SILETZ FISH TRAP:
Donny & Wayde made the trap run today. We left town at 8:20 and arrived at the Siletz trap at 9:50. We saw 1 deer on the way in and no logging trucks.
I went across the river and opened the trap. Donny sent the transport box over and I guided it into the trap. I went back across for Donny and our salmon work began. There were 14 fish in the trap. I was glad there were not too many as I still felt stuffed from the great BBQ we all had the night before. I must have eaten a dozen of Donny’s “Texas Poppers”. The water was 53 degrees.
The fish breakdown was:
Hatchery Steelhead
3 males 4 females
Wild Steelhead
3 females
Chinook
2 male 2 jacks
There were many fish waiting below the trap along the ladder and at the pool below the ladder.
Stan van de Wetering visited us at the trap. He is the fisheries biologist for the tribe. He was doing a lamprey eel survey wearing a dry suit and had a snorkel. He found about 20 eels below the trap in the ladder. He was interested in the activities of the LVH Fishing Club so I told him briefly some of what we do.
We threw 10 fish in Gravel Creek above it’s confluence with the Siletz river. More deer and a blue heron were seen above the falls.
Got back to the Pig House at 12:30pm. Later in the day I gave Donny a copy of the club video so he can show his fellow Texans what Oregon salmon look like.
Wayde
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
07/31/2010
SILETZ FISH TRAP:
ARRIVED AT THE PIG AT 7:50, WENT IN AND THERE WAS KNOW ONE AROUND. SAT DOWN IN CASEYS CHAIR AND WAITED. AT 8:00 AND STILL KNOW ONE AROUND I WONDERED IF THEY FORGOT ABOUT ME. SHORTLY AFTER 8 CASEY CAME IN AND SAID THAT DONNY AND BILL HAD GONE TO DO ANOTHER PROJECT, AND THEY WERE GOING TO THE TRAP WHEN FINISHED. SINCE THERE WAS ONLY 16 FISH IN THE TRAP ON WEDNESDAY, THEY DIDN'T NEED MY HELP. SO I GOT FIRED FOR THE DAY. LARRY
ARRIVED AT THE PIG AT 7:50, WENT IN AND THERE WAS KNOW ONE AROUND. SAT DOWN IN CASEYS CHAIR AND WAITED. AT 8:00 AND STILL KNOW ONE AROUND I WONDERED IF THEY FORGOT ABOUT ME. SHORTLY AFTER 8 CASEY CAME IN AND SAID THAT DONNY AND BILL HAD GONE TO DO ANOTHER PROJECT, AND THEY WERE GOING TO THE TRAP WHEN FINISHED. SINCE THERE WAS ONLY 16 FISH IN THE TRAP ON WEDNESDAY, THEY DIDN'T NEED MY HELP. SO I GOT FIRED FOR THE DAY. LARRY
07/23/2010
SILETZ FISH TRAP:
July 23, 2010
7:55 am Friday arrived at the ODFW offices for another day of fish wrassling. I was presented with a coffee mug by Christine for meritorious service or maybe just because I looked pathetic.
8:15 am Casey, Bill and I left to pick up an oxygen tank for the aerator and headed out to the fish trap where we were greeted by a bald eagle flying over us. Water temperature was 62 degrees, so things are warming up. The river was down from last Friday also. Casey kept a running tally while Bill and I netted, tagged, whacked, groped and released the fish. After a bit we were joined by Stan (the Siletz tribe biologist) and his son Parker. Stan was checking on Lampreys. Parker came down to the trap to help net the fish and fill the bucket to transport them. That was a big help to me, as Bill was on the other bank operating the machinery. When the dust settled we wound up with:
40 male hatchery fish
21 female hatchery fish
8 wild males
8 wild females
2 male Chinook
1 female Chinook
1 jack
We also had:
2 male blue tag re-runs
6 female blue tag re-runs
1 male red tag re-runs
2 female red tag re-runs
For a total of 92 fish plus about 15 were left in the trap for next time.
Arrived back at the pig house at 2:15 pm.
Don Sarver
July 23, 2010
7:55 am Friday arrived at the ODFW offices for another day of fish wrassling. I was presented with a coffee mug by Christine for meritorious service or maybe just because I looked pathetic.
8:15 am Casey, Bill and I left to pick up an oxygen tank for the aerator and headed out to the fish trap where we were greeted by a bald eagle flying over us. Water temperature was 62 degrees, so things are warming up. The river was down from last Friday also. Casey kept a running tally while Bill and I netted, tagged, whacked, groped and released the fish. After a bit we were joined by Stan (the Siletz tribe biologist) and his son Parker. Stan was checking on Lampreys. Parker came down to the trap to help net the fish and fill the bucket to transport them. That was a big help to me, as Bill was on the other bank operating the machinery. When the dust settled we wound up with:
40 male hatchery fish
21 female hatchery fish
8 wild males
8 wild females
2 male Chinook
1 female Chinook
1 jack
We also had:
2 male blue tag re-runs
6 female blue tag re-runs
1 male red tag re-runs
2 female red tag re-runs
For a total of 92 fish plus about 15 were left in the trap for next time.
Arrived back at the pig house at 2:15 pm.
Don Sarver
07/16/2010
SILETZ FISH TRAP:
ANOTHER >< TRAP ROAD TRUCKER’S SAGA >< On The Siletz River Fish Trap Run > for < 16 July 2K10
About 8:25 AM today >< Casey & the “Double D’s” (Myself & Donnie) set out to Grope the Fish, once again, in the Siletz River Trap !!! On the way Up Canyon, we saw a couple of Deer at the 1 Mile Marker & Eventually arrived, about 9:45 AM, at the Trap.
We found a Total of 136 Fish in the Trap, with a partial breakdown as follows >>> 40 Hatchery Males >< 50 Hatchery Females >><< 3 were Blue tag Male Re-runs >< 5 were Blue tag Female Re-runs >< 1 Red tag Male Re-run >< 5 Red tag Female Re-runs >< 2 Yellow tag Female Re-runs >><< Sorry to Report >> No Chinook’s !~!~!
On our way Back Down Canyon >< We followed a Coyote, for quite a ways, before he left the road. All in All >< “The Casey Crew” put in an Honest Days Labor, which resulted in 136 Steelhead being dropped off with our Good Friends at the Newport Food Share Program.
The Additional Good News is >< That We all survived Casey’s Driving & Arrived Safely back at the Pig Pen, at about 2:10 PM.
THE “NORTON RIDER” (aka Don Sarver) for The Casey Crew !~!~!
ANOTHER >< TRAP ROAD TRUCKER’S SAGA >< On The Siletz River Fish Trap Run > for < 16 July 2K10
About 8:25 AM today >< Casey & the “Double D’s” (Myself & Donnie) set out to Grope the Fish, once again, in the Siletz River Trap !!! On the way Up Canyon, we saw a couple of Deer at the 1 Mile Marker & Eventually arrived, about 9:45 AM, at the Trap.
We found a Total of 136 Fish in the Trap, with a partial breakdown as follows >>> 40 Hatchery Males >< 50 Hatchery Females >><< 3 were Blue tag Male Re-runs >< 5 were Blue tag Female Re-runs >< 1 Red tag Male Re-run >< 5 Red tag Female Re-runs >< 2 Yellow tag Female Re-runs >><< Sorry to Report >> No Chinook’s !~!~!
On our way Back Down Canyon >< We followed a Coyote, for quite a ways, before he left the road. All in All >< “The Casey Crew” put in an Honest Days Labor, which resulted in 136 Steelhead being dropped off with our Good Friends at the Newport Food Share Program.
The Additional Good News is >< That We all survived Casey’s Driving & Arrived Safely back at the Pig Pen, at about 2:10 PM.
THE “NORTON RIDER” (aka Don Sarver) for The Casey Crew !~!~!
07/09/2010
SILETZ FISH TRAP:
July 9, 2010
Sorry this was late, but we have been out of town the last two days and the motels we were in didn't have internet service.
Left town at 8:20 am and arrived at the fish trap at 9:40 am. Bill and Donnie in one truck and me in another. Water was 53 degrees and trap was full. We passed 61 summer Steelhead through the trap. 30 males 30 females and one jack. Also 13 Chinook including one Bill estimated at about 40 pounds. We recycled 58 males and 63 females hatchery summer Steelhead. We whacked 52 hatchery fish and delivered them to Food Share in Newport.
Bill has been helping me refine my netting techniques with little tips like:
1. Don’t chase them...let them come to you
2. Come at them from the side not astern
3. Don't get too many in the net, etc
So hopefully my skills will improve over time.
Bill and Donnie had a flat tire on the return trip but no other major malfunctions. Returned to the pig at 4:10 pm and Bill and Donnie showed up about 5:30 pm
Long but satisfying day at the trap.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
07/02/2010
SILETZ TRAP RUN:
Another busy day at the Siletz Falls trap. We took 2 vehicles again because of the expected number of fish. Casey and I were in the truck with the small tank and Bill and Donny were in the truck with the big tank. Bill and Donny reached the trap first and Casey & I pulled in at 9:53. Very nice, cool day with a few showers. The trap was not as full as it has been. Last Wednesday there were 147 Steelhead and 5 Chinook. Water was 53 degrees.
Today the count was 105 Steelhead and 5 Chinook. The breakdown was:
Hatchery Steelhead
44 male 42 female
Wild Steelhead
7 male 12 female
Chinook
2 male 2 female 1 jack
60 hatchery Steelhead were taken back downriver and released at the Mann Ranch, just below Moonshine Park.
26 were taken to Siletz tribal food share.
A bit of excitement today. When we first crossed the river Bill noticed some fishermen downstream and near the "deadline" rock. It is illegal to fish upstream of the deadline rock and it is well posted. All 4 of us observed the men fishing and once we saw them fight a jumping fish that was upstream of the no-fishing line. Casey got on the radio and was able to contact OSP and get a trooper sent our way. The trooper arrived in 1/2 hour from Otis via Gravel Creek. He walked down to check the fishermen. When he arrived none were fishing and denied fishing above the deadline. We could not positively identify who was fishing illegally and the trooper did not see them fishing. He cited 1 for no fishing license and warned the other 3. My guess is they won't fish there again for awhile.
Saw 1 doe deer on the way out and got back to the Pig House at 3:30.
Wayde
06/25/2010
SILETZ TRAP RUN:
Derek and Casey figured that it would be a heavy day and therefore sent two teams to the trap. Bill and I were joined by Emi (sorry but I can't remember her last name), a student and internist from Oregon State and Donny Pearson. Donny is a "host" who volunteers to assist ODFW during the summer months. Donny is from Texas as can be confirmed by his great souther drawl. Emi is 19 years old at scheduled to graduate next spring with two degrees in Biology and Zoology. Both tank trucks were used for today's mission. This was a new personal record day for me as we were greeted by 181 anxiously awaiting fish in the trap. The count was:
Hatchery 57 male 64 female 1 jack (two separate loads of 60 fish each were taken down river and released at Mill Park in Siletz.
