A Long December

With the exception of a very early trip to the coast, it has been to say the least a very long December. The rivers have been in flux and never really settled down to allow some fishing. My normal "week after Christmas ring in the New Year coastal steelhead bonanza" was blown out and every time I had time before that was the same. Though some good did come of it, my fly box has never been so full and it's been a good end to the NFL season as well.

It felt like a black cloud was following me around, guess it really kinda was.

Finally on the first day of the new year the alarm went off at 5am, it was time to go.....

Came across this guy in a back channel, recently died, he still had his eyes. Spent day one casting tirelessly till dark. Nothing. A few cold beers and a cup-o-noodle and I was out. It was good to be on the coast at last.

Fished through some prime lies and runs without a sniff and two flies down. The confidence was beginning to wane. I was starting to question the rock bumps. As I answer my clients, "believe me, you'll know", kept repeating in my head. Had I really forgotten, had it been that long?

Hope all had a great holiday.

Change of pace...

Recently spent a week with my favorite clients of the season, of course the "fly girls". A change of pace for sure, instead of a handshake after landing a fish I get a hug and a peck on the cheek. These gals can get it done and love fishing as much as the next guy. The fishing wasn't on fire but, we always have a great time.

Yeah I know what your thinking, "that size of fish only comes once a season here in the states". Well, we stepped back out into the run and a few casts in we hooked and landed a thick 34" hen that took us so far into the backing I thought Beth's Hardy Bougle might get spooled. Unfortunately we lost the grip on this hen while trying to get a pic but, I know Beth and I will remember her for a long time to come, as well as the 50lb chinook we hooked that would've spooled us if not for help from some guy in a jet boat. Goodtimes Beth, thankyou.

 My season on the North is pretty much done, it was a good one even with all the ups and downs. The North Umpqua never disappoints, I have a personal trip coming up to say so long to her for the summer season and hopefully raise my last fish to the dry until next year.

 So, it is beginning to rain here in southern Oregon. My thoughts are drifting west, to the coast. I know it's only October but, it's suppose to rain 1 to 2 inches tomorrow and our coastals will be rising, maybe, just maybe there'll be an eager winter-run nosing into the freshet. Feeling the pull of the coast and the day off, I made good on a promise.

To raise a fish to the dry-fly is steelheading at it's purist form. To watch the floating portion of your head come tight, submerge and the subsequent pulsing and bucking of your rod and knowing there is coastal perfection at the other end is a steelhead bums wet dream.

Not to take away anything from our fall season on the Rogue, November is hands down my favorite month on the Rogue. It's just cold, wet and tying winter steelhead flies has got me fired up for the coast. 

Fall perfection

That dam qoute, "ya bring yer pole witcha didya?"