Live up on the Skagit now (retired). The Cowlitz was my home river of 20 years. Thank You so much for sharing these videos. I sit now with my uncle and watch telling him my stories of the different parts of the river you fish. Wonderful memories 😊
Fished the Cowlitz when I was 16-18 years old 1968-1970 and hooked into a big spring chinook just below the barrier dam. It was a beauty the jumped all the way down the river. Did not have a boat so I could not follow and lost it. Caught two beautiful steelhead that same day, consolation prize.
Yep, if it was jumping more than the average you had a real native. Not a hatchery fish! They were common back in 68,70. And definitely harder to catch..
Your videos are so cool! I like the fact you show it all! On the weekend I would fish Puget sound out of Tacoma, then head down to Cowlitz fish Blue creek. I have a lot of good memories! Seeing your videos reminds of my days there. Even though there are several rivers closer, the Cowlitz was my destination. Thank you
Love it. Having fun ripping lips an manning the boat at the same time. Too many critics an recommendations on here for you not even asking 😂. Keep doing your thing great content
Not much you can do with lighter gear all by yourself. I've seen plenty of guys lose fish on the Columbia trying to bet it by themselves with way less current and way more room
A tip that has helped me a lot when you are on a 🐟 try not to let your fish get down river on you but keep them up stream you will land more fish. Griz from Wash 😎
@@Kaitlyn871 yes that is 100% true. It keeps the hook at a better angle. That's something I know but have difficulty implementing when in the heat of the moment.. thanks for watching. And the tip.
Well Gene, your channel is getting more air time. You can tell when you bring out all the negative bungholes..... Great vid, great time, please keep them coming.
I rarely catch coho on roe if you want to nail a bunch take your hook and roe off and tie on a colorado spinner really light fished under a bobber with pencil lead they love it
@@ericluscombe3272 Sounds effective. There's something about the cycle of life that keeps me using eggs to catch fish. And the whole process of curing. Appealing to me. Thanks for watching. Appreciate it.
@@Northwestfishingfanatics I'm a pro-cure user as well I just use the non colored 1 tried flame orange but so messy fingers all orange after fishing lol. I use the regular then i use dif colored mesh and tie roe bags. If you ever do try spinner under bobber you want to put just a bit of pressure on line so spinner is just off the bottom they love it
Need the gamakatsu baby! Set it and forget it!😊 I used to live up in Washington took my dad on a Father’s Day guided steelhead trip in 1998 on the cowlitz river😊great time. I lived up north back then 80’s-2002 and the Sauk was a rippin killer river back then for all and the skagit produced hogs all year winter run especially 😅miss them days for sure, the only thing I miss is the rivers and fishing!!! Hit AZ for full time sun in 2002 unfortunately
Another great video, Gene. I found your channel a couple of months ago. I've gone back and watched most of your videos. I love the running dialog. Would you give a brief mention of your setup during the videos? Line weights used, bobber depth and why, jig weight, etc.
He doin just fine to me why would he spend the money on a guide trip when he has everything he needs I don't blame him I can't stand the guides and crowds and always get away from the madness and still catch fish so gene is doin just fine buddy hahaha
I guess you are past the steelhead run. I tried down by the hatchery, or Blue creek 21 years ago more likely in September and there were some nice ones in there. From NorCal and usually fish the Smith - while the Klamath will be recovering for some time. The Cowlitz seems high as mentioned. Chetco, all rivers must be blown out now. This can't have been recently. 🙄
@Northwestfishingfanatics Yeah, me neither. Sometimes (like last January 😕) the Smith stayed too high for a whole month. Plunker fishing is not my bag. On that trip, in 2003, I think I only paid 40 dollars for a non-resident license full year. 😄
Haha had a guy in a facebook group asking where the best place to catch one would be told him the cowlitz and youd be surprised in the responses i got saying the run was completely over an the author said the same then i hear you say 8000 fish last week 😂😂 maybe next time they will listen
I dont want you to give away the spots.. but a little idea of a the area around you would be appreciated. I'm new to Salmon and steelhead fishing and new in the NW, little hints or even suggested spot would be amazing.
Hello Sir! I've watched your videos for some time now, and I've seen that Egg Curing Video. I've watched it multiple times, but I was hoping if you could muster up the gumption to make a newer video of your process. Maybe you'll throw in a little more tips and tricks that you do. I'd watch that multiple times too! Cheers!