Wild 14 male 23 female All passed upstream
Returns 5 male 4 female All contributed to stream enhancement
Brood stock 6 male 5 female The brood stock was transported to the Cedar Creek hatchery in Hebo by Emi and Donny
There were 2 winter males that were also returned for stream enhancement.
Got back to the Pig Pen at about 4:50 with many sore muscles. A long enjoyable day on the river. We also noted approximately 11 fish in the ladder below the trap awaiting their turn. We also noted a large number of vehicles and bicycles at the lower end of the gorge as the word has spread about the current run.
Take care, Frank
06/11/2010
SILETZ TRAP RUN:
June 11, 2010
Once more we set out on the trail of the elusive Siletz Steelhead. Saw a deer going in and arrived at the trap at 9:45 am. River was down and running clear. Captured a total of 57 fish in the trap. Hatchery males 19, hatchery females 24, 1 winter female and 11 wild females. Also 1 previously tagged fish and 1 winter male which were sent to the great fish pond in the sky by Bill the hit man. Had some company at the trap as some of the equipment was undergoing it's yearly inspection. Weather was great and no major malfunctions, so another successful day on the river.
Don
Don
06/04/2010
SILETZ TRAP RUN:
June 4, 2010
Went to the fish trap with Bill and Christina. After the heartbreak of leaky hip waders last time, I resolved to remedy that situation with a trip to the store for some proper equipment. After spending copious amounts of cash, I wound up looking like a sporting goods store mannequin, which prompted my sweetie to grab her camera and get a picture of me cuz I looked so "cute". Being used to this sort of abuse, I took it in stride, wobbled out of the house and headed for town.
Saw a bald eagle on the way to the fish trap and arrived at 9:50 am in one piece, despite an impromptu meeting with a sneaky logging truck (Use your radio Bubba!). We then proceeded to hop into the trolley of doom and braved the raging Siletz (sorry folks just trying to spice it up a bit). The river was up quite a bit since the last time I was there and the water temp was 48 degrees. We found 24 steelhead in the trap. One wild male, 4 wild females, 10 hatchery males and 9 hatchery females. Alas, 5 perfectly innocent hatchery fish were brutally slain, but all for a good cause.
Bill had 2 rookies on his hands today. Christina on some of the power equipment and me on pretty much everything else. Hopefully, I didn’t bring too much shame or humiliation on the LVHFC. I'm happy to announce he never once lost patience with either of us. What a great guy! In the end - mission was accomplished and a good time had by all. Looking forward to doing it again next Friday.
Don
Don
05/21/2010
SILETZ TRAP RUN:
Siletz Falls trap run, Friday May 21st
Wayde and Bill Segler made the trap run today. Very uneventful with so-so weather, no critters and only 5 steelhead. We got to the trap at 9:37. The water was 47 degrees. The fish were winter steelhead:
Hatchery
2 male 1 female
Wild
1 male (re-run) 1 female
There was 1 dead female in the fike (inlet structure) that got it's head caught.
We left the trap at 10:10 and were back in town at 11:40.
Wayde
Sunday, May 23, 2010
05/21/2010
SILETZ TRAP RUN:
Siletz Falls trap run, Friday May 21st
Wayde and Bill Segler made the trap run today. Very uneventful with so-so weather, no critters and only 5 steelhead. We got to the trap at 9:37. The water was 47 degrees. The fish were winter steelhead:
Hatchery
2 male 1 female
Wild
1 male (re-run) 1 female
There was 1 dead female in the fike (inlet structure) that got it's head caught.
We left the trap at 10:10 and were back in town at 11:40.
Wayde
05/19/2010
SILETZ FISH TRAP:
Wednesday, may 19
Wayde and Bill Sigler made the Siletz Falls trap run today. We were on the road at 0820 and headed east towards Siletz. Saw 2 deer just past the Logsden store. The gorge was very quiet with no CB chatter on the way up.
The water was down to the top of the old diversion structure just upstream from the trap. I did not get a water temperature because my laser thermometer was on the fritz.
We had a total of 29 Steelhead in the trap. The scorecard is getting more complicated now that we have winter and summer fish along with hatchery and wild so now the fish are classified into those 4 categories. The results:
Winter
Hatchery 7 males 2 females
Wild 1 male 3 females
Summer
Hatchery 3 male 4 female
Wild 3 male 5 females
for a total of 28 fish.
We saw 1 deer on the way down the gorge and the logging activity had begun.
We returned 7 summer fish to the river at the Moonshine Park boat ramp. My thermometer was working by then and the river was 50 degrees. We got back to town at 12:30.
Wayde
05/14/2010
SILETZ TRAP RUN:
Bill and Lee left pig house at 8:10 and proceeded towards Siletz. We received a radio call from Derek saying we had the keys he needed for the tank truck. We returned to the office and then headed out once more. It turned into a beautiful day as we went up the gorge. At the trap we found one wild winter male which was marked and released down stream and one beautiful wild summer female which was sent upstream. There were six hatchery males and four females which were loaded and taken to Ollala lake for stocking. Traffic on the gorge road was very light for a change. No animals were seen along the way. We arrived back at the pig house at 12:30.
Lee
05/12/2010
SILETZ TRAP RUN:
Wayde & Bill Sigler made the Siletz Falls trap run on Wednesday. We left town at 8:10 and got to Buck Creek (mile post 5 1/2) at 9:10. Bill had to survey Buck Creek from the Siletz river to the gorge road. It took him just over an hour and he beat his previous best of 9 redds with a total of 14 active redds. Promising sign for Steelhead. The water in both streams was 43 degrees.
Reached the Siletz Falls trap at 10:42. The trap had about 24 fish in it. We left most of the hatchery fish in the trap and took 2 wild females, 1 wild male and 3 pair of hatchery fish to the Alsea hatchery. We went through Valsetz which is always a nice change of pace.
The 3 wild fish were spawned at the hatchery and put back in our tank to return to the Siletz River at the Hee Hee Il-a-Hee boat ramp (in town). We got back to the "Pig House" at 3:01. Did not see any wildlife of note.
Wayde
05/07/2010
SILETZ TRAP RUN:
Derek, Candy and Lee left at 10 after 8:00 for the traps. We stopped first at Palmer creek where we found one hatchery buck and put it down river. The trap was taken out of service. The opening to the pond was boarded up and rods removed from the weir to open up the creek. Derek then had a meeting at the rock pit on the 128 road with a state forester. Along with the forester in tow we then proceeded up the gorge. When we checked the trap there were no fish in it. Derek had wanted some more for the hatchery. We had to open the main gate to adjust the flow over the bottom end. We were back at the pig house a little after noon. No animals were seen during trip.
Lee
05/05/2010
SILETZ TRAP RUN:
Derek Wilson and I made the run to the Siletz trap this morning where we found 5 wild male steelhead and 1 summer run hen hatchery. We took 3 of the wild males to the Alsea Hatchery for brood stock and returned 6 fish (1 hen and 5 males) to Siletz for release. The summer run hatchery hen was punched and returned back down stream for someone to hopefully catch. She sure was bright and pretty. It was a fun day and we were back in town a little before 2:00.
Frank
Frank
04/28/2010
SCHOONER CREEK FISH TRAP:
Proceded up to Schooner with Frank Stout. Rain, wind off and on, and fairly cool. Didn't expect any fish, but the water was running about 2ft and fast, so couldn't get a good look (even with the "special technique/tool developed by some un-named Club Member). So, on with the waders and into the water. Immediately got hit in the legs by a large moving object - which I cornered and netted: 15lb Steelhead buck. While Frank did the net-run-release thing, I found a second smaller buck and Frank was on his way again. When he returned, we concentrated on a final check, and what to our wondering eyes should appear, but a third Steelhead which was cornered briefly and then disappeared! Fish was small enough that we think it made it back down through the slot. Nice day, as it cleared up on the way out, and we saw the Elk herd on the way in and out over on Drift Creek.
Brian
Brian
04/28/2010
SILETZ TRAP RUN:
Wednesday, April 28
Derek & Wayde made the trap run today. Bill Sigler is somewhere in sunny California on an extended motorcycle ride.
We left around 8 pm and went to the Palmer trap first. Surprise, surprise there were 8 hatchery Steelhead in the trap. 2 female & 6 males. Derek kept 5 to give to Casey for some student dissection instruction. The other three were recycled. It was a quick stop, in at 8.55 and out at 9:25 with 47 degree water.
Siletz Falls was next and we got there at 10:02. Water was up from the recent rain. It was about 4 feet below the headwall. 8 Steelhead were in the trap. 2 wild males and both were put back down the ladder. The 6 hatchery fish consisting of 3 males & 3 females were recycled. The water was a bit cooler at 39 degrees. We left at 10:24 for a turnaround time of 22 minutes, not bad. Fair amount of logging traffic today as we met trucks going both ways.
Palmer was next and no "hat trick" for us today. The trap was empty. Water was 44 degrees and we left at 12:12. Derek checked out a potential woody debris site upriver from the trap and then we headed for Newport arriving at 1:14. Good weather most of the day. It rained on us leaving Newport and again when we got back. No wildlife of note.
Wayde
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
04/26/2010
SCHOONER CREEK FISH TRAP:
Monday April 26, 2010
Wayde & Barb checked the Schooner trap this morning. Low, clear water & no fish. Nice drive but nothing to report.
Wayde
04/23/2010
SILETZ TRAP RUN:
Trap Report for Friday, 4/23
Bill & Wayde left the Pig House just after 8, gassed up and headed south. We arrived at the Bohanan trap at 9:17. Good flow of very clear water which was 43 degrees. No fish in the trap and we left at 9:22.
Reached the Palmer trap at 10:40. Just a trickle of clear water and no fish in the trap so on up the Gorge to the Siletz Falls trap and arrived at 10:40.
There were 17 Steelhead of which 5 were holdover's from Wednesday. The water was clear and 41 degrees. The count:
Wild 2 m 4 f
Hatchery 8 m 3 f
The wild fish were put back down the ladder. The hatchery fish were loaded up and taken across the river to the truck. We took the 11 Steelhead to Olalla reservoir and released them at the bottom of the boat ramp. A few interested anglers came over to watch and ask a few questions. The Olalla water was 57 degrees at the ramp. Left Olalla at 1:44 and got back to the Pig House at 2:02.
Bill was a bit antsy all day as this was his last day before departing on a 2 week motorcycle trip south and east of Newport (warmer clime). The Gorge was very busy today with the most vehicles I have encountered yet.
Wayde
04/23/2010
SCHOONER CREEK FISH TRAP:
Greetings
Team Chinook had a very nice drive today up to Schooner trap. The trap was empty the water low,and clear. I saw a red tail hawk on the way in and that was the extent of the wild life. We were back to base in under 2 hours. Larry couldn't make it today so we had Ben Davi ride up with us. It is always good to get out and just enjoy the beautiful outdoors. This was team Chinook's final trip to the trap for the season. The trap will close down next week.
