Coastal Wild (?) Life

ALMOST BIG AS A DOBERMAN

They Bark Too

sasquatch sightings abound

FROM THE WILD FRONT YARD - THE BARKING DEER OF BROOKINGS

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.. The tail of the storm is breaking up. The sun peeked through the dark clouds this morning but there is more on the way. Perhaps clearing by Monday!
.. We're headed to the headlands and the harbor for some searun cutthroat trout. Around here they call them Blueback Trout. They are hardly the same fish as the greenbacks of the upper Lochsa River. Same species, absolutely different fish.
.. Unlike the salmon and steelhead from these local rivers, the bluebacks hang out around their home waters. In the estuaries, along the tidal flats, near kelp beds, and amongst rocky headlands. They are endangered and cannot be kept if taken in the sea. When the rivers are blown and the the weather is grungy the bluebacks are active and aggressive.

"CHETCO CANDY" - for trout, bluebacks, steelhead

.. We're geared up to go two ways over the next couple of days. To the coast and harbor and estuary and headlands for bluebacks and, to the wild interior of Sasquatch Country to visit some of the ghost run steelhead that sneak in early.
.. Fishing for the inland steelhead is dangerous and life-threatening. People have been killed by the neighborhood Sasquatch.
.. Curry County Oregon may just be the epicenter for this violent subspecies of Sasquatch. Sightings of the "Chetco Monster," (sometimes called the 'Chetco Indian Devil,') are frequent and documented. The sightings and reports go back to the turn of the century, (1899, not 1999.) We'll be in his lair tomorrow. If we survive the ordeal you can be sure that a report with all the frightening and lurid details will follow.
.. Of course coastal fishing is no safer. We will probably avoid the tangles around Myrtle Point, just a few miles up the coast, and inland a ways. There is a tribe of Sasquatch up there that don't like their fish to be tormented by strangers. They have scared the poop out of miners near the Sixes River too.
.. From Bandon, (on the coast,) up the Coquille River to the dark forest around Myrtle Point, lurks the ghosts of loggers, miners, and woodsmen that have run afoul of the seven-foot tall beasties. They rattle doors, howl in the night, and protect their territory with a selfish vengence unheard of over most of the known Sasquatch territory. These are not your typical shy and secretive beast.
.. If you are at all interested in the early run of little, (8#,) steelhead, from the northern 2/3 of the state, you should click on over to "SMALL STREAM OUTFITTERS," they have just a wee bit of information and a few fish porn pictures to document the festivities.
.. Time to go. The porters have about finished packing the horses. The neighbors and the gawkers have gathered. Some of the neighbors are going along as guides and lookouts. We've sharpened the hooks and are ready for any close encounter of the finny or furry kind.

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A PAIR OF TRUSTY HORSES - LOADED TO THE GILLS FOR ADVENTURE

Let's Go To The Bar

YOU GOT IT !!

ALONG WITH EVERYONE ELSE !!

NEW LINK

A GENUINE TREASURE

It Needs It's Friends

friends save rivers

These Folks Released This Wild 20# Chetco Steelhead  -- Good On 'Em !!

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.. Some fishers think that keeping a stream or river secret will protect it. Such a fantasy. The more friends a river has the better protected it will be. If no one knows about it then mining, de-watering, polluting, etc. go unnoticed and despoiling takes place.
.. The Chetco River has friends. It has good friends. It has good friends that care - not just about the fish - but the river itself and it's wonderful scenic, recreational, and primative beauty.
.. As far from home as the river is, we consider ourselves a friend. We suggest that you investigate this lovely river. The place to start is the SAVE OUR CHETCO RIVER website. Personal or public complacency is an exploiters best friend. End of pitch.
.. This may be the last wild western river where it's legal to keep a wild native fish. We don't advocate it, but it can be, and is done. Gear, flies, etc. the fish are superlative specimens of the breed. They deserve respect and admiration. That's why we visit.
..There is sun between the clouds and mud in the water. Bottom bouncers and plunkers have taken a few fish. Drizzle and real rain should keep us dancing for the next few days. Generally, high water signals a good time for bank fishing - but not with the amount of color the river has right now.
.. The upper reaches will clear first and we'll head up to see how the "ghost run" fish are doing.

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IT MUST BE OREGON - RARE SUNSET FOR THE SEASON

Mighty Big Water

THERE'S A FUNNY TASTE

Salty Sort Of

perhaps fish defecate in it

There's this long pile of rocks . . .

