Today I had an encounter with a female cougar and her two cubs just above the north pond on the Clawah. Saw tracks all over the bank as I went up stream and didnt think much of it. Went around a root wad and there they were lying under some salmon berry bushes. I wasnt more than 15 yards away from them. I didnt even take the time to see if she was upset I just turned and took off down river about as fast as I could go. Talked to one of the hatchery guys on my way out and he said he saw one of the cubs the day before crossing the road going to the north pond. Ive been seeing a few tracks all week up there but didnt think much of it because I see tracks all the time. Anybody who goes down there sould keep there eyes out. You never know when she and her cubs might get hungry.

I've seen signs of cougar here for several years now. I always have the feeling I'm being watched while packing out some fresh hatchery summer runs! thanks for the info about the mom and her cubs. I'll be on the lookout for them on future trips.