We are currently working on the mount of Jerry Logoz's current Oregon State record kokanee. It should be done within a few weeks and you can see the rough plug in the "kokanee mount" file of our photo galleries. The finished mount photo should be up by the end of March. A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of delivering the salmon on my trip to California to my partners on the taxidermy work. I pestered Kirk and Randy to work on the set-up and casting of the mold while we had the day together. I can't get enough of this stuff... I guess I'm just a frustrated taxidermist at heart!

This past Tuesday I called Jerry to go over the paint scheme of his mount. It was then I learned that a buddy of his and 35 year resident of Joseph, Or., Gene Thiel, had just broken the record. Though it isn't official yet, it looks like it will stand as Gene goes through the formalities involved with establishing a state record. I was shocked! It is only February and it is incredible, to say the least, that a kokanee that big comes this early in the year.

After a call to Larry and Brad at the Sports Corral in Joseph, I was able to get Gene's number to enquire about the mount. I talked with his wife as he was still working on the farm and wouldn't be in until lunch. I got the call back from Gene right before noon. He was more than glad to share the story of his super catch.

He was out with a buddy in his canoe on Saturday the 27th of February to do some jigging. Most winters would not have open water on the lake but with this "El Nino" cycle this winter, we have had a mild winter in 2010. He told me the water was only 34 degrees and he employs a special technique that I promised to keep to myself. Around 3:00 p.m. that afternoon, the monster koke hit... he knew it was a big one. When he did land it, he bled it out and then realized that it was probably a record fish. He didn't weight it in until a couple hours later as they continued to fish.

When they did take it in, it was weighed on a certified scale at 7.51 LB. The length was 25 in. with a girth of 18.25 in...a real pig! He has completed all the necessary requirements for the record and it will be submitted soon to Salem for consideration.

I hope to pick up the fish for mounting when I get over there this spring to sample some of the best big kokanee fishing the lake has to offer. With many kokanee over 5 LB. last year, it looks like this will be another banner year at Wallowa lake. Congratulations Gene on what may be the biggest kokanee ever caught in the lower 48 states! My hat is off to you!

Tight Lines,
Rick