Back in the mid-80's, some punks opened the gate at the hatchery on the Cascade. The WDFW said the mortality rate would be close to 100%.

The following Dec. Dad, myself, and our fishing partner were standing there in a hole that I couldn't tell you where it is now. Dad and I went 7 fish each. Our friend even stole my hat and made me wear his cause he couldn't buy a bite. Being a young teenager, I of course thought this was fantastic.

It is one of my best memories because there were a bunch of guys standing on the rip-rap on the far bank and I kept throwing right up against the rocks. The guy was yelling at me for throwing at his feet. About the third cast, the sinker never hit the bottom, the fish exploded out of the water and absolutely soaked him. I thought my old man was gonna pee his waders laughing at the guy, who was not very happy.

Other than that, any day in December that I can be on the river with Dad is my best day.

Thanks for teaching me how to fish Dad!