Fisheries Management Gone Right

Fisheries Management Gone Right

It’s been about two months since I’ve spent any measureable time on the water here in Oregon. Can’t say I felt I was missing much, when late-run Chinook catches were grim, the rivers were high, and the rain cold and ample. Even the drive down from Portland to the coast tonight seemed unusually long. Been […]

The General Public’s View of Fisheries

The General Public’s View of Fisheries

After guiding for about 60 days straight, I decided it was time for a vacation. After all, I hardly had any time with my daughter all summer, and my wife was headed to Chicago for her I-won’t-say-how-many-year class reunion. I can entertain my 8-year old on the water, but one-on-one stuck in Oregon City, I […]

The Lay of the Fisheries Land

The Lay of the Fisheries Land

Photo: Amy Baird with a 21-pound lower Columbia River Chinook caught in warmer times with pro guide Bob Rees The rain has set in. Maybe it’s not officially winter just yet, but cold, damp and darkness is in the air. We’re all supposed to have our freezers full of fish and now turn our attention […]

When Salmon Fishing is Slow

When Salmon Fishing is Slow

Photo: Mike’s big lingcod A group of guys from California has been fishing with me for about seven years now. These veteran sportanglers pursue many of the same species we do up here, and more. Steelhead, salmon, lingcod, sea bass and albacore are all options for these Cali kids just like they are for us […]

(Mis)Managing West Coast Salmon

(Mis)Managing West Coast Salmon

By now, most fishermen have heard the most recent fish tale out of Puget Sound, the escapement of who knows how many Atlantic salmon into the “wild” waters in our own backyard. Of course this isn’t the first time such a mishap has happened, and it won’t be the last time either. Frankly, I’m a […]

My Daughter’s First Salmon

My Daughter’s First Salmon

Photo: Katri and her first salmon My daughter, Katri, caught her first salmon last week, just in time to bring it back to Chicago and share it with Grandma JoJo and some long-time family friends. They just don’t get this kind of quality seafood back in Chicago all that often… actually, never. It feels extra […]