Shocking

The wife and I decided to check out the coastal cleanup happening today along the Washington Coast.  Their site is Coast Savers.

I've spent some time hiking the coastal beaches in the past and must have had blinders on.  I cannot believe the amount of garbage we were able to pick up in a short time.  Tons of rope, plastic bottles, fishing floats, tires, tuna cans, and miscellaneous junk all along our beaches.  I wish I could say this was an urban beach where the garbage came from local residents or industry, but this was a beach along between the Hoh and Queets Rivers in Olympic National Park.  Shocking that there's so much garbage on the beaches, but just as shocking is where it's coming from... our oceans and our consumption of plastic crap.  We've been working on reducing our plastic consumption before this cleanup and will work even harder now.

I'm ashamed at my past obliviousness towards the garbage on the beach.  Look forward to next year's cleanup along with carrying my own bag to pick up items whenever I get back out there.

Tax Day Zombies

Plenty of brain dead zombies on tax day.  While one could go on and on regarding the tea partiers, I'll leave the low hanging fruit alone.

Tax day is a rough day.  Not only is it a frenzied rush to get taxes mailed to the IRS (for those who wait) it marks the end of the season on the bigger coastal rivers.  Was able to connect with an old friend for a drift on closing day.  Late start, relaxed day.  Lots of boat fishing and a bit of swinging through some of the choicest runs... and plenty of gear fishing too.  Been a while since I've fished gear and it was pretty enjoyable.  I forgot how nice the banter is since most of my fishing this winter has been solo and away from the crowds.

Back to zombies... We drifted below the hatchery trib and all of a sudden the water was seemingly boiling with smolts.  At first I figured it was the large hatch of mayflies, but we soon realized the hatchery had just released their steelhead smolts.  Tons of bumps on the plug rod for the rest of the float... reminded me of the shakers fishing downriggers in the salt.

Nice to see all the seasons on the river this past season.  From frigid cold in December to warmer February to the last day of the season.  Always nice to see fry in the shallows, a short but heavy mayfly hatch, and even a decent sized stonefly.  Spring is here.... soon summer-runs and saltwater salmon.

Last Dam Summer

Elwha Dam Removal Button article

The Hoh's Got IHN

Bad news when it comes to fish disease on the Olympic Peninsula.  Earlier this winter IHN was found on the Bogachiel and Sol Duc rivers. 

Now IHN has been found in wild stocks on the Hoh River.  This was reported by the scientists at the Steelhead Summit put on by the Steelhead Summit Alliance, Wild Steelhead Coalition and Wild Fish Conservancy.  The IHN was found in wild Hoh stocks of steelhead.  The testing isn't complete yet, so they cannot state that the IHN is the same type found in the Bogachiel and Sol Duc.

The IHN found on the Peninsula earlier this winter does have a source.  The strain originated in the Columbia River, and is the same strain that has caused outbreaks in Clearwater, Idaho hatchery steelhead.

There was great discussions on the issue and I know I gained a ton of new information from the presentations and discussions.  Kudos to the Wild Steelhead Coalition and the Wild Fish Conservancy.  Two great organizations doing good work for native fish in the Pacific Northwest.

As far as IHN, my opinion is that the managers are way too lax about outbreaks in certain geographic areas, such as Idaho and the Columbia River.  In my opinion, they need to react the same way in the Columbia system as they just did on the Olympic Peninsula, which is to destroy all eggs, juveniles, and adults.

Cody's Challenge

Remembrances of last winter.  Sitting here finally back on the OP hardly imagining life in the Rockies when I catch a glimpse of this poster while checking to see what's happening in the Boat.

It was a fun race for a good cause.  Wish I was back in town for it this year... although I'm sure I'd be hurting with the lack of physical activity lately. 

Nice to get a reminder to get back out and spend more time outside.

Tomorrow, the coast.

Good for the soul

Ventured out to the coast over the past few days.  I find the area therapeutic.  From long hikes through the rainforests to swinging flies through glacial colored rivers.  Truly a paradise, and every time I venture there I remember those who fought so hard to create the National Parks and protected areas that now are oasis's for our souls.  Also a reminder that the fight is not over and we need to continue to protect not only the land that sustains fisheries but the practices that cause harm that habitat cannot fix.  Maybe it was the beautiful native fish I tailed for a quick release but I cannot help but feel somewhat hopeful that change, however slow, can be implemented and conditions can improve.

 

  

  

 

Go Saints

I'm not much of a sports fan anymore, but you gotta feel good about the Saints going to the Super Bowl.  After everything New Orleans has been through, this has to be a shot in the arm for the city.