Team Chinook
John, Bud, Ben, Bill
Team Chinook had a very nice drive today up to Schooner trap. The trap was empty the water low,and clear. I saw a red tail hawk on the way in and that was the extent of the wild life. We were back to base in under 2 hours. Larry couldn't make it today so we had Ben Davi ride up with us. It is always good to get out and just enjoy the beautiful outdoors. This was team Chinook's final trip to the trap for the season. The trap will close down next week.
Team Chinook
John, Bud, Ben, Bill
04/21/2010
SILETZ TRAP RUN:
Bill is leaving for a 2 week motorcycle adventure on Saturday so after our run I bid him a bon voyage and forgot to write down the results of our day. Therefore the following results are from memory and not necessarily accurate. We made a brief stop at Palmer Creek but it was down to just a trickle and only a few inches of water in the trap. We then proceeded to Siletz Falls where there were approximately 18 fish in the trap. Approximately 8 of those were holdovers from Monday in preparation for a brood stock run to Alsea. We collected 5 pair of wild for the brood stock run and sent another 3 males back downstream. The other 5 were left in the trap for a run to Ollala on Friday. We proceeded to the Alsea Hatchery via Valsetz and after assisting with the spawning process we brought 9 back for release at Ilahee Park in Siletz. Back in town at 3:30. Nice day. Frank
04/21/2010
SCHOONER CREEK FISH TRAP:
Morning,
No fish today. The water was clear and running about 12" deep. No wildlife today either. Down river around the six mile marker I did see one Steelhead casually swimming in an area I normally see fish throughout the season.
enjoy.
Morning,
No fish today. The water was clear and running about 12" deep. No wildlife today either. Down river around the six mile marker I did see one Steelhead casually swimming in an area I normally see fish throughout the season.
enjoy.
Mike
04/19/2010
SCHOONER CREEK FISH TRAP:
Hello
Bud, and I had fish trap duty today, there were no critters to be seen anywhere going into the trap. We enjoyed the beautiful drive down into the trap, and when we got there the trap was bare. The water running through the trap was crystal clear and about 1.5 ft deep. We buttoned up and headed out. When we got through the gate we decided to turn right instead of left. The drive was beautiful as we went up and looped back the Drift creek road. We didn't see so much as a chipmunk on the whole trip, but it w a nice ride. Our team will give it another try on Friday!
Team Chinook
Bill,@ Bud
Bud, and I had fish trap duty today, there were no critters to be seen anywhere going into the trap. We enjoyed the beautiful drive down into the trap, and when we got there the trap was bare. The water running through the trap was crystal clear and about 1.5 ft deep. We buttoned up and headed out. When we got through the gate we decided to turn right instead of left. The drive was beautiful as we went up and looped back the Drift creek road. We didn't see so much as a chipmunk on the whole trip, but it w a nice ride. Our team will give it another try on Friday!
Team Chinook
Bill,@ Bud
04/16/2010
SCHOONER CREEK FISH TRAP:
Great day outside. No fish in the trap, but it was clear and running well with about 1.5' of water. The highlight was an eagle taking off from the trap just as we came down the hill - They really look BIG down in our little canyon. Did the Fish ID, etc with about 40 kids from Taft Elementary the rest of the day. Warmed up to T-shirt weather at the end.
Brian
Brian
04/14/2010
SILETZ TRAP RUN:
Wednesday, April 14
Trap Report
Today was a day of events. It seems like we just went from one event to another. The plan was to check the Siletz Falls trap and the Palmer trap. Derek was going to check Bohanan. Bill and I left the Pig House at 8:10 and headed south to get oxygen for the fish tank.
THE OSPREY- Going over the Yaquina Bay bridge Bill noticed that a pair of Osprey had begun piling up sticks to begin a nest. The problem was that their site was atop a river navigation aid. Homeland Security (U.S. Coast Guard) is charged with keeping all navigation aids clean and working so they will have to remove the beginning nest. The Osprey nest is a protected item under somebody's body of rules so this will pit one government agency against another. I wonder if they flip a coin or what.
OXYGEN - We continued south to the welding shop near the Litehouse Deli. Bill unfastened the empty tank and I packed it over to the loading dock. Bill went inside to do the paperwork. The attendant did not recognize us, the truck, ODF&W and generally acted like it was his first day. Since we were not in a position to pay for the oxygen, Bill had to talk long and hard to get the clerk to write it up and hold it till Derek came by.
We went back across the bridge, gassed up and headed for Siletz Falls. but.........
CAR WRECK - At milepost 2 on the Logsden Road a van had sheared off a power pole and the lines were sagging across the road. Apparently there were no serious injuries, the van was on it's side and they had one-way traffic under the power lines.
Bill had to do a stream survey on Buck Creek which crosses the Gorge Road near milepost 5. I dropped him off near the Siletz River and went back to the Gorge Road to wait for him. The water in Buck Creek was 44 degrees.
REDDS - Bill set the new Guinness record for redds found in that stretch or creek. He found 9 new sites and it took an hour for the survey which in the past has been a half hour.
WATER OOZLE - While I was waiting for Bill at the road I watched a water oozle hunting for insects in the stream. These unique birds "fly" under water and hunt for food.
BALD EAGLE - Bill startled a bald eagle which had been eating on an old steelhead carcass and it flew upstream and right over me. Majestic birds.
We reached the Siletz Falls trap at 11:30. Bill had brought some tools and we tightened the trolley cable so the car would not bump on the concrete pad on the south side of the river. There were 29 Steelhead in the trap.
Wild 8 male 6 female (3 were repeats)
Hatchery 9 male 6 female
The wild fish were released back down the ladder after getting a hole punched in their tail. The hatchery fish were transported back over the river and into the truck tank. The water was 42 degrees. We left at 12:28 and headed downriver, loaded.
We checked the Palmer trap. It had 1 male and 1 female hatchery Steelhead. We added them to the truck tank.
Bill pulled nearly all of the remaining boards for the smolt ponds and the majority of the remaining fish headed downstream. The water in Palmer Creek was 51 degrees. We left there at 1:30.
OLALLA RESERVOIR - We went to Olalla Reservoir and happily put 17 large Steelhead into the lake. Many people at the lake today so we had a good audience. The water was 51 degrees.
We wound our way back to Newport and arrived at the Pig House at 3:00 pm. As you can see it was a day of "events"
Wayde
04/14/2010
SCHOONER CREEK FISH TRAP:
Good morning,
We are still continuing to see fish at the trap. Today I had one fish, a wild male which I released up at the bridge. The trap is running free of debris with plenty of water for fish passage, at least at this point. No wildlife today just lots of sun.
We are still continuing to see fish at the trap. Today I had one fish, a wild male which I released up at the bridge. The trap is running free of debris with plenty of water for fish passage, at least at this point. No wildlife today just lots of sun.
Mike
03/31/2010
SILETZ TRAP RUN:
Derek Wilson had a busy day planned for Bill Siegler and I today but it didn't really turn out that way. On our way up to the Siletz Falls trap we stopped at Buck Creek while Bill did a survey. Even though the water was high, it appeared to be clear enough so that Bill could complete his survey but it turned out to be a waste of time because the water was so deep and swift that he could not identify the reds. Our intent was to collect any hatchery fish and bring them back down and plant them in Lake Ollala. However, the Siletz trap only contained 2 fish ( a hatchery pair) which Bill decided to hold over until Friday. Palmer Creek had 2 fish as well. Casey needed 2 fish for a class presentation so one of the fish was dispatched and brought back. We also found a dead wild male steelhead adjacent to the entrance into the trap. Bill decided to bring it back as the second fish for Casey's presentation and the other fish was also held over until Friday. We then proceed to Bohannan but the trap was empty. On our way back to town we spotted a class of students exploring the North Beaver Creek. Got back into town about 2:30 and was able to see Casey for the first time in a while. It was great to see him back but it will be quite some time with a lot of physical therapy before he can play football again. Frank
03/31/2010
SCHOONER CREEK FISH TRAP:
Mike
Hi everyone,
I am sure happy that I took Hank up on his reasonably priced lessons on how to locate fish in Schooner Creek trap. It was money well spent. Today I found three Steelhead in the trap(2 males and 1 female all native). I don't think the female will make it as she was exhausted when I first saw her in the trap. Either the males chased her out of the calmer water or the trip up the ladder was to much for her. She is ripe and ready to spawn. I spent about 30 minutes trying to revive her up by the bridge but I am not holding out much hope. The two males were healthy and strong. I found about two feet of water in the trap but there was quite a bit of debris blocking in the upper chamber. Once I cleared everything out the water was running over three feet high. No wildlife to report and no one had stepped on the trap cover so it was easy to open.
Brian may well find fish in the trap on Friday with the elementary school kids up there.
Mike
PS: Thanks again Hank AND
Also, don't step on the grate after it has been closed. I think someone must have been up at the trap to have pushed it down so hard. I have found it hard to pull up on several occasions but never in the manner that Team Chinook reported. I never step on it and as Wayde mentioned, let it down easy or it will stick.I am sure happy that I took Hank up on his reasonably priced lessons on how to locate fish in Schooner Creek trap. It was money well spent. Today I found three Steelhead in the trap(2 males and 1 female all native). I don't think the female will make it as she was exhausted when I first saw her in the trap. Either the males chased her out of the calmer water or the trip up the ladder was to much for her. She is ripe and ready to spawn. I spent about 30 minutes trying to revive her up by the bridge but I am not holding out much hope. The two males were healthy and strong. I found about two feet of water in the trap but there was quite a bit of debris blocking in the upper chamber. Once I cleared everything out the water was running over three feet high. No wildlife to report and no one had stepped on the trap cover so it was easy to open.
Brian may well find fish in the trap on Friday with the elementary school kids up there.
Mike
PS: Thanks again Hank AND
Mike
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
04/12/2010
SCHOONER CREEK FISH TRAP:
Good afternoon,
And it was supposed to rain all day today. What a beautiful shirt sleeve day up in Schooner Creek canyon. This morning I got to the trap around 8:00 am and found 3 native Steelhead (2 hens, and 1 buck). I released all three up by the bridge. The water was clear and flowing well. I did raise the gates and clean some debris but the it wasn't bad. No wildlife today.
After Schooner Creek I met other volunteers and teachers further up on Schooner Creek road and spent the day with 38 5/6 graders again from Taft Elementary School teaching fish biology. Very rewarding day and the kids get really involved.
Thanks again Hank, for showing me how to locate those fish.
And it was supposed to rain all day today. What a beautiful shirt sleeve day up in Schooner Creek canyon. This morning I got to the trap around 8:00 am and found 3 native Steelhead (2 hens, and 1 buck). I released all three up by the bridge. The water was clear and flowing well. I did raise the gates and clean some debris but the it wasn't bad. No wildlife today.
After Schooner Creek I met other volunteers and teachers further up on Schooner Creek road and spent the day with 38 5/6 graders again from Taft Elementary School teaching fish biology. Very rewarding day and the kids get really involved.
Thanks again Hank, for showing me how to locate those fish.
Mike
04/09/2010
SILETZ TRAP RUN:
4/9/10 Trap Run
Bill and Wayde discussed various fish related issues in the office with Derek and Casey. We left, gassed up and headed south on Hwy 101 at 8:20. We arrived at the Bohanan trap about 9:50. The water was lower and very clear, 48 degrees, but no fish. We left and headed for Palmer via the 1000 Line road.
