2 Fall Days

I love the fall - prime salmon fishing, college football, fall harvest, foliage, etc... With the exception of fishing, fall 2012 is one for the memory bank with a new daughter on the way in November and Oregon State Beaver football setting a winning streak record. Fall fishing however, was nearly non-existent with September and the better part of October passing without my wetting a line.

Vernita Bridge at dawn

I could blame work and a new baby girl on the way but I think life just took over this fall, eliminating my opportunities to hit the water in any capacity. With October nearing and having not fished since Buoy 10 and Curlew Lake, my 4th annual trip to The Hanford Reach upriver on the Columbia was in jeopardy as well due to hunting season conflicts with Papa Dave (antelope in Wyoming and a select elk unit in Washington).

Generally, prime time on The Reach is the first week in October and ideally we fish it 3 consecutive days. This year, we were limited to a last minute 2 day trip toward the end of the season in mid October which capped off my fishing for 2012... but I'll always take what I can get.

I do have to admit, The Reach isn't where fisherman go to catch and bonk fresh, chrome bright salmon; that's what the ocean and the estuary are for. I say that with all due respect and with the fisherie being one of my favorite places to be... It is however, a great place to go for big fish, decent numbers, and some of the most beautiful country blessed by God. It's always a blessing when I get the opportunity to be on the 25+ mile stretch of water.

This year, I kept my boat in the garage and jumped into Dave's boat which allowed me to relinquish the stress of being captain and just kick back and take in the scenery. While fishing two rods, we were able to put a couple 20lb fish in the box each day with a couple jack salmon in the mix as well. Fish pictures are limited this year as all my pictures were taken with my iPhone. I hope to get a few more rods going in the boat next year but just blessed we got to go this year, and always a blast fishing with Dave.