Drove 300 miles to meet a childhood friend to spend a day on the Kalama. Neither of us had ever fished it. Fly fisherman at Beginners Hole reported good fishing, however, we didn't have our fly rods for the 'fly only' section. Drove downstream to the bridge and found a great spot. Watched 5 15-20 pound kings come ashore as we were dawning our gear before ever getting wet. Waded in, joined the line of 12 anglers and hooked up after 30 min or so. Lost 3 between 9am and 11am. One due to drag too tight, another shook the hook and the third was a result of laziness. I knew I had roughly 50 yds o line on my reel but didn't feel he need to respool since we were short casting...20-50 ft. Well, that big king called my bluff when it took every inch...busted. Midday low until 4pm when I hooked up on a hawg. Shored a 24 pounder. Even without the catch I absolutely love he Kalama. Crystal clear an beautiful. Check the river regs. From the pipe bridge up is fly only.

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