I was thinking about heading out to the Carbon this weekend...anyone been out there in the last couple days? Last weekend was a bust so I was wondering if what I'd heard was true about the run being over(got that from a guy who's house is right next to the river...)

guess he was full of it...sorry all, I just read the other post about the Carbon...

anyone have a suggestion on what colors they've been hittin? looks like the jury is still out on leader length...I'll stick to 12-24" i guess...I can get away with it - just have to admit I'm new!

I've been going out that way every couple of days because it's close. Over the last week I've seen fewer and fewer fish roll, fewer fish taken away and fewer people with poles. Yesterday I saw one other person with a pole where a week ago I had seen 2 dozen. Hope it's not over but doesn't look promising.

Living in Orting, I fish there almost everyday. Although I've sucked an egg for the last week, other folks are still getting Silvers. It doesn't seem as hot as it was last year, however. Water level is VERY low compared to this time last year.

I'm from bonney Lake so its kinda close for me too...you fellas know if there is any fishing up in my neck of the woods?

Potaire, sorry to hear about the lousy luck. I am still pretty green so when you say the water is low, does that mean less fish? When I was there last weekend, I stumbled across what I think was a nice chinook on the beach, all gutted out. What gives? Cant you keep 1? Cant remember. If you have any other info you'd like to share, I would enjoy talking to you some more. Its a nice area out there.

Bluenote--This is only my 3rd season, so I still consider myself green as well. Perhaps more seasoned vets can chip in, but, I've heard lower water usually means less fish. I caught my 1st King ever this year--at the Sewer Plant. Also caught a female King that was still as silver as the bumper on your car!! Both were 35-36" and about 22lbs. Man, what fun, to fight and land a fish that big! I'd enclose a pic if I knew how. I also fish by the remains of the old bridge (actually in the town of Orting). Wander up and down the dirt road--it runs from the junction of the Carbon and Puyallup Rivers, all along the Carbon up to Voight's Creek, which is where the hatchery is located. All kinds of different places to fish along the whole length. If you see a blueish-green fold-up chair, that's mine (I use it to rerig, not fish out of. The sport IS suppossed to be relaxing). Stop and get acquainted.

Potaire

right on!! size doesnt matter to me right now though...just want to catch one!

I defintely will stop and BS...but what dirt road are you talking about? I've only been out there once and that was down by the stone bridge north of town. I really havent seen much of the river system down there...maybe some weekend I should just mosey around and see whats there!

Good talking to you...Im sure it wont be the last time!

The Carbon is clearing nicely with the cold nights. The fish are there, you just need to cover some water to find them. Try the lower river near 145 St. E. Spinners or eggs will get them. Good Luck

Might also want to check further down rivers for some fresh fish. A bit more willing to hit something further down.

B Mac---Didn't we meet down on the Carbon a couple years ago??? I had the lime-green stocking hat pulled over the baseball hat, and you were using spinners at the sharp river bend above the old bridge remains.

Bluenote--the dirt road runs right along the Carbon--ya can't miss it. It is actually paved once you get down near "The Grange", or hatchery. Park on Hwy 162, in front of the Sewer Plant (plant is back off the highway a 100 yards of so, towards the river. You'll see other parked cars, a gate, and a sign telling ya that is the "Water Treatment Plant". It is before you actually enter the town of Orting, if coming from Sumner/Hwy 410). Follow the plant's dirt access road from the gate on the highway--it runs into the dirt road I'm talking about that follows the Carbon. PS---ya have to leave your car with the others. Ya can't drive on the access road, even if the gate's open.

Potaire...

are you talking about the treatment plant there close to 410? Thats the only one I know of...

No. There is another treatment plant on the way to Orting. From Sumner, take Hwy 162 south. I'm guessing about 10 miles. Plant is on the left, but can't be seen from road. It is past the golf course. There are always a bunch of vehicles parked along Hwy 162 at the gate to the plant. You need to park there and walk in. There are several places along Hwy 162 where people park and walk to the river to fish. Check it out. There were a lot of fish in the river last weekend, but tough to catch with the poor water visibility.

Actually, the plant CAN be seen from the road--once you are right across from it. Trees block your view right up to the last second, coming from Sumner/410. Bluenote, are you sure you're not confusing the Puyallup with the Carbon?? The Puyallup merges with the Carbon in Mc Millin (couple miles outside of Orting, towards Sumner/410), and from that point on the combined river remains named the Puyallup. The Carbon ends there, and that is still 6 or so miles from 410. The river close to 410 is called the Puyallup at that point. PS--Silvers were in there thick today. Saw lots caught--even I got one. :p

Potaire, Yes I think I remember running into you on the Carbon. How's it been going. Got a few on the lower river last night, not too big mostly 3-4 pounds but fun on light tackle. I did see one really nice one swim past me right at my feet. I'm going to try again this afternoon. Hope to run into you again down there this winter.

thanks fellas...

I did some walkin around this weekend so now I know pretty much where you guys are talkin about.

Seems like everyone BUT me was catching fish on Sunday. Oh well - better luck next time.

Bluenote--what has worked well for me during the Carbon Silver runs is a spinner. Get one that is ALL silver--no color at all. I've seen those yellow and black Vibrax's work well also. Pull them through a slow pool that has deeper water. Good luck.

Potaire

Potaire, its funny you should mention the silver spinner...I just happened to pick up some of those on the last trip to the store!!

The fellas next to me were knocking em dead with eggs...big bright pink clumps of em. Thought I'd try that too. They caught 4 fish out of the same place I was fishing not 30 mins prior.