Whiling away summer hoping to land the big one
Andrew Christiansen
Reporter
Just a block from the middle of town, the Klickitat River drifts quietly by the best swimming hole in Klickitat. It is also a favorite place for Jonnie Van Bysteren to fish. It’s 8:30 a.m. on a Sunday morning and Jonnie has been fishing since 6 a.m.
Parents from Seattle to Klickitat are no doubt familiar with the complaint, “there’s nothing to do!” It starts within the first couple of weeks of summer vacation. That doesn’t seem to be a problem for Jonnie. He’s got a line in the river when most kids are still in bed. One of his favorite fishing holes is just below the local kids’ favorite diving rocks. Jonnie also likes to jump into the river at the same location. He has his name on one of the rocks like many others who swim there.
Jonnie says he has been fishing since he was two years old and he talks like a seasoned fisherman, although he is just 13, entering eighth grade at Klickitat School. He learned how to fish from his grandpa and dad, but clearly his fishing pals also teach him and vice versa.
Jonnie knows the river well at this location. “There’s a bump over there and it dips down, then another rock there, see the tip bounce? The corkies pull it up. There is a hole there where the water swirls. The steelhead like it there.” The “corkies” are the bright orange cork floats that keep the hook off the bottom of the river. Jonnie has two small, orange corkies above pink yarn that conceals a number two hook.
Jonnie has been accumulating plenty of fodder for fish stories, but he is young enough and enthusiastic enough about fishing that he doesn’t seem to be spinning any whoppers just yet. His real life experiences are exciting enough. He says he has had plenty of near catches, but has yet to land a steelhead. “I lost six this year,” says Jonnie, without embellishment about the size of the behemoths.
He has caught trout at this location, including one last week that kept him out of hot water. Jonnie says he is expected home at 9 p.m. On this particular day last week, he showed up half an hour late. “Where have you been?” said his mom. “Then I held up a 15 inch trout,” said Jonnie, and not much else was said about the time.
Jonnie likes to fish at Fisher Hill Bridge when someone can get him there. He also likes to go fishing in the Columbia River with his grandpa. Sturgeon and bass are his target species in the big river. He really likes the bass. “My dad makes the best bass,” says Jonnie as he reveals his dad’s secret seasonings.
He also likes fishing at Pitt, about three miles downstream from Klickitat. It’s the best place for catching trout, says Jonnie. In fact, there are many places along the river that get Jonnie’s stamp of approval. But, then you get the feeling any body of water where there might be fish is just dandy for Jonnie. It’s all about the fishing. Catching a steelhead would be nice, but it doesn’t seem to really matter to Jonnie.
Another summer is drawing to a close. There is still plenty of time for adventures, even in places where there is “nothing to do.” All you need is rod, reel and a little patience and the freedom of mind to enjoy the things around you.
Wasco salmon and steelhead tournament
The 4th annual Wasco Salmon/Steelhead tournament will be held Aug. 28, on the Columbia River. Check-in for the event is at Heritage Landing at the mouth of the Deschutes River between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. Fishing can begin as early as 5 a.m. and will end at 2 p.m.
The tournament fee is $20 per person 14 and older and $5 for ages 13 and under. Weigh-in of catch will be held at Wasco’s railroad depot between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Grand prize is a hand blown fish sculpture by Andy Nichols, of The Dalles.
Oregon Fish and Wildlife rules and licenses apply. Call (541) 442-5079 for more information.
The event is partially funded by Bank of Eastern Oregon and PGE Wind Project and Iberdola Renewables.
Referees needed for high school volleyball
Referees are needed for high school and middle school volleyball games throughout Klickitat and Skamania counties, according to Debbie Allaway. Allaway has taken over the job as assigning secretary following the retirement of Bill Daniels. There is a particular need for people who can work afternoon matches in the Stevenson and Carson end of the district, but anyone who is interested is welcome.
Referees are paid per game plus mileage for the season, running from September through October. Referees are required to join the Washington Officials Association, which costs $40 and covers insurance, official patch, two rule books and training.
Knowledge of volleyball is beneficial, but not required, as officials will be trained. Ages from high school on up are encouraged to apply. An on-line clinic and test are required for certification.
The first meeting is Aug. 23, 7 p.m. at the Riverview Community Bank in Goldendale. For more information, contact Allaway at (509) 395-2833.
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