Idaho spring steelhead season opens New Year’s Day

By Mike Demick, Conversation Information Supervisor

For some anglers, the best thing about New Year's is the start of the spring steelhead season, which opens Jan. 1 on parts of the Clearwater, Salmon, Little Salmon, Snake and Boise rivers.

But before wetting a line, anglers will need a 2017 Idaho fishing license and steelhead permit.

River sections to open include:

Salmon River from its mouth to the posted boundary 100 yards downstream of the Sawtooth Fish Hatchery weir, near the town of Stanley.

Little Salmon River from its mouth to the U.S. Highway 95 Bridge near Smokey Boulder Road.

Snake River from the Washington state line at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers upstream to Oxbow Dam.

Clearwater River mainstem and Middle Fork Clearwater River from its mouth to Clear Creek.

North Fork Clearwater River from its mouth to Dworshak Dam.

South Fork Clearwater River from its mouth to the confluence of American and Red Rivers.

Boise River from its mouth to the Barber Dam.

The steelhead limit is three per day, nine in possession and 20 for the season. Once limits are reached, the angler must stop fishing, even catch and release. Steelhead anglers may use only barbless hooks, and may keep only hatchery steelhead marked with a clipped adipose fin. All other steelhead must be released unharmed immediately.

Steelhead are in the Boise River and the Snake River above Hells Canyon Dam only when stocked by Idaho Fish and Game. 

During November, over 300 steelhead were stocked in the Boise River. A steelhead permit is required to fish for and keep steelhead (rainbow trout longer than 20 inches with a clipped adipose fin). Barbless hooks are not required on the Boise River. 

Consult Idaho’s 2016-2018 Fishing Seasons and Rules brochure for exceptions and special restrictions. For additional information on steelhead fishing including the latest catch rates, dam counts, and useful instructional videos, go to https://idfg.idaho.gov/fish /steelhead.

Dworshak Reservoir makes Bassmaster Magazine’s list of Top 100 best bass fishing spots for fifth year in a row

For the fifth year in a row, Dworshak Reservoir, a water-recreation destination managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Walla Walla District, made the nationwide Bassmaster Magazine Top-100 list of best places to fish for bass, according to information released June 20 by B.A.S.S. Communications at https://www.bassmaster.com/best-bass-lakes.

Dworshak Reservoir, located near Ahsahka, on the north fork of the Clearwater River, ranked as number five in the Western Region. In previous years’ Top-100 lists, it ranked: 2015 - 74, 2014 - 47, 2013 - 26 and 2012 - 85. This year marks Bassmaster’s fifth year of publishing the Top-100 list.

Bassmaster made a significant change in organizing the rankings for this year’s list: “The Top 10 lakes in the nation are ranked regardless of location, but instead of ranking the remaining lakes through 100, as has been done in the past, Bassmaster divided the nation into four regions: Northeast, Southeast, Central and Western. Now, readers will see the Top 25 lakes closest to them. This also created four No. 1 regional fisheries.” 

“We’re extremely pleased to be recognized for providing some of the best bass fishing in the nation,” said Paul Pence, Dworshak Dam and Reservoir natural resources manager. “Combined with our campgrounds, marinas and boat launches, we offer some great outdoors recreation experiences for our visitors.”

Bass clubs and other outdoor recreation groups frequently choose Dworshak for group events and tournaments, according to Corps park rangers at the dam. Organizations interested in scheduling an event at Dworshak, call the visitor center at 208-476-1255 to find out how to apply for a special use permit.

Dworshak reservoir extends 53 miles upstream of Dworshak Dam, with a surface area of 17,090 at full-pool, about 175 shoreline miles, and dozens of secluded inlets, streams, rocky points, stumps and long bars creating ideal bass-fishing conditions. The state-record smallmouth bass record, weighing in at 9.72 pounds, was caught on Dworshak Reservoir by Dan Steigers of Juliaetta, on Oct. 28, 2006. Dworshak Dam is a large straight-axis concrete gravity dam 717 feet high and 3,287 feet long. Its construction led to the development of various marinas, boat launches and camping facilities on the reservoir. 

