So most of you know that there are a lot of people that live in Sandpoint, ID that work up at Pebble mine near the headwaters of the Nushigak and Kvichak Rivers in South West Alaska.  Every time one of these guys comes in here I want to yell at them what the FUCK are they thinking?  Why on earth would anyone want to have the potential to destroy one of the last great Salmon runs on earth.  But,  I need to hold back because I am just a fishermen who thinks the world revolves around fish and the not-so-pure rivers they now inhabit. 

I wish the world revolved around our natural resources such as rivers, lakes, and other fisheries…but if it did, then that would mean that everyone liked to fish…then that would mean that everyone would be out fishing…then there would be too many people fishing everywhere.  So, it is good that there are two sides.  We just need to be the stronger side once major issues come up such as Pebble Mine….which by the way is shut down, with the exception of one test sight…so the rumor goes from the locals here in Sandpoint.  If this is true I am very happy for that, but at the same time I feel for the many that have lost their jobs due to fishermen like me who want to protect these great fish and the way of life that they bring to the many local fishermen in the area.  I feel for them, but no person has any business up there running the world’s largest open pit mine right at the headwaters of one of the last, and greatest natural resources.

Cal

The local creeks are now just about done.  Upper Pack is still putting out some decent fish, but they are really moving on the redds now, so it is best if they are left alone.

Lake Pend Oreille is still in spring mode with all this crappy weather we have been having.  They are hammering smallmouth down in the river right now.  The sloughs are putting out some nice largies and crappie right now.

With the warmer weather moving in the weekend (75) we should see a dramatic improvment in every aspect of fishing that the Lake has to offer.

The Lake Trout are moving back towards this end of the lake so be watching out for the big ones.

Nick with a nice LPO Lake Trout

Calvin wishes he could be doing this right now with Kate and Justin

Fishing has been picking up for Bass and Crappie in Lake Pend Oreille.  The Lake has been slowly rising, allowing the sloughs to fill up and crappie to move in.  Denton, Cocalalla, and Morton Slough are all fishing very well right now.  There are a few Largemouth Bass as well to be caught.  Just remember that there is a two fish limit on these great fish. 

There are lots of Salmon heading over the lower dams right now.  Over 5,000 fish yesterday at Boneville.  They are slowly trickling over Lower Granite right now, it won’t be long before Salmon season is in full swing down on the Clearwater River.  Be looking for fishing to drastically improve later in May to the beginning of June.

Cal