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Eyes on the river. Yesterday was such a beautiful day with sunny skies and weather into the 80s and water temps were 60-70s. I drove around the river and the upper river was completely empty. From 2A up to the Trestles it was empty. I took a nap at Pineville around noon and when I woke up I heard and saw fish splashing up. Yesterday and Monday were really great days to fish with fish moving up all day. It was not great numbers but it was consistent enough for everyone to hook into some fish. Considering the warm weather and warm water I think it was probably the best two days of the season so far.
I fished the Douglaston Salmon Run also known as the DSR which is private property where you have to pay a fee to fish on their property. There is lots of mixed feelings about the DSR and the property and water rights. Some fishermen condemn the place and others really like it. Whatever your feelings I must say that the people who work there are genuinely nice. All of the river walkers were courteous, pleasant and informative and the front office staff was very efficient. I must admit that I did not miss the garbage that is strewn through out the trails on the rest of the river. Just for clarification this is not a sponsored post by the DSR.
So after checking in I fished the early hours down low (closer to the lake) and it was a bit more crowded than I had expected on a Tuesday morning. Most of the people fishing were packs of 3 or 4 with guides and the guides made sure that their clients were being courteous so it was cool. There was consistent movement of fish and I legally hooked 5 with only one to hand. Additionally I foul hooked 4 fish because they are just racing through the runs.
Around 10 AM it seemed like things quieted down so I went to take a break and drive around the rest of the river.
It was really empty through out the river – not many fishermen. After my nap I drove up to Ellis Cove and fished and was able to hook into one fish but was unable to bring it to hand.
I went back up to the DSR and went “up the run” (closer to Pulaski). I was able to see more fish and hook into 2 but both were foul hooked. At around 5 PM, I came back down thinking they were closing soon so I walked up. As I was walking up I met a river walker and he informed they were closing at 8 pm. After the river walker let me know of the new hours I came upon a stretch of water where I basically all alone.
I could not see one fisherman on my left or right. What was even better was that fish were splashing up. Not many but enough to make me really happy and with no one else there it was great. As it has been noted elsewhere these fish are not holding they are just racing through so you have to be prepare for when they take a brief rest. I kept the fish that is pictured above because she gave me a fight and at the end looked like she had nothing else to give.
So in summary. There are fish in the river and if you can fish in the next few days then you should go. The warm weather and warm water and the last two previous years may be keeping fishermen away. I wet waded(fishing in shorts) and had a great time. Most fishermen may think of previous years where fished would stack up. Fish are not stacking up – they are moving quickly. If you are going to get a fish you need to be ready as they move. If you don’t want to fish the DSR then Lower Black Hole, Ball Park, Long Bridge, Town Pool are good places.
Enjoy and have good time. Please leave a comment if you have any questions or comments.
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