The Columbia River in Oregon and Washington, downstream of McNary Dam to Portland, managed by the Corps’ Portland District, ranked number 18 in the Western Region. This stretch of the river also regularly made the cut on past years’ Bassmaster Top-100 lists.

Natural resources recreation opportunities are managed by the Corps’ Walla Walla, Portland and Seattle districts along much of the Columbia River’s length through the United States. 

The Columbia River runs about 1,200 miles from its headwaters in British Columbia, Canada, through Washington and Oregon to the Pacific Ocean near Astoria, Oregon. The Corps operates five dams on the Columbia River mainstem, each forming a lake and water recreation opportunities including fishing.

More information about Walla Walla District outdoor recreation opportunities is available at www.nww.usace.army.mil/corpsoutdoors. Portland District recreation information is available at http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/.

A photographic slide show of all top bass locations and their rankings in the Western Region is available on the Bassmaster Magazine website at http://www.bassmaster.com/best-bass-lakes/slideshow/25-best-bass-lakes-west.

Weitas Creek Bridge across the North Fork of the Clearwater River re-opens

The historic Weitas Creek Bridge, closed in 2009 has been re-opened. The bridge was placed across the North Fork of the Clearwater River in the late 1930s as part of a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) project. 

The impromptu ribbon cutting ceremony and signing of the order to open the bridge occurred on September 28 during a field tour for Forest and Regional recreational program staff. 

In addition to Forest staff, Alex and Julia Irby were at the bridge site for the ceremony. Alex and Julia have a long history of enjoying recreational opportunities along the beautiful North Fork River; Alex is currently co-chair of the Clearwater Basin Collaborative (CBC) Recreation Sub-Committee and a founding member of the Public Lands Access Year round (PLAY) group.

Don Ebert, Clearwater County Commissioner extended his regrets for not being able to attend the ceremony. However, he let Forest staff know how much he appreciated the invitation and the fact that the bridge had been restored to a serviceable condition.

He noted that his appreciation was not only personal but that of the county government and the people of the area. He thanked all of those folks that had a part in the success.

Clearwater County and surrounding communities will benefit from reopening the bridge as it restores access to the Weitas Creek Campground. Access is also restored to recreational opportunities that have not been available in recent years including access to the lower Weitas Creek for OHVs, motorcycles, stock users, outfitters, fisherman, and hikers; and access to an approximate 100-mile looped single track motorcycle route. 

The bridge was closed six years ago due to public safety concerns. The original estimate to repair the bridge was approximately two million dollars; a price tag the Forest just couldn’t afford. Over the years, Forest staff along with community partners explored alternative funding sources while Forest engineer, Travis Mechling, explored ways to lower the cost of needed repairs. 

In January of 2013 the Forest completed a preliminary engineering analysis on how to best repair the bridge and refine the repair estimate provided by the earlier study. From this study, it appeared that repairing the bridge was an economically feasible option.

This more economical proposal included completing a fracture critical inspection and a subsurface scour investigation to determine scour potential. As part of the proposal, inspections of all steel tension members and connecting pins to insure soundness were completed, and no unforeseen concerns with the steel superstructure were found. This left only the two primary safety concerns regarding the bridge pier caps and footings to repair. 

In 2014, the North Central Idaho Resource Advisory Council (RAC) approved $195,000 of Title II funds to complete the less expensive repair. With these funds, the Forest contracted Engleman Steel Erection from Boise to repair the bridge.

To complete repairs, the bridge was lifted off the pier caps so new concrete pier caps could be cast in-place then the bridge lowered back down onto the new caps; other repairs included removing and patching deteriorated concrete, and placing rip rap around the pier footings to mitigate for possible scour during high flows.

Cheryl Probert, Forest Supervisor, signs the order to open the bridge after the repairs. Also in attendance are Alex Irby (left), CBC Recreation Sub Committee Co-Chair, and Andrew Skowland (right), District Ranger on the North Fork Ranger District. Photo by George Bain, Regional Office Recreation Program Director.

Idaho fall chinook fishing to open Sept. 1, Coho could be added

Idaho Fish and Game Commission adopted a fall chinook salmon fishing season to open Sept. 1 on parts of the Snake, Clearwater and Salmon rivers, and Idaho could see its second-ever sport fishing season for Coho salmon on Sept. 1 pending commission approval in August. 

