Am I wrong or are the fish showing a little late this year? Last year seems like the river was full of fish by the 1st of Aug.Seems like they are late everywhere. I have a few zipper lips that I was nailing kings by the last week in july and nothing showin yet.TM

[This message has been edited by Timber man (edited 08-06-2000).]

I was on the Nisqually on Friday---zilch! Didn't even get my rod out of the truck. Talked to a dozen fishermen and they hadn't seen anything, none rolled or were hooked. One fellow said the tribal nets had a dozen or so fish in it last week, but that's the only report of fish I heard. It could happen any time now. Keep us posted.
JT

Timber Man I see you are from
shelton any fish in the skok yet? it was good last year too.

A few but not like it was last year at this time.They are pickin a few up on the point off pot latch state park.There on there way...(I say with fingers crossed)TM

I was there for the opener and did not even see a fish. I also talked to some guys that fished it alot and they said it was dead. I might go hit it tomorrow if I do I will give ya a report.

Chris -- where for the opener?

TM,
The netting pressure is the same as it is every year. Sunday noon to Wednesday noon. The tribe started netting at the same time of the year as they have for the last 4 years at least. The fish will be in heavy in about another two weeks, this is usually a good September fishery. A shot o' rain would help this out. Last year they were in early because the river level was higher longer due to the amount of snow run off we had last year. Be patient, they will be here.
Good luck and tight lines, Jeff

Talked to an old timer down on the nisqually sid there killing them out by the can. So looks like they just havn't moved in yet.

Tight lines
Kevin

Concur with Jeff and Kevin. It was the last week or so in July last year when the tides started bringing the fish upsream. I have cought 2 so far but both were caught on the high tide or just as it started to drop. Haven't seen any roll or heard of any caught on the low tide but have also seen several that were caught on the high tide last week. Several older Nisquallys that I have known for years (and they know) expect the run to start in 1 to 2 weeks; either from the rain and/or a change in barometric pressures in the area. What we are seeing is just the norm for this time of the year (July/August). Keep watching and bouncing and they will be there. Tight (new) lines to all...Tom

I have fished the Nisqually for many years and never really count on many fish being there until August 15th, that is always the official opener for me personaly. I was out at the "can" on Friday morning and the fish checker had counted 3 fish taken for 13 boats when we took out at 1:00 pm. (I lost one at the boat) We did mark alot of fish on the fish finder though and the fish checker did tell us that the fish that he is seeing are all big....all 3 were over 20 pounds. I have also heard that with the favorable ocean conditions the last couple years that there is supposed to be alot of 5 salt fish back this year and they should be big....I am keeping my fingers crossed. See you on the "Nisco" next weekend

I fished the skok for the opener and I am going again today.

I noticed that the Regs mention a "non-buoyant lure restriction Aug 1-Nov 30". At the risk of sounding thick headed, does that mean I am restricted "from" non-buoyant lures or "to" using non-buoyant lures? Are corkies ok for this fishery? Or do I need to be rolling eggs? I can not find a clarification in the Regulations Manual. Little help! Thanks.

Hey, the restriction means you must use lures that float or have only a single hook. Can't recall exact wording. Look in the definitions page of the regs, it states the meaning there.

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Just because I look big, dumb, and ugly, doesn't mean I am. It means I can stomp you for calling me it!

TM,

There may not be many in the river yet, but the numbers are building off the mouth quite a bit since last week. No action last week, one on yesterday, two on today, and a friend put one in the cooler. They were thick on the finder this morning.

The slight weather shift and good tide seemed to enhance the morning bite. If the weather continues to shift, that should scoot some up the river.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.

Hey Salmo G,
Nice to see ya continuing to post!!! I always learn something from your insights. I may not agree with everything (Cowlitz in particular) but that's cool. Mind if I ask what you have been using and which tide do you like to fish there ebb or flood??? I have been out there several times and just can't seem to get the hang of the jiggin' thing!!!
Good luck and tight lines, Jeff

[This message has been edited by salmonhead (edited 08-10-2000).]

Salmonhead,

No problem, but you really should ask one of the experts that fish the area. The reason I post more about steelhead and trout is because my luck with salmon has always been close to indifferent.

I've mooched herring out there with success, but mostly I'm jigging like everyone else - it avoids the hassle of getting decent bait. I'm using darts and that other one that's a little fatter and flater that's poplar here. I've used buzz bombs in the past, but not lately. I'm not sure color matters, but a little blue or green kinda', sorta' looks like a baitfish. So explain the pink one !?! They've all produced hookups.

The kings were concentrated about 20' deeper this morning and not so much on the snap as yesterday. Only saw two hookups and one landed. Oh well, maybe next week.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.

