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Just got a report on Magic today. The water is rising, the ramps are in at both resorts, the East Side has docks in, and a few people have been out trolling. Nothing big yet, and the numbers are on the low side, according to East Side. But remember that last year was at least two weeks "earlier" than this year. I doubt that Hot Springs is in water yet, but I hear that the water is pretty much all the way there. I am sure that Lunddude will have some info for us one of these days. Mike
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Hey Mike,
Good to hear from you. I've been meaning to get in touch with you. Are you heading back to Sekiu? I have a feeling that the coho fishing might be touch and go, but the chinook season is supposed to be a good one. For the first time in a long time, the quota has been replaced by a set season (in Area 5), so people can plan ahead. Chris at Van Ripers is largely responsible for this. So, what are you going after in the Columbia? If you don't make it to the Olympic Pen. this year, you def. need to pencil in the pink run for next summer! Mike P.S.: don't make a special effort reg. Magic. I can always call the resorts! I think I'll wait a couple of weeks for the water to warm up a bit for trolling.
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Mike,
We are going to be there Sep. 7th-11th. I had a suspicion that they were going to open it up one the following weekend for unclipped coho like they did last year, and they did (from the 15th-30th). I was hesitant when I booked the dates last summer, because that following week is a full moon, and minus tides. Plus, on some years the coho have started moving out of the area. Who knows?! Next year I am going to book an August date similar to our trip last year. I would rather catch a ton of pinks instead of trolling all morning for one or two coho. We will have to see if we can coordinate dates. It was fun having you guys out there last year, and hope we can do it again. Mike
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Have either of you guys fished fall Chums over in WA? I went last November to a buddy's house in Gig Harbor and we fished the Hood Canal. Huge Chums were thick near the hatcheries. My arms were so tired after a few hours I called it a day. Fish were probably 6 to 12 lbs.? with a few larger males. Caught them on corkie-yarn with pencil weight drift setups. Fought like hell. We smoked most of the fish and grilled two of the smallest and freshest fish; both with sea lice still in the gills. Somewhat surprising to me, the grilled was superb eating. The smoked as good as any typically sold smoked salmon I've had outside Sockeye, Copper River, e.g., dark reds. Heading over again this year. After borrowing a huge rod and reel last year that was much too big for me (and the fish) I put together my own gear. Went on ebay and found a mint DamQuick model 330 spinning reel to go with my vintage Fenwick 8.6 spinning rod that I hadn't used since the 70's. Loaded the reel with Spiderwire braided 20lb test. I should be set for November.
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Hi Aluma,
The fellow that sold us our Hewescraft in Lewiston had just returned from fishing for them. Sounds like he was at the same place you were fishing. He likewise said that the only problem is tiring out. He is originally from the Seattle area, and told me that I had to go try it. I plan to do just that. Sounds like fun. Thanks for the info. Mike P.S.: Just got back from L.P. See new post. Have you been up yet?
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