My first visit to the Wind River was in August of 1999 during a camping trip. I really wasn't aware of the massive spring chinook fishery that took place in the spring, and spent my energies looking for those elusive summer run steelhead. Oh, I knew that there was a springer fishery, but I didn't realize just how big it really was. During this initital trip, I scouted out the hatchery, the fishing area below the hatchery, and the infamous "Canyon". Since it was damn near 100 degrees on that August day, the hike down and up the canyon sucked. Not only that, but I really couldn't believe that anyone would hike down that canyon to fish water that really didn't look that "fishy" to me. I never touched a fish that day, and vowed that people who fish the Wind must be insane.

Roll the clock forward to last week. Move the Brain Dial closer to "Insanity".

Team Vision (minus Parker) hit the Wind River on the Sunday/Monday of Mother's Day. I got a report back that they caught and released at least 100 salmon (no joking) and that you couldn't go 10 feet in one drift before hooking a fish. Thousands of fish were swimming by at any one minute. Pods of fish were "yumping and yumping". Good cured eggs under a float was the hot ticket. The drift guys were doing "ok", but Team Vision apparently put on a Clinic for everyone. Needless to say, how could anyone not get excited about 100 fish days where every cast resulted in a fish?

Was the Wind River truly this good? With Vision(s) of Chinooks on the brain, I lasted out a painfull week of work and prepared for the eventual slaughter on the weekend! I was going to put the hurt to those fish!

This last Saturday morning finally rolled around and KidSauk (KS) and I headed SW to the Wind. With a minor stop-off to visit Uncle Joe and raid his egg stash, KS and I hauled booty to the Wind.

We finally arrived sometime around 3:00 pm at the WhateverHotSprings / Somethingorrather Falls fishing spot. Tossing on all the gear in 2.3 seconds, we were off to fish the lower end of the river. The first thing I noticed was that nobody was walking out with any fish! With a 4 fish limit, I was expecting people to be renting out wheelbarels. Hmmmm. Getting to the "hot" spot, the first thing I noticed was the lack of people. Here's a shot of the lower river:

Hmmm. The next thing I noticed were the millions of dead suckers and filled out salmon carcases that littered the river. I don't think the Wind will be lacking good food and nutrients for the little fishies.
The next think I noticed was that no one had any fish on the bank. Hmmmm. The final thing I noticed was that I didn't see any fish in the clear water, nor did I see any fish "yumping and yumping". Hmmmm.

A couple of fishing hours later, I didn't see anyone catch a fish, except for a sucker or 3. Hmmmm.

Discouraged, KS and I headed on up the Wind. After a small drive, we stopped at a familiar parking spot on the side of the road. Upon informing KS that we were about to descend in to the bowels of the Wind, we see a couple of guys walk out with a few fish! Ah ha! Maybe we've found the fish! The hike down in to the canyon wasn't nearly as traumatic as I recalled. Once down at the Canyon, I was amazed at how many people were sitting on the cliff fishing a good 10' below them!

How the hell does one land a fish from up there? Also, from the looks of it, although they were not successfull, it appeared to me that the method of choice for "fishing" the Wind appeared to be...yup..."drift fishing".
Since we were armed with floats, we decided to fish the slower, deeper pools below the cliffs. Here's a shot looking down the river:

A couple more hours here with no success. Didn't see anyone hook anything down in the Canyon. I did catch a shot of KS, though:

The hike out of the canyon wasn't that bad. Don't think I'd want to do it with 40 pounds of king fillets, though. If you do go in th canyon, bring good hiking boots, some drinking water, and a good pack. You'll need it.
Discouraged, we headed back down to the lower end of the river and tried to find the Whatever Falls. We found the parking lot, paid our $$$$, and started the trek to the falls. It was about 8:00 pm at this point and we only made it about half way until we decided to actually stop at a big Eddy and fish until it got dark. Finally, I saw my first king roll around 8:15 pm! That was the *only* king I saw in the water that day! We never did see anyone catch a fish, and probably only saw 10 fish on the bank for nearly 300-400 fisherman/women. We finaly left the Wind at 9:30 pm and drove back to Seattle.

Oh sure, I'm positive we could have hiked up to the falls on Sunday morning, put our time and hours in and got a fish or two. But, it wasn't worth it.

Well, my long-Wind(ed) story is almost complete. Just remember kiddies, that like all fishing, it's about timing. If you are not there when the fish are, you'll be wasting your time. Just remember that by the time that you see a post here about the "hot spot", it's too late.

I'm forever jealous of Joe and KS. I can't even imagine a 100 Chinook Day. So many springers that you are just handing off your rod to people not nearly as fortunate as you. So many fish that you're actually "bored" of fishing. So many fish that the water is running red from the blood bath. Damn.

