Is this a [Bleeeeep!] show, even on the non-tribal land?

Might be out in those parts with my 12 year old later in the week. We like exploring some with hiking and fishing mixed in. But not fishing in crowded areas.

I've seen that area in non-peak time and it was pretty quiet, but not sure what late Dec looks like. Feel free to hit me up with a message, too. Thanks!

Wherever fish are concentrated is most likely gonna' be a sh!t show in this 21st century. I haven't been there in close to 10 years, but yeah it was crowded whenever there were a lot of fish around. Go check it out and meet a bunch of new fishing friends.

It's combat fishing even on the reservation where you have to pay $100 or whatever to fish. So it's even worse where you don't have to pay.

Here is a video posted yesterday of about 40 guys combat fishing the rez hole on the Salmon:

When there are fewer places to fish and more fishermen, it gets more crowded.

12/31/2024



I agree, just more people fishing BUT THAT SAID, many that read these posts, and currently fish the Humptulips River probably don't remember that there were 2 railroad bridges below 101 Highway.

One of my 1st years, 1968 to early 70's. Humptulips, at upper train bridge, had a 3 fish steelhead limit. The area around the present boat ramp must of had 100 people, and 200+ fish laying on bank, hung in trees, etc,. Many reading this won't even know/remember.....okies, sammy special, spin glows, and many others. NO bobber/floats or jigs in the days......

Bad as the crowds were at times in the "old days", in general current areas are worse MORE often.

Happy New Year to all who either post here or just read the posts.....I really didn't think I'd still be here to post this......

I fished the Salmon a couple weeks ago. It was not crowded, but it was also devoid of fish.... Must have been a week early. Talked to three other people who, like me, figured it should be good but were likewise disappointed. Don't despair. There's water (some with fish in it) out there that isn't too crowded. Sadly, they don't always show when we think they should, but it's still worth heading out with some degree of optimism.

Isnt there less people fishing than in the historic past? The [Bleeeeep!] show became extreme with internet reporting / chasing. Look at this guy; https://www.ifish.net/threads/sw-washington-fishing-report.1711846/

People pay for fishing reports so they can go to the "hot spot" on the weekend. This isnt your group of fishing buddies keeping you in the loop on whats happening on the water. Couple this with major hatchery steelhead cuts across the state and this is where we are. Fortunately, most of the report chasing / internet fisherman stick to easy access. I have been finding success on winters and not fishing around ANYONE. Fishing is what you make it. Dont want people? Dont go to the hatchery hole on the side of the road.

I listened to a guy that is a prominent hunter talking about the differences in wildlife management agencies across the country. What I thought was interesting was the agencies titled "Fish and Wildlife" have far different management goals than those that are titled "Fish and Game". Steelhead fishing and hunting will be a thing of the past in our state friends.

“ Steelhead fishing and hunting will be a thing of the past in our state friends “

Especially if we continue to let it happen as it has been here in waaa for at least the last two decades. Once they changed their agency’s name, and call the game wardens, conservation officers, it’s all over but the shouting...

And they ( our fisheries management teams) have managed to cut the winter Steelhead fishing crowds down a bit here in waaa with the new age fisheries management enacted. No more crowds lined up to launch drift boats or sleds on any access on the entire Snoqualamie, the Skykomish, the Puyallup, Cedar, or most any other river ( insert favorite here ) that used to have winter Steelhead to angle for.

Those here liking the solitude of fishing, the lack of crowds on the banks, or simply detest boat fishing, should really like the new ways.

Happy New Year.

Good for you ESWAN.
They are out there and that link you quoted is gay 4 sure.
Idiots looking for their 15 seconds of fame.

I commented on that site about that report. I'm not against posting pics and reports. But for Christ sake, why exactly the details where baffles my mind? You slitting your own throat! The only thing I can figure is some must have major self esteem issues that pevents them from holding back on the bragging. You are correct Eswan. Thanks for not stating directions how to get there, and which rock you stood on.

used to fish that stretch by myself in the early 90's. 10$ you could by a permit to access Quin land, not anther soul around.

Yeah, no thanks. Just not my thing. I prefer not seeing anyone else around.

There's nothing quite like the thrill of waiting 3 minutes to cast until you finally see a gap in the steady procession of other peoples' bobbers to be able to barely fit yours in without tangling everybody up. What a rush!
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I remember the Cowlitz Barrir Dam in the early 70's that was crowded beyond belief. But Tokul Creek was even worse. In those days we had steelhead everywhere because they were planted everywhere. What a concept!

Same at Blue Crk and the bar accross from it for winter steel. Mid to late 80's. Shoulder to shoulder. Without a boat at the time, we would walk in before the property was developed on the bar side. If you left your spot, you had to wait to get back in. Funny how I could put up with that then, and not now?

Right? Me too, I think I have renegotiated with myself what I consider "good fishin",
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Kinda funning thinking back. Fished the Barrier Dam in the late 70s with no success but no real problems. It certainly was easier to boat across the river but even with the crowds it seemed calm and orderly.

Fished the Kenai a few years ago for sockeye and that was a very "crowded" fishery. But, the understanding was that everybody fished essentially the same way. Don't thing I saw but a couple tangles and these were almost always caused by an overly exuberant sockeye.

On that same AK trip, though, I went off and fished grayling by myself and that was perfect. The crowds were for collecting food to feed my body, the grayling fed my soul.

Good point. Adjust expectations accordingly. A good day of fishing to me is to catch one or two fish and not see anyone else. I’ve had a few of those days in the last year, but not many.

Crowds can be better tolerated if there are a few more fish around. But the number of fish are decreasing and the crowds are only increasing.


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