Drano Lake ... the place to be this spring?

Got some good news for Drano, it seems like it might turn out to be a record return.

WDFW: ""The fishing really gets good in early April, so we wanted to give anglers as many days on the water that month as we could," Hymer said. "This could be a great spring in southwest Washington for people who like to fish for salmon."

Drano Lake, at the mouth of the Little White Salmon River, is expected to be a major contributor to that fishery, with an expected run of 36,800 spring chinook this year. That would be a record, topping the return of 20,600 fish in 2002, Hymer said."

Z

Let's hope that recent ocean conditions don't wreck havoc with those predictions.

Let's hope that recent ocean conditions don't wreck havoc with those predictions.

What's been going on?

Z

Let's hope that recent ocean conditions don't wreck havoc with those predictions.

That's something I just don't get.  The powers that be have been blaming poor returns to the Sacramento River on "poor ocean conditions".  And they say a lack of jack returns last year point to a low run this year again.  However, the Columbia river chinooks had a record jack return last year leading to some record forecast (like Drano).

-Allen

Let's hope that recent ocean conditions don't wreck havoc with those predictions.

That's something I just don't get.  The powers that be have been blaming poor returns to the Sacramento River on "poor ocean conditions".  And they say a lack of jack returns last year point to a low run this year again.  However, the Columbia river chinooks had a record jack return last year leading to some record forecast (like Drano).

-Allen

being a normally cynical person, i can't see how on one hand they scream [ or not ] about the accidental over kill of salmon by the pollack fishermen, then come out with this hugely optimistic predictions of record numbers.

does no one read offshore industry (sic) environmental impact reports affecting their baliwicks at WDFW?

also, did a bit more research on the Drano fishery, this being new and all to me, and one warning i got out of sevral of the review pages posted by local guides was to be ready to " drive your boat like nascar". which meant there will be dozens of power boats out there all trolling in a huge left handed circle, just like a race track.

those of you who have more experience ever notice any of this while yakking there? [/size][/font][/color]

Richard,

The southwest corner of Drano near the outflow into the Columbia is where the counterclockwise boat rotation occurs (between the parking area and the extreme southwest corner).  The rest of the lake is pretty much whatever/wherever you want to go.  I avoid the boat merry-go-round with my kayak, and haven't had too much problem on the main part of the lake.  With a record run of fish, it might be pretty crowded this year, especially on the weekend.  I suspect the limited parking may ease how packed the boats could actually be.  I have never had a problem on a weekday fishing Drano.

Mike

keewwwwllllll....thanx mike.....

Richard,

The southwest corner of Drano near the outflow into the Columbia is where the counterclockwise boat rotation occurs (between the parking area and the extreme southwest corner).  The rest of the lake is pretty much whatever/wherever you want to go.  I avoid the boat merry-go-round with my kayak, and haven't had too much problem on the main part of the lake.  With a record run of fish, it might be pretty crowded this year, especially on the weekend.  I suspect the limited parking may ease how packed the boats could actually be.  I have never had a problem on a weekday fishing Drano.

Mike

Perhaps we should consider having our "event" midweek--
Any thoughts?

Rob.

I'd be up for something mid-week, but I imagine that's hard for folk who's boss doesn't work on the other side of the country. 

Actually, weekdays are better for me because my son is in daycare then and I don't have to deal with the guilt of not hanging with the family on weekends.  That and I prefer the less crowded conditions.

Brian

I'd like to do midweek but w/ the way work is going I don't think It'll be possible for me. The studio is packed!!

Z

For the mid week fishing don't forget the Indians get to string nets on Wednesdays.  Not sure exactly when they get to start.

Since no one wants to step forward with a date ...

I am going to fish Drano on Sunday April 13.  Who's in?

-Allen

Polepole,

Okay, I'm interested for sure.  What's the overall plan?  Maybe go down there on Friday night and back on Sunday night?  I'm a little bit thinking of camping over at Beacon Rock park, only because I'm familiar with that park.

Fishin-T

I got points harvesting on the mind for the weekend.  Going butt hunting on the Saturday (weather permitting), then road tripping down get some springers on Sunday.  Sounds crazy, but I'm booked up the next 2 weekends and I think April is the window of opp to get a butt, and I want to get some springer for the BBQ.

-Allen

I got points harvesting on the mind for the weekend.  Going butt hunting on the Saturday (weather permitting), then road tripping down get some springers on Sunday.  Sounds crazy, but I'm booked up the next 2 weekends and I think April is the window of opp to get a butt, and I want to get some springer for the BBQ.

-Allen

Little early for the hali's isn't it?  Anyway, I'm sure you're getting lots of guys scrambling to clear schedules for the 13th-- me included!

Rob.