Op-Ed Contributor - Think Like a Fish - NYTimes.com

Op-Ed Contributor - Think Like a Fish - NYTimes.com: "UNLUCKY fishermen are all alike: We don’t know how to see. My friend Jud has outfished me in all but one or two of the hundred times we’ve gone to the ocean and bay beaches and kettle ponds on Cape Cod. By both study and exercise, he knows the culture of striped bass better than I know my own nose. But to call him “lucky” would begrudge him a talent that I have never seen in anyone else and that lives underneath skill or knowledge."

LVH FC Meeting & Event Schedule for JULY (2009)

LONGVIEW HILLS FISHING CLUB

 

MEETING & EVENT SCHEDULE FOR >>>>> JULY         ( 2009 )

 

2   July      Thursday     MONTHLY BREAKFAST MEETING >>>>      (9 AM at the Agate Beach Golf Course Restaurant.)

 

This will be another “Double Do-Rah” >!!< What we hope to do is have 2 Special Guests join us for our usual Fun Breakfast. I think you may remember meeting them previously. In any event >< Virginia Tardaewether & Parker Ogburn have been extremely contributory to the success we have enjoyed with our ongoing Newport Middle School Aquatic Angler Program. To that end, Brian Hudson & I would like to present each of them with an ODFW Certificate of Appreciation for their Many Generous Contributions, which greatly contributed to the Graduation of the AAP Class of 2009. 

 

4   July      Saturday     INDEPENDENCE DAY >><< FLY THE FLAG & Burn Some Burgers / Dogs with some Friends !!~!~!

 

7   July      Tuesday     3ed QUARTER ODFW VOLUNTEER COORDINATION MEETING   (9 AM at the ODFW Newport Office)

 

As you may recall, these quarterly meetings involve the Leadership of the 3 Coastal Fishing Clubs (CCFF, LVH FC & ANWS) convening with ODFW Staff to look over the Volunteer Challenges & Resources required to meet the various Stewardship & Sustainability Projects before us during this quarter.             (We will also be holding our Q3 FC Board Meeting >>JULY<< Date / Time to be determined.)

 

HEADS UP >> for a << SCHEDULE FLIP !~!~!

 

16  July    Thursday     BEVERLY BEACH LITTER PATROL        ( 9 AM All Hands Muster at the Club House)

 

As we did last month >< We will again conduct a Beach Patrol under the “Guiding Hand” of our Beach Mistress (aka Ellie LeMaster). After our 9 AM Muster, we will Car Pool down to the Beach ….. Remember to Wear Sturdy Shoes & Bring your Gloves >< (We will provide Litter Bags.)

 

23  July    Thursday     GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING / OFF CAMPUS TOUR >>>>  ( 9 AM Meet at the LVH Club House)

 

Our Off Campus Tour this month will involve a Very Special Visit, with the “Net Lady” (Sara Skamser), down at the Newport Marine Terminal. <!> Special Thanks to our Good Friend Dean Fleck for setting this visit up for us <!> Sara is the proprietor of the very unique “Foul Weather Trawl” Company >><< Sara & her Staff practice the “Almost Lost Art” of making, by hand, the Big & Expensive Nets used by Commercial Fisherman all over the world. This is a very special opportunity for us to meet “The Net Lady” & see how these Huge Nets are constructed by her skilled staff.  We will all convene at the Club House at 9 AM & Form Car Pools to arrive down to her Manufacturing Facility, by 10 AM. You don’t want to miss this one & be sure to bring your camera !!! 

 

SUMMER IS HERE >< ENJOY THE GOOD WEATHER WITH YOUR FRIENDS & MAYBE EVEN DO SOME FISHING !!~!        THE HOOK

 

 

 

 

Bryan, Frank and Wayde went back to the lower Columbia River to make another assault on the famed white sturgeon of that region. We had been on that section of river with our friend, colleague and coastal famous guide, Ryan Miner. We being good students and quick to grasp new techniques felt we were prepared to pursue sturgeon on our own. A trip was planned and reservations made. We set off Monday, June 22, afternoon with Frank's truck & camp trailer. Brian also had is truck and boat. Frank had made arrangements for camping at the Lewis & Clark RV & Golf Resort in south Astoria. A new park and not fully developed yet but clean and comfortable.