Commissioners approved opening dates for fall chinook fishing boundaries and rules during their meeting in Pocatello on Thursday, July 30. 

The 2015 fall chinook forecast is 37,000 hatchery and naturally-produced fall chinook to the Snake River basin. Last year’s run was 59,000 fall chinook.

Fall chinook fishing on the Snake River will be open from the Washington-Idaho border upstream to Hells Canyon Dam. 

Fishing on the Snake River from the Cliff Mountain Rapids (about a mile downstream of Hells Canyon Dam) is scheduled to be open until Oct.1, but could be closed sooner depending on the actual number of fish that return and the amount of harvest. The stretch between Hells Canyon Dam and Cliff Mountain Rapids is scheduled to remain open until Nov. 17, or until further notice. 

Other areas opening for fall chinook fishing on Sept. 1 are: 

The Clearwater River, from its mouth upstream to Memorial Bridge. Open until Oct. 31, or further notice. 

Salmon River, from its mouth upstream about three-fourths of a mile to Eye of the Needle Rapids until Oct. 31 or further notice.

A valid fishing license and salmon permit are required to fish for fall chinook. Only adipose-clipped salmon may be kept. The daily bag limit is six adult fall Chinook salmon, the possession limit is 18 adult fall chinook. There is no season limit on adult fall chinook. 

Only adult fall chinook (24-inches and longer) must be recorded on the angler’s salmon permit. There are no daily, possession or season limits on fall chinook jacks (those less than 24 inches). 

Coho fishing

Although fewer Coho are expected to return than last year, Idaho Fish and Game and the Nez Perce Tribe are expecting enough to provide a tribal and non-tribal sport fishery proposed to start Sept. 1. 

Fish and Game commissioners are scheduled to vote on the proposal during their regular meeting Aug. 11. 

The proposal is to open a non-tribal Coho fishery on Sept. 1 in the main stem and Middle Fork Clearwater River from the mouth upstream to Clear Creek, near Kooskia and the North Fork Clearwater River below Dworshak Dam. 

If approved, the daily limit will be two fish per day and six in possession. 

Because Coho populations don’t have early maturing males, or “jacks,” to help biologists forecast returns, it’s difficult to know how many Coho will be available for anglers. Most Coho will arrive in Idaho in late September or early October. 

State and tribal managers will modify the fishery based on updates of the Coho run as fish come through the Columbia and Snake River dams.

Summer Chinook fishing to close on most rivers

Most of Idaho’s summer Chinook salmon fishing seasons are coming to a close Sunday, Aug. 2. 

Idaho Fish and Game will close fishing for spring/summer Chinook salmon on the mainstem Clearwater, Middle Fork Clearwater, South Fork Clearwater, Lochsa, Snake, and a section of the upper Salmon River from the Copper Mine to a posted boundary upstream of the mouth of Valley Creek near Stanley at the end of fishing hours on Aug. 2 (9 p.m. Pacific Time and 10 p.m. Mountain Time). 

Harvest of jack Chinook salmon (those under 24 inches) will continue on the upper Salmon River from the posted boundary upstream of Valley Creek upstream to the posted boundary about 100 yards downstream of the weir at Sawtooth Hatchery. This section will close to salmon fishing at 10 p.m. Mountain Time on Sunday, Aug. 9. 

The Chinook salmon fishing season continues on the Boise River through Sept. 30. The daily limit is two salmon, regardless of size. Fishing is permitted 24 hours a day and barbless hooks are not required.

Celebrate Idaho Free Fishing Day June 13

No fishing gear or experience? No problem! Saturday, June 13, is Idaho’s annual Free Fishing Day. Idaho Fish and Game invites residents, nonresidents, as well as veteran and novice anglers of all ages to celebrate the day by fishing anywhere in Idaho without a license. Even though a fishing license is not required for this special day, all other rules, such as limits and tackle restrictions, still remain in effect.

Make sure to grab a copy of the fishing regulations before you head out on the water. Free fishing day does include salmon fishing; anglers do not need a license or salmon permit, but they are still subject to all bag and possession limits.

Staff and volunteers will be available at seven locations around the region to help novice anglers learn the basics of fishing. Contests, activities and prizes will be awarded during these events. All of these locations will be freshly stocked with hungry hatchery rainbow trout. Look for an event near you and take a kid, friend or neighbor fishing. All events run from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. 