Frank and Larry were still at Palmer Creek. The trailer was hooked up and ready to go. The campsite was policed up and looked good. No fish in the Palmer trap. Water was clear and 47 degrees. Bill and I left at 11:30 and headed east up the gorge.
We reached the Siletz Falls at 12:10. There were 9 Steelhead in the trap.
Wild 2 male 3 female
Hatchery 3 male 1 female
The 2 wild males were punched and put back down the ladder. The 3 wild females were left in the trap to be taken to Alsea Hatchery for Brood stock. Water was 40 degrees.
The 4 hatchery fish were transported across the river to the truck and taken to Olalla Reservoir and released. I would love to see somebody hook into one of those fish.
We got back to the Pig House at 2:55 pm. Did not see any wildlife except squirrels.
Wayde
04/09/2010
SCHOONER CREEK FISH TRAP:
Good afternoon,
Today was a busy day up at Schooner Creek. We had a class of 40 students from Taft Elementary School (split 5th/6th grade) along with one member of the Mid Coast Watershed Council and other volunteers. When I arrived early this morning I checked the trap right away and found one small native hen. I left her in the trap at that point to be released later when the kids were all there. I also had one very large hatchery male Steelhead that I had dispatched on Wednesday, put on ice and used him today for a dissection exercise. It turned out to be a good day. I think the children learned a lot and enjoyed themselves. They had numerous stations to visit including water quality, riparian care, entomology, and water flow. Everyone whooped and hollered when I came out of the trap with the Steelhead and all followed me up to the bridge where she was released to cheers from everyone. I will be back up there on Monday for another class although we will be on the North Fork of Schooner Creek and not at the trap. I will take care of the trap before the class begins.
Have a good weekend,
Today was a busy day up at Schooner Creek. We had a class of 40 students from Taft Elementary School (split 5th/6th grade) along with one member of the Mid Coast Watershed Council and other volunteers. When I arrived early this morning I checked the trap right away and found one small native hen. I left her in the trap at that point to be released later when the kids were all there. I also had one very large hatchery male Steelhead that I had dispatched on Wednesday, put on ice and used him today for a dissection exercise. It turned out to be a good day. I think the children learned a lot and enjoyed themselves. They had numerous stations to visit including water quality, riparian care, entomology, and water flow. Everyone whooped and hollered when I came out of the trap with the Steelhead and all followed me up to the bridge where she was released to cheers from everyone. I will be back up there on Monday for another class although we will be on the North Fork of Schooner Creek and not at the trap. I will take care of the trap before the class begins.
Have a good weekend,
Mike
04/07/2010
SCHOONER CREEK FISH TRAP:
Greetings,
Another great day up at Schooner Creek. On the way up I saw the herd of Elk in the big meadow just West of the 2 mile marker. Once I opened the trap I saw a fish immediately. I had three fish today. Two very bright females (both native) which were released up by the bridge and one hatchery male (that wasn't released up by the bridge). This was the first hatchery fish I have had this year. With the upcoming rain the next couple of days I might have a fish or two for the Taft Elementary class on Friday. That's all for today.
Another great day up at Schooner Creek. On the way up I saw the herd of Elk in the big meadow just West of the 2 mile marker. Once I opened the trap I saw a fish immediately. I had three fish today. Two very bright females (both native) which were released up by the bridge and one hatchery male (that wasn't released up by the bridge). This was the first hatchery fish I have had this year. With the upcoming rain the next couple of days I might have a fish or two for the Taft Elementary class on Friday. That's all for today.
Mike
04/05/2010
SCHOONER CREEK FISH TRAP:
The Newport Middle School trip to D-Lake for fishing and Schooner for Stream Team activity was cancelled due to foul weather, so Bud and I proceded to the trap. Rain followed by hail, followed by rain, followed by wind, followed by rain, followed by hail, etc, etc. were the order of the day. The creek and trap looked good with moderately strong clear flow.
I jumped into about two feet of water and started shuffling around the bottom and soon felt some fish. Backing up into the right rear corner, a very bright native Steelhead hen popped up and I almost had her by the caudal peduncle, but ended up using the net. While Bud was running her up-river, I checked the area below the baffle board at the head end and found another one, a native buck hiding there, and sent Bud upriver again. Then it started to HAIL!!!! and while doing a final check, something BIG tried to push by. After another 2 or 3 minutes I cornered our third and final native Steelhead - a buck- easily in the 15lb class - getting dark and ready to spawn. Bud did his thing again, and of course the hail and rain slacked off a bit as soon as we were done. All in all, a great day at the trap.
The baffle probably helped the hen, she appeared a little tired and had probably been in the trap for awhile.
Brian
I jumped into about two feet of water and started shuffling around the bottom and soon felt some fish. Backing up into the right rear corner, a very bright native Steelhead hen popped up and I almost had her by the caudal peduncle, but ended up using the net. While Bud was running her up-river, I checked the area below the baffle board at the head end and found another one, a native buck hiding there, and sent Bud upriver again. Then it started to HAIL!!!! and while doing a final check, something BIG tried to push by. After another 2 or 3 minutes I cornered our third and final native Steelhead - a buck- easily in the 15lb class - getting dark and ready to spawn. Bud did his thing again, and of course the hail and rain slacked off a bit as soon as we were done. All in all, a great day at the trap.
The baffle probably helped the hen, she appeared a little tired and had probably been in the trap for awhile.
Brian
04/02/2010
SILETZ TRAP RUN:
BILL AND I LEFT THE PIG, AFTER A SHORT MEETING WITH CASEY AND DEREK. THE WIND WAS BLOWING HARD, AND IT WAS POURING. WE HEADED TO SILETZ TRAP FIRST, WHERE THE WIND HAD DIED DOWN AND THE SUN WAS OUT. WE HAD 2 WILD RETURNS, AND 2 FE WILDS, AND 1 MALE AND 1 FEMALE HATCHERY FISH. WE LEFT THE WILD FISH IN THE TRAP, AND BONKED THE HATCHERY. WE WENT TO PALMER AND DID CLEANUP ON THE TRAP, AND GOT THE PONDS READY FOR MONDAY. WE LEFT PALMER AND HEADED FOR BOHANNAN. THERE WEREN'T ANY FISH IN THE TRAP, WE BUTTONED UP AND HEADED FOR NEWPORT. LARRY
04/02/2010
SCHOONER CREEK FISH TRAP:
No fish today. The water was high but running well. The wind was blowing like a hurricane up in the gorge but not trees down at that time. No wildlife today.
Thanks Derek for putting the board in the upper gate, I felt like it was doing the job.
Thanks Derek for putting the board in the upper gate, I felt like it was doing the job.
Mike
03/29/2010
SCHOONER CREEK FISH TRAP:
Greetings Friends!
Our team went to the trap on Monday. The weather wasn't to cooperative except for when we were at the trap. The stream was running high and fast, looking down in the trap we could not tell if there were any fish or not. We unlocked the trap and I almost strained something trying to lift the cover. Upon closer inspection we were able to see that the cover was wedged down very tightly. In fact it looked as if maybe a couple of big guys might have been jumping up and down on it. For a brief moment we were a little suspicious and thought that our fellow team members from team Steel head might have helped us out a bit. Then we realized that they would never do any thing like that. It took all four of us to break it loose. We used everything we could find in the shack to make it happen. Finally with the lid up I went down into the trap. Did I mention that the water was moving fast, it also was deep. After a through sweep of the trap there were no fish to be found. We thought for sure with the high water that there might be some. We cleaned both gates and got the water flowing even better. Everything was buttoned up and we left the trap just as another front came through including some hail. There was no wild life to be seen going or coming.
Team chinook, Larry, John, Bud, Bill
Our team went to the trap on Monday. The weather wasn't to cooperative except for when we were at the trap. The stream was running high and fast, looking down in the trap we could not tell if there were any fish or not. We unlocked the trap and I almost strained something trying to lift the cover. Upon closer inspection we were able to see that the cover was wedged down very tightly. In fact it looked as if maybe a couple of big guys might have been jumping up and down on it. For a brief moment we were a little suspicious and thought that our fellow team members from team Steel head might have helped us out a bit. Then we realized that they would never do any thing like that. It took all four of us to break it loose. We used everything we could find in the shack to make it happen. Finally with the lid up I went down into the trap. Did I mention that the water was moving fast, it also was deep. After a through sweep of the trap there were no fish to be found. We thought for sure with the high water that there might be some. We cleaned both gates and got the water flowing even better. Everything was buttoned up and we left the trap just as another front came through including some hail. There was no wild life to be seen going or coming.
Team chinook, Larry, John, Bud, Bill
This in from Wayde...................
When people drop the trap door it wedges very tightly. You need to let it down gently with the rope so it won't edge. I use the pipe from the lock mechanism to pry it up.
Wayde
03/26/2010
SILETZ FISH TRAP RUN:
Good evening,
I left the office this morning around 8:00 am after meeting with Derek and Casey. I met Bill at Hee Hee Ilahee Park in Siletz and we headed up to Siletz Falls trap. We saw a nice herd of Elk (approx. 20-25) just this side of Logsden on the way up. When we got to the trap we found approx. 15 Steelhead, which we left for Bill to make a brood stock run to the Alsea on Monday. After leaving the Siletz trap we headed for Palmer Creek. The beaver hasn't been busy lately because the it hasn't had any water to dam. We finished placing the boards in the second pond and opened the upper dam to fill up the two ponds. There should be plenty of water for the new guests arriving April 5th. We left Palmer and headed for Bill's survey creek which we found to be colored up to much with the recent rains to identify any redds. Better luck when the stream clears. I dropped Bill off at his truck at Hee Hee Ilahee about 2:00 and headed back to the Pig. It was supposed to rain all day. The sun was shining and we were in tee shirts. Go figure.
I left the office this morning around 8:00 am after meeting with Derek and Casey. I met Bill at Hee Hee Ilahee Park in Siletz and we headed up to Siletz Falls trap. We saw a nice herd of Elk (approx. 20-25) just this side of Logsden on the way up. When we got to the trap we found approx. 15 Steelhead, which we left for Bill to make a brood stock run to the Alsea on Monday. After leaving the Siletz trap we headed for Palmer Creek. The beaver hasn't been busy lately because the it hasn't had any water to dam. We finished placing the boards in the second pond and opened the upper dam to fill up the two ponds. There should be plenty of water for the new guests arriving April 5th. We left Palmer and headed for Bill's survey creek which we found to be colored up to much with the recent rains to identify any redds. Better luck when the stream clears. I dropped Bill off at his truck at Hee Hee Ilahee about 2:00 and headed back to the Pig. It was supposed to rain all day. The sun was shining and we were in tee shirts. Go figure.
Mike
03/26/2010
SCHOONER CREEK FISH TRAP:
Hank Bryson and I drove up to the Schooner Trap this morning with periods of brief rain. The water was a little higher and murky compared to recent trips. Personally I can never find any fish in the trap but Hank, being the professional fisherman that his is, was able to locate 5. He netted 4 males and 1 female steelhead. One of the males had an injury to it's left gill plate but otherwise they were all in good shape. I released all 5 upstream and they appeared to be strong and healthy.
