Went to fish the Kalama today and found the water in the trees at deadline with 8 inches of visability. Tried fishing some sidewater areas to no avail. Had to stand in the brush and short line. It should be good once we get this water to drop.

~steelymann~

Steelyman- you are absolutely right. I cant wait for the Kalama to clear up and drop a little. The river was holding quite a few fish in last couple of weeks. Before the water blew out of shape fishing had been great for me. Many multilple fish days, and I mean multiple. The river should be stacked when the water drops. There have not been that many winter steelies counted at the upper hatchery which tells me that the fish are not just shooting up the river but holding along the banks and slow water until the river drops before they start moving. 45,000 Elochaman strain fish were planted for this return which means that these fish are 1 to 2 weeks from spawning. Some of the bucks I was catching were already milting and the hens had fairly developed eggs. This is clear to see that these fish, being smaller and close to spawning are not trying to expend their energy by shooting up the river against these torrent waters but would rather wait and let the water drop so they can prepare to drop their eggs and so fourth. These, of course, are those 4-7lbs "clones" if you are familiar with the past hatchery returns of fish on the Elochaman. Also 45,000 Kalama strain fish were planted for this return as well including the wild fish that will be big bruisers after being in the ocean for three years. Anyhow when the water drops I will be there.