Elk City - Karolyn's Pond

Grangeville - Wilkin's Pond

Headquarters - Pierce/Weippe - Deer Creek Reservoir

Kooskia - Fenn Pond, 5 miles from Lowell on Forest Service Road 223. 

Lewiston - Mann Lake

Lewiston- Kiwanis Park Pond/Levee Pond 

Moscow/Troy - Spring Valley Reservoir

Contact the Clearwater Regional office for more information (208) 799-5010. Load up the family and come join us for a fun-filled day on water!

Chinook seasons open Saturday

The spring Chinook salmon fishing season will open April 25, on parts of the Clearwater, Lochsa, Salmon and Snake rivers.

The Chinook salmon return to Idaho this year is forecasted to be similar to the returns observed in 2014. As of April 15, over 13,500 Chinook have crossed Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River, while 70 fish have crossed Lower Granite Dam on the Snake River. 

Fish and Game tailored the 2015 fisheries proposals to meet hatchery broodstock needs, focus fishing efforts in areas where hatchery fish are most abundant, and still allow fishing in river reaches that anglers have grown accustomed to fishing in recent years.

In the Clearwater Basin, except for the South Fork Clearwater River, limits are set at four fish per day, only one of which may be an adult. The possession limit in these parts of the Clearwater River drainage will be 12 fish, only three of which may be adults.

In the South Fork Clearwater, lower Salmon, Little Salmon and Snake River fisheries, anglers will be allowed to keep four fish per day, only two of which may be adults. The possession limit in these fisheries will be twelve fish, of which only six may be adults.

These areas will be open seven days a week. The season limit will be 20 adult Chinook salmon for seasons prior to Sept. 1. 

Only Chinook salmon with a clipped adipose fin, as evidenced by a healed scar, may be kept. Only adult Chinook salmon must be recorded on the salmon permit. An adult Chinook is any adipose fin-clipped Chinook 24 or more inches from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. Chinook salmon less than 24 inches (jacks) count against the daily limit but need not be recorded on the salmon permit. 

An angler must cease fishing for Chinook salmon once they have retained their daily, possession, or season limit of adult Chinook salmon or their overall (fish of any size) daily or possession limit of Chinook salmon, whichever comes first. 

Other rules and special restrictions for the Chinook salmon fishery are in the 2015 spring Chinook salmon brochure available at Fish and Game offices, license vendors, and online at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/fish/?getPage=110. 

The Commission will consider Chinook salmon fisheries on the South Fork Salmon and upper Salmon Rivers at its May 20 meeting in Lewiston. Fish return to those areas later than to the Clearwater River and Rapid River Hatcheries, giving managers more time to develop fishery proposals for those areas.

Steelhead fishing on the Clearwater is good

Mike Bush, of Spokane, WA, is shown with the beautiful steelhead he recently caught. Photo by Charlie Pottenger

 

By Charlie Pottenger

Steelhead fishing on the Clearwater is good, with fish being regularly caught. Although the large “B run” fish have not returned in expected numbers and the Idaho Fish & Game (IDFG) has reduced catch and keep limits to one fish smaller than 28 inches per day, the enthusiasm of fishermen seems undiminished.

According to Evelyn Kaide, owner of The Guide Shop in Orofino, there was great concern when the projected numbers of Clearwater bound steelhead continued to drop from the optimistic original levels to a paltry 7,500 or so big “B run” fish. It was thought that fishermen would decide to forego this season on the Clearwater and seek other waters where the limits were more generous. This has not happened and there have been few cancellations.

Furthermore, anglers are catching steelhead every day and have been enjoying excellent weather on the river. She said there are lots of happy fishermen with lots of success stories as well as stories of the “monster that got away!” Most anglers are appreciative of the restricted limits, realizing that IDFG must save enough of the big “B run” fish for the hatcheries to assure we will enjoy larger runs again in future years.

It seems that the small 2013 return of the big fish is a mystery. Whether the numbers were reduced by ocean conditions, extreme in-ocean commercial netting, or other events is currently unclear. However, it is certain that all efforts to assure the hatcheries achieve a full complement of “B run” eggs must be taken to make recovery in future years probable.