I’m Tlingit I’m eagle bear clan “takwedi “ I’m out of Juneau my moms out of Ketchikan I cam down here when I was 8-9 years old and never got into fishing here always only trout to small now I know there’s salmon and may have to get a guide to show me the ropes here
It might be worth your while to consider a guided trip down the cowlitz. There’s a reason no other boats on that specific drift. I’m booked the remainder of the season but I can point you in the direction of a very productive colleague.
I used to fish the lower river and follow the fish up. Just don't have to desire to travel any further than my own back yard. I catch all my table fare from the ocean. The river is just play timr. Thanks for watching. appreciate it.
You can't horse fish in. I've seen more guys try to horse fish in and loose them than anything. Hook size and line size are almost irrelevant. There have been multiple large Chinook caught on small test gear.
@@Northwestfishingfanatics You set the drag to the % line weight and that has nothing to do with the weight of the fish. The only change you make to a drag once set is if you haev a ton of line out and you have to compensate for the water resistance. It's not rocket science.
@ you do doughnuts and run over top of the fish even when you don’t. You’ve don’t it to me twice at the bottom of the shoot above the wall and burned my bite when I had it all to myself
collin, my first reply should have been a bit more apologetic. If I did anything to "burn your bite" trust me, it wasn't intentional. I try to be courteous at all times but apparently failed whatever day that was...
Live up on the Skagit now (retired).
The Cowlitz was my home river of 20 years. Thank You so much for sharing these videos. I sit now with my uncle and watch telling him my stories of the different parts of the river you fish.
Wonderful memories 😊
@@darrinheike1495 that's cool. Thanks.
Fished the Cowlitz when I was 16-18 years old 1968-1970 and hooked into a big spring chinook just below the barrier dam. It was a beauty the jumped all the way down the river. Did not have a boat so I could not follow and lost it. Caught two beautiful steelhead that same day, consolation prize.
@@hglick5419 nice. Back then the river experience was waaayyy better. Thanks for watching.
Yep, if it was jumping more than the average you had a real native. Not a hatchery fish! They were common back in 68,70. And definitely harder to catch..
yep. they fight way harder. I think I'd still rather have thousands moree hatchery over s few hard fighters.
It’s crazy how much you are doing by yourself on that river. Love the videos.
Thanks 👍 appreciate it.
I appreciate your videos. Honest and solid videos. THANK YOU!!!
Thank you for watching.
Thanks! Fun to watch - fishing while motoring!
@@ahibble thanks for watching
Great video, next year gonna make time to fish that area for the first time. Bank fishing bobber my preferred method. River looks amazing
@@JoseGonzalez-nt3ws do it. Thanks for watching.
Your videos are so cool! I like the fact you show it all! On the weekend I would fish Puget sound out of Tacoma, then head down to Cowlitz fish Blue creek. I have a lot of good memories! Seeing your videos reminds of my days there. Even though there are several rivers closer, the Cowlitz was my destination. Thank you
Very cool!
Love it. Having fun ripping lips an manning the boat at the same time. Too many critics an recommendations on here for you not even asking 😂. Keep doing your thing great content
cheers
Impressive boat handling
I thought so. Thanks.
Another great Video !!
Thanks again!
That first Chinook was playing you like he owned things, and apparently it does! 😂
he kicked my ass for sure
Not much you can do with lighter gear all by yourself. I've seen plenty of guys lose fish on the Columbia trying to bet it by themselves with way less current and way more room
@@andrewcarlson2178 stuff happens right. 😆
enjoyed the video!
@@garyhoppe8853 Awesome. Thanks for watching.
A tip that has helped me a lot when you are on a 🐟 try not to let your fish get down river on you but keep them up stream you will land more fish. Griz from Wash 😎
@@Kaitlyn871 yes that is 100% true. It keeps the hook at a better angle. That's something I know but have difficulty implementing when in the heat of the moment.. thanks for watching. And the tip.
I fisher a lot on the Cowlitz, but I haven’t really drifted with eggs. I always wanted to though. Cool little video.
