To All Summer Campers, Hikers and Fisherman.
Please be aware that there has been an increase in the bear population recently, particularly in the Cascades and Cascade foothills. All hiker, hunters fishers and golfers are advised to take precautions and be alert for bears while in or near the mountains this summer. You are advised to wear noise-producing devices such as little bells on your clothing to alert bears. A startled bear is a dangerous bear. It is also suggested that you carry pepper spray in the event of a close encounter with a bear.
It is also a good idea to watch for signs of bears. Learn to recognize the difference between black and grizzly bear droppings. Black bear droppings are smaller and may contain berries and possibly squirrel fur. Grizzly bear droppings have little bells in them and smell pepper spray.
(thnx DK)

On a more serious note, where might one find Lake Washington Sockeye counts, both past and present?

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[This message has been edited by Fishguts (edited 06-21-2000).]

Fishguts,
here`s a link to check the sockeye counts,
by the way, do those little bells make any noise,,J/K. http://www.wa.gov/wdfw/fish/sockeye/counts.htm

How can you tell bear poop when you come upon it?

It's the stuff with all of the little bells in it.

ROFLMAO

Rainycity;
Yeah, the little bells make some noise, but it's really hard to hear over all the screaming and that horrible sound those big canine's make scrapping over your skull.
THANK YOU for the link to the Sockeye counts. My fingers are crossed. How do these counts compare to '96 and '88?

so far the counts are double that of 96 todays paper has the stats keep praying looks good so far

FYI I heard this morning from someone that has been fishing the intake at Reiter and said there was a Black Bear hanging around there. Don,t forget those bells. By the way he says the rivers still a little high for the intake but there are fish around.

FYI,

I talked with a guy yesterday who works along side all the local biologists at the Ballard Locks. I won't mention names, but the consensus amongst the "experts" is that there will not be a fishery this year. They truly don't expect a surplus of fish.

Don't hold me to this. I'm just passing on what I was told.

Parker

Yep, I believe that about Reiter. I was there 5/26 and saw some bear droppings here and there.

Parker,
You always seem to be right on the mark. No offense, but I hope your wrong this time.
Tight lines, Jeff

Not surrised to hear about the bear thing. I know that since the bait ban was passed for hunting bear alot of people just gave it up (atleast people I know). also, the state last year and this year allows for two bear tags and the season is substantially longer than in the past, that indicates the population is up. hard to hunt one without those day old doughnuts.

I've never participated in this fishery. Even if the season opens this year, I'll either be in AK fishing with The Bob, or off to the other side of the world on travels. I don't think I'll be fishing much in Uzbekistan.

Either way, I'm gonna miss this fishery again if it opens! I've even secured a private dock on the lake to launch from.

Oh well. I'm sure Bob will put me in to some Monster Kings. A nice 50lber will make up for a lot of missed sockeye!

Parker

I learned that with Bears you only need to out run your fishing partner and you're fine.
Always fish with a fat guy, hence my bro-in-law gets invited when we go to AK or other heavily populated Bear country.
x

I was hiking this morning, and used bear repellent, and it worked fine, but it sure does sting when you spray it on...

Hey Extreme I'm one of those short fat guy's. Till now I thought it was my bubbly personality that was way I was being invited all these years.

Next time I'll invite someone just a little slower and just a little heavier.

Thanks for the tip.

LOL

ron bob,
hey, wanna go fishin`?
J/K