drdennis4 Loc: Camas WA

Just registered last night and happy I did so. I am originally from Illinois fishing for catfish in the muddy creeks with throw-lines, blue gill in the town lake, and bass at the state park. Little did I know as a youngster my dad would become Park Ranger at Argyle Lake State Park for almost 25 years. He passed about a year ago and the new Ranger placed a bench lakeside with his information. Two days ago, my 14 year old nephew asked if he could go fishing off of Grandpa Wayne's bench. He did and caught 6 blue gill. Dad would have been so happy.
Moved to Colorado. Followed my son who has a retail fly-shop and outfitting business in Crested Butte CO. He knows every inch of every river and stream in that part of Colorado. Fishing with him is great fun.
Now, because of health reasons we had to move to Camas Washington. Those same health reasons have limited my fishing in my new home region to exactly zero times!!! Guess what, my son is coming to visit at the end of this month and I don't have a clue where to go and what to expect. Walk wade, drift boat, trout, salmon, steel-head, rod type/length, line and leader, special techniques? I have no local knowledge. If you are reading this and feel empathetic for me, feel free to contact me with any information you might share. I would be more than appreciative.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Welcome to the stage Dennis. We have several members up that way, hopefully they'll be able to help you. Good luck and Tight Lines.

drdennis4 Loc: Camas WA

Thanks for the reply Fredfish. Hopefully, as you point out, one or more of the members will provide me with information that will help me make my son's trip from CO worth the effort.
Thanks again.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

It sounds like a special occasion. Decide what you want, then hire a guide. Someone is spending a lot of money for your son to come see you. Give him and yourself something special to remember. A good guide will also save you a lot on tackle. You will know what to buy after the trip, or you may decide that type fishing is not your bag. Have fun

drdennis4 Loc: Camas WA

Yes, a special occasion it is.
The.fact he founded a fly fishing businessyears ago means hiring a guide is a given. He has guided more trips than you can count. In fact, he has 12 guides on his staff.
Your comments are on point. Jay takes things to a different level. If new people come in the shop and don’t want a guide, he tells them where to go, how to get there, and what his guides report as hatching.
He feels from a business perspective if he can put them on fish and they have a fun experience, they will be back for everything a tourist generally purchase. Hats, line, t-shirts, flys, leader, tippet, rods, art work, books, nets…you name it.
I truly appreciate your response.
Dennis White

Bigbum Loc: Washington

Hello Dennis,
you're in a great part of the country for a variety of fishing. I actually lived in Washougal for a bit but was not able to fish the area at the time. The fact that you are on the largest river in the west and the summer/fall salmon runs are tuning up opens up many possibilities. There are also numerous lakes and rivers west, north and east of you to pick from. Choose your poison. I agree with the "get a guide" philosophy for starters and a quality experience with your son. I personally am focusing on Columbia River salmon while the gettings good, but don't let me sway you. My son was up to visit 2 weeks ago and we fished marine area 11. He brought 3 salmon to the boat in 3 hrs. We kept 1 hatchery and released the wild. His first time salmon fishing, he'll remember it forever.............

Good luck wherever you go and make some memories!

drdennis4 Loc: Camas WA

Hey there Bigbum
I thoroughly enjoyed your response. I think the wide variety of options is one the problems I have not been able to solve. He is coming this afternoon so I have to make some decisions.
I think my best plan at this time is to interview a few guides to find their perceptions where the fish are and what they would recommend. Jay has this happen all the time in his guiding business. People come in and don't have a clue. He discusses fish, terrain, types of rivers and still water, boats, walk-in, times, equipment, and river conditions, and cost...then he gets a feel for what they seem to be most excited about and suggests a specific trip.
I am heading toward discussing things with some local guides and leaning heavily on their advice.
Thank you...

Bigbum Loc: Washington

Good luck to you and your son. Also forgot to mention there seems to be a lot of fairly current you tube info for our area- for future reference.

drdennis4 Loc: Camas WA

thanks