You should try it sometime! and thanks for watching
Great fishing rod handling for sure thanks
Thanks 👍
Well Gene, your channel is getting more air time. You can tell when you bring out all the negative bungholes..... Great vid, great time, please keep them coming.
haha. 😆
Lived in Oregon from 2000 to 2005 and fished the Rogue. Your video brings back good memories. You've got a new subscriber so keep em coming 👍👍
Thanks for the sub!
That's why they call it fishing. It looks like fun.
It was. And Disappointing all at the same time. :-)
Love the big water. I'd be happy fishing from the bank. :)
Nothing wrong with that. thanks for watching
Was awesome watching you fight that fish...fish on 🎉
Glad you enjoyed. Two fish. Unfortunately lost them both...
@Northwestfishingfanatics all good 👍🏻 you'll get em next time
That first hole looks just like a hole I used to fish from a drift boat. Was located just down after you launch the Cowlitz.
@@Ackermanmedia about right. Thanks for watching.
that spot you are fishing is perfect for backtrolling some plugs
@@ericluscombe3272 yeah that's what people do there. Thanks.
Appreciate the content as always kind sir. Fellow Cowlitz fisher here 🫡
You're very welcome.
I rarely catch coho on roe if you want to nail a bunch take your hook and roe off and tie on a colorado spinner really light fished under a bobber with pencil lead they love it
@@ericluscombe3272 Sounds effective. There's something about the cycle of life that keeps me using eggs to catch fish. And the whole process of curing. Appealing to me. Thanks for watching. Appreciate it.
@@Northwestfishingfanatics I'm a pro-cure user as well I just use the non colored 1 tried flame orange but so messy fingers all orange after fishing lol. I use the regular then i use dif colored mesh and tie roe bags. If you ever do try spinner under bobber you want to put just a bit of pressure on line so spinner is just off the bottom they love it
@ericluscombe3272 sounds good. 👌
Awesome as always sir.
Thank you! Cheers!
Need the gamakatsu baby! Set it and forget it!😊 I used to live up in Washington took my dad on a Father’s Day guided steelhead trip in 1998 on the cowlitz river😊great time. I lived up north back then 80’s-2002 and the Sauk was a rippin killer river back then for all and the skagit produced hogs all year winter run especially 😅miss them days for sure, the only thing I miss is the rivers and fishing!!! Hit AZ for full time sun in 2002 unfortunately
I have family in AZ. too hot for me though. Thanks for watching.
@ ya I agree the valley is death 6-7 months outta the year no doubt winters only for me!! I’m up in Flaggstaff partime and Prescott
Another great video, Gene. I found your channel a couple of months ago. I've gone back and watched most of your videos. I love the running dialog.
Would you give a brief mention of your setup during the videos? Line weights used, bobber depth and why, jig weight, etc.
Thanks. These videos are basically an ongoing story of what I do. I'll detail my set up in an upcoming video. thanks for watching.
He doin just fine to me why would he spend the money on a guide trip when he has everything he needs I don't blame him I can't stand the guides and crowds and always get away from the madness and still catch fish so gene is doin just fine buddy hahaha
Way to play the fish with the motor!
It can get challenging but thanks for watching.
Nice life.
Thanks
Finally almost got a nice one!
thanks for watching
Digger looks like a trained killer.
I used to call him 10lbs of terror. :-)
Run double hook when you float eggs, hardly ever lose fish and pretty sure it's legal on the Cowlitz.
haha. Check out this Saturday's video. You'll think you're clairvoyant... 😀
Oh I’m in Vancouver Wa now
Wow 😲😲❤❤🎉🎉
Bobber down!
thank you for watching
One of.my ways to catch big rainbow and walleye.
nice
Digger looks like he has a rough life,just like my doggie.
Ruger. before adoption was complete his name was Jauque. blah... he's not french
I guess you are past the steelhead run. I tried down by the hatchery, or Blue creek 21 years ago more likely in September and there were some nice ones in there. From NorCal and usually fish the Smith - while the Klamath will be recovering for some time. The Cowlitz seems high as mentioned. Chetco, all rivers must be blown out now. This can't have been recently. 🙄
couple weeks ago. Steelhead should be just starting up. It fishes perfect at 3000-6000. 9000cfs or more is too high for my liking.
