Genetic Salmon - No Thanks

How many chromosomes in Salmon?  No worries about genetically engineered fish if casting a line in the Salmon Rvr.http://tinyurl.com/2dy5uxa

However, the FDA is considering approval for a genetically engineered fish grown in a lab. If this approval occurs on a product called Aqua Advantage, it will be the first time a genetically engineered animal has been given the green light for human consumption.  However, as reported by Alison Faibrother in Politics Daily, consumers are shaking their heads ‘No Thanks’ to salmon eggs produced in Canada, and then grow them in controlled facilities in Panama before shipping to the U.S. for consumption. Apparently this fish is a triploid - three sets of chromosomes, not two - a genetic condition that makes the animal sterile. Yikes.  It grows twice as fast as a Chinook or other natural Salmon. No thanks!

Anglers at our campground here in Idaho along the banks of the Salmon River -  from Salmon in the Spring run, to Winter Steelhead, or any other fish -  have no worries about genetically created fish or fuss over chromosome counts.  When a beauty is at the end of your line in the River of No Return, just reel it in and pop it on the barbie.  Your only concerns might be the temperature of the grill or which seasoning to use. 

Winter Steelhead fishing is ongoing for the months ahead, and there are always a few spots open here in our Idaho campground for overnight guests, in addition to our Winter Storage guests.

Steelhead Fishing on the Salmon River

Cold temps & rising water = outstanding steelhead fishing! This am’s 38 degrees on the Salmon River coupled w/ recent downpours ensure a good run.  Are you here yet?

Steelhead count over Lower Granite Dam as of Oct 11 is a whopping 168, 557 YTD, and another 50,336 for wild, according to http://www.fpc.org/currentdaily/7day-ytd_Adults.htm . Already, the count is better then the ten year average.

The recent turn in the weather to cooler temperatures, this is going to be another great week for steelhead on Idaho rivers. Anglers can be spotted up and down the Salmon River, in boats and from the banks of the river.  A recent report from Idaho Fish & Game reads: "Anglers are doing well using brad's lighted squigglers at night and hot lip lures or mag warts during the day. Bobbers with ducktail jigs and shrimp is another good set up."

All Idaho steelhead are summer run fish, which means they leave the ocean in the late summer, with most of the fish arriving in Idaho by early fall. These fish will then spend the winter in the Snake, Salmon and Clearwater Rivers, and spawn the following spring.

Here at the park, we still have camping and rv-ing availability for spaces along the River, AND the good news is that spaces for Winter Storage are still available.  Give us a holler, and we'll get you in!

Road Trips!

RoadTripsForFamilies.com editor appeared on Seattle Fox TV station talking about the Top 10 Scenic Drives in the Northern Rockies. Check it out at: http://tinyurl.com/28hj9ay

White Bird, Idaho, is part of the Nez Perce National Historic Trail, which is a non-traditional park managed by the National Park Service, covering 38 sites in Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. The White Bird Battlefield is a great self-guided interpretive hike, located about 4 miles north of Swiftwater RV Park.  Learn more at: http://www.nps.gov/nepe/index.htm

Road Trips for Families is an online magazine covering family travel from the road trip perspective.  Learn more at http://www.roadtripsforfamilies.com 

The Top 10 Scenic Drives in the Northern Rockies include some of North America's most scenic lakes, rivers, mountains, charming towns and historic places.  The Drives connect 19 spectacular National Parks, Monuments and Recreation Areas via nationally designated Scenic Byways and Historic Trails.  Learn more at http://www.drivethetop10.com

Swiftwater RV Park is a small, exclusive private campground on the banks of the Salmon River in north central Idaho, and only 17 miles from Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. Learn  more at:  http://www.swiftwaterrv.com

 

Salmon Season to Close July 7th

Idaho Fish and Game will close Chinook salmon fishing in the Pine Bar, Hammer Creek and Vinegar Creek sections of the lower Salmon River at the end of fishing Wednesday, July 7.

There you have it...get out that pole, license, and all the other gear and head over to Swiftwater RV Park, pitch a tent...and GO FISHING!  Catch a Salmon...anglers are reeling them in droves, and here on the soft & sweet banks of the Salmon River, you have room to stretch your legs and cast your line without bumping into another person doing the same thing.

This little Idaho campground is the best in the west, with great showers to to soothe the soul before you enjoy that evening refreshment, plug in the laptop to check emails on our free wifi service, and then get up and do it all over again before the season closes!

