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Steelhead Battle Hi Speed Only

We were fishing in close quarters having blow downs, log jambs and heavy currents in our path. Water clarity was marginal at best. Although there were many obstacles, this particular pool had a good number of fish present. Every once in a while you would see a flash of silver in the bottom of this chest deep pool. The intermittent flashes of silver were enough to keep my interest. I threw everything I had in my fly box, at least a few hundred drifts. Then we figured it out. Streamers, short stripped and the faster the better. After a couple short strikes the rod was nearly ripped from my grasp. Perseverance paid off. The fish tore upstream violently, cleared the water two feet and then swam under a huge log jamb. I was fishing 2x tippet so I was able to keep the pressure on and work her back out into the main channel and beach her. My second fish that day would prove to be the toughest one ever brought to my hand. Three blistering runs, the final one being totally obscene, he shot straight downstream with a full head of steam and me in tow. I worked to hard for this one and I was determined to land him. Shortly after the foot chase began I underestimated the power of the creek and went down hard, face first. My mind was focused on the task at hand so I recovered quickly to finish what I had started. After a few more blistering runs the buck was tired enough to be beached, photographed and revived. High fives from Jeremy and Joey as we headed back to the truck reliving the highlights of the day. I hope my interest in the pursuit of steelhead never wanes. They are an admirable

opponent worthy of deep respect.