The fish have been very patiently waiting in the lower Quilayute for the river to rise before they move upstream. The Quilayute tribe, the ONP and WDFW have been patiently waiting for them to come up.
I have been patiently spreading hundreds of yards of mulch on the farm while the season is closed.
Now its raining and we will see what there is to see in this most unusual season.
One of the interesting differences between fall salmon and spring/summer salmon, is how long fall fish will wait in the lower river, while late spring/summer fish don’t hesitate a second in low water.
It makes easy sense. If you are a fall fish, and you wait for higher water before you move upriver, you will almost surely get it sooner or later.
But if you are a summer fish, waiting does not pay, the river will only drop until fall.
The fish have adapted to this, so you see the fall fish willing to wait, and the summer fish in a huge hurry, crawling over the rocks with their backs out of the water no matter how low the flows.
I think fall Coho are really cold sensitive, so even as they get more water, they might be a little more sluggish than usual to head upriver. Thursday/Friday will really tell the tale.
Last December marked a strong return of our hatchery winter steel head, which have been absent for quite a few seasons. Then last winter, WDFW closed the sport fishery, we got a solid run of wild winter steel head. Then, this summer we got a big run of summer fish, both marked and unmarked. It seems like we benefited from improved ocean conditions.
Oh hey! And lastly, sort of a post script, I am thinking about getting the blog going regularly again, would anybody read it? Should I offer some sort of contest? Is there something in particular you would like to see or read about?
Comment below and let me know what you think.
Jim Kerr
Raincoast Guides
Forks Wa
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your. mom reads it sometimes
Thanks Mom
Yes! I check to see if you’ve posted something new just about every week, even when it’s been months. For real one of my favorite things to read on the internet.
Thanks
I vote Yes as well.
I always enjoy your pursuits, adventures and astute observations !
Thanks
OK, I will get to work
Yes, been springer fishing 2x in late June and interested in what’s going on rest of year.
Come salmon fishing on Monday
I would absolutely read it. You are a great story teller, and I always learn from you! I know how much work it is, but would be greatly appreciated by me.
Ok Jim
Thanks for all you do, Jim! Sure, I would read you blog regularly if their are timely updates about conditions and/or your interesting perspectives on life. How is the Manifesto going? :-) Best wishes always.
The MANIFESTO is still in the works
OK, I'm in, but send a link to a friend to see if we can build a little more audience.
keep the blog going
its great !
Thanks Chris
your mom says 'more blog please'
Thanks Mom