Tillamook Bay acts as a natural collection basin for the five premier salmon, sea-run trout and steelhead natal streams that empty into it. Known for the ferocity of their fight, as well as their delectable meat, it's no wonder they're so sought after. Justly considered the king of North American gamefish, chinook - or ''nooks' - tempt anglers of every stripe and persuasion. While chinook salmon are available in Oregon from the Columbia River in the north to as far south as the Rogue River drainage as early as July and August, October and November are considered primetime as anglers from around the world congregate in Tillamook each fall to chase these chromed silver monsters. Sometimes the hand is not quicker than the eye. My cousin Steve, an accomplished professional magician, with a 51-pound Wilson River late run chinook hen. These words take on a very special meaning when spoken of late season chinook.

In the Tillamook Bay area, on Oregon's justly famous north coast, there are no truer words of wisdom than those displayed on the familiar bumper sticker: 'There's No Nookie Like Chinookie'. There's No Nookie Like Chinookie There's No Nookie Like Chinookie

Barn yarn big fish