Hank asked me to tell Mike Samples that if he wants to learn how to locate fish in the trap to give him a call. He is available for private lessons and his rates are competitive. Take care, Frank
03/24/2010
SCHOONER CREEK FISH TRAP:
Greetings,
It was beautiful up at Schooner Creek today. However, no fish to be had. The water was clear and running at about 12" to 15" deep. I know there is one fish somewhere downstream laughing at us.
It was beautiful up at Schooner Creek today. However, no fish to be had. The water was clear and running at about 12" to 15" deep. I know there is one fish somewhere downstream laughing at us.
Mike
03/22/2010
SCHOONER CREEK FISH TRAP:
Hank
What a nice day, the trees were dripping on me but no rain. The water in the creek was Crystal clear but no fish in the trap, water depth and flow is also good.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
03/19/10
SILETZ TRAP RUN:
Friday, Mar. 19 2010
Wayde and Bill left the Pig House at 0800 and went to the Chevron station with a nearly empty tank. We had the "lib truck" which has the big tank on it. This truck is hard to fill with gas and it must be dribbled in slowly. After 15 or 20 minutes the attendant gave me the receipt and we headed north. A few miles north of Newport, Bill noticed we only had 3/4 tank of gas. We guess the attendant ran out of patience and just sent us on our way.
Our first stop of the day was at Schooner Creek. The water was clear and 38 degrees. No fish and the trap was clean. We left Schooner about 9:30 am and saw a lone Bald Eagle sitting on a limb above a shallow riffle, fishing?? We went up Hwy 229 to Siletz then on up to the gorge.
We stopped to check the Palmer trap but it too was empty with water at 42 degrees. We left Palmer at 10:50 and continued up the gorge road.
We arrived at the Siletz Falls trap at 11:30. The water was down and clear, 38 degrees. The trap had 16 Steelhead in it.
3 wild males 7 wild females
4 hatchery males 2 hatchery females
1 wild female was marked and put back down the ladder. The remaining fish were transported across the river along with 3 buckets of water and put in the truck tank. These will be used as brood stock. We left at 12:57 and went east through Valsetz and headed toward the Alsea Hatchery. Remember the gas I mentioned earlier, well I looked at the gauge and it was near 1/4 tank. After a lively debate and a consensus discussion we went into Philomath and gassed up, again. This time it took 24 gallons. The good news was that the tank showed full now.
Arrived at the Alsea Hatchery near 3:00 pm and began processing the fish. All the wild fish were sedated, inoculated and tagged. The hatchery fish were placed in a different holding tank.
We left the hatchery at 4:00 pm and followed the Alsea river to Waldport then on Hwy 101 to Newport. We got in at 5:04 pm. A long day but very nice with sunshine, no wind and a high of 70.
Wayde
03/17/10
SILETZ TRAP RUN:
BILL AND I LEFT THE PIG AT 8:15 HEADED FOR THE SILETZ TRAP. I DROPPED BILL OFF AT BUCK CREEK, AND HE DID A STEELHEAD SURVEY. HE FOUND 4 NEW REDDS AND SPOTTED 2 HENS AND I BUCK. WE PROCEEDED UP TO THE TRAP, WHERE WE NEEDED TO GET 2 HATCHERY FISH FOR CASEY. HE NEEDED THEM FOR A CLASS HE WAS TEACHING IN WALDPORT. WE ESTIMATED THERE WERE 12 TO 15 FISH IN THE TRAP. WE NETTED 3 HATCHERY STEELHEAD 2 MALES AND 1 FEMALE, AND WE LEFT THE REST IN THE TRAP FOR FRIDAY. WE SENT 1 MALE DOWN THE RIVER FOR STREAM ENHANCEMENT AND THE OTHER 2 FISH WE BROUGHT BACK TO NEWPORT FOR CASEY. AFTER THE DELIVERY WE HEADED SOUTH TO THE BOHANAN TRAP, WHERE FOUND 3 NATIVE STEELHEAD 2 MALES AND 1 FEMALE. WE RELEASED THEM AND HEADED BACK TO NEWPORT, ARRIVING ABOUT 2:30. IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL DAY TO WORK THE TRAPS. LARRY
03/17/10
SCHOONER CREEK FISH TRAP:
Good morning,
I was bamboozled!! Yes, it happened to me as well. I went into the trap this morning not seeing any fish. After just a moment in the trap I felt the familiar bump on my leg then saw a nice fish darting around the trap. It looked like a nice wild male with colored gill plates and a nice red stripe down the side. I climbed up the ladder got the net and returned to the trap. No fish. I scoured the trap for five minutes testing all the places a fish can hide in the trap (which aren't many) and found nothing. That sneaky fish slipped out and back down the ladder just like it had done to another team. Dejected, I climbed back out of the trap locked it up and left the area with my tail between my legs.
The trap had good flow with about 18" to 20" of water running through. On the way up and again on the way down I saw the Elk herd bedded down in the field. They must have been enjoying the sun like I was. Hopefully the team on Friday will be better equipped to deal with this phantom fish than I was.
Team Lone Wolf,
I was bamboozled!! Yes, it happened to me as well. I went into the trap this morning not seeing any fish. After just a moment in the trap I felt the familiar bump on my leg then saw a nice fish darting around the trap. It looked like a nice wild male with colored gill plates and a nice red stripe down the side. I climbed up the ladder got the net and returned to the trap. No fish. I scoured the trap for five minutes testing all the places a fish can hide in the trap (which aren't many) and found nothing. That sneaky fish slipped out and back down the ladder just like it had done to another team. Dejected, I climbed back out of the trap locked it up and left the area with my tail between my legs.
The trap had good flow with about 18" to 20" of water running through. On the way up and again on the way down I saw the Elk herd bedded down in the field. They must have been enjoying the sun like I was. Hopefully the team on Friday will be better equipped to deal with this phantom fish than I was.
Team Lone Wolf,
Mike
03/15/10
It was Wayde and Barb's turn to check the Schooner trap Monday morning. They had to make a quick stop at the ODFW office and got a wonderful surprise when they walked in . . . Casey was sitting at his desk! It certainly was a great way to start the day.
Trap Report:
Water was 14 inches deep, clear and 43 degrees. There were no fish in the trap but the weather was great with no wind and sunshine. Noticed one redd in the stream above the trap but not sure how old it was. The photos show how clear the creek was and one of the pictures shows the redd but you may not be able to spot it in the photo. Sunshine, no rain . . . it really was a great Monday morning.
Wayde
Note from Tom Simpson:
We need to get Wayde on the camera once in a while !!! Barb is always running it and we are always forced to see WAYDE, WAYDE, WAYDE !!!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
03/12/2010
SCHOONER CREEK FISH TRAP:
Hi friends!
The day was beautiful the wind,and rain had died down,and the surf was pounding the coast. On the way in and on coming out we had the pleasure of spotting the elk herd just before the Drift Creek turn off. There were about 30 head in the herd. When we got to the trap we found the water high and fast covering the sand bags. Larry went into the trap and found fish, he dipped out a very nice bright small hen and we sent her up stream. While I took the fish up stream to Bud to release Larry and John said they spotted another fish in the trap. I handed Larry the net and he could not produce the fish something mystical going on here. The conclusion is he didn't like Larry and went back the way he came. All in all a great day. Good LUCK on the water.
Team Chinook
Electric Bill
Hi friends!
The day was beautiful the wind,and rain had died down,and the surf was pounding the coast. On the way in and on coming out we had the pleasure of spotting the elk herd just before the Drift Creek turn off. There were about 30 head in the herd. When we got to the trap we found the water high and fast covering the sand bags. Larry went into the trap and found fish, he dipped out a very nice bright small hen and we sent her up stream. While I took the fish up stream to Bud to release Larry and John said they spotted another fish in the trap. I handed Larry the net and he could not produce the fish something mystical going on here. The conclusion is he didn't like Larry and went back the way he came. All in all a great day. Good LUCK on the water.
Team Chinook
Electric Bill
03/12/2010
SILETZ TRAP RUN:
Alice Smoker drove the ODF&W truck today on the trap run. Bill Sigler rode "shotgun" and Wayde was the "tail gunner".
We left the Pig House at 8:00 and headed south to Ona Beach where we turned east and followed the North Beaver Creek road to the 1000 Line road then south to the Bohanon trap. The water was high and dirty. There was 1 wild female Steelhead which we sent on her way upstream. We saw a herd of elk mid-way on the North Beaver Creek road and another herd at the 71/2 mile on the 1000 Line. The water temp at Bohanon was 43. We left at 9:26 and followed the 1000 line to Toledo and then Siletz.
We stopped at Palmer Creek. Bill put the trap into operation last Wednesday. There was plenty of water but no fish. The resident beaver had began rebuilding his dam at the front of the trap. The water was 42 and we left at 10:55 to continue the journey to the Siletz Falls trap. The road was busy and we met a pickup and a log truck on their way out which provided Alice with some avoidance training. Going up the grade just past Buck Creek we found a slide had come down and 3 trees were across the road. This time Alice got some training in backing down a steep and narrow grade. Bill got on the CB radio and told some trucks behind us about the obstruction. They responded thanks and arrived shortly. The lead vehicle was a pilot truck for a truck and lowboy hauling a skidder. The lead truck was being driven by Kong, "The Bull of the Woods" who seems to be a local legend around Toledo. He cleared the road quickly of trees and the trucks moved on. We had gone to Sunshine Creek to post some "no fishing" signs and saw the equipment continuing up the gorge.
We arrived at the Siletz trap at noon. The water was high and only 2 feet below the top of the trap headwall. The river looks great at this level as it crashes through the boulders of the falls, all white water. There were 9 Steelhead in the trap.
Hatchery 4 males 3 females The water was 39.
Wild 2 females
Bill punched holes in the tails of the wild fish and we put them back down the river. The hatchery fish were taken back and given to food share in Newport. We finished the day at 2:30.
It was an eventful day for Alice being on her first driving run.
Wayde
Alice Smoker drove the ODF&W truck today on the trap run. Bill Sigler rode "shotgun" and Wayde was the "tail gunner".
We left the Pig House at 8:00 and headed south to Ona Beach where we turned east and followed the North Beaver Creek road to the 1000 Line road then south to the Bohanon trap. The water was high and dirty. There was 1 wild female Steelhead which we sent on her way upstream. We saw a herd of elk mid-way on the North Beaver Creek road and another herd at the 71/2 mile on the 1000 Line. The water temp at Bohanon was 43. We left at 9:26 and followed the 1000 line to Toledo and then Siletz.
