I left Eugene around 5am this past Wednesday with excitement and hope. Hope that torrential rain had moved fresh winter steelhead into many of our coastal rivers, and that one of them would be in shape enough to fish. And excitement to catch a coastal river on the drop with unmolested chrome bright winter steelhead. Moreover I would be fishing with a couple of friends who are seasoned veterans when it comes to winter angling. For that matter these guys fish all year long a couple of times of week somewhere, I knew I would learn something.
Our original plan was dashed with high and muddy water. More driving led us to more high and dirty water. Wheels were turning on the pavement and in our heads. Experience pays and as I said these guys are seasoned vets. We found some clear water! Low by most standards, but very float-able. We gave it a run.
Improved boat landings are really a luxury in winter steelhead adventures.
We spooked two steelhead, may have seen a couple of others, but did catch 5 or 6 decent Cutthroat.
We should have brought a chainsaw.
Rain and wind came through and did their part.
Did I mention we could have used a chainsaw.
All in all a great day out.–CD
I should hope the steelhead were “unmolested” and remained that way!
is that a bobber?