We are a little behind schedule on collecting eggs for winter steelheading and are looking at making a trip to Hoodsport. We will be traveling from Central Oregon so I am not real excited about pulling my 24' boat up their if it isn't necessary. We have never seen the place so I have some stupid questions!

Is having a boat a definite advantage?

Is a 24' sled overkill?

Is it time?

What are the harvest regulations?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

WT

Sometimes

No

Yes

Four fish

From what I have seen, the boats don't have any more advantages over bankers.

Considering all the Chums are right in front of the hatchery at high tide, your better of banking it. You should bring patience and expect the worst. (most of the time)

The fish are in. If your using a fly rod go with "Chum Candy" for gear I would go with a small green corkie and a small piece of red yarn.

Actually, i agree with him somewhat, i was out there Sunday and the bank anglers have just as good of a chance, i did take my boat out there and found it actually (IMO) was a little more convenient on the boat, dont have to fight the masses, probably will do the bank thing tomorrow just because of the weather. It is nice to be able to take a break to smoke a cigarette, drink some soda etc, without losing your spot. Just my 2 cents

Another advantage to boating it is you can move around to find fish.

We kept 4, one brite silver one with faint stripes was the only one with eggs, but nice big ones. Central Oregon? Hope your gonna' stay awhile, long way to go just for some eggs, with the boat you could move around more and chase the fish. Some places they just boil the water and then move. You can follow them, especially in a nice 24' sled!! Launch is across from the power house in Potlach, run about 3 miles north to the hatchery. Watch your depth if you have a prop on there, the water is real shallow in front of the hatchery, 2-3 ft. deep out for a long ways if the tide is out. Boat with a top sure is nice if the weather turns nasty, too!!

Also, make sure you have a good anchor. The bottom is rocky and with a good wind plus running tide it's easy to find yourself dragging bottom.