Happy 100th Birthday to Glacier National Park

Congratulations to Glacier National Park, celebrating their 100th birthday today!

In honor of the many guests who stay at Swiftwater RV Park on their way to Glacier National Park, we happily share with you the commemoration of this prestigious and beautiful national treasure.  Today, May 11th  - the exact day 100 years ago of the Park's dedication - buses will start transporting people from West Glacier to the Community Building at Park Headquarters to get things rolling around 9:00am.  Rededication to start at 10:30am. Birthday cake to follow. Historic walking tours and activities in the pm.

All year long, there are special activities planned at Glacier, so check out the activities at their website: http://www.glaciercentennial.org/Home.html.

On you way to and from, remember to reserve a riverside camping spot at your favorite Idaho campground, along the awesome Salmon River - and even save some time to experience that awesome Idaho fishing activity.  The 2010 Chinook Salmon Season is here, and the river is bulging with fish, ready to jump on your line :-) .....well...almost!

Salmon Are Still Flying!

Yeah...this might be old news, but honestly, this is HOT! Those Chinook Salmon are still bound and determined to make it up river to give Idaho anglers a fantastic season fishing in the Salmon River. The 2010 daily count over Lower Granite Dam (the last dam and closest to our stretch of the river) is 41% of last year's total count by this date on the calendar.  Check out the graph too for a spectacular visual of the fish count.  

Got your fishing license yet? Got your camping space reserved?  Idaho fishing, and Idaho camping are the BEST (and you know the best little RV Park to pitch your tent or hook up your trailer for a river-side view of the awesome Salmon River!)

(source: Idaho Fish and Game)

Salmon Fishing - Incredible Season

 Unbelievable fish count over Idaho's Dams for this season's Chinook Salmon, as provided by the Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game.

Fishermen are catching Salmon  now in Lewiston, Idaho, and the g-zillions they didn't catch will be in White Bird by this weekend, ready for you in the beautiful Salmon River.  Cool weather is in the forecast, so dress warm, but come prepared to catch those awesome, healthy Chinook Salmon this weekend.

What is your favorite way to prepare fresh Salmon? Share a recipe with us....c'mon....I'm not asking for the location of your favorite fishing hole, just a recipe!

RV Rentals and Swiftwater RV Park

RV USA, the website touting 'Your Guide to Everything RV - http://www.rvusa.com - is a good online place to tuck into your bookmarks.  They have just added RV Rental units to their website: http://www.rvusa.com/rv-rentals.  It's pretty cool for those RV Dealers using the RV USA Rental Manager, their rental units can now be viewed on their listing by clicking the RVs For Rent link on the right side of their Partner or Member listing with them.

There are 4 RV Rental places listed in Idaho, sprinkled throughout the state, so that's handy:  Sandpoint, Coeur d'Alene, Caldwell and Chubbuck.

For guests planning a trip to Swiftwater RV Park - www.swiftwaterrv.com - who want to plan a road trip with a group of friends, but a few folks may not own an RV...they can still join the caravan!  At Swiftwater RV Park, on the banks of the Salmon River in north central Idaho, we have plenty of space for pull-throughs and any size trailer.  Plan a trip, come stay with us!

Fishing Tips ! (Ha Ha)

More daylight hours means more fishing hours. http://tinyurl.com/yh98zmn 
But if stormy weather keeps you indoors, enjoy this funny collection of bloopers that happened to guys promoting fishing!  Enjoy the laugh!

On an entirely different note, and just plain horrible - as opposed to the light-hearted bloopers from the fishing guys, is about a sad situation that occurred in the last few week in Hells Canyon.  Graffiti was spray painted paint over ancient Indian pictographs near the Lewiston, Idaho Hells Gate State Park.  Read about it here: http://tinyurl.com/ydczzb4     

In late February, we have sunny, even balmy (62 degrees today) on the Salmon River.  Everything is in shipshape at the RV Park, so come on by and stay a while.  Through your line in the water, and come home with a steelhead trout :-)

YouTube - Idaho's Hells Canyon...and More!

YouTube - VisitIdaho's Channel

White Bird Gun Club News

The White Bird Gun Club Winter Shoot officially begins this coming weekend, January  9 and 10, with practice occurring on Saturdays, and  official scores shot and recorded on Sundays.  If you’re interested, but haven’t tried trap shooting before, come on by the White Bird Gun Club.  It is located within the City limits, on the road over White Bird Creek, that runs between the Carlins and Kronke's.  There's a small sign, but if you're unsure, go to the Silver Dollar Bar, and they'll help you out.  Better yet, roll down the windows on your rig and listen for the sounds of trap gun shooting, and then just follow the noise!  

