River & Timber

Issue 017 was released well after fruitless dippers raised empty nets from the Cowlitz — only to see their counterparts hit limit after limit in Oregon’s Sandy River. Fingers pointing every which way, it was hard to determine why those on the Cowlitz were having such poor luck. Some will point to poor management from WDFW while others will say it’s a deliberate attack from the agency. Regardless, there are a handful that sheepishly smile and look for the silver lining of a day spent on the river with fellow outdoorsmen.

One year later, dip-netters arrived at the Cowlitz via Gerhart Gardens not quite sure of what to expect. Regardless of the perceived bounty, some arrived with fingers already pointing via truck-bed banners cursing WDFW. On the sandy banks, nets were dragged through the current – the hoop emerging from the water like a PNW version of Schrödinger’s box. To some surprise, many nets emerged sagging under the weight of silver darts — Euchalon.

Despite the presence of eager Sea Lions, dip netters stood unwavering in their pursuit to capture nets of Smelt.

Regardless of where you point your finger – it doesn’t hurt to learn a bit more about Smelt and their impact on the ecosystem. While you’re at it, I recommend you ‘dip’ into the Marine Mammal Protection Act and its regulation of Sea Lions.

Lastly, you can find your elected officials here. Tell ’em what you think of Smelt, Sea Lions, and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Should they stay the course? Make amendments? Overhaul the damn thing? Don’t tell me or your friends on Facebook — tell them. Then, enjoy some time by the water, its there for you to enjoy regardless of the Smelt in your net.