Just curious when one can traditionally expect the winter runs to start showing up in fishable numbers in the Skykomish? Also, are these fish like the summer hatchery fish that tend to shoot clear up to around Reiter or are do they spread out more? Thanks for any input.

Last year there was fishable numbers of winter runs at reiter by thanksgiving. Yes, they do blast up the river to the hatchery.

I think the true winter fish don't really show up in the sky in any numbers until about the first week in December. Last year, and to a lesser extent this year, there was a push of pretty bright fish during the first half of November, but I don't think these are winter fish; probably late, late summers. We were calling them 'swinters' Whatever you call them, they were quality fish and there are a few in the river now, but not as many as last season.

If you think the summer fish boogie up to Reiter, you'll think the winter fish have blinders on with their mouths sewn shut until they reach "the big rock". They're on a Rieter mission. I don't fish the lower river during the winter until the nates start showing up by about mid-February.

So are there any putins above high bridge (I think the state calls the ramp 'Big Eddy') that can put you in a little closer to Reiter? Or are you pretty much sticking to the bank if you're up high? I've seen the spots up above Reiter where the rafters and kayakers play around under really heavy flows but I'm not interested in banging around with them.

tks,
Bruce

The rafters put in above reiter, near the highway and carry their inflatables in. No trailer access, and most of the property across and below reiter is gated private land. There is a reason why the rafters like this section of the river, there are some rapids below reiter, that are pretty knarly. you might try knocking on some doors in the community across reiter, but judging by the keep out signs, I would think they would be pretty unreceptive.

[This message has been edited by KORE (edited 11-18-1999).]

During the summer, I've seen boats put in at a rough launch at the cable hole; this is the drift just below Reiter. It's a pretty steep drop for your boat, but gets you into the water the next hole down. Access is via Reiter Road and the big gravel pit on your right. They've recently done a lot of work down there (last I looked some paving) so I don't know what present access is like. I would suggest making inquiries to folks that have actually launched there recently.

Not many drift boats put in above Reiter, and it wouldn't do you much good going after winter hatchery fish. The winter hatch brats don't move very far upstream of the hatchery, although the summer fish wander all over the place. Good Luck.

The road to the Cable hole launch is closed at Reiter Rd as of sometime last June. The only option is above Reiter at the Railroad Tresle access used by the kayak crowd.

Brian, thats not true, I've seen a few trailers there as of this week. Actually taked to a buddy of mine who put in there 3 days ago. They hit 1 swinner fish and a winter. You have to park your rig up top by reiter road because they lock the gate after work hours.

I've never done that drift how hard is it? Thanx for any info. Tight lines
Kevin

The access through the quary is private land. The guys who launch there either work there or have permission. I don't think that they allow that many people to use it.

Sounds like everyone has a different story. The guy I know has never had to have special permission, and as far as I know he dosen't know anyone working there. ???????