That fishing derby was one POORLY PLANNED event, IMO. The Intimidator, and I, arrived at Olalla at 5:30...and for the first time in my life the gate was shut! I have fished that lake for at least 25 years, and it has NEVER been shut...not event at 5:30! I was HIGHLY agitated. We had to hoof it about 1/4 mile uphill to get to the lake. Not easy for two guys w/ physical limitations.
Then, at 6:30, we were told that if we weren't there to participate in the derby (and pay the fee for it)...my Jeep would be promptly towed away at 7:00, by State Troopers! On top of that, if I chose to enter the derby...I would still be required to drive into Toledo, park at the high school, and catch a bus back to the lake...a WHOLE HOUR LATER. And, how would I get all of my gear back there???
OH...and did I mention that there were NO signs to warn us of any of this! If I've said it once, I've said it a billion times...ODFW has some complete IDIOTS that work there!!! (And, they're "supposed" to be "educated")! I'm NOT saying that all ODFW peeps are knot heads. But, c'mon...they can't write up a simple sign??? And, did I mention what a WASTE of taxpayer money it is; to use State Troopers (and / or County Sheriff's), to direct event traffic?
Okay, breathe deep and count to ten...things did turn out okay.
I did manage to bag n' tag a nice 14" bright bow, before having to depart Olalla and leave the Intimidator there to fish from his tube. I'm glad that he had a good day; and he does have pics to prove it (I saw them)! You will like the pics that he has to post.
So, I hopped back into the Enterprise about 7:00 and made tracks to Big Creek Reservoir, on the north end of Newport. I fished OFF the dam, for about 4 hours or so. I got a few hits casting a Little Cleo, but couldn't keep 'em on. And my hooks were sharp! :shock:
Once I figured out the right color, with rod #2, I floated Chartreuse Power Eggs OFF the bottom. Bing, bang, boom! That was the ticket. (later in the day it was Lemon/Lime eggs that were "the" color). I proceeded to catch n' release about 3 dozen hard fighting bows, ranging from 8 to 12". I kept one 12" for my ice chest. And I gave away several fish that were gut hooked.
I also met a nice lady and her grand daughters too; ages 7'ish and 11. She was having trouble getting any fish for the little ladies, so I did my civic duty, and invited them over to my pocket o' water. I helped the little ones bag up 3 or 4 bows each; and there smiles were priceless! That made my day, and helped change my ill feelings about the start to my day. (But, I'm still VERY MIFFED at ODFW).
My bro-in-law finally arrived w/ his boat about 11:30. And he brought my 4 year old grand niece, for her first outing. She was also using, the rod that "Uncle Troutdude" bought for her birthday gift last month. There were too many peeps in the boat, for me to ride along. Plus, by then, I had caught plenty of fish, was tired (up at 2:30), was hot (temp was about 70 & I had long johns on). I also needed to head back to Olalla, and pick up Mr. Intimidator too.
