We should all thank Joe 'Superfly' for putting together today's (Sat. 16th) cleanup event in the Wind River canyon - way to go bud. 10 of us met early this morning at the mile post 7 parking area to hike down into one of the most heavily fished canyon sections of the Wind during springer season. I was told how bad it had gotten but I was still appalled at how much trash and mono line tangle clumps and fileted salmon carcasses were litering this 1/2 mile section. Every kind of trash imaginable, and the place stunk like a city garbage dump. We thought we could only make a dent in the amount of trash, but I am very proud of our gang for getting almost all of it out of the area in multiple large bags! ... And what a helacious climb down and back out of this place! ...
This is such a very beautiful river gorge, with huge boulders scattered in the fast gradient water. No wonder so many fish are lost there. Of course it has some big long deep chinook holes too. BTW, the fishing has slowed with very few to be seen in gin clear low water. But we still had fun fishing for the first couple of hours, with a few hookups that were lost. We followed by getting after the cleanup vigorously and got it done in less than a couple hours. It made us all feel very good to leave the canyon in it's more natural clean condition! ...

We then went to a nice campground on a tributary creek and enjoyed a really fun BBQ and beverage party. I hope this event will inspire more like it. And I also hope that the states will put garbage cans at trail heads along the rivers, with a big sign that reads "PICK UP ALL YOUR TRASH AND BRING IT TO THE GARBAGE CANS. ANYONE CAUGHT LITERING BY RANDOM SURVEILANCE WILL BE HEAVILY FINED." ...

I also must say that I continue to be impressed with the fishing knowledge of some members. At the BBQ party I learned of a new secret tech that involves a razor, baitoil, and a ping pong paddle. I promised not to reveal how these are used - but it sounds very effective! I will be trying it soon. ... And pardon me HEY_YALL (Mike) for again revealing what a nice good guy you are. Gee, now you will have to re-build the rep over again for some of the members laugh .

This was just great fun and a worthwhile endeavor! Can't say enough for getting more of these events organized. Thanks all. - Steve (RT)