Coma Narrows non-fishing report

[Jim Fitz]

Does anyone know when they unlock the gate to the Tacoma Narrows Viewing area (what they used to call Doc's I think)? Here is a hint: it is not before about 7:15ish (well after sunrise these days). I went there this morning (only my 2nd time to this spot) and found the gate locked.:beathead:

I went to buy a map to explore some other spots which I was thinking of doing anyways. The lady at the gas station encouraged me to go back cause the person who unlocks the date was probably just late so I did just that and the gate was still locked.:rofl:

I thought about walking down but pictured 50 rigs driving by me as I neared the parking lot honking and waving and such.:mad:

I went to Penrose Point State Park but the gate was locked.:beathead: Okay, it wasn't supposed to open until 8 and it was 7:55 so that is fair. But I didn't feel like sitting there gripping my stearing wheel, staring at that gate to see if it would magically open in 5 or 87 minutes.

So I went to Joemma Beach State Park and low and behold, the gate was open.:D I fished for a while and didn't catch anything (this is the only part of this trip that was normal) nor did I see any signs of sea life other than some old codgers fishing gear off the dock.

I headed back to Seattle and looked down at Doc's as I crossed over the Narrows bridge and saw fisherman spaced out along the beach.bawling:

I hope you folks caught some fish.:cool:

I seriously would like any advice about the gate at Doc's as a little bit of a drive to stare at a locked gate.

[Dizane]

I talked to the lady there once a few years ago and I think she said she opened the gate around 7:30 or so, maybe 7:45.

It didn't seem like there was a strict schedule as the time I talked to her I had just happened to pull up right as she was unlocking the gate. She asked me how I knew when she was going to open the gate.:rolleyes:

If I get there and the gate is closed I usually just park and walk. It's not that bad.

[hendersonbaylocal]

you should have just fished purdy

[Brandon S]

The sign at the gate says open 7:30 am till Dusk. I feel your pain, i learned the hard way.....twice

[martyg]

Jim

There's a lot of great water to fishing around there that isn't gated. PM me.

You might also want to look into a kayak. It'll open your world.

MG

[Jim Fitz]

I drove by Purdy and have heard it mentioned but didn't really know exactly where to go.

[Gabe Feenan]

Has anyone ever got locked in, the sign says it closes at dusk? but that's open to interpretation.

[Ryan Nathe]

The lady who locks the gate has come down to the water a few times to tell me she was locking up, usually there are people walking etc. that she has to kick out so I have never been locked in. I am sure you could just go to her house right there, I am sure she would give you a hard time about it though.

[miyawaki]

I talked to the lady there once a few years ago and I think she said she opened the gate around 7:30 or so, maybe 7:45.

It didn't seem like there was a strict schedule as the time I talked to her I had just happened to pull up right as she was unlocking the gate. She asked me how I knew when she was going to open the gate.:rolleyes:

If I get there and the gate is closed I usually just park and walk. It's not that bad.



Walking in to Doc's to fish in the dark early morning can pay off in big dividends. Walking back up the hill with a big smile on your face is priceless.

Leland.

[Ryan Nathe]

So is it trespasiing if you park at the top and go in at O'dark thirty? Before the gate is unlocked? Is it trespassing to come after the gate is locked and walk in at night?

[Dizane]

Is it technically trespassing? Probably. I never paid attention to the sign there.

The question is whether or not anyone would hastle you about it. I showed up at Lincoln Park in the predawn darkness one day and the gates to all the parking lots were closed and there was a police officer parked by one of the gates. I parked across the street, rigged up, and walked in. As I walked past the officer he wished me good luck.:beer2:

That story doesn't really prove anything, but take it for what it's worth.:)

If I were fishing at Doc's before 7:30 and the park-keeper hastled me (never has happened to me), I would walk up to her, introduce myself, appologize, and explain my situation. If that friendly approach doesn't open some doors....well, I tried. It probably wouldn't stop me though.

Everyone has to make their own call.

[chbichsel]

I always walk down there too. Never encountered a problem :)