Fishing at Spring Valley
By Craig Staszkow on Mon, Jun 23, 2008
The Staszkows spent several hours last Saturday at Spring Valley Reservoir outside Troy.
The weather was fine and the fish were biting. With two children and a wife who doesn’t touch worms, you need both to make the day a success.
I’ve spent the past few years trying to get the family into fishing. It hasn’t been easy, and part of that is my fault.
I’m realizing quickly that I don’t have the patience and creativity my father did. He always made fishing fun. We played word games. He told stories. He tried to catch bluegill with gum wrappers. We ate licorice.
For my fishing family, Saturday was a watershed day. And here’s why:
1. The kids helped rig the poles: Instead of organizing the gear myself, getting everything just right (in those blessed, quiet hours after the kids go to bed), I threw open the tackle box after dinner and let the kids dig in. We played with slimy things and rolled power bait between our fingers. We discussed barbs. We counted bobbers and sliding sinkers. My daughter had the honor of slipping a pencil through the spool of new line as a reloaded a reel with silky, 6-pound test. She thought that was cool.
2. We set a family goal: Even at age 7 and 4, my children can be competitive. So we made fishing a team goal. Dad and kids (with assists from Mom) would try to catch five trout in two hours. Every fish to hit the dock was cheered. My youngest became “Net-Boy,” fishing’s first Superhero. My daughter kept close count as the stringer began to fill. We caught 10 trout in two hours - double the goal and worthy a fine reward.
3. We finished with a flourish: Making our family goal meant a special family treat - a trip to the nearby White Pine Cafe (in Troy) for lunch. The Palouse is littered with places like the White Pine, cozy diners with small-town charm, great service and plenty of wood paneling. We should all go to those places more often.
Craig
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:20 am
Craig
I’ve spent some time at Spring Valley, but it’s been many years, since my kids are long gone from the house. However, since Judi and I moved out to Driscoll Ridge and Hwy 8, we frequent the White Pine nearly once per week. It’s good food, good service and a nice friendly atmosphere. The type of place Judi and I enjoy. If you want linen tablecloths, it’s not for you.
Now, if too many people start showing up to eat, it’ll be our fault. I know the owners will be happy, but us regulars will probably grouse a bit. :-))
I now prefer golf to fishing. I think I’m more successful, and at least I’m in control. I prefer that to the fish being in control!
Brad
July 3rd, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Hey Brad,
Dave Engerbretson of Moscow was a wonderful fishing columnist for the Daily News for many years. He was a class act who I had the chance to work with when I was sports editor.
Dave ALWAYS was very vague about exact locations of his favorite fishing spots for fear the mass of weekend warriors would overrun it.
I guess that also holds true for fine dining in the rurals.
I’ll keep that in mind.
By the way, you’re the first golfer I’ve met who thinks he’s in control on the course.
Sounds fishy to me.
Craig
July 7th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
Control is a relative term. :-)) I usually try to engage brain before I speak, but I guess I’ll have to work on that when I type as well.
Brad
January 26th, 2010 at 2:30 pm
I believe that the best time for inshore fishing is based on tidal changes the hour before peak high tide and the whole outgoing tide. I also believe that the best time along with tides is actuallt at dawn or dusk. If all the tumblers are locked into you there won’t be any wind blowing in off the water.
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