The golf course was also new and unique in that it is maintained without the use of chemicals. Apparently they have not discovered a natural way to control dandelions. The course had many close cropped plants. The greens were made of some space-age synthetic that was slow slick one had to be careful walking on them. A putted ball could easily have rolled 2 blocks if the greens had been big enough. It was still good to be able to play golf mere feet from our campsite.
Our usual grilled steak dinner was eaten Monday night and we turned in early. No campfires in this park.

Up at 0345, cold breakfast and off to Hammond Marina to launch the boat. We picked up some anchovies for bait and were in the water near 0500. Big tide exchange Monday night with a high near 9 feet and a low of -2. This created some strong current in the river and was a shock when we exited the marina into the main river. The current was rushing past and created eddies and small whirlpools at the mouth of the harbor. We crossed to the area we had fished 2 weeks before and started to set-up in 14 feet of water. We tossed out the anchor and prepared to fish. The boat just moved downstream at a good clip as the anchor would not hold us. Brian had another anchor so we put them together, moved back upstream and tossed them out. Same result, boat swiftly moving downstream. After a discussion Brian said we needed a bigger anchor so back to the Hammond Marina. An anchor was selected that was designed to hold a 25 to 30 foot boat so it was felt that securing Brian's 18 foot boat should work. I might mention that the weight of anchors increases exponentially with design requirements. Back across the river and yes, this anchor held us. It would seem appropriate to say here that a professional guide staying in our RV park said that evening that often when there is a swift current one has to move to shallower water to fish until the current lessens. It seems sturgeon don't like swift current either and your anchor will hold you.
We fished till noon on the south side of the river then went to the north side and above the Astoria-Megler Bridge to a good spot the guide in camp told us about. I guess it was not much of a secret as at least 100 boats were in the vicinity. We fished for a few hours but did not hook any sturgeon. Frank landed an 8 inch sculpin and that was all we caught. We saw a fire number of fish caught on other boats. Hamburgers that night and early bed.

Wednesday we got up later so the river current would not be as strong when we launched. Breakfast in a restaurant and in the water around 0700. We fished the south side of the river again. The wind started picking up so we moved nearer the shore by Young's Bay. No sturgeon were hooked and by noon the wind was blowing hard so we called it a day. Frank caught another sculpin. We broke camp and headed south to Newport arriving around 5. It was a fun trip and we are already talking about other trips for the ugliest fish in the world.

Wayde

FW: Thursday Litter Patrol Reminder

WE GOT-R-DONE >>>>> Today !!!!!

25    June      Thursday      BEVERLY BEACH LITTER PATROL     ( 9 AM Muster at the Club House )  We will carpool from there.

Ellie “The Beach Mistress” LeMaster is calling on us to run Special Beach Litter Patrols for the months of June, July & August. This is to Compensate for the High Summer Beach Visitor Use.

Yes Sir >< 10 Stalwart Club Members turned out in the Fog & Gloom to support Ellie & they were rewarded with Sunshine by the time we “Hit the Beach” >>>> (Talk with the various Team Members about the “Special Ceremony”… which was conducted at the Half Way Meeting Point !!)  

*** We collected 150 lbs of Trash & about 200 lbs of Rope >< All of that compliments of the following LVH FC Beach Patrollers >>>>>>>

THE NORTH TEAM comprised of >><< THE BEACH MISTRESS & her pal BEV GARVEY + THE HALLS & THE DUDLEYS.

THE SOUTH TEAM comprised of >><< FRANK STOUT + ROGER WILSON + BOB ABBOTT & Me.

