Barkley Sockeye

[BigIron]

Opened today as scheduled!

This morning's report:

The Inlet was HOT this morning! Most of those in the know were limited regardless of angler numbers on board prior to 7 am! Sweet! Shallow fish, many jumpers, and the sounders ringing like sleigh bells! Bit of a Gong Show at the ramp though. When I went by before 5, there were NO parking spots left, and the launch line-up was lengthy. Upon the return pass, there were still a few disgruntled boaters waiting to get into the water, as the Lucky early-birds were attempting to get their rigs out of the water. Definitely pays to be EARLY! With that type of show already underway, imagine what a cluster**** it will be should the FN center be placed there, eating much of the available parking, access to the cleaning station, and restricting traffic flow! EEEEK!
Thankfully that hasn't happened.... yet...

I wandered down to Papermill, expecting the usual masses to be in full swing. I was surprised upon my arrival to find only a small handful on either side. I watched somewhat intently as I BS'd with a few of those I know, and over the course of 2 hours but 3 were hooked and one landed amongst the dozen or so anglers. Even the FN netters slowly wandered off downstream or pulled their boats off the water after a spell. River temp is over 17 degrees, and if that warms even a small bit now, the fish will become even more reluctant to wander in. Good news for Inlet anglers as that will cause them to school up out there in accessible areas. Didn't even set up my rod this morning, being quite content to simply watch.

So, it has indeed started. Appears the Best Bet is out on the Inlet for now. From the reports, numbers out there are very good, so one can well expect some success!

Time to get out and ENJOY!!

Cheers,
Iron

[Matt]

Thanks for the update Matt. I've wanted to fish socks in the Canal but haven't been able to mak time the past couple years.

I have a pretty crazy summer planned but looking forward to at least a few trips to Barkely Sound and the Inlet this summer for slabs.