitshot 18 inches above the hook. Barbless hooks are O.K. – especially if you plan on releasing your catch. Just remember that keeping steady pressure on the fish (don’t let the line go slack) is the key to landing fish with barbless hooks. Cast out the bait and use a forked stick in the sand to keep your rod up and out of the sand (sand is bad news for reels). Bait under a bobber can be effective, but try at least 4 feet of line between the bobber and your bait. Trout will be more likely to come to the surface during low light conditions, such as early, late, and overcast days. So, get out there with the whole family and don’t forget to take a picnic lunch to enjoy when the bite slows down.


Drop me a line and let me know what you think about these or other topics.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

Spring Boat and Fishing Show Coming To Three Rivers

Looking at picking up a new boat and missed the Eugene Sportsman’s Show in Feb.? Need something to do in your free time and looking for volunteer opportunities? Wanting to figure out something for out-of-town guests to do this summer? Look no further. Three Rivers Casino is hosting a Boat and Fishing Show this weekend. There will be lots of things to look at, as well as discussions and demonstrations that are sure to be interesting.

What: Boat and Fishing Show
Where: Three Rivers Casino and Hotel
When: Friday, April 25th, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Saturday, April 26th, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sunday, April 27th, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Here are some of the scheduled events:
Y Marina will be showcasing over 20 new boats of all styles and sizes. Come take a look at both ocean-going and river boats. They feature some Oregon boat makers as well as other great brands.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will be on hand daily from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. offering free boat inspections. Don’t risk a ticket for not having the right safety gear. Find out what you need to be safe on the water.
A seminar on fishing Central Coast waters is scheduled daily at 11 a.m.
A talk on invasive species is scheduled daily at 2 p.m. Learn how invasives affect your fishing opportunities.
A talk on the Rogue River “Holy Water” is scheduled daily at 5 p.m. If you’re interested in some of the best fly fishing Oregon has to offer, this is the place to be.
Dean Hendricks of North Country Flies and Lures will be giving hourly demonstrations on techniques for salmon, trout and steelhead. Dean is very knowledgeable about this area and is always happy to answer questions.
Saturday and Sunday only – Dick Sagara of Temple Fork Outfitters will be giving hourly fly fishing demonstrations.

Exhibitors you’ll find at the Boat and Fishing Show this weekend include:
Y Marina
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
Siuslaw Fisherman’s Association
North Country Flies and Lures
Desoto Expeditions Guide Service/Fish Taxidermy
Salmon Harbor Charters
Prowler Charters
FFP
Sisters Compound Rods

Admission to the show is free and the whole family is welcome. Take some time this weekend to check out a local sports show that I hope will be an annual event.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

Meetings Set For Freshwater Rules Changes

The Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife will be considering temporary rule changes to the 2008 fishing regulations due to expected low numbers of returning fall chinook salmon. State and federal agencies are considering changes in freshwater as well as ocean seasons and limits.

Public input is a large part of the Temporary Rule development process, and ODFW will be hosting 3 public meetings here on the coast. At these meetings, ODFW biologists will present forecasts on fall chinook returns and lay out proposals for rule changes. Public input at these meetings will be forwarded to the ODFW Commission at a June 6th meeting. Here are the public meeting locations and times:

April 29th, 7-9 p.m.– North Bend
North Bend Public Library (large conference room), 1800 Sherman Ave.
For more information, contact Mike Gray (541) 888-5515

April 30th, 7-9 p.m. – Newport
Hatfield Marine Science Center (Library Seminar Room), 2040 SE Marine Science Dr.
For more information, contact Bob Buckman (541) 867-0300, ext.224

May 1st, 7-9 p.m. – Tillamook
Oregon Dept. of Forestry, 5005 Third St.
For more information, contact Keith Braun (503) 842-2741, ext.233

Expected Low Returns Already Closes Commercial and Recreational Fisheries
On March 3, the National Marine Fisheries Service and the State of Oregon closed the commercial ocean troll salmon fishery and the recreational fishery due to anticipated low returns of chinook salmon. All forecast models showed very low returns are anticipated, especially for Sacramento River chinook and Klamath River 3 year-old chinook.

Your Opinion Matters!
Many people feel that decisions have already been made and that public opinion doesn’t matter, but believe me it does. I feel strongly enough about this issue to write letters, make phone calls and attend at least one of these meetings. Let’s all do the right thing are protect our state’s legacy of great fishing. If this means a few years of reduced opportunities in order to recover chinook numbers, then so be it.