We stopped at Palmer Creek. Bill put the trap into operation last Wednesday. There was plenty of water but no fish. The resident beaver had began rebuilding his dam at the front of the trap. The water was 42 and we left at 10:55 to continue the journey to the Siletz Falls trap. The road was busy and we met a pickup and a log truck on their way out which provided Alice with some avoidance training. Going up the grade just past Buck Creek we found a slide had come down and 3 trees were across the road. This time Alice got some training in backing down a steep and narrow grade. Bill got on the CB radio and told some trucks behind us about the obstruction. They responded thanks and arrived shortly. The lead vehicle was a pilot truck for a truck and lowboy hauling a skidder. The lead truck was being driven by Kong, "The Bull of the Woods" who seems to be a local legend around Toledo. He cleared the road quickly of trees and the trucks moved on. We had gone to Sunshine Creek to post some "no fishing" signs and saw the equipment continuing up the gorge.
We arrived at the Siletz trap at noon. The water was high and only 2 feet below the top of the trap headwall. The river looks great at this level as it crashes through the boulders of the falls, all white water. There were 9 Steelhead in the trap.
Hatchery 4 males 3 females The water was 39.
Wild 2 females
Bill punched holes in the tails of the wild fish and we put them back down the river. The hatchery fish were taken back and given to food share in Newport. We finished the day at 2:30.
It was an eventful day for Alice being on her first driving run.
Wayde
03/10/2010
SILETZ TRAP RUN:
Bill and I arrived at the Siletz Trap yesterday which was covered by a light coat of snow. There were 10 fish in the trap but 4 or 5 of those were holdovers from Monday. The count was Hatchery: 3 males, 2 females and 1 juvenile. Wild: 3 male and 1 female. The juvenile was in the upper compartment of the trap and was apparently small enough to get through the bars. At first we thought that he was a large trout but after a close exam we could see that he was clipped and in fact was a steelhead. We then transported all 10 fish to the Alsea Hatchery. We then picked up 100 eggs which were to be taken to the grammar school in Siletz and placed in the tank. Depending on the water temperature they should hatch in about a week and a half. Arrived back in Newport at 3:00 pm. Frank
Bill and I arrived at the Siletz Trap yesterday which was covered by a light coat of snow. There were 10 fish in the trap but 4 or 5 of those were holdovers from Monday. The count was Hatchery: 3 males, 2 females and 1 juvenile. Wild: 3 male and 1 female. The juvenile was in the upper compartment of the trap and was apparently small enough to get through the bars. At first we thought that he was a large trout but after a close exam we could see that he was clipped and in fact was a steelhead. We then transported all 10 fish to the Alsea Hatchery. We then picked up 100 eggs which were to be taken to the grammar school in Siletz and placed in the tank. Depending on the water temperature they should hatch in about a week and a half. Arrived back in Newport at 3:00 pm. Frank
03/10/2010
SCHOONER CREEK FISH TRAP:
No fish, no fish, no fish. Once again with clear water, clear skies and a clear fish trap we leave the canyon with no stories to tell. The water is pretty low with about 12" running through the trap. Good luck on Friday.
Mike
No fish, no fish, no fish. Once again with clear water, clear skies and a clear fish trap we leave the canyon with no stories to tell. The water is pretty low with about 12" running through the trap. Good luck on Friday.
Mike
03/08/2010
SCHOONER CREEK FISH TRAP:
It was a beautiful day for a drive up to Schooner trap. Larry and John had other obligations for the day. It was just Bud and myself we didn't see any wildlife going or coming back home. As usual it was very beautiful down at the trap. There were however no fish in the trap. There was about 16 inches of water running clear and unimpeded. We buttoned up everything and We were back at 10:45 am.
for team Chinook
Electric Bill
It was a beautiful day for a drive up to Schooner trap. Larry and John had other obligations for the day. It was just Bud and myself we didn't see any wildlife going or coming back home. As usual it was very beautiful down at the trap. There were however no fish in the trap. There was about 16 inches of water running clear and unimpeded. We buttoned up everything and We were back at 10:45 am.
for team Chinook
Electric Bill
03/05/2010
SILETZ TRAP RUN:
Trap run for Friday, Mar. 5
Wayde & Bill left the pig house at 8:20 and headed for Siletz. Bill had to do a stream survey on Buck Creek from the Siletz river to the gorge road, about a half mile of stream. He was looking for spawning beds (redds) and any live fish. I dropped him off at the Buck Creek bridge at 9:21. He reached the gorge road at 9:48. He found 5 redds but saw no fish. The water was 43 degrees.
We proceeded up the gorge to the Siletz Falls trap arriving at 10:20. There was 1 wild female and we left her in the trap. She and others will be used for hatchery brood stock. The water was 42 degrees. We left the trap at 10:46 and headed back down the gorge.
We went through Toledo and up the 1000 Line Road to the Bohanon trap. No fish and the water was 42 degrees. Went back to town via North Beaver Creek and arrived at 1:48. No unusual wildlife were seen.
Wayde
Trap run for Friday, Mar. 5
Wayde & Bill left the pig house at 8:20 and headed for Siletz. Bill had to do a stream survey on Buck Creek from the Siletz river to the gorge road, about a half mile of stream. He was looking for spawning beds (redds) and any live fish. I dropped him off at the Buck Creek bridge at 9:21. He reached the gorge road at 9:48. He found 5 redds but saw no fish. The water was 43 degrees.
We proceeded up the gorge to the Siletz Falls trap arriving at 10:20. There was 1 wild female and we left her in the trap. She and others will be used for hatchery brood stock. The water was 42 degrees. We left the trap at 10:46 and headed back down the gorge.
We went through Toledo and up the 1000 Line Road to the Bohanon trap. No fish and the water was 42 degrees. Went back to town via North Beaver Creek and arrived at 1:48. No unusual wildlife were seen.
Wayde
03/05/2010
SCHOONER CREEK FISH TRAP:
Hank and I checked the trap this morning but the pattern was the same...no fish. We had an enjoyable trip and stopped in Depoe Bay for breakfast. The swells made for some beautiful waves. Frank
Hank and I checked the trap this morning but the pattern was the same...no fish. We had an enjoyable trip and stopped in Depoe Bay for breakfast. The swells made for some beautiful waves. Frank
03/03/2010
SCHOONER CREEK FISH TRAP:
Good evening,
No fish, no rain, and no wildlife. The trap had good flow with very little debris. Oh well, maybe Friday will be better.
Mike
Good evening,
No fish, no rain, and no wildlife. The trap had good flow with very little debris. Oh well, maybe Friday will be better.
Mike
03/03/2010
SILETZ TRAP RUN:
BILL AND I LEFT THE PIG AT 8:15 AND HEADED SOUTH TO THE BOHANAN TRAP. WE FOUND 5 STEELHEAD, ALL WILD 3 HENS, 2 BUCKS. AT ABOUT 9:30 WE LEFT FOR THE SILETZ TRAP. WE HAD 9 STEELHEAD IN THE TRAP, 3 HATCHERY, 2 BUCKS, 1 HEN, AND 6 WILD, 3 BUCKS AND 3 HENS. WE SENT THE WILD ONES DOWN RIVER, AND THE HATCHERY CAME BACK TO NEWPORT TO FOOD SHARE.
ON THE WAY BACK BETWEEN LOGSDEN AND SILETZ BILL SPOTTED A HEARD OF ELK LAYING IN A BIG MEADOW. WE GOT BACK INTO NEWPORT ABOUT 1:30. LARRY
BILL AND I LEFT THE PIG AT 8:15 AND HEADED SOUTH TO THE BOHANAN TRAP. WE FOUND 5 STEELHEAD, ALL WILD 3 HENS, 2 BUCKS. AT ABOUT 9:30 WE LEFT FOR THE SILETZ TRAP. WE HAD 9 STEELHEAD IN THE TRAP, 3 HATCHERY, 2 BUCKS, 1 HEN, AND 6 WILD, 3 BUCKS AND 3 HENS. WE SENT THE WILD ONES DOWN RIVER, AND THE HATCHERY CAME BACK TO NEWPORT TO FOOD SHARE.
ON THE WAY BACK BETWEEN LOGSDEN AND SILETZ BILL SPOTTED A HEARD OF ELK LAYING IN A BIG MEADOW. WE GOT BACK INTO NEWPORT ABOUT 1:30. LARRY
03/01/2010
SCHOONER CREEK FISH TRAP:
Water running clear and fairly high through the empty trap today. Maybe later on in the week. Frank
Water running clear and fairly high through the empty trap today. Maybe later on in the week. Frank
02/27/2010
SILETZ TRAP RUN:
Wayde and Bill Sigler made the Friday trap run on a cool & breezy day.
Schooner trap was clean and clear but no fish. The water was 48 degrees.
The Siletz falls trap had 8 Steelhead. The water was up from the recent rain and 42 degrees.
There were:
Hatchery 2 male 3 female
Wild 1 male 2 female
The fish were left in the trap to keep for brood pairs which will be taken to the Alsea hatchery next week.
Back in town by 1:30.
Wayde
Wayde and Bill Sigler made the Friday trap run on a cool & breezy day.
Schooner trap was clean and clear but no fish. The water was 48 degrees.
The Siletz falls trap had 8 Steelhead. The water was up from the recent rain and 42 degrees.
There were:
Hatchery 2 male 3 female
Wild 1 male 2 female
The fish were left in the trap to keep for brood pairs which will be taken to the Alsea hatchery next week.
Back in town by 1:30.
Wayde
02/24/2010
SCHOONER CREEK FISH TRAP:
Good morning,
I went to Schooner Creek early this morning and am I glad I did. Up here in LC it is pouring now. The creek has risen a little but not much. I found one wild female Steelhead in the trap which I released up by the bridge. This female had two distinct seal slashes on her right side but it didn't seem to hamper her progress or her strength. If this rain keeps up there should be fresh fish at the trap on Friday. No wildlife today.
Mike
Good morning,
I went to Schooner Creek early this morning and am I glad I did. Up here in LC it is pouring now. The creek has risen a little but not much. I found one wild female Steelhead in the trap which I released up by the bridge. This female had two distinct seal slashes on her right side but it didn't seem to hamper her progress or her strength. If this rain keeps up there should be fresh fish at the trap on Friday. No wildlife today.
Mike
02/24/2010
SILETZ FISH TRAP:
Bill and I checked the Siletz trap this morning with the intent of taking a few pair over to the Alsea Hatchery. However, there were only 4 fish in the trap. There was 1 pair wild and 1 pair hatchery. With just one pair for brood stock it didn't make much sense to make a special trip over to the hatchery so they were saved for another day. It was a short day for us and we were home just before noon. Frank
Bill and I checked the Siletz trap this morning with the intent of taking a few pair over to the Alsea Hatchery. However, there were only 4 fish in the trap. There was 1 pair wild and 1 pair hatchery. With just one pair for brood stock it didn't make much sense to make a special trip over to the hatchery so they were saved for another day. It was a short day for us and we were home just before noon. Frank
02/19/2010
SCHOONER CREEK FISH TRAP:
A Full Team Chinook made the run >< Unfortunately, we found NO FISH >< However, the Weather was Terrific; Stream Flow Clear & Bud was able to get a Very Strong GPS Signal on his Device. JCS >> for “The Team”
A Full Team Chinook made the run >< Unfortunately, we found NO FISH >< However, the Weather was Terrific; Stream Flow Clear & Bud was able to get a Very Strong GPS Signal on his Device. JCS >> for “The Team”
02/17/2010
SILETZ TRAP RUN:
Wayde and Bill Sigler made the Wednesday Siletz Falls trap run. The Bohannon trap did not need to be checked so we left about 8:10 am and headed for Siletz. We stopped at the Palmer trap on the way up the gorge. The Palmer trap was taken out of service a few days ago. Most of the water was diverted back to the main stem of Palmer Creek. There were no fish below the trap or the weir. The water temperature was 44 degrees. We continued up river and arrived at the Siletz Falls trap at 10:00 am. We saw fish darting around as soon as we opened the access door.
