Two Thirty came like a mist over the eyes; I rolled out of bed and moved like a ghost to grab my gear and into the truck. Luke met me on time and we started our Seven hour drive to Steelhead country. We talked about work, politics and fly fishing to occupy our minds during the long trip. Eleven o’clock found us on the banks of the Salmon River, the sun was shinning on our shoulders and the temperature was in the mid Forties, kind of odd for the end of December but nothing to complain about. Delirium had set in right before I hooked my first fish but soon disappeared as I did battle with my first steelhead of the trip. My shouting echoed down the river as I cheered in celebration after releasing the fish and Luke’s laughter followed closely behind. I have come to find Steelhead fishing is a sport of timing and nothing proved my theory like this past trip. There are days when you are absolutely on fire and your buddy is on the back burner doing the same thing but with no luck.The first day of our last trip I was the lucky one hooking some fresh fish and even landing a few, my confidence was high and I felt that I couldn’t be stopped. The next day proved me wrong as I went zero for zero only landing a few micro chrome (10-12”). Luke on the other hand was in the zone landing a big steelhead and an enormous rainbow. On our final day we met up with Nate (kranefly) who had been in a steelhead slump. Nate is a great steelhead fisherman who knows his drifts and his fishery very well. While Luke and I were struggling losing a couple fish Nate plucked a couple out under difficult fishing conditions. The loop was now in full circle with each of us having a good day and each of us having a slow spell. The Fish Gods don’t allow us to get too spoiled during an outing for they like to keep it a challenge. I find myself praying to them once in a while when things are slow. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn’t but whatever it is it keeps me coming back for another battle.
Way to go, Joey…Fine trip story and great pictures.
marsh
wow great trip guys …. i agree and have experienced the same thing, some days your hot and other days your not … i remember on my last trip i had the hot stick on the first day and then on the second day i was struggling …. funny too, you can FEEL it when things are good and bad .. sometimes i show up to a river all fired up and with good energy and i hoot fish after fish and it seems like i can do no wrong …. then other times, i feel not so connected and not perfectly in tune and i can do no right ….
luke, that steelhead is SWEEEET! transluscent fins, silver and a black back .. with that crisp line distinguishing the black from the chrome … looks like a mako shark … my favorite kind of steelhead … did it tear you up or what? musta been smoking hot fish? let me know ..
It was a trip to rememeber as always. It really is kind of strange how you can feel whether or not the Steel gods are smiling on you that particular day or not. There is without a doubt a distinct feeling.
J-BONE- that chromer just tore. Needless to say an unbelievable battle. I hooked it about 1 hour before dark on the last day in real cold weather. At the end of that battle I was totally exhausted. It felt great. By far the freshest Chrome I have been fortunate enough to tangle with. After 4 blistering runs and giving chase 100yds down stream Joey cradled the fish securing victory. I’ll never forget it.
Great read Joey, you really captured the essence of the peaks and valleys we experience with this steelhead addiction. Glad you were all able to put a few on the bank! The water levels this season have been a true roller coaster ride. If the bank angler can manage a couple of tugs from day to day he has done his homework and knows where to go with the fluctuating water levels. Now get out to those blue ribbon tailwaters…bust out the 7x and nymph up some of those gorgeous rainbows!!! Safe travels bro.
I am looking for one of those days when I am on fire, so far just smoke! great story and fish pics.