Finally got the skunk off yesterday, fishing S. Monte on the outgoing. It was a long time coming, but it was the typical fall scenario in the tidal Chehalis, as out of nowhere, after an extended dry spell, I bumped into a tide-fresh pod of biters. First fish was a nice buck, but I apparently forgot how to fight salmon during my long dry spell, and I let him shake me off. Two casts later, a smaller hatchery hen nailed my spinner and went ballistic. Despite an awesome aerial display, my hook held this time.

Much to my surprise, she actually tasted really good. Most agree that the hens in the Chehalis system taste like cardboard after just a couple days in the river, so I figure she was new on the last tide, which should mean things are falling into place for a good weekend. We shall see....