Currently fish are being taken by the three basic methods commonly employed, Fly fishing has been very popular during October with good results. Fly fishing is exciting but somewhat less productive than back trolling plugs or side drifting eggs or shrimp. To rate the three methods is impossible because each angler has a preference.

There a few openings for guided fishing trips in late November, December and January. It is certain that the steelhead are here and that to get one you must put your line in the water!

Super Grilled Trout Recipe
Provided by Evelyn Kaide of The Guide Shop

Try this recipe to prepare a wonderful grilled Steelhead or Salmon at home!

First, fillet your fish and remove skin.

Second, prepare marinade in a plastic bag:

- 2/3 cup Brown Sugar

- 1/3 cup Rock Salt

Third, place fillets in bag shake well and let marinate for 2 hours, turning occasionally. (Do not exceed 2 hours.)

Four, remove fillets rinse with cold water and dry with paper towels.

Five, sprinkle with coarse pepper and grill!

Remember the Brink And A Half Club?

This is the seventh-edition cover of Idaho’s Golden Road To Adventure. The magazine was published by the Brink And A Half Club, and printed by the Tribune Publishing Company of Lewiston. This issue is from 1954.

By Andrea Dell

Unless you were alive in the mid-twentieth century, you probably do not remember the Brink And A Half Club. If you have heard of it, you might know it was founded by people who accidentally drove their cars into the Clearwater River.

Harry Cummings shared with the Clearwater Tribune a 1954 issue of a magazine called Idaho’s Golden Road To Adventure, published by the Brink And A Half Club. The magazine featured a plethora of photographs and articles promoting recreation in the Clearwater area and along the Lewis-Clark Highway.

Activities and topics covered ranged from wildfire fighting to fishing, hunting, motorcycle riding, camping, and much more.

The Brink And A Half Club’s founding members clearly had quite the sense of humor. According to the magazine, the club was organized on Sept. 27, 1947, in the small mining community of Fall Creek and Golden.

The founders, a group of local residents who unintentionally landed their cars in the Clearwater River, took the club’s name from this experience. “If you’re on the road, you’re on the BRINK, take away half and you’re in the river—thus Brink And A Half,” explained the article.

Initially, only people who accidentally entered the Clearwater as passengers in a vehicle were eligible to be members. If reading through issues of the Clearwater Tribune from the time period when this club was founded is any indication, someone was newly eligible to become a member nearly every week.

Later, the rules were altered so anyone who had simply driven along the Clearwater could become a member. Finally, membership became open to anyone who wished to join. The membership fee was $3 a year, according to the 1954 issue of Idaho’s Golden Road To Adventure.

The club didn’t seek publicity, yet newspapers and magazines carried articles that were read across the country. Letters from all over the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii; and even European countries, made their way to the club. All expressed interest in learning more about Clearwater country.

This inspired the club’s members to publish and distribute, once a year, a booklet. It was called Idaho’s Golden Road To Adventure.

From the original 12 members, the Brink And A Half Club grew to several thousand, and included people from Europe and Asia.

Idaho’s Golden Road To Adventure was published from 1948 to 1958. The editor listed in the 1954 issue was David Brazil. Horace Parker and Roscoe LeGresley were Associate Editors. Brink And A Half Club officers were Ben Bear of Orofino, President; Ernie Nelson of Lewiston, Vice-President; and Horace Parker of Grangeville, Treasurer. The directors were Roscoe LeGresley of Kooskia, Ed Folden of Clearwater, Harry E. Faris of Kooskia, and Charlie Dundas of Pierce.

This “Big Game Hunting” article was taken from the 1954 issue of Idaho’s Golden Road To Adventure.

The cutline that ran in the Idaho’s Golden Road To Adventure 1954 issue this photo appeared in read, “Nez Perce Chiefs performing ancient tribal dance. Shira photo.” It may have been taken during Grangeville Border Days.
 

Delbert Roby, now living in Kamiah, is the man in the center of this picture. To the right is Dick Roby, now deceased. The fellow on the left is unknown. Cutline information under the photo stated, “Three Kamiah residents with the limit of salmon. These six fish weighed a total of 108 pounds. Salmon fishing is good during the spring months. Photo by C.W. Adams.”

