Where are the salmon? Chinook waiting for rain

How was the Willapa River today?

-JT

  I'm sorry to report--- I have no report.

  Just couldn't get motivated today to get out there. Bad back pain took control over my desire to fish. It's an ongoing thing I have to deal with.
  But it's okay...... put up some silver eggs, munched a bunch of smoked salmon while watching some college ball, and straightened out some tackle.
  No Seahawk game tomorrow so if my back will let me --- I'll consider going Sunday. Being semi-retired I have lots of options and plenty of time.

  Stay tuned..........

  Sunday morning edit------ it is a go.

Hi Mark,

Glad that your back felt better and that you got out there.  Any luck?  I paddled Estacada Lake today and saw four salmon in rough shape.  Nobody was catching anything.  I might be up for a trip to the Willapa River this week if they're biting and you want some company on the water but it's a 3-hour drive so early mornings probably won't work. 

-JT

  "IF THEY ARE BITING"

   That can sometimes be the hardest part of salmon fishing.

   On the water today about 7:20. Again above Ward Creek. Quite a few fish jumping out of the water. FF showing a few too. Lots of boats out on a Sunday morning

   Alas---- no connection for me.... though I did get to see a few fish caught by other folks. DAMHIK....

  Tide (even though it was small) was going out when I put in today. I fished though the low tide and into the incoming. Tried a variety of spinners, a couple of different plugs (think K-14's) and even tried free drifting eggs through the deepest hole to no avail. The eggs weren't my best but that's what I had . Ended up trolling a S-n-Glo with eggs and a little weight in front of it as I worked my way out. Just didn't happen today.

  We have some rain coming this week so maybe that will help bring in some more active ( biting ? ) fish.

  I will probably hold off for a day or so and go try North River/Smith Creek on the 1st. Did pretty good there last year. It is a similar fishery--- spinners mostly are used there. I'll let you guys know if it gets hot.

They're running up the Cowlitz 

Ray, what's the purpose of the mesh and PVC pipe thing in back of the cockpit on the yellow kayak?

Nice one, Ray...been wanting to try the Cow......how far up are ya?