Took a day off work since the rivers came into shape for the last trip on the west side this season (going to the Grande Ronde in April). It was raining half the day and then cleared up at around noon.

Did a lot of hiking and checking out the river since I'm pretty new to it (3rd trip out) and found some beautiful spots. Water was just over 6 ft with 2 feet of visibility and a nice emerald green. I was floating pink works, an assortment of jigs and throwing spoons.

I also tried out drift fishing for the first time later in the day after reading up on it recently (Steelheading & Salmon Drift Fishing Secrets by Timothy Kusherets) and that's what worked for this native. Man what a difference in the strike drifting! Still trying to get a feel on the drift and telling the difference between a strike and a rock but the hit was very subtle. Was fishing a #2 red Octopus hook, size 12 cerise corkie and cerise yarn with a 2 and a half foot leader.

Got a quick photo opp in the water and sent him on his way. 3 stars for my first native and first fish while drifting but I was working the river hard and didn't see anyone with any luck in the upper river.

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