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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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Holiday weekenders gamble on springer fishing

Mary Anderson-Keeling landed this nice spring chinook from the Salmon River near Riggins. (James Keeling)
Mary Anderson-Keeling landed this nice spring chinook from the Salmon River near Riggins. (James Keeling)

FISHING -- James Keeling and his wife Mary Anderson-Keeling of Reardan didn't go for the sure thing for their recreation getaway over the Memorial Day weekend.   They took a chance on fishing a new spot for spring chinook. You gotta like like their attitude.

Said James:

No complaints here. It was lots of fun & nice to cover new water. We have been down here before but fished the little Salmon River. This time I wanted to fish the main.

The chinook didn't come easy though lol! I spent all day Friday exploring & observing. I wanted to try to stay out of the combat zone as much as possible but still wanted to catch fish (people everywhere).

I ended up finding a nice little back Eddie where I'd seen a couple fish roll & decided this would be good for in the morning.

Morning came early, 4:30 AM there (3:30 AM Spokane time). Fished 14 hours Saturday. Hooked 3 landed 2. My wife banged a nice one that evening also.

Sunday morning was a repeat of Saturday,  with the exception that I only had a few hours to fish before needing to break camp & head back home. I hooked one & got him almost to net before he snapped me off.

All of the sweet spots were packed with fishermen. Guys were getting down in there spots @ 3AM.

With some knowledge, persistence & a little luck we got it done! That's fishing in the great NW!



Rich Landers
Rich Landers joined The Spokesman-Review in 1977. He is the Outdoors editor for the Sports Department writing and photographing stories about hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, conservation, nature and wildlife and related topics.

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