In the Pacific Northwest, this land of deep-V aluminum boats, my skiff draws attention. She's a fine little boat and gets quite a few complements, but only a handful of people have recognized her for what she is. One of those people was Trevor, who was doing some tree-work on our property last fall. He … Continue reading Realization
Category: fishing
Nuclear Options
The wind through the Gorge last week was, to quote a local boardsports forecaster, "nuking!" While carp fishing from the boat wasn't an option, I wasn't about to stay home. I had to find some other ways to occupy my time. Here are a few of the things I got up to: Number 1: Satisfying … Continue reading Nuclear Options
Wild Cards
During the summer months the prevailing winds blow through the Columbia Gorge from west to east, against the river current, which creates the exciting conditions that draw wind-powered water-sport enthusiasts from around the world. Once in a while we get an east wind. These don't last very long and are rarely very strong. I had … Continue reading Wild Cards
And so it Begins
What a difference a month makes! We took a trip over spring break and came home to some warm sunny days. It's not summer yet, but it's a far cry from frigid winds and cold empty flats. As I predicted, the carp have shown up in bunches. Today I visited the same flat I pictured … Continue reading And so it Begins
Cold Soup
The water in the river is warming up, but there is still no sign of fish in the shallows. Carp aggregate during the winter and, once the water warms sufficiently, probably move as a group towards the shallows in anticipation of spawning. I think it very likely they will appear all at once. Flats that … Continue reading Cold Soup
Temperature Obsessed
Disclaimer/Nerd-Alert: I am currently obsessed with water temperatures. I can't imagine that anyone else will be even remotely as interested in this as I am. You've been warned. Read on if you dare... In the classic book Carp on the Fly there is a temperature chart that lists some remarks about carp biology corresponding to … Continue reading Temperature Obsessed
How to Winter
Today was one of those deceptively nice days that make you think crazy thoughts like "gee, maybe winter isn't so bad, after all." The fog blew off and the sun came out before lunch so I grabbed a rod and drove to one of my little winter carp lakes. The lake has an outlet to … Continue reading How to Winter
Catch and A Release
Looking back through my journal notes I think I am forced to admit that the carp fishing season on the Columbia River ended in September. I still saw a few carp in October, and even caught one on November 2, but September was the last time I saw decent numbers of feeding carp in the … Continue reading Catch and A Release
October Caddis
The Columbia remains weedy and the water levels are very low. Carp fishing from the shore is a tall order, and with more saber-rattling at China over trade, I'll be surprised if my boat arrives in time for Christmas. Luckily for me, there are other fishing opportunities around. This week I decided to visit the … Continue reading October Caddis
Memory Weeds
I remember this fish. I spotted it from the road, rooting on the bottom in a small bay. I clambered as quickly and quietly as I could down the rocks and managed to hook it without getting my feet wet. I also remember that the hook pulled and I lost the fish. What had me … Continue reading Memory Weeds
The Fishing Dojo 