Here is a picture of Zan’s Tavern, located a few miles upriver from Orofino, that appeared in the 1954 issue of Idaho’s Golden Road To Adventure.

The Blue Moon, not so blue after all

August’s Blue Moon, as viewed through a smoky haze, hanging over the Clearwater Valley Friday evening. Photo by Alannah Allbrett

 

By Alannah Allbrett

August’s Blue Moon was viewed through a smoky haze that hung over the Clearwater Valley Friday, August, 31.

Folklore calls it a Blue Moon when it is the second full moon to appear in one month; the first occurred on August first. Our word for month is derived from the word moon.

The blue moon phenomena usually happens every couple of years. Depending upon what source you use, the next blue moon should fall on July 31, 2015 [Washington Post], or on August 21, 2013 [EarthSky News a Clear Voice for Science], etc.

While the moon is not actually blue in color, it has fostered several colorful customs – proposing under a blue moon, naming alcoholic beverages for it such as the Blue Moon Martini. And, in Idaho, there is a Blue Moon Café, Blue Moon Bar & Grill at Lava Hot Springs, and a Blue Moon Outfitters.

The name seems to have been derived from a goof-up when, in 1946, amateur astronomer James Hugh Pruett (Sky & Telescope) “incorrectly assumed how [the term] blue moon had been used in the Maine Farmers’ Almanac. Pruett unintentionally mangled the original blue moon definition, and it thus became the second full moon in a given month.”

According to an article from Mail Online, Science & Tech, blue moons came about after the eruption of the volcano Krakatoa in Indonesia in 1883, when “Ash soared right into the upper echelons of the atmosphere; blue moons were reported around the world, for up to two years.”

Americans took to the blue moon idea, and the concept lives on. The Slooh Space Camera broadcasted the lunar event this year and dedicated it to the late Neil Armstrong, America’s legendary astronaut who first set foot on the moon. Cosmically, the blue moon sighting fell on the day Armstrong was laid to rest. His family suggested looking up at the moon in the night sky and giving Neil a wink.

World Jet Boat Marathon Championship kicks off Friday

Races come to Orofino Wednesday, April 18

In less than five days racers from around the world begin the first leg of a four river race in Idaho to crown a new 2012 Toyota Weaver Seed Jet Boat Marathon Champion!

Racing teams were spotted making practice runs on the St. Joe River at St. Maries, Idaho over the weekend, Race Organizer Kim Friend said.

“This is an amazing opportunity to see world class jet boat river racing right here in north central Idaho,” Friend said.

Over 150 non-paid volunteers from all over Idaho and the northwest have dedicated hundreds of hours to make this event a success, Race Director Gary Labrum said.

“Willing sacrifice is the word for our corps of world race committee volunteers,” Labrum said.

“Some of our volunteers have given up weekends each month since October to drive as far as 300 miles one way on their own nickel to then sit in logistics planning meetings for five hours,” he said.

Opening ceremonies and events begin at 6 p.m. at St. Maries’ Lower City Park on Friday followed by the first legs of racing on the St. Joe River Saturday and Sunday. Spectators may watch the race for free from a river bank with public access along each of the four rivers.

The 2012 Toyota Weaver Seed World Jet Boat Marathon Championship continues over a nine day period, April 13-21 on select sections of the Snake River at Lewiston, April 16-17; the Clearwater River at Orofino, April 18 and the Salmon River at Riggins, April 19-21. For the latest racing information go to: facebook.com/2012usa.worldjetboatmarathon.

Free copies of the 2012 Toyota Weaver Seed World Jet boat Marathon official race program include maps of each river course and information on over 30 elite racing teams. The complimentary programs are available at a variety of businesses throughout St. Maries, Lewiston, Clarkston, Orofino, Grangeville, White Bird, Riggins and McCall.

Free programs will also be available at the starting area of each race or can be downloaded from the North Central Idaho Travel Association’s web site, www.visitnorthcentralidaho.org.

Clearwater River oil leak still being monitored

By Alannah Allbrett

The underground petroleum leak discovered in the Clearwater River Monday, December 26, is still under investigation Earl Liverman, a representative of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), identified the leak as being located near Atkinson Distributing, Inc. That business includes an unmanned gas station as well as above-ground storage tanks.