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.. Had a nap. Saw the ocean. It's bigger than the whole Missouri River. Got to think about this. Fish actually leave it and change their water purification and elimination system just to swim in confined rivers. There's a lesson here somewhere.
.. Rumors abound. Fish are here. Not a seal to be seen. Chrome is following Royalty up the creek. Only a week or so early but not too unusual. We'll let you know.

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Just a little heavy for a 9 weight. Pretty though!

A Fine Soft Day

WHAT?  FOG?  DUH!

Touchdown

just like it should be

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.. Such quiet and gentility that one is gulled into thinking all will be just fine forever. The costal fog will both put you to sleep and awaken your soul with it's all pervasive chill. Some folks thrive on it.
.. Just a few more miles and then a short nap. Maybe a long nap. Maybe some pizza and a nap. The fish can wait - for now.

Early Out

CREATIVE PARKING

Snow On Ice

pushing on

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.. Decided to make an early dash for West Yellowstone. Discovered roads with a sheet of ice covered by light snow and some creative parking.
.. Not much to report on the fishy front. The snow trout are avoiding the record low temperatures and most of the water has entered a solid state.
.. We're currently confined to a comfy motel room in Pendleton, Oregon. The Pizza Hut is close and delivers: makes life tolerable. Electricity and heat seem luxurious.
.. May have to spend Thanksgiving here if the roads on either side of Boise, Idaho stay closed.
.. The views and scenic atmosphere of the Blue Mountains would certainly be spoiled by having to stare at the rutted roads and dodging rapidly sailing SUV's & RV's.
.. Roads into and out of West Yellowstone are intermittantly closed. The little town looks like a trucker's convention.
.. The broken down cattle truck is having trouble getting hay for the critters. Beef prices may hit a new low in our frigid little hamlet.

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.. Yesterday's morning drive through Portland, Oregon saw traffic snarled  and our cruise down the shady side of the lower Columbia Gorge discovered lines of ice pounded into glacier-slick trails in the fresh snow.
.. The jackknifed semi on the grade leaving The Dalles killed two, (bags and gurneys visible in trailer - survivors left in the emergency vehicle,)  and held us prisoner for 3 hours as we snaked and slid through the maze of scattered vehicles, debris, and broken chains.

.. A light freezing fog blanketed the highway between The Dalles & Pendleton. By the time our brain leaped through our aching eyeballs we decided that sleep was the better part of valor.
.. It's morning now and time to scan the weather reports, call the state patrol, watch the parade on the Interstate, and decide just how valorous we feel for a sojourn through the slick roads between here and West Yellowstone.

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Brookings Redux

THE RIVER RISES

The Fish Flip Us A Fin

waiting for visibility

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.. As the rain and cold descend into the Chetco River Valley, the kings, (and a few steelhead,) are grabbing air without being stabbed in the lip.
.. Anglers are gathering for the break in the weather forecast for Thanksgiving. Bitter cold is also forecast for the Cascades and inland valleys. It's time to soldier-up and put some grease on the guides.
.. The returning Chinook population has a few below average intellects - but none so dumb as to get taken by us. Even the seals have abandoned the Chetco River this year, (except for the two residents asleep in the fishing fleet harbor.)
.. There have been no fly fishers under 60 years old spotted around Social Security Bar, (or elsewhere that we have been.)
.. There's not a single fly rod in the racks at the local tackle shop. This is gear heaven!
.. Fish are charging into the system and a few are getting caught down deep in the main channel. All that hardware must be worth it's weight in titanium.

.. Gear sales are up as is angler population. The Smith River is also sprouting a fine crop of elbows. We may add to the crowds in a few days.
.. We're about to pull on the silk undies, followed by long handles, followed by woollies, followed by something to delay cold rain. We may be able to walk to the river.

.. Stopped at the local tackle shop and found a lovely hollow-built salmon net from our old stomping grounds down in Queen Califia's Kingdom. Brought back memories of a different era. The price is right but our need is not. If you need it it's hanging from the ceiling and is beautiful to behold.
.. Well, a couple more days of torture among the catchers and others on the beautiful and chilly Chetco River. This is beautiful and strange country.
.. The deer are the size of doberman pincers and the fish are the size of watermelons.