Thanks to All hands >< It was a Fun “Stewardship” Morning & We will do it again (same time, same place) on the 23ed of July ………

THE HOOK

 

Meeting June 18, 2009

Our June 18th meeting at the Clubhouse started with Roger telling us a funny story about the fish that deserved to be caught.

John showed a sample of the "Critter Baskets" made and installed by several members of the LVH Fishing Club to prevent the animals from tearing the SOLV bags open and spreading garbage around.

Bob and Ellie looking at some fishing photos being passed around of the sturgeon trip Brian, Frank and Wayde took the week before.

Phil telling some stories on and introducing his friend and fellow fly fisherman, Steve Lichtenberger.

Steve demonstrating a great training tool and showing some different casts.

Here Steve explains about different fish line.

As always when fishermen (especially old fishermen) get together there are many stories. Anyone with more questions for Steve, or wanting to check out his website, can go to nwffo@flyshopnw.com.

This has to be the world's smallest hook. Do you think it would be worth it to catch the fish that might be interested in this?

All in all, it was a great meeting. Special thanks to Kim Andrew for bringing the delicious banana bread, it was truly appreciated.

FW: You will never see this again!!! come august watch for it

Just in from Hank Bryson >><< This is worth a moment of your time >> Check it out >< You will never see it again !!!        THE HOOK

 

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Excellent once in a forever type of photo op. >>>>>>>>>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BIG CREEK CRITTER BASKETS >>>>>> 18 June 2009

 

 

ONE MORE TIME >> BIG CREEK << CRITTER BASKETS !~!~!              WE GOT-R-DONE TODAY >>>>>>>>> ( 18 June 2009 )

 

Hello to All >< As you know we have had some success with the original 10 CB’s recently constructed. That’s the Good News >< The Bad News was that the Animals reverted to the 4 remaining Unprotected SOLV Bag Sites …... To that end >>>>>>>>

 

We acquired additional wire & enlisted the aid of our World Famous LVH FC Basket Weavers to make 5 Additional Protective Wire Baskets.

 

They did & today we installed them. This now provides protection for all of our 15 Big Creek SOLV Bag Sites. We also did a complete Big Creek Litter Patrol, which resulted in pulling 14 SOLV Bags back to the Water Plant Dumpster. It’s worthy of Note >><< That Several Fishermen, we met today, were Very Complimentary of our Critter Baskets & our ongoing B.C. Litter Patrol Efforts.

 

Allow me to recognize the Weavers & Pickers involved in today’s “Up the Creek” effort >>>>>>

 

Weavers >>>> Bud Roark > Wayde Dudley > Bill Furgason > Mike Rosica & Frank Stout

 

Pickers >>>>> Wayne Hill > Frank Stout > Bill Furgason & Me 

**** It’s important to note >< Wayne & Frank get the “Odoriferous Award” … Ask them about this Dubious Award >!!!< I am sure they will be Very Happy to Explain !~!~!

 

Special Thanks to All of You >< For your Generous Contribution of Time & Skill, which makes it possible for our Club to accomplish this kind of worthwhile ongoing Big Creek Stewardship Project …………  THE HOOK

 

 

 

 

FW: T Bay

WOW >< Just In from Captain Phil Reed >>>>     THE HOOK

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Phil Reed

 

Subject: Fw: T Bay

 

Check out what we hooked while fishing for spring Chinook at Tillamook Bay

yesterday, we were pulling spinners at the mouth of the Wilson River, when

one of the clients snagged this 5 1/2 foot white sturgeon, the big guy sure

took us for a ride, after a couple picutures we put the bid bad beasty back

in the bay and off he went.  Never know what you will hook while fishing

Tillamook, as for the Chinook, its still one of the worst season I ever seen

up there, I will need to get hold of Wade and make somekind of plan for

there trip, thanks Phil

 

NICE CUT >< FW: 15 inches

Just In from our Pal >><< Casey >>>>> This conclusively proves Casey is feel much better & he “Can Catch Fish” > !!! < However >< It does kind of make you wonder what Role his Son & Daughter might have Played in the Catching of this Nice Cut ????          THE HOOK

 

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From: Casey Deckard [mailto:casey.j.deckard@state.or.us]
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2009 5:00 PM
To: John Spangler
Subject: FW: 15 inches

 

John-

Caught this beautiful 15” sea run at Beaver Cr. last weekend. 

