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#900811 - 07/20/14 01:28 PM Sockeye fishing change of pace
Salmo g. Offline
River Nutrients

Registered: 03/08/99
Posts: 13520
Real estate is all about location, location, location. With fishing we can add timing, timing, and timing. I've been making the trek each of the last three summers to Baker Lake to enjoy the relatively new fishery based on the successful recovery of Baker Lake sockeye salmon. The setting is stunningly beautiful, and sockeye are one of my favored table fish. But this year's run fizzled, with too few fish in the lake to justify the trip. So my oldest childhood friend and I ambled across the state to north central Washington to try our luck with the record sockeye run returning to the Okanogan.

Timing, ah yes, timing. A couple weeks ago barely 10,000 sox had crossed Wells Dam, but as of last mid-week the number had risen to just over 100,000, and there must have been at least 150,000 by the time we launched Friday morning. OK, that's pretty good timing. The flip side is all the wild fires that have occurred this past week and are still burning. As we came out of the Mexican restaurant in Brewster Thursday evening, we learned that the town of Pateros was being evacuated, and we could see the flames coming over the ride above town 6 miles away. Acrid smoke and ash were everywhere. At times we couldn't quite see across the river. The car, boat, and all camping gear are covered with ash. I've got major clean up chores ahead of me now. My inconvenience is truly minor compared to those who lost the approximately 100 homes to the wild fires.

The fishing is as good as you could expect, and the fishing method is the same as Baker or wherever sox are found. Okanogan sox are small, about 2 to 3 pounds, basically half the size of Baker and Lake Washington sockeye. They cut sockeye red though, and I'll see how they BBQ tonight.

Sg

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#900831 - 07/20/14 08:50 PM Re: Sockeye fishing change of pace [Re: Salmo g.]
Eric Offline
River Nutrients

Registered: 03/08/99
Posts: 3513
Glad you found some Salmo.

I've had a few friends that have been over in that neck of the woods the past week and the stories they told of the fire are nothing short of astounding. The thrill seeker in me is tempted to go over and do what you did but the realist in me says stay the hell away from a bad situation and let the Pro's do their job and let the locals regain their footing. It's quite a scene on the news tonight.

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#900850 - 07/21/14 01:09 AM Re: Sockeye fishing change of pace [Re: ]
landcruiserwilly Offline
Spawner

Registered: 10/20/04
Posts: 934
Loc: Bothell
i'm headed up to baker tomorrow for the annual daddy n daughter camping fishing trip. don't know how long she'll still want to do it, but as long as she does i'm in. wish there were more fish in the lake, though…..
I'll post a report when I get back




willy
_________________________
"I know a taxidermy man back home. He gonna have a heart attack when he see what I brung him." -Quint

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#900866 - 07/21/14 11:12 AM Re: Sockeye fishing change of pace [Re: landcruiserwilly]
Swifty27 Offline
Returning Adult

Registered: 08/21/13
Posts: 389
Loc: Tri-Cities, WA
Sounds like a good trip Salmo. Did you pick up any kings too?

There have been some intense pictures coming out of there. Not to hijack too much, but here's one that I think is worth a share.


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#900933 - 07/21/14 09:07 PM Re: Sockeye fishing change of pace [Re: Swifty27]
Salmo g. Offline
River Nutrients

Registered: 03/08/99
Posts: 13520
When I went over I wasn't as up to date on the wild fire news as I thought I was. Had I known, I probably wouldn't have gone. I have mixed feelings. I sure don't want to be in the way, so in the supermarket, anyone who looks like they might be working on fire fighting support goes ahead in line. And the local businesses need and appreciate tourism $$. So we spent a few bucks and tried to stay out of the way.

Seems like it's crazy insane there. I think Carleton must be in its 4th evacuation by now. The beautiful Methow valley is pretty crispy. This morning's email indicated that Douglas PUD lost 3 of its 4 hatchery housing units on the Methow, and the fire was headed toward Wells Dam - there goes all that green irrigated landscaping. Alta Lake golf course is burned to a crisp. And the list goes on.

Swifty,

No kings, and we didn't target them. Talked with another angler who was, and he caught 6 unmarked kings straight, although I hear that the marked hatchery kings are on the way.

Still haven't washed the ash off my car . . . ; it's going to be a long week.

Sg

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#900941 - 07/21/14 09:59 PM Re: Sockeye fishing change of pace [Re: Salmo g.]
Achewter Offline


Registered: 02/02/04
Posts: 2276
Loc: N of Seattle
My Buddy lost his cabin above Brewster. Sad Times.
_________________________
When Ma Nature decides to make ya her bitch, aint nothin your gonna do about it

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#901056 - 07/23/14 10:41 AM Re: Sockeye fishing change of pace [Re: Achewter]
Swifty27 Offline
Returning Adult

Registered: 08/21/13
Posts: 389
Loc: Tri-Cities, WA
Thanks Salmo. Kings seem to be very streaky. We picked up a wild one on our Sockeye gear earlier. Trolling, I watched one boat turn 5 loose. A couple days later, I saw 5 in a row kept. I hope they were all clipped.

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#902738 - 08/12/14 02:04 PM Re: Sockeye fishing change of pace [Re: Swifty27]
Coho Offline
River Nutrients

Registered: 03/09/99
Posts: 2682
Loc: Muk
Just returned from 4 N Chelan and 3 in Pateros.

Fish are in the smoker--king and socks

I will convey that the folks over there are most friendly and strong to rebuild. We were able to attend the Pateros Apple Pie Jamboree...we were also able to contribute directly to the funds that help these folks.

In short--go they want folks to visit, there are fish to be had, it is Hot (temps)..Brewster has a killer swimming pool, Pateros has a great steakhouse and hotel and bakery in town.

use downriggers small dodger double barbless hoochie coonshrimpers

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