.. The fog is everywhere and nowhere, while the trees hide the hills and mothers hide their children from the infrequent yellow orb that periodically appears in the sky. There's green of every imaginable shade and rain of every imaginable density.
.. Such a place. More later.

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They All Hate Us

THE SUN CAME OUT

The River Went Down

the fish are waiting

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.. It just seems to be our talent. For two years now we've stopped the chinook run on the Chetco River. All we had to do was show up.
.. Along with our arrival, (both this year and last,) came the sun: bright, persistent, blinding, and warm. Mind you this is the end of November!
.. It's not what the local fisher folk want: not now, not last year, and certainly not next. We've explained that we have no more desire to see a low river than any of the residents. They scoffed at us and told us where to go fish
.. Well then, as far as seasonal weather for salmon fishing on the Chetco River goes -- it's great for surfing. We've included some images for H2O JOE down in the city by the bay. It ain't the wave of the day, but it is left coast surfing.
.. We've been soundly chastised and are filled with remorse for having brought sunshine and warm weather to the gloomy neighborhoods of 'California Heights.' It's hard to get a cup of morning elixir without getting mugged by the piscene hunters. Down at the shore it's a different story. They think we're a hero.

.. Since we've killed the fishing here, we've decided to head north and spread more brightness and warmth to a little known local trout and steelhead stream.
.. The folks up there will only be able to figure it out after they discuss the weird vehicle and foreign license plate seen skulking about their favorite haunts.
.. More later, if we survive the ordeal. Below are some pictures of the low river and both the happy and grumpy residents of Brookings, Oregon and other neighborhoods affected by our strange powers of light and warmth. Images large enough for wallpaper - just click.

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Along The Way

LOCAL SECRET

Good Eats

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.. Not just another roadside attraction!
..Of course the fishing on the Elk River just happens to be spectacular right now.
.. Of course the sun is making the leaden clouds a bit brighter. Of course the weekend was wet and wonderful. And, certainly, there is need for sustenance.

.. Drop in at the Langlois Market. Replenish the cooler, grab some vittles, and partake of a genuine slow roasted hot dog - with some of  Muriel's finest homemade mustard. The best on the planet.
..The market is a font of information, the local social center, and has a couple of nice Roosevelt Elk on the wall. Shop in style and grace along the Oregon coast.
.. Don't tell Lee that we sent you. It could be hazardous to your health. By the way, the hot dogs can be purchased in a vacuum pack for eating later. Mustard is rationed to a single bucket per customer. Boy, it is very good.

.. Unlike the Buster Boys, we've no special insight into mushroom gathering. So our chanterelles came from the produce aisle. Yum!
..The golden orb appeared briefly yesterday and frightened local mothers and pets. The residents ran for the shade of trees or tall buildings as the bright light interrupted the normal gray fog of the season.
.. Back to the river today. The Chetco River has gathered up visitors from the far corners of the world: the catching is that good. It looks like the sun has appeared for a second day in a row. Meteorologists are not holding out any hopes for a tree day run.

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On The Coast

BEAUTIFUL VIEWS

Just A Bit Damp

great nightlife

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.. Just a typical November drive through Oregon. Rumor has it that there is a sky above the clouds - we'll see.
.. The nightlife on the central Oregon coast rivals the most exhilarating we've seen in decades.
.. We've also noticed that the ODOT is scrumptiously endowed with a sense of humor that is legendary. The example that keeps us in stitches is the erection of four lane bridges on two lane roads.
.. The best part is that the bridges have posted speed limits of 40 miles per hour. The roads leading to them on either side have posted speed limits of 25 mph.
.. Imagine it! Single file at 25 mph onto the bridge - - then scramble to the empty lanes and accelerate to 40 mph - - just in time to return to single file and 25.
.. The humor has not been lost on us. We're still chuckling. The bridges are, however, far more entertaining than the suicidal dashes of the Kamikaze deer. One of them was smashed to smithereens by the monster motor-home that was on our rear bumper.
.. The fatal plunge of the poor little cervid just missed the rear of our vehicle. The mobile condominium didn't even hit the brakes until it was in the ditch - - saw only part of it in the rear view mirror. It drew quite a crowd. We stopped but didn't see the need to add to the circus growing on the winding two lane road.
.. By the way,images in this post are less than 24 hours old, posted in the most modern fashion, (the light in the booth works,) and depict the stunning beauty and dynamism of the most recent stop on this detour. Fish tomorrow - - WOOT, WOOT!

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