See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

Marine Reserves Protect Future

During the next few months, Oregonians will have the chance to weigh in on the idea of marine reserves off our coast. Whether or not you believe our near-shore waters are in need of protection, one thing is clear: we are pursuing fewer and fewer fish every year. It’s a pattern that has been repeated all over the world until fisheries are put on the brink of total disaster. Implementing marine reserves now will protect our ocean resources for future generations.

Current Management Practices Aren’t Cutting It
For too many years, state and federal managers overseeing ocean stocks have waited until serious problems develop before closing fisheries. When dealing with commercially valuable species, there’s a lot of pressure to keep fisheries open and limits liberal. Within recent memory (2002), our reactive approach to fisheries management caused a near collapse of groundfish stocks, closing 10,000 square miles of coastal waters off the west coast to commercial fishing. This closure was the largest in United States history.

Why Marine Reserves?
Of the 12 species of ocean shelf and slope rockfish that have been assessed by federal fisheries managers, 7 have been declared overfished or below their target. This means that stocks are below 25% of their historical abundance. This is a red flag folks. Marine reserves protect crucial habitat, not only from overfishing, but degrading activities such as ocean dumping and dredging. Some areas must be left undisturbed as “sanctuaries” that can be studied and provide refuges. As an example, we wouldn’t let anglers fish the headwaters of our streams where salmon and steelhead spawn. Also, to protect the large female rockfish (which produce the most and heartiest offspring), marine reserves are key. Inside marine reserves, size, abundance and diversity of fish increase dramatically. Marine reserves can help “reseed” surrounding waters and act as a buffer against uncertain ocean conditions.

It’s Not Easy Being A Rockfish
Rockfish are extremely long-lived and are slow to mature. Many species of rockfish can take a decade or more before they start to produce offspring. Considering how slowly they grow, overfishing can have a serious impact. Data has shown that the average size of black rockfish has declined 30% during just the past five years.

Much Is Still To Be Decided
There are many aspects still to be decided regarding marine reserves, including how large will the reserves be, where will they be located, and how they will be funded and what goals are desired. These are serious questions, ones on which your opinion is needed.

All over the world (including our east coast), marine reserves were initially met with skepticism. But once put in place, critics and proponents alike discovered that benefits of marine reserves outweigh any short-term inconvenience. We are at a crossroads. The decisions we make will impact future generations. Let’s leave something for them.

Upcoming Events to Learn More
Siuslaw Watershed Council Community Forum: “Ridgetops to Reefs” March 26th, 6:30pm, Florence Events Center

Ocean Policy Advisory Council (OPAC) Marine Reserve Working Group Meeting Thursday, March 27th 8:30 to 4:30, public comment @ 12:30. Best Western Agate Beach Inn, Newport

General OPAC meeting, Friday March 28th, 8 to 5 pm. Public Comment at 1pm. Best Western Agate Beach Inn, Newport

Written comments are also appreciated



See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

Letters To Action Jackson

Every now and again I like to pass on the feedback I get regarding my weekly article. This gives me a chance to clear up anything I write and add good information to previous articles. As always, feel free to call me or drop me an e-mail.

Basic Advice For River Running – You Left Something Out!
A reader in Mapleton recently pointed out something I should have added to my recent article on River Running (2/20/08). It’s not so much about safety as it is about etiquette: when you’re in a boat passing through water that someone is fishing, pass AS CLOSE to their boat as possible. If there’s room, try to even sneak behind their boat. The reason is this: floating right through the slot the other boat is fishing might spook the fish they’re after. Beginning driftboaters may not know why you’re passing so close, but experienced anglers will say “thanks”.

More On Smith River Stripers
I received a ton of feedback and questions regarding striper fishing in the Smith since those stories ran. If you went down recently and didn’t have any luck, don’t be discouraged. I went down and night-fished a couple of weeks ago without any luck. We bank-fished a couple of different spots between Hwy 101 and the North Fork, trying herring, plastic swimbaits and plugs. Take my word for it – good fishing for stripers will happen during the next few months in Smith tidewater. There’s not a lot of bank access, so if you have a boat, put in at one of the improved boat ramps, follow the tide, and troll plugs and cast swimbaits. I’ll probably wait a few weeks for bigger juvenile salmon out-migration and some nicer night-time weather.

Clarification On Regulation Changes Submitted To ODFW
I got a phone call last week from a concerned reader regarding the article I wrote on regulation changes for 2009 (2/6/08). A point I’d like to clarify: I wasn’t advocating dropping the salmon/steelhead tag to 10 fish per season, just limiting anglers to 10 wild fall chinook from the Siuslaw and tributaries. Use those other 10 spots on anything else you want: fin-clipped steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, ocean coho, etc.