There were a total of 24 Steelhead in the trap. The water was 43 degrees.
Wild --- 3 male 3 female
Hatchery ---- 11 male 7 female
15 hatchery fish were left in the trap to be taken to food share on Friday.
The wild fish were taken across the river and loaded in the truck at 11:30 am. We took them down to Sunshine Creek (near Buck Creek) and released them.
Next stop was Mill Creek, just upstream from the Logsden store, where we helped a crew of 3 others install a smolt recovery system. This is unique device with a 5 foot diameter baffled cone that turns in the water and deposits the small fish in a live catch tank to be counted, examined, marked, etc. The biologist, Chris, said up to 20,000 Coho smolt travel through this capture point annually. There are 3 other similar traps in the area and it would make a good LVHFC field trip to visit one while in operation. I let the others do all the heavy lifting so my back is still up for another day. We got back in town at 2:43 pm and did not see any wildlife of note.
Wayde
Wayde and Bill Sigler made the Wednesday Siletz Falls trap run. The Bohannon trap did not need to be checked so we left about 8:10 am and headed for Siletz. We stopped at the Palmer trap on the way up the gorge. The Palmer trap was taken out of service a few days ago. Most of the water was diverted back to the main stem of Palmer Creek. There were no fish below the trap or the weir. The water temperature was 44 degrees. We continued up river and arrived at the Siletz Falls trap at 10:00 am. We saw fish darting around as soon as we opened the access door.
There were a total of 24 Steelhead in the trap. The water was 43 degrees.
Wild --- 3 male 3 female
Hatchery ---- 11 male 7 female
15 hatchery fish were left in the trap to be taken to food share on Friday.
The wild fish were taken across the river and loaded in the truck at 11:30 am. We took them down to Sunshine Creek (near Buck Creek) and released them.
Next stop was Mill Creek, just upstream from the Logsden store, where we helped a crew of 3 others install a smolt recovery system. This is unique device with a 5 foot diameter baffled cone that turns in the water and deposits the small fish in a live catch tank to be counted, examined, marked, etc. The biologist, Chris, said up to 20,000 Coho smolt travel through this capture point annually. There are 3 other similar traps in the area and it would make a good LVHFC field trip to visit one while in operation. I let the others do all the heavy lifting so my back is still up for another day. We got back in town at 2:43 pm and did not see any wildlife of note.
Wayde
02/17/2010
SCHOONER CREEK FISH TRAP:
Good morning,
I just returned from Schooner Creek. Total fish, 1 wild male Steelhead and it was a very nice fish (approx. 10lbs). I released him up by the bridge and he shot right back down by the dam. No other fish but good stream flow. I saw the Elk herd both on the way up and again on the way down. They were in their usual lounging/eating location, just West of the 2 mile marker.
I am leaving town this morning and won't return until next Tue. Have a great week.
Team, Lone Wolf
Good morning,
I just returned from Schooner Creek. Total fish, 1 wild male Steelhead and it was a very nice fish (approx. 10lbs). I released him up by the bridge and he shot right back down by the dam. No other fish but good stream flow. I saw the Elk herd both on the way up and again on the way down. They were in their usual lounging/eating location, just West of the 2 mile marker.
I am leaving town this morning and won't return until next Tue. Have a great week.
Team, Lone Wolf
02/15/2010
SCHOONER CREEK FISH TRAP:
Team Chinook is pleased to report 5 Native Steelhead ( 3 Hens & 2 Bucks ) in the trap. All were released in reasonably Good Condition. It was a very fine day, but the only Wild Life we saw, occurred when we got back into LVH >> !!! << Low & Behold >< Standing right in the middle of the street was Charles Burke & Phil Reed >>> When we ask them what they were up to >< They told us they were “Pan Handler Birds” >>>> Suffice to say >< We went to great lengths to get out of their area …PRONTO !~!~! JCS … for “The Team - Electric Bill”
Team Chinook is pleased to report 5 Native Steelhead ( 3 Hens & 2 Bucks ) in the trap. All were released in reasonably Good Condition. It was a very fine day, but the only Wild Life we saw, occurred when we got back into LVH >> !!! << Low & Behold >< Standing right in the middle of the street was Charles Burke & Phil Reed >>> When we ask them what they were up to >< They told us they were “Pan Handler Birds” >>>> Suffice to say >< We went to great lengths to get out of their area …PRONTO !~!~! JCS … for “The Team - Electric Bill”
Saturday, February 13, 2010
02/12/2010
SILETZ FISH TRAP:
Wayde and Bill Sigler made the trap run on this rainy & windy Friday. Went to Bohannon first via Ona Beach/North Beaver Creek Road. There were 6 native Steelhead in the trap. 2 male & 4 female. One of the females had a seal mark on her side. The water was 48 degrees. There were 4 elk below the road on the way out. They were between the 13 and 5 mile markers.
Arrived at the Palmer trap about 11:00 pm. There were no fish but the beaver had dammed up the water to about 4 1/2 feet. We cleaned the whole mess out and flushed it through the trap and on down stream. I would think the beaver would be getting very frustrated by now. The water was 45 degrees.
Hit the Siletz Falls trap at 12:40. Saw fish darting about as soon as we opened the access door. There were 13 Steelhead:
Native 3 male 2 female
Hatchery 3 male 5 female
There was one very large Steelhead that Bill estimated at 18#, I would have guessed higher. Big fish.
We transported the hatchery fish across the river and dropped them off at Lincoln County Food Share. The water was 44 degrees. We got back to the "Pig House" at 3:00 pm.
Wayde
02/10/2010
SCHOONER CREEK FISH TRAP:
Good evening,
Another beautiful day on the Oregon Coast with lots of rain and very little sun. No fish in the trap today. Quite a bit of Beaver activity even though the water level was low. Cleaned the trap and left it for the coming rain to bring some fish in, hopefully.
Another beautiful day on the Oregon Coast with lots of rain and very little sun. No fish in the trap today. Quite a bit of Beaver activity even though the water level was low. Cleaned the trap and left it for the coming rain to bring some fish in, hopefully.
Mike
02/10/2010
SILETZ FISH TRAP:
Only one hatchery hen at the Siletz trap but a pair of wild steelhead at the Bohannan trap. We also spotted 5 steelhead lying in the stream near the trap. The beaver was busy again and it took us quite a while to get the debris cleaned from the Palmer Creek trap but everything was clear and running free when we left. Bill also surveyed Buck Creek but didn't see any reds. Lots of rain but not much in the way of wildlife today. Hopefully the rain will get the fish moving again. Frank
02/08/2010
SCHOONER CREEK FISH TRAP:
Hank and I had an enjoyable ride to the trap this morning but we got the day off since there were no fish nor any debris to clean. Water was clear and just below the knees in the trap. Frank
02/05/2010
SCHOONER CREEK FISH TRAP:
Good afternoon,
I went to Schooner Creek today with high expectations. Unfortunately, those expectations were lowered. No fish, no rain, no wildlife, just mud on the road and people driving to fast. I should have let Hank go. Oh well, the weather was beautiful and 60 degrees. I still believe we are fortunate to live where we do. Have a great weekend.
Lone wolf
I went to Schooner Creek today with high expectations. Unfortunately, those expectations were lowered. No fish, no rain, no wildlife, just mud on the road and people driving to fast. I should have let Hank go. Oh well, the weather was beautiful and 60 degrees. I still believe we are fortunate to live where we do. Have a great weekend.
Lone wolf
02/03/2010
SCHOONER CREEK FISH TRAP:
Good afternoon,
Not much happening today at Schooner Creek. No fish and not much water. I cleaned out the front of the upper grate as it had more Beaver limbs partially blocking the entrance. This increased the flow a few inches. Down river just below the 6 mile marker I saw two Steelhead holding in their usual location waiting for some fresh water. No wildlife today.
See many of you tomorrow morning,
Not much happening today at Schooner Creek. No fish and not much water. I cleaned out the front of the upper grate as it had more Beaver limbs partially blocking the entrance. This increased the flow a few inches. Down river just below the 6 mile marker I saw two Steelhead holding in their usual location waiting for some fresh water. No wildlife today.
See many of you tomorrow morning,
Mike
01/29/2010
SCHOONER CREEK FISH TRAP:
It was a beautiful drive with the surf up and overcast sky. The hook wasn't able to go this time so we had a trapper from awhile back step up, and go along. Brother Ben Davi, Bud, Larry and myself were the team this time to the trap. The trap had no fish with only about a foot of water
flowing through, it was clear with no debris. There was however a considerable amount of rock and gravel which Larry cleared out. We then buttoned up the trap and headed home.
for Team Chinook
Electric Bill
flowing through, it was clear with no debris. There was however a considerable amount of rock and gravel which Larry cleared out. We then buttoned up the trap and headed home.
for Team Chinook
Electric Bill
01/29/2010
SILETZ FISH TRAP:
Bill and I were joined by Alice for the trap run today. Alice is a biology graduate from Juno and currently works as a waitress at the Coffee House. The Bohannan Trap was empty and the Siletz trap contained only one hatchery male and 1 wild female. The hen was "punched" and returned downstream. The male was also returned downstream but he wasn't moving much after being conked. The beaver has sure been busy at Palmer Creek and there were no fish in the trap. We spent quite a bit of time at the trap and gave it a thorough cleaning before arriving back in Newport around 2:20.
The elk herd was spotted at the 7 mile post just before entering Logsdon. Too far away to see any antlers. A large flock of Canada Geese were in the pasture nearby. All in all a very nice day. Only one logging truck was seen on the road today.
Frank
Sunday, January 31, 2010
01/27/10
SILETZ FISH TRAP RUN:
Good evening,
Bill and I visited all four traps today. Both Schooner Creek and Palmer Creek were fish free zones. The only thing we found at Palmer Creek was more evidence of our favorite Beaver working frantically to raise the level of the water above the trap. Bill and his rake added further frustration to his/her efforts. We were both surprised to find no logging activity in the gorge. We arrived at Siletz Falls trap about 11:30 and found 4 fish in the trap. Unfortunately, all four were hatchery fish (2 male and 2 female steelhead) so they are doing their part to provide nutrients to the smaller fish downstream. On to Bohannan where once again we encountered no logging activity. We found three (1 male and 2 female steelhead) fish, all wild, and happily released these three upsteam. We were back at the office around 3:15 pm.