I hear ya. My experience on the Wind was similar. There were lots of fish moving thru the lower river (as seen in your first picture) on Sunday, May 13. They really started moving on Monday, May 14 and the catches were spectacular, from what I've heard. The area also got alot of rain on Monday. I got there on Tuesday, May 15 and picked up two nice fresh fish in the 20lb range (drifting eggs). For whatever reason, the float anglers were doing much better than the drifters. Lots of fish were taken out that day. The run dropped off considerably on Wednesday. There were some more fish picked up in the lower river during the rest of the week and the weekend but it was pretty much over in three days (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday). My previous experience indicates the fish usually move thru the lower river over the course of a week or two. This year was different. The heavy rain on Monday was probably the reason.

I avoid fishing the canyon for reasons outlined. The hike is a killer and the fishing is difficult or impossible. The Wind is done for me this year. But it's been a great year so far so I can't complain.

Well i have heard some excellent reports of some big catches yesterday morning(Monday)in the lower river. And if what you are saying is true it should hold out for a few days of some good fishing. So how long do you think it takes the fish to get up the river? Because i am planning on fishing it tommorow.

Hi Parker

I just got home from fishing the Wind river. I was down there from 1pm Sunday to 8am this morning. I also was there last Sunday thru wednsday and it was great. I would not say that it was I saw 100 fish days for 1 or 2 people but last week everyone got fish below the falls. It was at times fish every cast and they were all agressive biters.

This week I fished above the falls and it was unbelievable. If you were to go right up the hill past so and so pay area on the east side of river 3 miles. 4 wheel drive road. You will see all the trucks. Walk down muddy road to the left and follow the trail down. This is where the high concentration of fish are right now. The bulk of the fish seem to be holding up there for now. They are now going on and off the bite and alot are being fouled. The good thing is everyone seems to be break off as soon as they realize the fish is fouled. I down sized my hook and was to reduce the foul hookups.

Good luck if you go again.

I think I am going to take a break and get my boat ready for estuary sturgeon.

Good post and pics Parker. As with Real Estate, successful fishing is much about timing and location! Good eggs and tech don't hurt of course. I talked to some lucky guys that were in the fish. From what I can gather from th4em and other posted reports the Wind R. situation is much like what occurs in the Tillamook rivers during the fall chinook run there. The fish come in and stack up in the lower river before heading on up. When a good batch come in to join some stacked up fish it's great for couple days until the 'thin-out' factor takes a toll on the fish and others also scatter on up. When the river raises with rain the fish shoot on up faster. This can leave the lower river spotty unless there are a lot of fresh fish coming up behind the now scattered or caught fish. You caught it spotty Parker. Very frustrating! I have fished long enough that I have had my lucky days "in the barrel" and the "should have been here yesterday" times more than I can recount. Yup - the luck of the timing. The fish Gods can be very cruel, or occassionally kind, to those of us that can only go once or twice a week; like you and me. Kinda makes ya jealous of the hardcore guys and guides that are there all the time so can't miss the hot days. And to rub salt in the wounds of the guys who missed the hot bite days, these hardcore guys and guides that fish all the time, and are excellant fishermen that get dialed in, often only report their hot fishing days to make it sound as if they are greater fishermen than the timing factor would suggest. Am I envious of the 'fish every day dudes'? Yup! Especially because I used to be one.

RT

FishCatcher - so that's where that road goes at the so-and-so pay place? Damn. I wondered where all the trucks were going. Oh well, maybe next time. We figured the fish had to be in beween the Falls and the Canyon - we just didn't know how to get there.

RT - yeah, being a "Weekend Warrior" sucks. Not too sure I missed the lack of sleep when I was guiding, but boy, I sure do miss being "in the zone" with the fish. These days, I'm just lucky if I'm "on the same river" with the fish!

At least you got down there on the water. That's some beautifull country through the gorge and whatnot. I still haven't been down to poke around yet this spring.

Bruce

Hey Parker, I know you Probably already talked to KS, and he probably told you about yesterday and you probably want to shoot both of us right now, but I will be down there in the madness this weekend if you would like to meet up with me and Pam, let me know.
Yes it is all about timing and putting your time in, I probably put as many hours in as anyone down there and That is why I have had so many good days, plus having the best eggs helps. Any ways for the guy who said he did not see any one guy catch or hook a hundred or so fish, Take off the blinders, I handed the rod off to at least 20 to 30 different people on that sunday who were not doing very well or did not have the proper gear. It just so happens that one of the people I handed off to happens to be a prominent business man and told me after he thanked me that he would help me in my business venture. It always pays to be nice and helpful, its all about Karma baby, what comes around goes around.
Peace Superfly

Supreme springer slayer

Hey Fly...Great Eggs,is that simular to Driveway bait

Sorry Joe, but I have not talked to KS yet, and have not heard the stories. Not to sure I want to.

Somehow, I think I've pissed off the Springer God. Ok, so I've only been out for springers once, but still.....

The Springerless Parker
Anti-Springer Pro Staff
President, Wind River Cracker Brigade
One Unlucky MoFo As of Late

[ 05-23-2001: Message edited by: parker ]

Parker,

I'd tell you how well we did yesterday, but you'd probably want to shoot us.

