I put in my kayak at Cady Park at 7:00 am and paddled up to Douglas Bar against the current combined with the outgoing tide. Good workout. It made me appreciate the power generated even by a small outboard engine.

As I made my way upriver I passed a multitude mottled wayward humpies meandering aimlessly like miniature sharks. The Pilchuck current was noticeable. The fishing action there was non-existent with one familiar fisherman and his dog working the confluence for the coho that weren't there. At about 8:30 as I approached the island below Douglas Bar that splits the river I chatted with a fellow who was pitching Dick Nites on the bank of the west channel. No luck yet he said. I crossed the west channel and fished the downstream point. I floated eggs for awhile until a log ended that endeavor. I drifted a few different Dick Nites and a Brad's Wiggler near some quiet water around some logs. I didn't lose any gear but didn't get any fish on either.

I decided to explore the shallow east channel that no boater would ever dare attempt. On the east bank of that channel I saw a deeper area that a couple cohos jumped from so I sneaked over (as much as a guy wading with a kayak in tow can sneak) to an area above the hole and cast back with a black jig and later a Brad's wiggler. No takers. Further upstream I pulled my kayak through even shallower water until I reached a calm area of nearly frog water that was at the south end of the island. Several drift boats were anchored up and the fish were jumping out all over the place. Some of them clearly 10# or more. This must be the place I thought. Unfortunately none of the guys in the drift boats had caught anything. 'Should've been here yesterday' I was told. I've told people that but it's not as fun being on the receiving end of that statement.

Talked with a few other fellows as we fished near each other. Tried black, purple and chartreuse jigs. The only fish I saw caught was on a black jig. No fish for me but I had a nice float downstream and I cleared out some old fishing line etc. off some snags as I floated down. Good day on the river even though my freezer still has room in it.

BentRod

10/11/2015 10:35:00 AM

Great report. Thanks. You didn't happen to be in a grey inflatable kayak did you?

hooksetjou

10/11/2015 10:44:00 AM

I was thinking the same BendRod.
Solidlbo, if that was you did you see the hooked chum that jumped near your kayak?

skidlybo

10/11/2015 12:12:00 PM

No. I was in a green camo rig. Wish I could've seen that though.

BentRod

10/11/2015 8:48:00 PM

Well, saw a guy in an inflatable drag up from down below and fish in front of us. I commented on how I thought that was a good way to hit some good water. Better luck next time. Tight lines.

skidlybo

10/11/2015 9:13:00 PM

You're right. The kayak is an awesome way to access that spot that looks so much better than the one you're currently fishing. I remember a couple years ago I was on the bank on the lower part of the river and getting skunked while I watched a guy in a kayak anchored only 75 ft. upstream from me using the same jig and technique I was except he was killin' em. One after the other. I couldn't move. He could. I knew what I had to do from that point on.

I just wish there was more access to different sections of the river. Paddling upstream where I went Friday would not be an option today. Seems like Wednesday would be a good time to hit it again. River should be back in shape by then.

Tight lines to you as well.

oldguyfox

10/12/2015 12:25:00 AM

Just put in at short school access

skidlybo

10/12/2015 9:00:00 AM

I'll give that a try. Thanks.

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