Northwest Reel Life November - December 2023 Volume 3 Issue 3 - Flipbook - Page 12
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Sometimes we don’t get the
fish, sometimes we don’t get
the shot. And sometimes
we don’t even think about it
because there is just too much
going on.
You are not going to get a slick
fish picture, but I am going
to let you in on a little secret
called “License to Chill” on the
Kalama River in Washington
State. This underdog tributary
of the Columbia River is
often overlooked, but why?
Well, it's hard to get to, and
access is limited, but there
are substantial year-long
opportunities for salmon and
steelhead runs. It's a sweet
spot, roughly 45 miles long,
and narrow enough to cast
across to the opposite bank.
It may be relatively small, but
when you're there you feel the
pulse. It’s a mainline to the
Pacific Northwest heartbeat.
The swift mossy green waters
amble through the Cascades
from Mt St Helens to the
Columbia.
License to Chill hosts 19 private
acres of preserved forest,
easy access to the riverbank,
and multiple runs every year.
Spring chinook get a lot of
attention, followed by summer
steelhead, coho in the fall, and
the almighty winter steelhead
running well into the spring.
Can you keep them? No.
12 | NWFISHING.net
This is a strictly managed
catch-and-release barbless flyfishing stretch.
Should you pull them out of
the water, take a picture, and
admire your fish? No, what's
the point of that? You're
causing stress, suffocation, and
possible internal injury. This
river isn't for the eating fish,
it's for the experience. No Kill
Kalama is just the place to go
if you want to unwind and wet
your line.
I am one of those people
who believes that all humans
should have the right to forage,
hunt, and fish for our own
sustenance. And, why not fun?
However, I also think we should
absolutely look outside of
ourselves at the natural world,
sustainability, and what we are
leaving for each other and our
children.
This isn't a debate, but a few
words to share what a great
time I had on the Kalama
River. If other like-minded folks
appreciate the suggestion,
then I'm pleased about that!
So much love and history
has gone into this cabin and
property. It is really one of a
kind. At 90 feet above the river,
you can feel it roar under you
as you drift to sleep. If you like
eagles, how about taking a
shower outdoors while they fly
above giant Red Cedars? It is
epic!
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