Guys, the Wind is so damn crowded now even on weekdays that it's ridiculous. Bring your own rock to stand on.

Some know it all, fat, pot-bellied redneck know it all had the balls to tell me that I was an idiot for using braided line. Then he even told me what an idiot I was for fishing floats. I said nothing, I knew I'd have the last laugh watching that fat peckerwood hauling his four fish out up that steep ass hill. hehehe

The hike in to some of the spots is bad, the hike out especially with fish will kill ya.

Peace

Parker, That hole in the canyon you and KS were at is taylor made for bobber fishing. At about the line that would mark the back 1/3 of the hole is where it's deepest, and there's a little slot there. I watched a bobber fisherman in amongst the drift guys putting on a clinic. But that hole you were at is not where all the killing is going on, you need to go upstream juuuuusssttt a bit. If you don't mind sharing a rock with 8 of your favorite friends there are a few fish to be had. Just when you're fighting a 25 lber that's fair hooked and a guy casts across you and snags a fish and they tangle and his 50lb toughline saws through your 30 lb power pro, try not to throw him in the water. But I did pick 3 nice hens to hike out of the canyon yesterday. When I got to the top, I was glad I didn't get too greedy and take four.

Fortunately, I'm fishing 50 PowerPro and oh well, things like that happen when you're combat fishing. Most of the time, people are pretty cool about those type of things, but you will always find a jerk or two.

I don't think I have learned my lesson and will probably spend the weekend back down on the Wind.

Look for the guy with a Piscatorial Pursuits hat on - that'd be me.

Just a couple of quick questions for the "experts". Am I allowed to fillet my fish down in the canyon? I'd rather hike out some fillets that whole fish. Also, I had been concentrating on the fish with a float and eggs. Should I switch to drift gear? If so, what color combo of corky/yarn seems to be the most productive. Email me at parker@u.washington.edu if you don't want to go public.

[ 05-24-2001: Message edited by: parker ]

Hey Parker, its all good, we must go in there as a posse or you will have a hard time keeping a spot. Yes you are allowed to fillet your fish so it is less to walk out with, besides the carcass is better in the water than up in the weeds or in a dumpster.
I would love to float fish it in that spot, but there are to many J-o's driftfishing/ foul hooking fish in there. I just held it until a fish was swimming off with it then set the hook, that way there were no foul hooked fish for me. But most of the guys were breaking off the fouled ones.
Peace Superfly

Hey guys, I'm almost done with my helicopter flying lessons. As soon as I'm comfy flying a gyro-mini into canyons I'll be joining your posse. Parker, man I hope you hit it with a bite going this weekend! I'm pullin' for ya dude and I'm identifying with ya on this thing. I'll be driving north while you have fish on the end of your line. And J & J, I'll talk with you guys about mid next week, when I get back from the Island with about 32 side filets caught the easy way . Good luck with the timing guys. - Steve
---------
RT
Conceirge' - "Midnight at the Oasis"
Official Taste Tester Superfly LI Tea
Principle at Bikini Wax Assistant School
Human Rolling Pin for Crackers (slopes)
Team Viagra

Parker: Never had the opportunity to meet you, but I too know the pain of driving all the way to the Wind just to hear "You should've been here yesterday. They were killing them!" It sucks when you time it wrong. Oh well, I guess that's why they call it fishing. Rip some lip!

parker,

It's ALWAYS about the timing. The key is to figure out when the conditions will be right for "the" day. I've got the rivers I fish regularly pretty dialed in, but I haven't fished the Wind enough to know when they'll be where in the system.

I'm sure 'fly has it all dialed in though, so my advice to you is this: Next time Joe says he's going and the fishing should be hot, call in sick, hell, call in dead just get there. You won't be regretting not being at work when you're on your way home from a hot day of springer fishing. I promise

It must be more than a timing deal. Keeping this a secret is a must to if a seattle dude has his way. I was on the ifish board earlier on adn in a Wind topic the talk was all about some guy from seattle making another guy take off his Wind report because he didnt want more people coming to the place he owns along with lots of other people. guess he must a thought nobody knows about the fish there. Some secret ha. Did he try to take this topic down here to. One dude posted this in it.

[img]http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1637206&a=12525327&p=49133864&Sequence=0[/img]

Thanks to everyone who replied to me. I got an amazing amount of good information for a lot of people I've never met.

Just remember that what goes around comes around. Looks like I'll be emailing a few of you when the fishing get's hot over here (ok, when the fishing get's better then sucky).

That's it for this thread. I will start a new Wind River thread when I return on Tuesday. Stay tuned for more peeeektures, maybe some small videos, and as always, some good stories!

Parker, good luck I know buddy of mine was up the day before yesterday and had over 20 hookups and brought home his four fish. He fishes it almost everyday and like everyone has said it has been hot and cold. I am going to head up tues after the weekend crowds are gone and see if we can find any. Have a great weekend.