Gotta chance to look around a little today (wouldn't it figure that I had the day scheduled off as a break day just as things are coming around) and thought I'd pass along some things to watch for, safety-wise of course, wouldn't tell you where I think the fisheys will all be hiding would I ??

For those floating the middle run of the 'Duc, there appears to be a full blockage of the right (normal path channel at the first island just above the 101 bridge. I haven't been through it, but judging from the looks of it from the bridge ... I don't think you can go that way now. It might look different from the other end, but be sure to watch for it!!

While the "bad" (that was partially fixed) part of the Oxbow withstood the storm for the most part, there is no longer any gravel at the bottom to turn around on ... it appears about 3-4 of silt has washed in and it wouldn't even support walking on it today without sinking pretty deep, so I wouldn't try to drive on it.

Incredible changes on the Hoh, I'm fearful that we lost a good percentage of the early spawn. I wouldn't even know where to start with some of the changes I saw today ... but just be prepared to say "Wow!" or something a little stronger when you get a look at some of it.

If I see / hear more of potential safety problems, I'll post them

Bob-
Were the changes on the Hoh more dramatic then some of the changes we saw in those massive high waters over the past few months?

Checked out the Oxbow friday and man was it different! A whole ton of silt covered a lot of the cobbles. On the right is a salmonberry shrub that grows among the rocks that are now covered in silt. To the left where the the little water channel lies you can see how much silt deposition there is. Also, the gravel bar got shifted a lot. Instead of being broad, long and flat, it's now a small hill. That first log sticking out on to the gravel now provides a resting spot for salmonids during high water. Had nothing better to do, so I waded out on the gravel bar only to find out that there was a drop off!!! Luckily I got out of there quick enough to avoid getting totally swamped.

Down by the area where the river makes a 90 degree bend next to 101, there is a lot of new woody debris near the riffle. Previously on north side of the river, there were a few permanent fixtures of woody debris, looks like a few new downed woods joined the collection.

Not a hunter, so I don't know the exact ID of the 4 brown headed ducks I saw at both areas. According to my field guide they were either canvasbacks or northern pintails, wasn't able to make out if they had pintails on em.

Hey guys anyword when the OP rivers will be in again? Thanks a lot. I will post a report if I decide to go but it kinda depends if the rivers are fishable.
Thanks

Still probably a few (dry) days for the Hoh, perhaps one dry day away on the Bog. Others should fine tomorrow, although still quite high and dirty.

Changes were far more drastic than the high waters earlier this year Ryan due to the fact they stayed high for a long period of time ... and thus had a chance to do some real digging rather than a quick flash of water.

Odds are they were mergansers RH

Bob,
Thanks for replying. I am planning on doing the bogie so I will wait a day or two. Spring break is almost over and the rivers have been blown the entire time. Thanks again.

How's the river out back shaping up Bob?

Looking to hit it tomorrow and Thursday.

Thanks

Sorry I missed ya FJ ... as you probably saw today, it looks nice.

Another FYI ... the blockage I mentioned below WD seems to have disappeared

Did the mouth of the Hoh divert to where it used to be?
I couldn't believe it when I was there in Feb. I like the "old" river better...

Lower river by Barlow's is WAY different, but I haven't walked out to the mouth to exactly where she's dumping in. Floated the upper river today ... all I can say is my-oh-my!!! WOW