There are novices, intermediates and experienced shooters, and everyone in this Club is always willing to offer advice and thoughts on the skills of this sport. 

For Winter Storage guests from McCall to Cascade, this is a great reason to get away for the weekend.  The White Bird Gun Club is only 2 miles from Swiftwater RV Park and the Winter Shoot runs for 10 weeks.  Even if you miss a few weekend, the White Bird Gun Club members will always welcome you, and membership to the Club is VERY inexpensive!

We usually have great winter weather, though this first weekend might be a tad cold.  No worries!  The heat from the indoor wood stove will keep you hands nice and toasty in between shoots.

The kitchen is always open on Sundays, and Gladine will be serving hot dogs and flipping burgers.

Snowy Salmon River and White Bird Creek

In mid December, it was very cold for several days, and the combined snow/ice along the banks of the Salmon River was beautiful.  Since my new phone/camera (LG enV3) was on hand - though no cell coverage in the Salmon River Canyon - I snapped a few pics.

Not too many fishermen on this day!

During a mid-day walk a few days later, the snow-covered White Bird Creek, and road, were worthy of a few pics too.

Check out more pics on Swiftwater RV's page on Face book:  http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=186560&l=3eff59bce4&id=100000018226170

75th Wedding Anniversary in White Bird, Idaho

Diamonds can be a girls best friend, but Ada Wilson says her husband of 75 years is her best friend.  

Not every community is fortunate to have a couple celebrating 75 years together, but we are here in White Bird, Idaho.  Living in the Salmon River canyon and dedicating a life to their family, hard work - which included mining, ranching, USFS work and outfitting - along with a good dose of perseverance, are just some of the ingredients in the recipe of togetherness for Joe and Ada Wilson.

Over 125 friends and family came to congratulate them at their 75th wedding anniversary celebration, held this past Saturday afternoon - December 26th -  at Hoots Café, just outside of White Bird, Idaho.  A reporter from the Lewiston Tribune interviewed the Wilsons before the event began, so the cover page of the Sunday Northwest section had a very cute picture of Joe and Ada to go along with a nicely written article. 

As you can see by the photo above, Joe even kicked up his heels a few times, dancing to great music from various members of the Old Time Fiddlers.  Local musician, Dave Dixon, joined the fiddlers on the stage to sing a few old-time melodies that got the crowd on their feet to enjoy a few ballads.

Fate of Idaho salmon plays out in tiny Marsh Creek | News Updates | Idaho Statesman

An article published Dec. 27, 2009 in the Idaho Statesman, written by Rocky Barker, that continues the ongoing discussion regarding wild salmon and dams.  Well worth the read.  Tell me what you think!

Fate of Idaho salmon plays out in tiny Marsh Creek | News Updates | Idaho Statesman

Slideouts: In or Out?

Greetings!  I thought an article published on the RV Doctor's blog was interesting and worthy of a share to the readers of Swiftwater RV. They conclude that if the slidouts are stored in the 'out' position, that debris, dirt, leaves etc. can gather on the roof of each slide, and cause issues with water intrusion.  Even if the rig comes equipped with an awning over the slideout, why invite trouble? Then, depending on the type of slide mechanism, exposing it to the elements during non-use can corrode moving components.  This is the link: http://www.rvdoctor.com/2009/11/in-or-out.html

A few snowflakes fell this morning, and portions of the Salmon River is covered w/ snow from bank to bank, especially near Lucile, Idaho. Even a few sections of White Bird Creek are covered in snow!  Temps are around 34 degrees this morning, and a nice change from last week's bitter taste of arctic living! (temps were 2 degrees, warming up to 12 in the daytime....but with bright blue Idaho skies!).

Will post some pictures once I figure out the transfer process from my new LG enV3 phone to the computer....guess I need to buy a card to make this happen....always something!