 

Casey

 

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FW: Fishing Day

GREAT PIX FROM BIG CREEK FISHING DAY   (6 June 09)

 

Thanks for the send Ron >< This is what makes “Kids Day on The Creek” so Special ………….. THE HOOK

 

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From: Ron Thomas [mailto:teckron@gmail.com]

Subject: Fwd: Fishing Day

 

Hello guys and gal,

Nicole Mangum sent these pictures to me. I was kidding them when they were waiting for the bus at Safeway... Thought you might enjoy them.

Free fishing day!!  We caught 6 total fish. Mitch caught one that was a 5 pounder (or close to it).  Jessi was pretty grossed out by the whacking of the fish on the head and the blood.  But she actually found a stick and hit a poor fish on the head. Mitch wanted to 'Bam' the fish, too. We saw a deer and several Osprey's diving in the water and retreiving a fish.  It was a beautiful, cloudy day for fishing!

 

--Nicole

FW: Kids Fishing Day event at Big Creek Reservoir near Newport

Just In from John Sanchez (CCFF President) >>>>>> It’s Really Great to be associated with such fine people …….. THE HOOK

 

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From: John Sanchez [mailto:jallensanchez@gmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, June 06, 2009 9:57 PM
Subject: Kids Fishing Day event at Big Creek Reservoir near Newport

 

I want to give a Job Well Done to our crew that helped out today at the Kids Fishing Day event at Big Creek Reservoir in cooperation with NW Steelheaders, Longview Hills Fishing Club, ODFW, and may other partners.  The Central Coast Fly Fishers was represented on this cold and wet day by Jack Maitlen, Butch Minich, (Sue joined them for lunch) Matt Spangler, Bud Roark, Wally Flanagan, and Mac Andrews.  There was a large turnout; over 150 happy kids.  It is volunteers that make events like this possible for the kids.
There were many happy kids today all across the State.  I was helping out at an event South of Florence at Cleawox Lake.  Your effort really makes a difference in the lives of these kids.  The Big Creek event is on of the largest events in the State.  Thanks again.
            john

BIG CREEK KIDS FISHING DAY (6 June 09)

4^th Annual >< BIG CREEK KIDS “FREE” FISHING DAY           ( 6 JUNE 09)

 

What an Auspicious Day this was Today & 65 years ago < D-Day 1944 > Allied Military Forces Landed on the Beaches of Normandy ……  That’s the way it felt at “O Dark 30” this morning, in the Wet & Foggy Weather, when we (Frank Stout, Larry Dale, Bill Furgason & I) loaded all of the Rods, Tackle & Power Bait onto Franks Truck for transport to the Upper B.C. Reservoir Fishing Venue………

 

The Question was >> Before the Landing & this Event >> What kind of Day will this bring ?? >>>>> History tells us, that the Heroics Displayed during the Landing & Subsequently, were responsible for the Freeing of Europe & Bringing an End to WW II.

 

It was this same kind of Tenacity & Dedication that resulted in providing, in spite of the adverse weather, a Very Rewarding & Fun Day for All of the, approximately 250, Coastal Children & their Families, who attended this ODFW / ANWS Partnership Event.

 

To successfully accomplish a Community Event of this magnitude, requires the Cooperation of Many People & Organizations >><< Suffice to say, Well Done & Thank You to all of our LVH FC Members who contributed & worked cooperatively with our ODFW, ANWS & CCFF Friends to make such a Noble Investment in the Children of our Coastal Community……….

