The fish have arrived and consequently the number of fish available has not been the limiting factor here in the south Willamette Valley rivers this past week. High water and heavy flow rates have proven to be the greatest challenges for fishermen in search of Spring Chinook and Summer Steelhead on the McKenzie, the South Santiam and the Middle Fork Willamette rivers this past week. Torrential showers delivering up to two inches of rain per day in numerous localities, are delivering copious amounts of the wet stuff and contributing to considerably more run-off than most local fishermen desire. Finding some of the softer seams while exercising persistance however, is proving productive for anglers who were willing to tollerate the seemingly endless downpours. Several local boat launches were closed due to safety issues related to the recent high water situation. They have now reopened as our rivers begin to recede and become more user fiendly.