I can understand that some folks don’t think recreational fishermen should give up anything. And in a perfect world those folks would be right. There are many factors that affect how many fish our rivers get back; including freshwater and ocean productivity, estuary conditions, commercial and recreational harvest, predation and more. But I can’t control any of those. A lot of folks feel strongly that commercial over-harvest is one of the biggest factors, and that commercial interests need to curb their take, leaving more fish to recreational fisherman and to re-seed the population. I’m not going to get into that argument here. But I will say this: all groups need to work together, share, and leave enough to ensure the population can sustain itself. Otherwise, we may soon be fighting over fish that aren’t here at all.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

Long Time, No Post!

Hello Anglers,
Sorry for the long time between posts, but things are busy here at the Jackson residence. Between steelheading, taking care of baby and a thousand chores, it is tough to post! Here are couple of back articles from the Siuslaw News...

Please get back to me if you have any comments or questions.

Best,
Jeff

Smith River Stipers – Here’s A Little More Information

Wow! My last article about Striped Bass in the Smith River created a lot of attention. Last week’s story resulted in more phone calls to me than any other article I’ve written. Lots of folks called asking about how to get there, where I saw the fish, and what to use. Other folks called to offer tips on fishing them, techniques they used when fishing them on the Sacramento River. Since there was so much interest, here’s some more information to help you in your pursuit of the mighty Stiper.

How To Get There/Where To Launch
The Smith River is a major tributary of the lower Umpqua River, joining the Umpqua between Gardiner and Reedsport. From Florence, take Hwy. 101 south to Gardiner. Right after you go through Gardiner, you cross the Smith River. You can turn left on Smith River Rd. to access the river. There are a few places to bank fish for the Stipers, and two very good launches. Noel Ranch is operated by the Forest Service, is paved and doesn’t charge for launching. Another ramp, Riverside, is a few miles higher up and accesses the highest areas of tidewater. There is no fee to launch at Riverside either.

Upper tidewater goes for a good distance. You can access the mouth of the North Fork Smith River (and further) with a prop. A word of warning: as with any body of water you’re not familiar with – use caution. If you plan of fishing Stipers at night, check out where you’re going during the day first.

What To Use For Bait
Lots of folks have different ideas on this one. If you’re fishing bait, try whole fish like herring, anchovies, smelt, etc. It is ILLEGAL to use a live fish as bait, even if it swims in the waters where you’ll be using it. As with any other fish as bait, use the best looking, freshest bait you can find. Another popular choice are plastic swim baits – which come in many sizes and are made by many different manufacturers. I found several good looking choices at the Sportsman right here in town before my last trip out. Try something resembling a small trout or shad to look like something on their normal menu.

Join me next week for more bait options and what tackle you’ll need to take down these hard-fighting fish.


See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)


News From Around The Area

There are plenty of interesting things going on with our fisheries here on the Central Coast. Here’s the latest on what I’ve heard and seen in our area.

Presentation On 2007 Salmon Run Tonight
The Siuslaw Watershed Council will host a presentation tonight on the 2007 fall Chinook run. John Spangler (ODFW) will discuss recreational harvest and spawning fish returns. You can catch the presentation at the Mapleton Grange Hall, 10880 E. Mapleton Rd. in Mapleton. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Striped Bass In The Smith River Now!
Friends and I recently floated the North Fork Smith River and saw dozens of large Striped Bass in one hole. On another trip a few days later, hundreds were spotted. These are large fish, with most of them in the 20-40 lb. range. As friends and I started doing some research on what exactly these fish were doing, we turned up some interesting facts. First, these fish were spawning or getting very close to spawning. Striped bass spawn in late winter/early spring and the male fish we caught looked to be close to spawning. They are broadcast spawners, meaning the males and females simultaneously release both sperm and eggs into the water. They don’t dig redds in gravel like salmon and trout. The fertilized eggs drift with the current until they hatch.

Some folks would say that its too early for those Stipers to spawn and that they were up there to feed. I’m not so sure. The large out-migration of salmon fry and smolts is still at least another 6 weeks away. That many fish would need a lot of feed to warrant staying up that high in the system. I feel pretty sure those fish were spawning.

I have some phone calls in to ODFW staff to find out exactly what they know about Striped Bass numbers and their impacts on our salmon, steelhead and cutthroat trout. I can tell you Stripers are highly efficient predators and surely eat a great deal of juvenile salmonids. They are an excellent gamefish so get out there and take a limit! Feel free to contact me for some information about where to go and what to use. There’s no need to keep this fishery quiet as there’s plenty of fish to go around.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

Advice For Fishing New Rivers

From time to time, you’ll find yourself thinking about fishing waters that are unfamiliar. First, let me tell you it’s a great idea! You’re certain to expand your fishing knowledge, see some beautiful scenery and perhaps hook into a fish of a lifetime. But before you load up your gear at three in the morning and get in the car, here’s some tips to help your expedition be less stressful and more successful.