HOLIDAY MAIL FOR HEROES

Holiday Mail for Heroes program, which helps to “send a touch of home” to United States service members and veterans across the country and abroad, is in it's third year of operation. Access this web link http://www.redcross.org/holidaymail. Even if you don’t have access to the internet, your Holiday cards can still be mailed and addressed as follows: Holiday Mail for Heroes, PO Box 5456, Capitol Heights, MD 207914-5456 from Monday, November 2 through Monday, December 7. The cards will be collected through this unique P.O. Box, then screened for hazardous materials by Pitney Bowes, and distributed to participating Red Cross chapters nationwide. Once the cards arrive at the Red Cross chapters, they are sorted and reviewed by volunteers who then distribute them to service members, their families and veterans in communities across the country. A few easy tips are to sign all cards, entitle each card with a salutation such as ‘Dear Service Member, Family or Veteran”, and limit cards to 15 per person, or 50 for school class or business group, and bundle groups of cards in single, large envelopes, addressed to the PO box above.

Fishing is still going strong on the Salmon River here in White Bird, Idaho. A few storage guests are coming over to spend the night and toss their lines in the river, and there's open spaces too.

Weather is good...a bit of rain this past week, and a touch of snow...but not here on the Salmon River! Sunshine!

STEELHEAD COUNTS 2X the 3 YR AVERAGE!

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/fish/steelhead/dam_count.cfm

Now you know why anglers are swarming along the banks of the Salmon River! Fish counts over Lower Granite are twice the three year average.

The good news is that the White Bird area is still fairly quiet in contrast to Riggins and other 'combat fishing' areas.

FALL FISHING and MORE

Fall weather has arrived in north central Idaho on the Salmon River with cool nights and daytime temps in the 50's-60's, and the steelhead anglers are in heaven! Know why? Because they're catching steelhead fish like never before. It's almost like the fish are jumping into boats - naw...just kidding. But fishermen are saying they can see the fish in the river and there's lots to choose from. The hatchery steelhead counts at Lower Granite in the past five days have ranged from 4,500 to 6,600 - that's per day! (here's the link: http://www.fpc.org/currentdaily/HistFishTwo_7day-ytd_Adults.htm)

Now, that's a reason to enjoy the camping accommodations at Swiftwater RV Park - we're right on the Salmon River, in Idaho, and right where the action is! 208.830.2700 to check availability for spaces. We take 'em all - big rigs, small trailers, tenters. For non-fishing spouses, we have free tv, free wifi, a laundromat (well - not that we want spouses to be stuck doing the laundry, but just in case the dirty clothes pile up), a book exchange, great walks nearby, and a nice front row seat to watching the action on the river.

Steelhead education: 'Wild' steelhead are a subset of steelhead and are counted separately from hatchery steelhead at Corps dams on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Wild steelhead are identified as fish with an intact adipose fin. However, a small number of hatchery fish may not have had their adipose fin removed. - As you might guess, that text is straight out of the IDFG text book!

Leave a comment - would like to hear from you!

LETS GO FISHING !

The fish are jumping, literally, on the Salmon River, and fishermen are beginning to seriously toss their lines in the river attempting to reel in a steelhead. More jet boats are cruising along, and bank fishermen are starting to dot the sides of the river. Folks are beginning to catch ‘keepers’, and one that I saw was over 25” long. One guy reportedly has caught 24 already this week - can that be real - WOW!!

STEELHEAD FISH ARE COMING!

The 2009 Steelhead fishing season open up on this part of the Salmon River on September 1st! If you need to brush up, or learn about the fees, rules, etc., visit the Idaho Fish & Game (IDFG) website: http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/apps/fees.

IDFG is reported in late July that the "The smallmouth bass fishing continues to be good in the Snake and Lower Salmon rivers. The bass have been averaging 8-12", but there are some bigger fish around for the lucky or persistent angler. Curly tail grubs and small crank baits are the standard offerings."

Interesting read from the Columbia Basin Fish & Wildlife News Bulletin, August 14th:
Folks that monitor the fish counts at Columbia-Snake river hydro projects did a double take Wednesday when the Tuesday steelhead tally at Bonneville Dam was displayed online by the hydro project's operators, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

There were 18,671 upriver summer steelhead counted climbing the dam's fish ladders that day, which fisheries managers believed was the highest daily total ever recorded since the construction of Bonneville Dam was completed in 1938.
Read more at: http://www.cbbulletin.com/350377.aspx

RAFTING: Had to toss in a picture of the guys. Today Al, Aras, and Dave G. headed south to Riggins for a fun day of rafting on the Salmon River, guided by Gary Lane of Wapiti River Guides (http://www.doryfun.com/). Can you tell that Dave used to be a professional basketball player?!