@Northwestfishingfanatics Yeah, me neither. Sometimes (like last January 😕) the Smith stayed too high for a whole month. Plunker fishing is not my bag. On that trip, in 2003, I think I only paid 40 dollars for a non-resident license full year. 😄
Haha had a guy in a facebook group asking where the best place to catch one would be told him the cowlitz and youd be surprised in the responses i got saying the run was completely over an the author said the same then i hear you say 8000 fish last week 😂😂 maybe next time they will listen
it was 8100 or say a couple weeks ago, thenast week 4500 and change. looks like it's winding down already.
I'll go do your yard work if you take me fishing!
I dont want you to give away the spots.. but a little idea of a the area around you would be appreciated. I'm new to Salmon and steelhead fishing and new in the NW, little hints or even suggested spot would be amazing.
No secret. Go to The Blue Creek Launch area or the Barrier Dam Hatchery/Launch. Both places have decent bank access... Good luck.
You can also google Cowlitz River boat launch and get information on all the launch sites. Most have some bank access.
My fishing stats are 0-6 fish outings...Still going out. Luck is gonna change sooner or much later.
@@fishon1073 I feel your pain..Your luck will change. That is why it's called fishing, not catching. Lol
👍😀
Thanks...
Hello Sir! I've watched your videos for some time now, and I've seen that Egg Curing Video. I've watched it multiple times, but I was hoping if you could muster up the gumption to make a newer video of your process. Maybe you'll throw in a little more tips and tricks that you do. I'd watch that multiple times too! Cheers!
I'll put it in the que. thanks for watching.
Amazing how nature cures itself! I remember Mt st Helen’s eruption and the cowlitz wiped out!😳😉
I was in Florida when it blew.
Man I’d like to see this guy catch some salmon and steelhead 😅😅
I'd like to see him land something. 😆
I’m Tlingit I’m eagle bear clan “takwedi “ I’m out of Juneau my moms out of Ketchikan I cam down here when I was 8-9 years old and never got into fishing here always only trout to small now I know there’s salmon and may have to get a guide to show me the ropes here
It might be worth your while to consider a guided trip down the cowlitz. There’s a reason no other boats on that specific drift. I’m booked the remainder of the season but I can point you in the direction of a very productive colleague.
I used to fish the lower river and follow the fish up. Just don't have to desire to travel any further than my own back yard. I catch all my table fare from the ocean. The river is just play timr. Thanks for watching. appreciate it.
Seems like you're doing just fine to me!
@@Northwestfishingfanatics
I don't seem to mind how it goes. 😀
let them chew on the bait longer. i used to set too soon and lost so many that way.
Yes. Great suggestion. I have that problem. lol
You can't horse fish in. I've seen more guys try to horse fish in and loose them than anything. Hook size and line size are almost irrelevant. There have been multiple large Chinook caught on small test gear.
@@spleno1 agreed. Thanks for watching.
make sure my drag is set properly.....dude you do that before you cast..
I set the drag based on the size of the fish. Don't know that until it's hooked. thanks for watching.
@@Northwestfishingfanatics You set the drag to the % line weight and that has nothing to do with the weight of the fish. The only change you make to a drag once set is if you haev a ton of line out and you have to compensate for the water resistance. It's not rocket science.
@@christhekiwi109 well, make you a deal. YOu set your drag the way you want, and I'll set the drag the way I want. 😀 Again, thanks for watching.
Allot of folks watching your vids on the river by yourself with no life vest on 😮
Oh goodie the safety police have arrived! You'll be governor soon you sanctimonious F.
I hear you. I could do better
3 times u could of got a fish....
Your boat handling is scary. If I was below you in a drift I’d keep an eye on you and be ready to move out of your way
@@Eatonpuu96 I could do doughnuts when I have the entire river to myself. :-)
@ you do doughnuts and run over top of the fish even when you don’t. You’ve don’t it to me twice at the bottom of the shoot above the wall and burned my bite when I had it all to myself
Boy you have it right
collin, my first reply should have been a bit more apologetic. If I did anything to "burn your bite" trust me, it wasn't intentional. I try to be courteous at all times but apparently failed whatever day that was...
Little sore you're not catching fish bud?@@Eatonpuu96
Looks like ah nice day on the river definitely Calmer than Combat Fishing on the Kenai 😎🍻
@@user-ktm890rider Probably. 😆 thanks for watching.