 

THANK YOU AGAIN & GOOD ON YOU ALL ………….  THE HOOK  

LVH FC MEETNG & EVENT SCHEDULE FOR JUNE 2009

LONGVIEW HILLS FISHING CLUB

 

MEETING & EVENT SCHEDULE FOR >>>>> JUNE         ( 2009 )

 

4      June      Thursday      MONTHLY BREAKFAST MEEETING

 

We have a “Double Whammy” going on today >< Leading off is our usual Fun Breakfast Gathering >< Followed, later in the Day ( 2 PM) by a Rod Preparation Party to be held at Brian Hudson’s Garage. This will allow us to provide some TLC to all of the Fishing Rods & Reels, which will be used on Saturday, for the Big Creek Kids Fishing Day Event.

 

4, 5, & 6 June >>> BIG CREEK KIDS FISHING DAY >< EVENT PLANNING & PREPERATIONS

 

I am sure, by now, you all have had a chance to read our recent Event Planning & Preparation BLAST >< This really is a very valuable experience for our Coastal Families & their Children >>>>>> Please consider Giving Us a Hand with this Fun Annual Event >< The Children will appreciate it & so will we >>>>>> Thank You All …….

 

14     June      Sunday         FLAG DAY >>> Don’t forget to get “Old Glory” out there for all to see >>>>>>

 

18     June     Thursday      GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

 

Boys Howdy, do we have something for You at this Meeting >< This is for all of you closet “Lint Flickers” >< Yep, Phil Reeds Pal, Steve Lichtenberger, will be making a Special FLY FISHING 101 Presentation >< Steve is really a “Hand” when it comes to the esoterics of “What to do with a Fly Rod” …….. He also ( Being a Friend of Phil’s )  has a highly developed sense of Humor …. You don’t want to miss this one !~!~!  

 

21     June      Sunday        FATHERS DAY >>> Don’t forget to get “Old Dad” out there for all to see >>>>>>

 

25    June      Thursday      BEVERLY BEACH LITTER PATROL     ( 9 AM Muster at the Club House )

 

Ellie “The Beach Mistress” LeMaster is calling on us to run Special Beach Litter Patrols for the months of June, July & August. This is to

Compensate for the High Summer Beach Visitor Use. Watch for a B>B>L>P> reminder Blast as we get closer to “The Patrol Day” …..  

 

THE “LAST” ODFW STOCK FOR THE YEAR >>>>>>>>>>> ( 1 June 2009 )

 

Big Creek #1            500 Legal          1500 Larger          50 Trophy                   Total    2050

 

Big Creek #2            2000 Legal        2750 Larger                                               Total   4750

 

Olalla Lake                                          2500 Larger                                               Total    2500

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Get on the “Summer Train” with Us ……….. This Month will be a Fun Ride >>>>>>>>> THE HOOK

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

FW: Clean Angling News May 2009

MAY ISSUE OF CLEAN ANGLING NEWS >><< ENJOY ...

 

P>S>> Check out the New Information on Whirling Disease …… THE HOOK

 

