What JimmyD says so eloquently is quite true--especially about the part where we don't have many options nearby! The only part that is off a bit is that I do well--I've had a few days, but my cumulative results on the WW are less than stellar--that's been especially so this season. His comment about "making the rounds" is exactly right. Given optimum environmental conditions--ie a falling river after a nice freshet, a guy could drop in on a few spots on the WW and pick-up a fish without devoting an entire day to the river. For me, as a Tri-City resident, I find that to be a nice feature of the WW. I can rarely escape for entire days including the 5 am departure and 7 pm return demanded by a full trip to the Tuc, or tag on an additional 2-4 hours for a round-trip to the Grande Ronde. If one has the time, I'd take the GR over the WW anyday. None-the-less, if you look at the WW in light of our local bank options, I think you may be pleased with what you find.

Another option that is very close is the Umatilla river. It is quite a bit like the Walla Walla in it's character. Overall, I've found less accessible water, but the water I've found has been more fishable. Plus, there's a fall coho season and C&R opportunity for fall chinook, and then there's a limited springer run too. The out-of-state OR license and salmon/stlhd tag is a combined $100, which really stings, but compared to what I shell out over the course of a year on tackle and gas alone, it's a modest fee for a chance at lots of additional water.

I know JimmyD spends a fair bit of time at Ringold--I too like to hit that scene every now and then. There's something to be said for classic drift fishing on the Nation's most powerful river.

Just a couple more options to consider...

E-mann, thanks for the link! Great info. Looks like it was a good choice not to try it Friday.