TR: Ramblin the southern Palouse w/Flyrod

Just back from a few days wandering the bi-ways of the So. Palouse w/
my son. Of course we fished our streatch of the Touchet and did
OK . . . nothing big but lots of fun. River running decent and comming
up as some of the irrigation cuts back. However with alfalfa
approaching $200 a ton (did I hear that right?), some folks are
pushing for a bigger 4th cutting.

Wheat this year was problematic but those who made a crop will get
paid well. The early wetter that usual Spring gave rise to a huge Rust
infestation, and therefore big crop duster spraying costs. Multiple
hits, at $8 per acre gets old quick. Amazing pilots these guys, . . .
Marine close ground support skills and elan. I saw some amazing flying
this summer.

My son wanted to check out all the main water in 3 counties so we put
on close to 1k comming and going and wandering. BTW Walla Walla has
enough "wine tasting" rooms downtown to get one more than tipsy.

In particular we fished the Tucannon from Starbuck and the lower Snake
junction on up toward Marengo. The Gearheads were getting a few
Steelhead and snickers aside, we were game. No steelhead this time but
saw one, and the bows and Cutts were frequent enuf to make it all
worthwhile. And there is a great and strongly recommended new BBQ in
Starbuck run by a nice young couple fisherman friendly.

Last nite I canght 3 very fiesty "bows" on orange Stimulators (from
Dingles store, mainstreet of Dayton) during the early part of a large
October Caddis hatch. Then drove 270m to the ferry and home. More
soon.
Dave