The 101 Connection

CRUISIN' FOR CHROME

Vantage Points And Access

it's a social thing

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.. We were invited to an interesting social event along the Oregon coast. Of course we attended. The informal gatherings are pleasant, informative, and require an enormous amount of gasoline consumption.
.. The venues change periodically as the season progresses. Currently the big party is at the ELK RIVER bridge. Since Highway 101 crosses these rivers near the coast, and since the bridges are high above the water, and since the sun moves across the sky, (or so it seems,) - it's possible to anticipate the correct viewing conditions for spotting steelhead in their holding water.
.. In some instances the access from the bridge right-of-way coincides with good holding water.
.. Bridge pools along U.S. 101 are similar to bridge pools elsewhere. They are stable, predictable, and provide constrictions for aerated water and viewing for fisher folk.
.. Information is exchanged as the folks peer over the side at the fish. Where are the fish concentrated? What are they eating? Have you seen Hank's new girlfriend? Etc.
.. We enjoyed the experience. We also enjoyed the enormous prevarications, misinformation, and silly demeanor of the local guides as they did their best to protect their insight in the face of so much local "TRUTH."
.. We bypassed the Elk River and sallied down to the Chetco River. It proved to be worthwhile.
.. Time for some jelly donuts and green tea. It's the local equivalent of a healthy breakfast.

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Kibitz

IT HAPPENS

Into The Fog

THERE'S THIS BIG LAKE

The Trout Swim In Muddy Rivers

right past the bass

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.. A night in a motel between the Umpqua Rivers is not conducive to sleep when one is going farther south. We ignored the possibilities and pushed on.
.. Made it to the mystic river. It's full of mud - usually is - steelhead don't care.
.. They head upstream past the cranberries and the bass. They figure it out and end up in some interesting places.
.. The middle fork of the Coquille River is pretty brown and fishing is hard for those without a bit of flash in their gear - not flies, mind you.
.. We arranged a bit of sight seeing, and a visit with our local informant. Then a brief time out for food. We pause now for a piscatorial adventure. Pictures to follow - words maybe.

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No Cholera

FORT BOISE TO ROSEBURG

A Few Simple Rations

fish tomorrow

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.. Fort Boise was the largest city along the old Oregon Trail. It still is! We made it across the northern Great Basin on a quart of chocolate milk and three jelly donuts.
.. No cholera was contracted, every river crossing was dry, and the natives we encountered were not hostile.
.. The high point of the trek was the Millican Store - it's for sale! It would make the perfect fly fishing emporium for sand trout.

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.. By the time we encountered Willamette Pass another quart of milk had been consumed - along with a 1/2 dozen Twinkies. The pass was an instructive experience. We'd never before seen a tractor/trailer rig on an escape ramp in 18" of snow. We would show you a picture of the strange sight but we were too busy sliding sideways to find the camera.
.. From what we could see through the fog, and the snow, and the clouds of diesel exhaust, it looks like pretty country. The stench of burning brake linings spoiled the experience though. The elk we saw reminded us of home - even if they were DOSR.
.. There does not seem to be a recession in the Oregon gasoline business. No self service here. Swarms of eager pump jockeys descend on the vehicles to put gasoline in the correct orifice. It seems that the state legislature figures that people who drive their own automobile, (not motorcycle or airplane,) are too stupid to find the correct place to shove the nozzle. Interesting in a state that does allow self-serve suicide!
.. This day will bring a journey down the mysterious Coquille River. From it's headwaters to the Pacific Ocean It should provide some beautiful scenery, and probably several more dead elk. After driving past all the renowned fisheries on the road here - this had better be good!

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'Sno Snow

PLENTY OF GRAY

Sky, Water, Day

great for fishing

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.. Gentle drive across Idaho. Nothing but wind and a song to keep us company; and that's just fine.
.. The spuds are in: the Fork is fishing nicely, the hay is stacked, the sky is vast, and we'll have breakfast in about an hour - somewhere in Oregon.
.. Just for Ed - stopped to see if downtown Jerome was still the hot spot of southern Idaho. Report in 12 days.

*****

.. Click on over to ART CREEL for a special deal on limited edition prints from some of fly fishing's more renowned artists - (including Jeff Kennedy.)

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'Tweeners

DA ONES IN BETWEEN

Summer Run & Winter Run

salmon, steelhead, cutthroat

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.. There's a host of less well known streams in southern coastal Oregon that provide exceptional fishing between the last of the Summer run fish and the first of the Winter run fish.
.. When local residents are asked about the catching possibilities, a response, (with just a small - nearly undetectable smirk,) is offered, that directs visitors to the Chetco, Umpqua, Rogue, and Elk rivers. They seldom mention the Coquille River.
.. We won't say much either -- BUT -- The South Fork of the Coquille River hosts a "whisper run" of interesting fish. We're inclined to be suspicious about the lack of conversation surrounding a river of this size, in this geographic setting.
.. With our interest piqued, we're off to investigate the possibility that there is still a place where neither elbows nor egos get in the way of winter fishing.
.. Prognosis HERE and HERE. And, of course there's just a bit of controversy surrounding the fishery too. After all the Coquille River System is the third largest in Oregon. We'll let you know.

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Number Two

NEW AND IMPROVED

Fish Can't Read

you should

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.. The new issue of FISH CAN'T READ has hit the electrosphere. There's a fine note about fishing hoppers.
.. John Juracek lets us know about fishing hopper patterns, and the reasons for owning many of them.

MONEY QUOTE

My favorite reason to own a variety of hoppers however, is for the fun of it.

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