The major problem.......getting close to the river. In some areas, there are so many people, just waiting their turn to be able "to dip", not all areas are good for dipping.

Will be lots of good eating tonight, IF YOU LIKE SMELT.....not everyone does.

Just saw a report on live TV, guy called in, all done 3 dips.

We need to get runs in more rivers in the State......late 80's or early 90's, Wynoochee had a run show up, millions of smelt. I'm sure there were limit amounts but I never saw anyone with a bucket get checked. Did see LE, have a drift boat pulled up on the gravel......no kidding that boat was about half full....

I used to smelt in the sound in the early '80's, a little tougher but the smelt are firmer and a sweeter taste from the salt. I saw an old timer (he was prob. my age now, in the 60's) in the late '80's smelting in the surf off the Olympic coast, really cold, guy had no waders and went in up to his chest. He got smelt but it was tough going, his wife was by the fire, he would do it as long as he could take it and then warm up. He got enough for a nice meal, said they were the best tasting smelt available, with the salt from the open ocean and water even colder then the sound I didn't doubt it. He gave me hints on when to go after them, (birds, seals, other indicators) but it looked too cold for me for a limited return. Bob R

Are the smelt that randomly run up some of the coastal rivers like the Chehalis the same as Columbia River smelt/Eulachon?

The ocean beach smelt aren't the same apparently.

From what I've read, the Chehalis/Columbia fish are one in the same or very similar. Theory has it that in some years, if conditions aren't right, they'll use River B instead of River A.

The beach or "surf smelt" spawn in the surf, never actually going upriver.

Just what I've heard/read.

The smelt this year ARE AWESOME, I didn't go but gota a phone call....Bill, do want some smelt???? I'll be right over, gallon bag full was waiting....then I get another phone call and a cell phone message, offering more.....I do like to eat them.....but after a few big "messes", that's it for this year.

Cooked up a bunch for lunch......used 2 different recipes.....they were good with either recipe..