Now for the rest of the story. While Bill and I were driving up the Schooner Creek road we looked in the usual locations for the Elk herd. We didn't see them so headed on up the road. At around the 3 to 3 1/2 mile marker I happened to look down by the creek and couldn't believe what I was seeing. Standing there looking up at us was a very large Bull Elk. The Bull was by himself and had a magnificent rack. This was a big bull. We couldn't see if he was a 4 point a 5 point or bigger because he was looking straight at us and did not move at all. I backed up to get closer thinking her would vacate the area when I did but he just stood there starring at us. We watched him for at least 5 minutes before we decided to move. We were within 40 yards of the bull. In the 5 years I have been driving up to Schooner Creek I have never seen anything like him. What a memory. On the way down the herd was out feeding just West of the 2 mile marker.
Bill and I visited all four traps today. Both Schooner Creek and Palmer Creek were fish free zones. The only thing we found at Palmer Creek was more evidence of our favorite Beaver working frantically to raise the level of the water above the trap. Bill and his rake added further frustration to his/her efforts. We were both surprised to find no logging activity in the gorge. We arrived at Siletz Falls trap about 11:30 and found 4 fish in the trap. Unfortunately, all four were hatchery fish (2 male and 2 female steelhead) so they are doing their part to provide nutrients to the smaller fish downstream. On to Bohannan where once again we encountered no logging activity. We found three (1 male and 2 female steelhead) fish, all wild, and happily released these three upsteam. We were back at the office around 3:15 pm.
Now for the rest of the story. While Bill and I were driving up the Schooner Creek road we looked in the usual locations for the Elk herd. We didn't see them so headed on up the road. At around the 3 to 3 1/2 mile marker I happened to look down by the creek and couldn't believe what I was seeing. Standing there looking up at us was a very large Bull Elk. The Bull was by himself and had a magnificent rack. This was a big bull. We couldn't see if he was a 4 point a 5 point or bigger because he was looking straight at us and did not move at all. I backed up to get closer thinking her would vacate the area when I did but he just stood there starring at us. We watched him for at least 5 minutes before we decided to move. We were within 40 yards of the bull. In the 5 years I have been driving up to Schooner Creek I have never seen anything like him. What a memory. On the way down the herd was out feeding just West of the 2 mile marker.
Mike
01/23/10
SILETZ FISH TRAP RUN:
Wayde & Lee accompanied Bill Sigler on the Friday trap run.
We left Newport shortly after 8 and headed for the Palmer trap arriving at 9:02. A nice herd of elk were on the north side of the highway just west of Logsden. There were no fish in the Palmer trap. The local beaver had been busy piling woody debris on the front of the trap. We cleaned that off and headed for the Siletz Falls trap at 9:25. The water at Palmer was 43.
The Siletz trap had 5 Steelhead in it: 2 male hatchery, 2 female hatchery and 1 wild summer male. He was a bit late getting upriver and may have trouble finding a mate. We removed a lot of gravel and silt from the trap. There is still more to do but it helped. The water was 42. We left at 11:16 and headed for Bohannon.
The Bohannon trap had 1 wild female steelhead and 1 14" cutthroat. We put them both upstream. The water was 42 and very clear.
Got back into town at 2:30.
Wayde
01/22/10
SCHOONER CREEK FISH TRAP:
Hank Bryson and I had the honors of checking the trap this morning (Friday). We found 1 very pretty hen steelhead. She had a recent scar on her left gill plate and an older scar on her left side. The water was about knee deep in the trap and running clear. No wildlife of note was spotted today. Frank
01/20/10
SCHOONER CREEK FISH TRAP:
Good evening all,
No fish today at the trap. When I arrived the trap was almost completely blocked with about 5" of water in the trap itself. I cleaned what I could in the upper gate to start the flow then opened both gates to flush it out. While I was pushing silt down the trap at the lower gate I accidently kicked a fish in the nose that decided to enter the trap. The fish went back down, I finished cleaning, lowered both gates and had about 36" of flow when I left. I did see a female steelhead dead at the bank above the trap. It must have been the female from Monday. No wildlife today.
No fish today at the trap. When I arrived the trap was almost completely blocked with about 5" of water in the trap itself. I cleaned what I could in the upper gate to start the flow then opened both gates to flush it out. While I was pushing silt down the trap at the lower gate I accidently kicked a fish in the nose that decided to enter the trap. The fish went back down, I finished cleaning, lowered both gates and had about 36" of flow when I left. I did see a female steelhead dead at the bank above the trap. It must have been the female from Monday. No wildlife today.
Mike
01/18/10
SCHOONER FISH TRAP:
Hank Bryson and I checked the trap this morning which contained 2 steelhead. The creek was running high and swift but the water inside the trap was only about 8". We found one wild female alive and one male steelhead dead. The hen was very bright but her scales were badly worn on one side and after being released she went belly-up. Hank performed CPR on her for several minutes and she went a short ways upstream and hid close to the bank. We watched her for a few minutes and I think she is going to be all right. She lost several eggs while being handled.
I partially cleaned the upper gate to allow more flow through the trap. It was just above the knees when we left. Frank
01/15/10
SILETZ TRAP RUN:
This in from Wayde today (Friday, January 15, 2010)
Wayde and Bill Sigler checked the traps today. Rain and wind all day. No wildlife of note seen. We left town at 8:40 after running a few errands and headed for Schooner Creek.
Schooner Creek Trap
1 wild male Steelhead water temp was 39f
The trap had about 24" of debris against it. We left it in place as it provides some quiet water in the trap where fish can rest. The Schooner trap design does not allow any calm spot for the fish to take a break. We had brought 2 small pieces of plywood to use for that purpose but the debris was just as effective. Left for Siletz at 9:48.
Palmer Trap
1 female Coho in the trap and another Coho in the pool below the trap. water temp was 40f
Arrived at the Palmer trap at 11:08. Bill cleared out the local beaver's work and we headed up the gorge at 11:36.
Siletz Falls Trap
1 male native Steelhead
1 hatchery female Steelhead
Arrived at 12:15 and crossed the river. Water was high, about 2 feet below the top of the wall.
Left at 12:45 and headed down the gorge.
Bohannon Trap
2 male Coho
1 female Coho
1 female hatchery Steelhead water temp of 41f
Arrived at 2:25. Trap was clean and fairly clear. Left for Newport at 3:00 pm.
Got back in Newport at 4:00 pm. First time I have seen at least 1 fish in all four traps.
Wayde
Thursday, January 14, 2010
11/13/2010
SCHOONER CREEK, SILETZ, PALMER AND BOHANNAN FISH TRAPS:
Good evening all,
Bill and I were able to go to all four traps today. I don't think it stopped raining all day but we didn't care, after all we do live at the Oregon Coast and thanks to all of the rain we have it creates a nice highway for those silver bullets we affectionately call STEELHEAD. Yes, the Steelhead are in. First we went to Schooner Creek. the water was running high but very good flow with little debris. Surprisingly there were no fish in the trap. Both Bill and I believe that the extreme flow in the ladder is keeping the fish down stream until the flow subsides a little. Friday might well be a good day at Schooner Creek. Next we went to Palmer Creek and although there were no fish, our resident beaver was very busy and had the trap partially blocked. Each year the Palmer Creek trap seems to require a higher water flow before the fish can move up the creek. This year Bill says the Siletz has to be up around 8.5 to 9.0 feet. That is high water. We cleaned everything as well as we could and headed up to Siletz Falls. At the falls we found fish. However, every fish except 1 was a fish that had already been in the trap and punched. We passed the wild fish down stream again and dispatched the hatchery fish.
Siletz trap
Steelhead; Total 12 fish.
Hatchery fish; 2 males, 4 females
Wild fish; 3 males, 3 females
Lastly we headed for Bohanan. There is now logging going on up the 1000 line road as well as the gorge road. When we opened the trap at Bohanan I could see a couple of fish in the trap but the water was a little murky. Upon entering the trap I was hit from all sides by fish. We had a total of 24 fish in this trap, 7 Coho and 15 Steelhead. Both Bill and I were pretty happy to see so many fish on this current surge of high water.
Bohanan trap
Coho; Total 7 fish
3 males, 4 females (all wild)
Steelhead; Total 15 fish.
Hatchery fish; 2 males
Wild fish 8 males, 7 females
Total fish for the day were 36. Not a bad day for this time of year. No wildlife other than a young Red Tailed Hawk that flew for quite a while in front of us on the return trip from Siletz Falls. We arrived back at the Pig at 4:15. For me, 10 hours and 45 miles.
Bill and I were able to go to all four traps today. I don't think it stopped raining all day but we didn't care, after all we do live at the Oregon Coast and thanks to all of the rain we have it creates a nice highway for those silver bullets we affectionately call STEELHEAD. Yes, the Steelhead are in. First we went to Schooner Creek. the water was running high but very good flow with little debris. Surprisingly there were no fish in the trap. Both Bill and I believe that the extreme flow in the ladder is keeping the fish down stream until the flow subsides a little. Friday might well be a good day at Schooner Creek. Next we went to Palmer Creek and although there were no fish, our resident beaver was very busy and had the trap partially blocked. Each year the Palmer Creek trap seems to require a higher water flow before the fish can move up the creek. This year Bill says the Siletz has to be up around 8.5 to 9.0 feet. That is high water. We cleaned everything as well as we could and headed up to Siletz Falls. At the falls we found fish. However, every fish except 1 was a fish that had already been in the trap and punched. We passed the wild fish down stream again and dispatched the hatchery fish.
Siletz trap
Steelhead; Total 12 fish.
Hatchery fish; 2 males, 4 females
Wild fish; 3 males, 3 females
Lastly we headed for Bohanan. There is now logging going on up the 1000 line road as well as the gorge road. When we opened the trap at Bohanan I could see a couple of fish in the trap but the water was a little murky. Upon entering the trap I was hit from all sides by fish. We had a total of 24 fish in this trap, 7 Coho and 15 Steelhead. Both Bill and I were pretty happy to see so many fish on this current surge of high water.
Bohanan trap
Coho; Total 7 fish
3 males, 4 females (all wild)
Steelhead; Total 15 fish.
Hatchery fish; 2 males
Wild fish 8 males, 7 females
Total fish for the day were 36. Not a bad day for this time of year. No wildlife other than a young Red Tailed Hawk that flew for quite a while in front of us on the return trip from Siletz Falls. We arrived back at the Pig at 4:15. For me, 10 hours and 45 miles.
Mike
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
01/11/2010
You are invited to view Barbara's photo album: Schooner Creek Fish Trap 01/11/2010
Schooner Creek Fish Trap 01/11/2010 Jan 11, 2010 by Barbara Monday Jan. 11, 2010 Schooner trap today was checked by Barb, Wayde, Lee & Candy. The road was being graveled and graded which is welcome. We did not see any wildlife today. The water was up but clear and the trap was free of debris. 3 fish were in the trap: 1 male Coho 1 female Coho 1 female wild Steelhead There was a Coho on a redd above the trap. It was looking pretty bad, black with multiple white spots. Wayde |
Message from Barbara:
Here is the trap report for Schooner Creek, January 11th.
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