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SPRING CHINOOK 2005

Below are reports and pictures of John and his buddies' Spring Chinook fishing trips.  Send me your report and pictures - whether you were successful or not - and I will post them here.

CZECH-MATE'S   2005 TALLY:    TRIPS  6;   BITES  10;   RELEASED  2;   KEPT  7;  SEALS  0      

DATE THE WHOLE TRUTH?? PICTURES
Sat.,  April 2

John , Mike Delarm, and Garth Griffin chased springers on the Columbia at Bachelor flats in Czech-Mate.  The weather was beautiful and the water clarity was better than we expected.  We saw  about a half dozen fish caught for 60 boats and heard of more so they are definitely here.  It should be hot fishing in a day or so when the water clears a bit more (if the skys don't open up again).  We had a great time but no bites for us today.  The fish will come.......... the fish will come.  Also, both Garth and I were very impressed with the new boobs that Mike is growing.
Sat.,   April 2

Steve Stone and the good ship "Lollipop" pursued springers on the Columbia at Steve's secret spot.  Although it was a beautiful day, there were no fish to be had.   Fortunately, his relatives hadn't flown too far for this special "trip of a lifetime."  Steve told his fares that he was flabbergasted and that he almost always catches fish in his secret spot (note Warrior Rock in the background).  Steve blamed the lack of success on a combination of water temperature, turbidity, sun spots, and that he has a Mercury engine.

Fri.,  April 1

Although not a spring chinook, at least someone's catching something.  Pete Hassemer sent me this photo of his wife, Patty, with a fine, fat Salmon River Steelhead caught near Riggins, Idaho.  I guess we "downrivers" must have let a few go through.  Pete and Patty are coming out in a couple of weeks to ply the Columbia with Maria and me for springers.  Knowing how Pete operates, I'd guess this picture was meant to intimidate me.  The pressure is on!
Sat., March 26

Maria and I Had lunch with Fred and Pat Olney on Saturday.  Fred confessed that, even though retired,  he'd been so busy he hadn't gotten out yet.  However, he and Pat already had their first spring chinook ceremony, devouring a PURCHASED fillet of springer from a local outlet.  "Like butter" he said.  And, even though expensive, it was cheaper than fishing.  Hmmmmm?

No Picture, Unfortunately
Fri., March 25 Steve Stone called me with the news that there was a good bite at Sellwood first thing in the morning.  He said about a dozen fish caught for a handful of boats including one lucky guy that limited.  Steve fished from first light 'till about 9:30.  Apparently the bite dropped off after 7:30.  Alas, Steve's new boat, although seaworthy and very nice looking, is still a virgin. No Picture, Unfortunately
Sat., March 19 Steve Smith and John Palensky fished the lower Columbia near Cathlamet (Steve's Boat) - our first trip of the season.  The commercial nets had been out for 3 days and the water was 45F with 5-6 feet of visability.  Our hopes were high but we saw no fish for 60-70 boats fishing the outside of Tennasillahee Island.  We heard a rumor that someone caught one and that someone else had a bite.  Maybe the cold front which brought mild wind, cooler weather, and periodic rain put the fish off the bite.  Or maybe they're not there yet?  Because of the weather we cancelled our plans to fish on Sunday.  Getting too old I guess.