Went out to look for some Steelies on the NF Lewis today. Just had a few hours before it got dark so I hit the lower river. Well to my suprise I hooked in to two chrome bright nookies one was 25# and the other must have gone 35#. Kind of late for this kind of fish don't you think?? Have any of you guys been seeing late runs of bright fish? I think that the low water this early fall has pushed the runs back some.

Nice day Dan! That is typical of the Tillamook rivers and Chetco R. area in December, but I haven't heard much of that further north. Should be a lot of steel runnin up there already too.

For whatever reason, the Lewis seems to be getting a very late run of Chinooks this year. Not sure why. I've heard reports of folks getting them in late Nov on the North Fork but your fish are the first I've heard from the East Fork. Or maybe they're early run springers!

Naaaa.

I remember reading an article many years ago about a native winter chinook run on the E.F Lewis, and how many steelheaders were surprised when they hooked into a big ole fish they thought was a steelhead, but turned out to be a chrome Chinook.

From what I've heard and have read,there is a small run of winter king's that hit the Lewis.Maybe with good ocean conditions this year that little run maybe a little bigger this year!!!!.
Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

Maybe it's just me, cohoangler, but I thought kalamabama had posted about catching chinook in the north fork? Could be the delerious state I'm in because of my ankle?

BTW, I've seen a few chinook landed and released in the EF over the years.

I noticed the same, but I have been drinking...and dreaming of steelhead fishing.....between the two thought patterns not complete.....ay ey ay ey ay
( head shaking)

I get a chance to hit the Lewis next week ( in Vanc for work)

tight lines, tasty brines

Well sure enough I spoke to the old timers in the area and you guys are right both the EF and the NF did have quite a good late run of Nookies. Must have been what I hit. Feel quite lucky on that. But if it is such a small run I may just C&R them from now on.
Yes KB the fish I hit where in the NF not far from the mouth of the EF. I have also heard of some nice nookies being caught in the EF this past month. There where also lots of silvers in the EF this year. Made my son quite mad when I made him toss a nice silver back ( can not keep salmon on the EF). I must say it is good to see the runs comming back.