Research Will Pay Off
There are two books I will read before I head out to fish new waters: Fishing in Oregon (Sheehan) and Oregon River Maps & Fishing Guide (Amato Books). These two books will give you information on boat launches, run timing, best river levels to fish and popular techniques. Other information you’ll find in these books includes navigation hazards (subject to change) and close-by services. Pick up these two books before your next trip and they will save you a lot of preparation time.

Check The Weather and River Levels
Checking the weather for the area you’ll fish and the river level will save you a lot of disappointment. There’s nothing worse than driving three hours to fish a new location only to find the river has blown out. Check the National Weather Service website (http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/) before heading out. This website will tell you the upcoming weather, and many river’s levels are listed as well. Remember that best fishing is usually when the river is dropping or steady and not on a rising river. Also, if the river is too low and clear, fish tend to be spooky and fishing is more difficult. You’ll find best fishing after a storm, as the river is first clearing and coming into shape.

Talk To Someone Who Knows
If you know someone in the area you’ll be fishing, call them and find out what’s going on. If you don’t know someone in the area (more often the case), call a guide on the river you’ll be fishing and ask them where the fish are. You can contact a local Chamber of Commerce to find the names and numbers of reliable guides. Any good guide will be happy to share information with you. Be sure to ask what stretch of the river is fishing the best, what techniques are working, and if there are any boating hazards of which you should be aware. If it helps you, write down your questions ahead of time so you ask about everything you want to ask about. If the guide doesn’t know, he or she should be able to point you in the right direction.

Spend At Least A Couple Of Days
Spending more than one day will really increase your chances of success when fishing a new river. You’ll be able to spend more time fishing, cover more water, and not feel so rushed. You don’t want to spend more time driving than fishing, so plan to stay overnight and fish again the next day.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)

Regulation Changes I’d Support

In last week’s article, I wrote about ODFW accepting input on sportfishing regulation changes (from Dec. 1, 2007-Feb. 29, 2008). Input can come from any interested party. Materials can come from the ODFW website at www.dfw@state.or.us or write them at: Angling Regulations, 3406 Cherry Ave. NE, Salem, OR 97303. Over the past few months I have suggested sportfishing regulation changes that I feel are needed here on the Siuslaw. I’m putting them together here in case anyone else out there feels the same as I do and would like to tell the state so.

Drop The Limit To 10 Wild Fish Per Season
As it stands right now, an angler could fill the 20 spots on their tag all with wild chinook from the Siuslaw River if they wanted. In years when the run is depressed (such as 2007), that is too many. On other coastal systems in Oregon, there are limits on how many wild chinook may be taken per year. Only 10 fish per season can be taken from all Nehalem, Tillamook and Nestucca bays and streams. These are large systems that produce a lot of fish. The Siuslaw is getting more and more pressure every year.

Ten wild chinook from the Siuslaw per season is more than enough. The remaining 10 spots on the tag could be used for halibut, sturgeon or hatchery fish. And if that’s not enough for you, buy a Hatchery Harvest Tag which allows you to harvest 10 more hatchery salmon and steelhead. The cost is $12 and there’s no limit on the number of tags you can buy.

Time To Close Upper Siuslaw and Lake Creek
It may be time that ODFW consider closing portions of Lake Creek and the Siuslaw until later in the season. Many salmon fishermen without a boat depend on fishing these areas, and that fresh salmon can be caught there, even in low water. But snagging is a problem that needs to be addressed. If the Siuslaw was closed from the confluence of Lake Creek upstream until December 1, there would still be plenty of good locations folks could reach from the bank. Here’s a story that might make your stomach turn: a large, dark chinook was brought in just because the guy who caught it thought it was big enough to win a big fish contest. After weighing it and figuring out it wasn’t big enough to win, he tried to give it away to people in the store. Obviously the only reason he kept it was for the contest. If you aren’t going to give that fish the respect it deserves, then don’t fish. I hope the carcass ended up back in the stream, but chances are it ended up in the bushes somewhere between Mapleton and Deadwood. Close spots where people can target dark fish. Close Lake Creek and the Upper Siuslaw until later in the fall.

See you on the water,
Action Jackson

(Please send comments or questions to Action Jackson at 268-6944 or www.actionjacksonfishing.com)