laszlo

yes, they are red hooks.

Highdrifter and I were fishing together last Sunday. There we are chatting away not even realizing there's a huge owl about 10 yards behind us perched on a tree. Then there's this deep sound of flight as we look staight up to see this powerful looking creature flying directly above us and away into the landscape.

pound for pound the best fighting fish i've ever caught. straight up! thanks for getting me started Miagi.

Darkness was fading and good vibes were in the air. My friend Cam, from back in the day, joined me for a quick couple hours before work in a river that holds many memories between us. I submit my gear for the challenge. Ended the mild, somewhat damp morning 1 for 2. My friend Cam went 1 for 1 and caught this fresh fish full of attitude. No pics of my catch. A 3lb male that was training for the Olympics for Vertical Stiff Jumping. Another high energy fish. At least 10 fish came up for flies or something on the surface during the morning. They were coming up almost in slow motion just to say hello. I wish I had a fly rod. Oh snap...let's take it one method at a time. Till Monday...weather permitting. Now back to work.

Back to work. My friend Cam and I managed a few in just a short session before work. Report to follow later tonight. Can't top my last report with Fidel but a quality fish pic on the way! Great to get out to a spot with an old friend from highschool. We've been fishing this section together since I was 16 but this is the first time for Steelhead.

Since being on the Forum I've noticed that 99.99999% of Steelhead reports don't reveal the body of water. Am I crazy to follow code and want the same for this thread??? I thought I was being respectful to those who understand that this leads to a more unpressured fishery which results in more fish. I mean...we all love the sounds of more fish right? And to be clear, I don't think anyone has an issue with saying "A RIVER". Clearly Steelhead are caught in "A RIVER". Now I'm off to fish...which is what this is all really about. I say we keep it that way. Sounds good to me.

that little pink worm hasn't come through for me yet. great looking fish!

Looks like I'm giving it another shot tomorrow morning for a few hours before work. It's going to be hard to top Sunday as far as the quality of fish but maybe now that I know where they're concentrated I can score better numbers. We shall see...

Way to go. I can now say I know what that feels like. Awesome!

A couple more pics I overlooked last night...

Up to this point, early in my Steelheading ventures, I’ve fished areas that have been recommended by others. This was the first attempt that I picked a spot that I felt would hold fish. The River isn’t necessarily proven…well at least not this area, but I had a feeling. Highdrifter (Fidel) and I decided that today was the day to give it a shot. When we arrived optimism was high which slowly faded. We worked every possible structure feeling like fish were there but no hits. It wasn’t until 3 hours later that the work paid off and we found a spot that looked prime. And it paid off… First, I caught this strong fighting male. Followed by an acrobatic little female. Sure, Fidel was feeling happy for me but felt like we needed to stick around just a bit longer. He finished the day with this beauty and we decided not to take another cast and end it on a major high. Lot's of info gathered in this new Steelheading spot which surely will lead to another successful attempt. Mission Complete. The Progression Continues...

report coming tonight! more fish! and a couple big ones!

Both fought well but the smaller one went off the handle. Jumps and head shakes like crazy! Full of energy!

and here i am all happy about landing 2 smaller sized fish. :/ nicely done!

i don't smoke myself. quit 7 years ago. I do have a friend that keeps his buts in a zip lock when we fish and puts them in the garbage after.

2 for 2 today. This makes three tries in a row that I hooked fish and the first time I caught more then one. The Bigger of the Two I tried bringing my float and spinning rods. It paid off. Caught one on each. Till Sunday...

You are a brave soilder. New 13' Rod New Center Pin Reel Night Time After Rain Big River Those are some serious odds to work against. I wouldn't even dare. I'm glad you made it out of there. As far as the roe bags it could have very well been the current combined with large jagged rocks. I know the bottom there very well. Give it till Sat. evening or even better Sun. and you should have better luck. Early bird gets the...??? Remember that. Especially at a highly pressured spot like your fishing. Maybe it's time for you to adventure / hike around to find your own sweek spot on that river. Good Luck.

Thanks for the invite Dave but I'm keeping it 'somewhat' local this weekend. Too much baby related matter to deal with.

ah...yes...the water temp was off just a bit. for a swim that is. (walks away with tail between legs)

ummmmmm...checking the water temp...that's what i was doing...right. hilarious.

My camera of 6 years took it's last breath when I caught my first Steelhead. Highdrifter to the rescue with his camera and moment captured. I was thinking..."I can't go fishing without a camera." Went and got a new one today! Ready to Go. Rain Tomorrow - Check Camera - Check Bring it!

I find the Smallie Fall Feed Madness is related more to lakes or deep rivers. If it's a river your fishing and the depth is between 2-7 feet then I would say the season is pretty much done. I fish a river that is generally shallow and the bass feed ended a month ago. It was a Smallie filled summer though!!! Strickly Steelhead Now. Hope this helps.

I found some new pools that should hold more fish but I'm going to wait for some rain to make it worth my while. THURSDAY 80% CHANCE OF RAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BRING IT

Hmm...your Steelheading has gotten off to just a tiny, tiny bit faster then mine. You must have been losing your mind!!!

Went out this morning for a few hours. Ended up going 0 for 1. Sure I didn't land a fish but I must say that I'm happy it's 2 outtings in a row that I hooked fish. Prior to that it was 5 outtings with ZIP. Water crazy clear and low.