Fished the can this morning, from my drift boat(maybe you seen me?) on the low tide. Didn't get anything. seen one SLAB caught and one other a guy pulled out of his box. Lots of boats mostly fishing the oyster beds. They said they had a few but not much going on iether place.

with the weather changing I am thinking something is going to happen soon.

dcrzfitter

Stoped by there about four on my way home from the Cowlitz talked to one guy told me that he had been there about an hour and one fish had been hooked. netters came in when I was there and they killed them all in the 20 lb. class.

I fished it on the way to the cowlitz Friday night for a couple hours right around high tide. I saw a few rollers but nobody was hooking up! I didn't have one bite in 3 hours. One more week or so. Some rain would be nice, many rivers would hot for nookies or summerruns.

Fished the old nasty after low tide, saw 1 fish caught before the nets went in. About 5-6 lbs, little dark already, still waiting for the rain to make any big push from the salt.

hey Salmonhead, i drove down the other road, got to the big bent in the river, just above Franks landing, lots of snags, can i still get further down in my 4x4 S10? looked pretty rough, like a lot of jeeps and high ground clearence 4x4's had made a mess out of the trail.

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elmtree (woody)

Hey Woody,
Nice to hear from ya. As far as the road question goes your guess is as good as mine, I don't have a 4X4 and have never driven it. Hey Os, DC or Dan S. you got the answer to this one??? I may be there after work on Wednesday for a few hours.
Good luck and tight lines, Jeff

Jeff,

No help from me, I'm a 2x4 kinda guy too. Woody, I know that several 4x4's get stuck down there every year, so I'd recommend the walk-in approach. Of course, if you're feeling brave you might try it. But then again, you could buy a new Loomis for what it would cost to get towed out if you DID get stuck. Let us know how you're doing down there.......


Fish on.......

Hey woody all the roads down in that area are ruff! some I will drive down if I bring the 4X4 I will pick and chose ,if in doubt walk it first,then decide,this time of year it's not so bad ,but after we get some rain this area will really BAD.
Went down on Saturday with my son he had one on for just a few head shakes then he was gone ,Thats all I know,which as usuall is not much

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Row Quietly and fish a Cataraft }<<(('>----<'))>>{
Release all Wild Fish

Well osprey, i would walk, except iam kinda on the too big to go too far variety of people. It is short and easy i will. But even walking past the big bend looks pretty rough with all the tire gullies dug up. Some peoples kids just don't know when to leave a good thing along and just have to go play as hard as they can. Just sort of bust it up for the rest of us meek and mild sort's.
Really, until i get a decent set of tires, i think i will not try going that far down, iam not a big 4X4 driver. Now if i had my of vw rabbit, i be there in a heart beat. Just don't know why, but that old car would go places that it should never have and always got back out. Went on top of some mountain once and parked under a tree, met a couple of big grisslie guys with 38 " tired 4X4's and that asked how i got up there? I told them i drove my car. No way, no car can get thru those ruts, I did'nt go thru em, i went around them. Just never know.
Mike we got to get together a couple of times. You and DC and Salmonhead have such a short drive, it is almost unfair.

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elmtree (woody)

Elmtree,

hey I can help you with yer 4x4 question.

E-mail me

dcrzfitter@aol.com

I might stop in wed night for a few but I gotta get home so we can do some shooting. but Thursday I am planning on maybe hitting it with the boat again.

dcrzfitter

Hi guys,
I will be on the river tomorrow afternoon about 4:45. I'm gonna work the stretch up above the handicap hole. Hope to see some of ya there!!!
Good luck and tight lines, Jeff

Woody I drive all my rigs down there ,my work van is 2 wheel drive with running boards ,just go slow and stay on top or the ruts piece of cake,of course my Cherokee will go almost anywhere ,but you are driving a chevy better leave it in the parking lot my 76 F-350 4X4 will make it's own trail
Tides are not great this week and like DCZ I am using a my spare time to fling arrows but I think I might go bug Salmonhead for a few on thursday...

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Row Quietly and fish a Cataraft }<<(('>----<'))>>{
Release all Wild Fish

[This message has been edited by Osprey (edited 08-16-2000).]

Agree that the roads are not bad now but after the rains come even 4X4s do get stuck where I am fishing now. Will be heading to one of my favorite spots after work today; same area where Osprey and I fished on the 9th. Yes, Woody, just across the river from the Nisqually school (Frank's Landing area). Couple of sand bars there with some prime bottom bouncing water! Don't need a 4X4 to get there now (my '71 F250 does just fine) but will soon! Keep those new lines tight...Tom

HINT: The hole by I-5 bridge is stacked with fish.Just say multiple hook ups in an hour.Tomorrow will be the day to hit it,nets will be out.The fish are a little dark. TM

Timber Man, thanks for the info, and, by the way, the nets will be out at noon today. May possibly take the dirt road (on the Ft Lewis side) down past the Nisqually school and fish the sandbar just upstream from I-5.
keep your new lines tight...tom