The underground lines at the station were pressure tested as recently as 2011, and no leaks were found at that time. On November 11, a small earth quake, of 2.3 – 2.6 magnitude, occurred in the area which may have triggered a leak.

The EPA listed, among possible causes, an abandoned underground storage tank, a broken gas line, something flushed into the river, or something buried in a sandbar. Another possible cause might have been substances that leached out of an old landfill which used to be in that area.

The leak has been contained by booms, and Atkinson representatives continue to monitor it.

Grab your fishing pole! OK Rock reveals its secrets

By Alannah Allbrett

The mystery of the okay rock is finally unraveled. Diane Upton opened up the can of worms [excuse the pun], by writing a Letter to the Editor inquiring if anyone knew the meaning and origin of the OK Rock near Orofino’s bridge over the Clearwater River.

The Clearwater Tribune received a call from Jim Routh telling us to talk to Tom Province who turned out to be the person who began painting “OK” on the rock. Tom told of a very politically opinionated and vocal fellow employee. “Everything about him was okay” said Tom. His response to this man was painting the rock OK.

But Tom said he quit painting the rock some 20 years ago and did not know who took over that duty for him.

At the urging of his wife Diane, John Farbo came forward and told us his father, Tom Farbo used to use that rock as a gauge for when steelhead fishing was good. “It is the only rock that’s big enough,” said son John. “And it was right close to the bridge so we could see it easily.” His father painted three orange hash marks on it originally (before the OK came to be).

John’s father Tom and he did “drag fishing” for steelhead from a 14’ aluminum boat. But they always checked the marks on the rock before setting out. The lowest mark meant the river was dangerously low; one would probably hit rocks.

The middle mark meant grab your fishing pole! The level of the water was ideal for catching steelhead by drag fishing. John said his father would call and say, “Hey, let’s go!” “We fished every chance we got if it was right” said John.

“One year the paint OK covered our markers” said John. “We didn’t know who did it, but we adjusted by using the OK as our new guide. We knew where the letters OK coincided with our earlier marks. The bottom of the ‘O’ is the new low mark (unsafe). The crotch of the ‘K” is the medium (ideal fishing) level. And the top is the high water mark.”

When asked what happens if one fishes at the high water level John said, “The current is too strong, and it will just push your bait. It’s too much current to fish.”

“In the eighties, said John ‘The letters on the OK started wearing off, so my dad painted it during the 80’s and 90’s with my son Tyson. When he [dad] passed away in 2001, I started doing it. The last few years my kids, Kylie and Hunter, have taken over. They are in charge.

Kylie is a sophomore at OHS, and Hunter is in the 8^th grade. Each year we paint it a different color (but always use white because it shows up best). The kids wanted to keep it blue and white for the Maniacs, but I wouldn’t let them. When asked why, John said, “I just like change.”

John always painted the rock the last week in August, when the water is at its lowest point. When asked if he has ever been spotted doing that. He said a car honked at him once, but mostly it’s just other fishing buddies and buddies from work that paid any attention to it.

John pointed out that one can pull up a website nowadays to determine the water levels of the river. “But they measure below the Northfork” said John. This rock gauges the upper river, the main flow, and it was the only gauge we had for years.”

Clearwater Rocks

Charlie Pottenger’s boat being towed up the North Fork by Rusty and Darell Bentz. Rusty driving and Darell watching.

Darell Bentz (on the boat) and Rusty Bentz after safely retrieving stranded Charlie Pottenger’s jet boat from the shore of the U.S. Fish Hatchery on the North Fork Clearwater River.

By Charlie Pottenger

  We had often watched other fishermen guide their boats past the junction of the main Clearwater into the North Fork just past the U.S. Fish Hatchery, envious of the success we observed. Our plan was to go through what we knew was a narrow channel and try our luck. Ten seconds after committing the boat to the chosen course it became obvious from the grinding of the bottom on the shallow rocks that those others watched river levels with more wisdom than I possessed.

  We were stuck, grounded on rocks in about 8 to 15 inches of water in a boat needing more than 18 inches! We finally realized we were in a fix!