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In This Issue A Reason to Cheer! Music for the Cause Get Your Fishing Photo Published Going Fishless? Natives as Nuisance? New Didymo News An End To Live Bait? Whirling Disease Update Quick Hits Clean Angling Store May 29, 2009                   **Note - All Links will open in new windows A Reason to Cheer!          The key to reducing the spread of invasive species is to get everyone involved in the fight. We all know that following the simple steps of Inspect, Clean & Dry will do a lot to insure that we are not spreading species between waters. However, we also know that as "Clean Anglers" we are part of a tiny minority. The good news is that the word is spreading and those of us that fight for our waters are finding ways to help protect the resources we love. This month we have the opportunity to celebrate  how an educated public that cares is making a difference in the fight to reduce spread.          We all owe a debt to an anonymous citizen who called officials in Utah to report a boat they spotted on the Interstate that they suspected of being contaminated with zebra mussels.  According to Idaho State Department of Agriculture Director Celia Gould “This citizen report set into motion a series of contacts to authorities and marina owners in the tri-state area, which resulted in the successful interception of the boat in Spokane.”          In a great response effort,  officials in Idaho, Montana, Washington and other states quickly geared up to locate the boat. They issued announcements and spread the word and a citizen in Spokane who heard about the boat spotted it parked on a city street. Sure enough, the boat was infested with quagga mussels and has been completely decontaminated. This is a remarkable story of how we are beginning to achieve success in educating the public about the problem and how to prevent spread. There are many accounts of this story on the web - read the full details at Mussel-tainted vessel halted in Spokane or at Suspect boat nabbed before reaching NW waters I'm sure the person who reported the boat never thought that driving down the Interstate they might stop an introduction yet, that is exactly what happened.           Fortunately, people are not just reporting others, but, are also policing themselves. In early May, a Utah boat owner asked the mechanic at his local marina to inspect a boat he had recently purchased out of state and was planning to launch on Flaming Gorge Reservoir. He understood the need to stop hitchhikers and wanted to be sure that he was not part of the problem. Fortunately for us all, his concern prevented an introduction as the inspector found a live zebra mussel on the boat. The owner willing agreed to have it decontaminated and voluntarily agreed to a quarantine period to make sure that the boat was clean. Read this good news story  Boat Owner Requests Inspection           These are success stories that show how much is accomplished through individual actions.  These introductions were prevented by people who understand the need to protect our waters and acted accordingly. Lets celebrate these citizen victories and use them as fuel for our efforts to encourage everyone to be clean in the outdoors. Music for the Cause         There are lots of different ways to take the prevention message to people. Most often we think of traditional things like brochures, posters and similar materials. However, education opportunities are all around us and it is often the less obvious things that really catch peoples attention.         One innovative education method is to use music and song to carry our message of protecting our waters. University of Wisconsin professor Bret Shaw has worked with a group of talented singer/songwriters to develop three great songs that carry the prevention message in a very effective way. Bret has put together a web site of  ANS songs that tells the full story of the music and the effort. There are three songs and each is in a distinctive style.         The Ballad of Aquatic Invasive Species is a folk song that reminds listeners about the importance of cleaning boats when moving them between bodies of water.          One Bait, One Lake is a rock song that focuses on never transferring bait from one water to another. It's upbeat tune that  is sure to have you rocking.          Clean Boats, Clean Waters is a toe tapping rockabilly-inspired country song that offers some straight-forward advice for protecting the future of our lakes - it's easy - just clean your boat when moving from one body of water to another.          In addition to these songs featured in Wisconsin, we also have the great song Didymo from the singer/songwriter Bob Skowronski  of the band Wind That Shakes The Barley. For this song they have added extra musicians to form the "Didymo Blues Band" and together they have produced a great song that really rocks.          These songs are all top quality efforts in terms of message and music and are great additions to the ANS effort.. Listen to the songs and download them to your computer. You will find lots of different ways in which you can use them to help spread the word. Get Your Fishing Photo Published - Support Our Fight         This Is Fly, the leading on-line fly fishing magazine,  is preparing to publish their first printed book, a beautiful volume featuring the best of the photos submitted to them by anglers. They have committed to donating the proceeds to one of three conservation organizations and the Center or Aquatic Nuisance Species is one of the recipients. However, the percentage of the proceeds we receive will be based on the number of photo contributors that select Invasive Species as their desired recipient.          