What I was saying was tomorrow there will be no nets at any time durring the day TM

hey timberman, are you talkin about the powerline hole, and if so, are you using eggs, or jus corkies? are you fishing under the i-5 bridge and also are you fishing incoming tide? thanks for the info, and yeah i will be down there tomorrow and possibly tonite.. dark green 4x4 with tinted windows, and lots of stickers on the window, say hi if ya see me, bye man ***schitzo***

Fellas, just got a call from a fishen' buddy who nailed a good sized buck on McCalister Creek just at low tide. Seen several others caught between 1200 and 1430 today. Most were using yellow or pink corkies with yellow/pink or white yarn. He also used shrimp scent. Will post tonight's results of others and myself tomorrow in the AM. Keep your new lines tight...Tom

Man I can't wate till they are in good. they are right on the verg!!! it's driving me crazy!!!!!

dcrzfitter

Hey guys,
Fished the stretch above the handicap hole for a couple of hours tonighht. No luck, 4 other people fishin', nothing for them either. I'm lovin' this weather but it needs to rain to make the fish move (not sayin' I want it to!!!). Had a cool time, my wife joined me on her way home from work in Lakewood and brought some sandwiches to munch on!!! I'm thinkin' the green can has got to be hot, any reports from there???
Good luck and tight lines, Jeff

I fished there on the Nisqually when I was about 12. In 86 I believe and caught the my first fresh water salmon. A big chum, or at least it was big at the time. Are the chums still in good shape? My dad still lives in that area.(Spanaway) Not too far from his place. I would like to take him fishing sometime. Anyway any thing about the chum?

Salmonhead,

If you are thinking about hitting the can DO IT!!! and out on the drop off in front of Mac. creek. I've been told they are there and BIG. a few 30# and several 20+

dcrzfitter

You've got a while to wait for chum.They wont show up for another 2 1/2 to 3 months before they get in the nisqually.Hit the hoodsport hatchery or the Skok in late october or Johns creek the middle of october.Its combat fishing but you can have some 20 fish days.Thats if you can handle all the folks crossing your line and bumpin elbows once in a while.If nothing else just go down and stand and watch the zoo that can be alot of fun.Saw a guy last year walk over and break a guys rod over his knee because he kept crossing his line.TM

Timberman
That is a classic.....still chuckling. I feel for the guy whos rod got broke hope it was a yellow eagle claw.

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Marty
Steelheader.net marty@steelheader.net

Just got back from a morning fish,stared at dark-thirty left at 8:30 2 on 2 OFF #@^*$#@ I think I needed bigger hooks, fishing picked up after we chased the seal out of hole...Don't worry all you Green Peacers we didn't harrass him we just yelled bad things at him

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Row Quietly and fish a Cataraft }<<(('>----<'))>>{
Release all Wild Fish

The thing about it was,the guy that got his rod broke just stood and stared at him in shock,I think. I would have knocked him out!!!!!!!!!TM

ya, i hear ya timberman, anyone ever tried takin or breakin my berkley, well..i dont know how i would react, but i wouldnt jus stare, **kisses his berkley** oh how i love it..well im going to the nisqually tonite, will let ya know how i do..***schitzo***

well, notta thing for me but fustration, fish rollin, lots of jacks..maybe hit the puyallup tonite..***schitzo***

I have been getting skunked EVERYWHERE I've been! It's depressing!

Worked Dupont and the can on Wednesday...salad bowl and no fish OR bait! LAST year by now I was getting 1-4 fish per day and having a good time! THIS year...I musta lost my touch, cause I can't catch a Nook to save my life!!!!!!! I think my boat has an evil spirit on it or something!!!

I have friends that are getting some on the Delta, but not ME!!! What's a girl to do?????????

I've been working at the Narrows Tackle Shop and have seen VERY, VERY FEW FISH brought in this week! I hope this rain will help things out!

Take care all! Remember to sharpen those hooks!!!

L

[This message has been edited by Fishin Farmgirl (edited 08-18-2000).]

Fished the N this morning. one jack on one jack off..lol...saw two others hooked one banked little jack. will be hittin it hard tonite RAIN RAIN RAIN boy i love the rain

anyone one fish below the bridge were the indian put in there boat...if so stop and say hello....i'll be there....HOTROD
FISH ON!!

Fished down by I-5 from my boat tonight but didn't get anything. seen several jumpers but didn't get anything.

Was going to put in below the Mnts. Rd bridge but as I was pulling in I seen one of my cuzins and he told me the MP's were running everyone out that didn't have a Ft. Lewis pass. so I went up to the handy cap hole and put in and parked my truck down by the bridge and when I was ready to pull out I drove down and pulled and didn't see any MP's!!! they did run alot of guys out. so now I might go get me a pass so I can fish down there and not get a ticket.

dcrzfitter

Where's all the Fish???!!!?!?!??!? We tried the green can yesterday morning - didn't see a single fish hooked. Is there going to be a run this year?