  At that point we had two choices: first, we could have abandoned the boat and sought help. Second, we could work together to move the boat over these miserable rocks toward the “deeper” waters of the North Fork. Naturally, as boat owner and certified genius, I selected the worst choice, to move the boat to the North Fork. My guest fishermen, John Baldwin of Spokane and Marcie and Darold Stanton of Orofino all helped as we rocked and pushed “Old Ironsides” across some of the devilish boulders.

  Later, Bryce Sundquist, a wonderful vision, thankfully appeared over the jagged rip-rap rocks defining the boundary of the hatchery armed with a huge coil of strong rope and a ratcheting Power-Pull. At this point Darold waded ashore to assist Bryce and an unidentified Idaho Fish and Game Officer who also volunteered. With the rope we moved the boat ever closer to the North Fork.

  At this point Deputy Mike Gladhart of the Clearwater County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol and a second officer arrived on an inflatable jet sled and offered additional help and safety advice, prompting us all to don our life preservers as we were outside of the boat in swift water trying to lift and coax the leaden boat over the last rocks before the North Fork. They also opined that we should have sought help when a 20 or 30 foot upstream tow might have freed the boat and that now that we were in the North Fork we might have to spend massive dollars to get out!

  This was looking grave. Bryce thought I might make it up stream to the Ahsahka boat ramp, but when we tried the trolling motor fouled in the lush North Fork weeds and the jet also was immediately clogged with weeds. Soon thereafter the trolling motor propeller was broken on some of the many large, weedy rocks and we were stuck. We gave up, tied the disabled boat to the Hatchery rocks and went home to spend a miserable, sleepless night.

  The plan was to seek wisdom and make a plan to extract the boat. I called a friend with great boat and wild river experience, Darell Bentz, founder of Bentz Boats in Lewiston. Darell said the only day free in his immediate schedule was Sunday so I drove to pick him up. When I arrived he had recruited his brother, Rusty Bentz to bring his big Bentz boat and we three set out to assess the situation. Three hours were spent trying to understand the complex low-water riverscape in the area between Ahsahka on the North Fork to Pink House on the main Clearwater.

  We drove to the private homes of Mr. Bob Davaz and of Tim and Sharon Barnett. Information gained there led Darell and Rusty to decide to launch their boat at Ahsahka and back it down under the highway and the railroad bridges and down through the riffle where I had destroyed my propeller and plugged my jet. Their wisdom was based on the knowledge the Bentz boat requires only eight inches versus my boat’s 18 inches.

  Well, the happy truth is that even with the catastrophic decisions I had made on Saturday the great skill of the Bentz brothers had rescued my boat and a little of my self esteem. They were able to tow me back to Ahsahka Landing without touching bottom while I sat in my boat coasting gently touching dozens of the mossy blocks lurking close under the surface.

  The good news is that the boat will be inspected and repaired, if necessary. The best news is no one was hurt. The lesson I needed to experience and learn is that the operator of the boat must be positive there is no risk of grounding before going into unknown channels. Another fact...we caught no fish!

  I am encouraged my guests have all expressed a willingness to go again and I am not bribing them!

Mystery of the OK Rock partially solved

By Alannah Allbrett

The mystery of the meaning and origin of the OK Rock is solved. One sees this rock north of the Orofino Bridge, in the Clearwater River, while traveling towards Riverside. Recently there was letter to the Editor by Diane Upton, which raised everyone’s curiosity about what the rock with the letters OK stood for and how it came to be.

The speculation began. . . Some folks thought it had to do with water levels on the river – when it was safe to boat, etc. Others thought it was a weather indicator.

Super Sleuth, Jim Routh gave the Clearwater Tribune a tip that Tom Province was the man to see to learn of the rock’s origin. Tom filled us in on the details and admitted that he was indeed the man responsible for the rock being painted. He said it has been that way for well over 25 years.

Tom was a diesel mechanic for Clearwater Equipment (where McLaughlin Logging is now). He said that one of his fellow employees was very politically opinionated and very vocal in expressing it. “Everything about him was okay” said Tom. His response to this man was painting the rock OK. “I am the villain who painted it” said Tom. “I don’t know who’s been keeping it up all these years though, because I haven’t painted it in at least 20 years.” Will the mystery painter please step forward.