Historically the Sandy River basin was noted for its huge Chinook salmon runs. In the 1870s Chinook came in large numbers nearly year round. In those days steelhead were regarded as an incidental nuisance. By 1915 the prolific Chinook runs were decimated by splash-dam logging, barrier dams, and commercial hatchery harvest. From 1950 to 1970 the Chinook runs had dropped to the low hundreds.

In 1970 the tide started to turn. Political change in the community fostered water-flow improvements and riparian-zone stabilization. New hatchery technology resulted in producing a basin-compatible brood stock of spring Chinook. Escapement has allowed spawn to reseed the basin with enough eggs to produce naturally reared fish in numbers large enough to maintain a viable self-perpetuating population.

Recent years have seen spring Chinook runs fluctuate from 4,500 fish in 1991, to 9,200 fish in 1992, to 5,500 fish in 1993. By the year 2000 this run may grow to fill the available habitat which is estimated to be 10,000 to 15,000 spawners.

Spring Chinook are much like summer steelhead in that they enter the river months before spawning. Pound for pound, they are the strongest salmon that swim. They are 3-, 4- and 5-salt fish that average from 14 to 25 pounds, but some may exceed 45 pounds. In some years 30-pounders are common. All enter the river ocean-bright and beautiful. They have enough fat reserves to sustain themselves until they spawn in September and October.

Some fishermen catch spring Chinook in mid-February; however, the fish are rare through March. During warm-water periods in April, small bursts of fish enter the river in fishable numbers. May brings a steady parade of fish. The run peaks in June and trails off in July. By August the fish have lost much of their weight and have become colored and often spotted with fungus. No fishing is allowed for salmon between July 15 and September 15.

About 2,000 wild fall Chinook enter the river from September through December. This run comprises four different races. Most spawn in the lower 20 miles of the Sandy. These fish turn very quickly, usually staying bright for only a couple of weeks after entering fresh water. Sandy River fall Chinook average about 18 pounds and rarely exceed 40 pounds.

Fly fishing for bright moving Chinook is considered the most elite of elite fishing sports. Fly fishing for black, fungus-covered spawning Chinook is considered to be treason.

Chinook are fish that hide from the light, so the best fishing is early and late in the day. During midday they often quit moving and occupy deep holes under fast water where they are nearly impossible to reach with existing fly-fishing techniques. However, even at noon sight fishing in some pools can be productive with very-fast-sinking lines.

Chinook are more territorial and easiest to reach when they are moving in water of moderate depth. Fast-sinking lines are still the most useful. Be prepared to fish at depths between four and twelve feet. The fly should fish much slower than the current. Teeny T-300, T-400, and T-500 lines are the most useful. Be prepared to lose some of your tackle, because bright Chinook salmon like to hold near big bottom structure.

These fish are much larger on average than steelhead and demand heavier tackle. Ten-weight rods are the most useful; 8-weight rods are too light, and a beefy 9-weight is minimum. Spey rods capable of throwing lead-core tips are handy on some water. Wind is not usually a factor while casting.

It is surprising that the Chinook, which consumes mostly baitfish and squid while it is at sea, seems to prefer small flies while it is in fresh water. The average fly length is 1 to 11/2 inches. Marabou or rabbit-strip flies are most popular in black or blue; however, red, orange, purple, or chartreuse can also produce strikes. All colors can be combined with liberal amounts of Flashabou or Krystal Flash. The flies must be tied on stout hooks. Shrimp, squid, and marine baitfish patterns are all proven imitations. Teeny nymphs can also be productive.

Saltwater reels with disk drags and a capacity of 200 yards of 30-pound-test backing should be used, along with 12- to 20-pound-test abrasion-resistant tippets. Battles may last over an hour; a half-hour is the average. Expect to traverse many yards of river bank during the fight.

Few fly fishers actively pursue the Sandy's spring Chinook, maybe because to catch the fish requires specialized tackle and skills and the ability to be adaptable. The fish, which are certainly fast and strong, can be caught on flies.

Though the Sandy River and its runs of fish may not be what they once were, they are still world-class and deserve your consideration. And with effective management the fishery can provide sport for years to come.