Please help us earn royalties by submitting one or more photos for consideration. If selected you will be rewarded by seeing your photo in this special book and will help us to continue our work by increasing their donations to us. Pass this on to anyone you know and ask them all to select us as their recipient organization. The process is easy just check out the fly fishing photo submission information. Going Fishless?         We all know that invasive species can threaten our favorite fisheries and we all want to have as much good fishing waters as possible. However, in our effort to produce more and better fishing opportunities we often forget that many of our favorite sport fish are themselves invasive species. In many cases the fish we most love are significantly harming our native ecosystems. In a posting titled "Wanted: Fishless Lakes" our friends at Fly Fishing in Yellowstone Park have done a great job of reporting about the ecological consequences of planting fish in fishless lakes. They go on to advocate that Yellowstone Park should manage rainbow, brown and brook trout as invasives in most Yellowstone waters. This a thoughtful and thought provoking article and it is likely to be at the forefront of what may become an increasingly common sentiment in the future. Read the article and give it some thought to see what you think is right.          The impacts of invasive sport fish is a global problem and is currently a topic of discussion in Argentina where the native ecosystem is being altered by introduced trout. An article titled Trout – Fishers’ Delight - Threaten Biodiversity gives an excellent overview of the impacts of trout on the environment and the complex issues surrounding them. Natives as Nuisance?         One problem that is especially difficult to deal with is what to do about native species that, for some reason, become a nuisance. While we all work toward the goal of preserving and enhancing our native ecosystems we have to recognize that at times our native species can present very real problems. One excellent example of this is the algae Didymo which is native to the northern latitudes of the US. However, for some reason this otherwise unobtrusive algae has exploded to become a major problem in some waters. There are many other examples of native species that can become a serious problem and the current situation in Michigan highlights another problem with native species impacting the environment. The double crested cormorant is a fish eating bird that has been expanding its populations across the country And in an effort to protect fish populations Michigan wants to double its cormorant kill. Read the article for a great overview of a problem that is rapidly spreading across the country as anglers in other states are beginning to advocate for cormorant and pelican control. New Didymo News         Didymo continues to invade new areas across America. Here is a roundup of some of the latest discoveries              In West Virginia, there has been a new discovery Didymo found in Seneca Creek near its confluence with Whites Run              Oklahoma has been invaded with a recent discovery of Didymo in Lower Mountain Fork River, Oklahoma's premier trout fishery               Idaho has joined the list of states with Didymo following the discovery of  Didymo in the South Fork Boise River          Meanwhile, the spread of Didymo into the Northeastern US has triggered great concern in that part of the country. In an effort to reduce the spread of rock snot, anglers and agencies are working cooperatively to install wader cleaning stations for anglers. These stations combine recommendations for careful cleaning with the use of a saltwater solution to kill the Didymo cells. We applaud the concern and partnership being shown in this effort but hope that everyone involved understands and teaches others that the salt solution is specific to Didymo and is not an effective treatment for any other species. An End To Live Bait? Please Help     This newsletter, the Clean Angling Pledge and all of our efforts to prevent the spread of ANS are financed by donations.  Please help us with a tax deductible donation of any amount.         The use of live minnows as bait is a long cherished tradition among many anglers. However, as invasive species threats spread new bait restrictions are leading some to question how long live bait use will be allowed.  The Minneapolis Startribune.com site has a couple of interesting articles addressing this issue. On May 5, they featured a story on Minnesota's bait import ban  authored by the state's Chief of Fisheries. The following day, columnist Dennis Anderson followed with an in depth look at the new live bait alternative coming from major lure manufacturers. Titled Is Live Bait Dead, this article offers hope that there will soon be such effective alternatives that anglers will not miss using live bait. As anglers we all need to be aware that the fight against invasives will impact our sport but the companies that we depend on will be bringing new technologies to bear to help us continue to enjoy great fishing.         Minnesota is not the only state implementing new bait restrictions. In mid May, the Ohio Department of Agriculture implemented  a new ban on transporting fish, bait fish and fish eggs in areas around Lake Erie. These restrictions are designed to reduce the spread of the fatal VHS fish virus. Needless to say, the new restrictions are being severely criticized by the local area bait dealers.   