Two Skulls in One Forest Spark a Chilling Mystery in Gifford Pinchot
September 16, 2024 by Angela Montana
A bear hunter stumbled upon something pretty eerie near Sawtooth Berry Fields in Washington—a human skull. After reporting the location to authorities, they confirmed it was human, though no ID yet. This discovery happened in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, the same place where another skull was found just a month earlier by a hiker. That one’s thought to belong to a hiker missing since 2013, but they’re still waiting for forensic confirmation on both skulls. Thankfully, investigators say there’s no public safety threat, but it’s definitely a creepy mystery unfolding!
The Upper Salmon River Chinook fishery has opened, with anglers contributing 1,343 hours of effort in the first four days, harvesting 15 hatchery adults. Survival rates between dams have improved, with 1,342 fish past Lower Granite Dam. A fresh wave of fish is moving upstream, indicating optimal fishing conditions ahead.
Jonathan Miller shares summer fishing tactics for local waters, emphasizing Hauser Lake where trout thrive in deep water with specific crank bait patterns. Walleye patrol shorelines, using jigs and slip bobbers effective, while active pike chase bait near weeds. Lake Helena has fishing difficulties due to weeds, and kokanee fishing remains decent at the Regulating Reservoir.
Canyon Ferry remains stable at 86% lake levels with inflows of 2,800 cfs, offering mixed fishing experiences. Walleye are abundant at the south but elusive at the north, while rainbow trout are actively biting from mid-lake to the dam. Recommended baits include bright colors and various crankbaits for targeting.
Northwest Montana is offering excellent fishing opportunities with clarity in rivers and warmer lakes. Key locations like Dickey Lake, Flathead River, and McGregor Lake report successful catches of salmon, bass, and pike, among others. Anglers are encouraged to utilize various techniques and tackle for optimal results this week.
“Here in Montana, hunting and fishing is integral to our way of life. To all those Oregonians who want to outlaw hunting and fishing, please stay out of Montana.” -Gov. Gianforte
The Missouri River’s “Land of the Giants” offers prime fishing conditions, highlighted by a steady 3,000 CFS flow and 54°F water temperatures. June brings an influx of PMDs for dry fly fishing, while Callibaetis hatch in Holter Reservoirs. Jet boats provide access to this exclusive area, ensuring a unique fishing experience.