Whirling Disease Update         Are our wild trout developing a natural resistance to whirling disease (WD)? This is a question that a lot of people have been asking as trout populations in some areas are recovering nicely despite no decline in the presence of the  disease. When WD first hit Montana, the Madison River rainbow trout population was decimated with declines in the range of 90% being documented. However, today the population of Madison River wild rainbows have increased dramatically. Researchers believe that this rebound is directly attributable to a natural resistance being developed by the fish of the river. A new article from Montana State University titled  Whirling disease researchers optimistic about Montana's trout tells the full story. Lets all hope that this natural resistance spreads to all wild rainbow and cutthroat trout. Quick Hits - A brief roundup of stories of interest         Carp Clobbers Jet Skier Firefighters used a rescue boat to aid a man who was knocked from his Jet Ski by an Asian carp on the Illinois River recently. The 22 year old driver was zipping across the river when he was struck by a large Asian carp leaping high in the air. He was knocked from the machine and was not able to get it restarted. Be sure to read the full story,         In South Africa, anglers are concerned about a whole different Invasive Species problem. There they are concerned that alien species rules may ruin fly-fishing by eliminating the trout that have been introduced and provide high quality fly fishing opportunities. The fact that a species can be both a problem and a resource illustrates the complexity of invasive species problems.       Wisconsin is celebrating  Invasive Species Awareness Month in June. "Slow the Spread by Sole and Tread" is this years theme. 2009 is the fifth year for this event and everyone is invited to attend workshops, field trips and lectures throughout the state to learn more about the impacts of invasive species in Wisconsin.         Paying the costs of invasive species prevention and control is a problem that we are dealing with across the country. in Rollin Township, Michigan officials have decided that Lakefront property owners will be assessed for weed control to pay the cost of weed control on Round Lake. They are setting up a special tax district and each lot owner will pay hundreds of dollars in annual taxes to fund the weed control program.         Anglers, biologists and other  wild trout lovers are being reminded to "Save The Date" for Wild Trout X, an international symposium that celebrates the wild trout that we all cherish. The conference will be held in West Yellowstone, MT on Sept. 28-30, 2010 and will attract experts from around the world. Be sure to mark you calender and plan on attending Wild Trout X.          Texas state fish under threat The official state fish of Texas, the Guadalupe Bass is being threatened by hybridization from non native bass and people are worried about their persistence. Once common in many streams and rivers, it is now rare to find pure strain fish in many habitats. Hybridization is also the major factor in the decline of many cutthroat trout stocks and is a problem with many other popular native fishes including bull trout, sauger and others.          While boat inspections are usually not too popular they are effective. This was really brought home over Memorial Day Weekend when Six boats decontaminated for mussels at Lake Tahoe Officials at Tahoe have instituted a very strict inspection program and it is hoped that they can prevent the transport of invasives to this magnificent treasure.           To weed or not to weed is the question facing hundreds of Michigan lakes this year. For the first time in many years the state has received a reduced number of applications to treat lakes for weeds. They suspect that there are a variety of reasons for the decrease but note that the problem continues to increase.           Texas is being invaded by a host of invasive species and increasing numbers of anglers are concerned about the potential impacts on fishing. Here are two stories that give a sample of the problems and reactions. Invasive plants catch trailer rides to East Texas lakes     Giant salvinia threatens area water bodies       The Clean Angling Store         Be sure to visit the Clean Angling Store and see the new products we have added. When you purchase Clean Angler merchandise you show others that you are committed to doing your best to protect our waters from invaders and we will make a small profit that will help us to continue to do our work. The Clean Angling News is regularly produced by the Center for Aquatic Nuisance Species. If you have questions,  suggestions or would like to learn more about ANS please contact us: Center for Aquatic Nuisance Species P.O. Box 1429 Livingston, MT  59047 406-220-2059 info@stopans.org

 

FW: fishing Big Creek

BIG CREEK FISH PIX >>>>>>> Just In from our Good Friend Mac Andrew >>>>>>

 

The “Bows” are Really Cool & so is “The Hat” …….. Congratulations MAC !~!~!        The HOOK

 

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From: William Andrew [mailto:wandrew@spatulagraphics.com]

Subject: fishing Big Creek

 

So one of my "bait buddies" insisted that I take him to my
"hot spot" up in Big Creek. Then he forced me to put some
of the goo on my hook and wham, I had a 16incher and a
13incher just like that.

Since I eat trout and he doesn't, I at least took care of dinner.

              Summer is Fishing
                       Mac