This past Monday, I went back to the "secret" steelhead spot. Of course it isn't really a secret, I just don't want the thousands of people who read this blog every day to turn the place into a zoo. Okay, maybe there are slightly less than a thousand people who come here. Umm. Maybe much fewer than. Whatever! You know what I'm sayin! :)
This time around, I was joined by Ted and Mark. It was nice to have company for a change.
Arriving before sunup, I put on my gear while in the car as it was raining pretty hard out. By the time I finished up, it had slowed to a drizzle. I walked to the river and got right in to the spot from last week. Ted and Mark were a little ways behind, so I figured I'd go ahead and catch that huge steelhead before they show up. ...That didn't pan out.
Ted and Mark came to the water and spread out above me. After a mostly dry morning, the rain came and went. But no where near the downpour that I experienced last week. Unfortunately, the bite was, like the rain, hit or miss. However, I'd have to classify this as a more productive steelhead day than most. Considering most are pretty darn quiet.
All three of us had bumps. Personally, I hooked up with another good sized fish that broke me off after a few seconds of brutal thrashing. The fish was sitting in the riffles below a tailout. Again, I was using my newest fly creation that was so successful the week before.
For those keeping score, that would be two (fishing) days in a row where I've hooked a good sized adult to only have the 12lb tippet busted. This is causing me to reevaluate whether fluorocarbon is indeed the best way to go. I'm getting a lot of mixed opinions from others. So, sometime this week, I'm going to do some tests to see if I can figure out how best to proceed.
I can't help to wonder what could of been. It would be stupid to continue with the status quo. I've got to figure out what the problem is. I'll report back with my findings.
The rest of the day consisted of a few bumps, but nothing more. Mark took off in late morning and eventually Ted and I moved upriver. This new spot looked fishy enough, but neither of us got so much as a nibble. As it was getting dark, I decided to try and find Ted to head back to the cars.
Thanks Ted and Mark for joining me. It was great to have others around.
Jan 28, 2010
Jan 22, 2010
Mums the Word
The rain and wind has been intense. Originally, the plan was to go fishing on Tuesday. However, since the forecast was for 35-40mph gusts, it was probably best to leave it alone. Thursday rolled around and while it was supposed to rain, the wind was to be light. I decided to put on the rain jacket and head out. Where did I go? Well, for once, I'm not going to say for reasons that may become obvious.
Arriving to location #1 at sun-up. There was no rain or wind. I sauntered down to the water and perched myself on a rock. I stayed here for about an hour trying various flies. Water visibility was approximately 3 feet. Nothing. Not even a hint of a fish was present. I did get a chance to try out some newly tied intruders. They looked great in the water.
I hopped in my car and headed upstream to location #2. Found my parking spot and made it to the water. Started casting with no sign of any fish. I was disappointed, by not surprised. Up until this point, my confidence in this area was slim at best. That was about to change.
As I was walking upstream alongside some very fast water. Not exactly the place I'd expect steelhead to hold. A large fish jumped clear out of the water. Someone is home! I made short 10' casts with various flies with no results. At least I knew they were around.
Went downstream to some water that was running a little slow. I sent out a new fly design of mine to see what it would drum up. As I'm hoping for something to happen, I noticed a large fish jumping multiple times out of the pool. This was the second large steelhead I've seen to this point. More confidence. These guys were very active today. This guy in particular came completely out of the water 4 to 6 times in about a four second period of time. What was he doing? I'm not sure. But, I did get a good look at him. He was big!
I couldn't reach him with my casts, so I continued stepping downstream. Not long after, I got a good sized bump. After backing up and trying again. Nothing. Switched flies and stepped through. Nothing. Backed up again with the original fly. Bumped again! Kept trying in that same spot with no results. Time to move on.
After more stepping. Another bump! These fish were very aggressive today. If only I could get one to hold on.
Five or ten minutes later, after several more bumps, I felt this slight pressure on my rod. I set the hook and then there was a tremendous yank as the fish realized what had happened. The line went tight and the rod started throbbing violently. It was the biggest fish I've felt in a very long time, if not ever.
Then it happened, the fish jumped out of the water 3 or 4 times in about 2 seconds time. He was pissed! Even more impressive was his size. I'm guessing he was 35" and very thick. On one of his jumps, something went wrong. The line went limp and after reeling it in, realized he broke my 12lb tippet. Not at a knot mind you, just a clean break about a foot down from the T10 sink tip.
I was both disappointed and excited at the same time. I lost an incredibly large fish by my standards. However, at the same time, I had the pleasure of hooking an incredibly large fish. It was great while it lasted.
Too bad he stole my new fly that was working so well. Of course, I only had one and had to compromise with something similar. I got a few more good bumps with other flies, but nothing was as impressive as the one probably still attached to Mr. Steelhead.
Throughout the day, I had hooked, but not landed, around 5 fish. Most of them felt pretty large, as far as I could tell, only one of them was a half pounder.
Near the end, as I was standing in thigh deep water, I saw a flash out the corner of my eye. Either my friend was back, saying goodbye, or one of his brothers made an appearance. The fish surfaced two or three times within 5 feet of my legs. He was either chasing something or playing. Whatever the case, the fish in this pool were active, and obviously fear less of this wading fisherman.
Weather wise, the wind was quiet. The rain stayed away until around 2pm, where it was steady until Sunset. I'll be back! Possibly as early as Monday.
| Access | Undisclosed | |
| Air Temp | Low 43, High 52 | |
| Water Temp/Visibility | ~? F / 3 feet | |
| Weather | Cloudy / Rain | |
| Flow | ~? cfs | |
| Time in/out | 6:45am, 5:30pm | |
| Leaders/Lines | Compact Skagit/Scandi | |
| 11ft of T10 | Morning | |
| 7.0 ips Poly | Mid Afternoon | |
| 12 lb FC tippet | ||
| Flies | Generic Steelhead | 0 |
| Various intruders | 0 | |
| Top Secret Steelhead | 0 | |
Arriving to location #1 at sun-up. There was no rain or wind. I sauntered down to the water and perched myself on a rock. I stayed here for about an hour trying various flies. Water visibility was approximately 3 feet. Nothing. Not even a hint of a fish was present. I did get a chance to try out some newly tied intruders. They looked great in the water.
I hopped in my car and headed upstream to location #2. Found my parking spot and made it to the water. Started casting with no sign of any fish. I was disappointed, by not surprised. Up until this point, my confidence in this area was slim at best. That was about to change.
As I was walking upstream alongside some very fast water. Not exactly the place I'd expect steelhead to hold. A large fish jumped clear out of the water. Someone is home! I made short 10' casts with various flies with no results. At least I knew they were around.
Went downstream to some water that was running a little slow. I sent out a new fly design of mine to see what it would drum up. As I'm hoping for something to happen, I noticed a large fish jumping multiple times out of the pool. This was the second large steelhead I've seen to this point. More confidence. These guys were very active today. This guy in particular came completely out of the water 4 to 6 times in about a four second period of time. What was he doing? I'm not sure. But, I did get a good look at him. He was big!
I couldn't reach him with my casts, so I continued stepping downstream. Not long after, I got a good sized bump. After backing up and trying again. Nothing. Switched flies and stepped through. Nothing. Backed up again with the original fly. Bumped again! Kept trying in that same spot with no results. Time to move on.
After more stepping. Another bump! These fish were very aggressive today. If only I could get one to hold on.
Five or ten minutes later, after several more bumps, I felt this slight pressure on my rod. I set the hook and then there was a tremendous yank as the fish realized what had happened. The line went tight and the rod started throbbing violently. It was the biggest fish I've felt in a very long time, if not ever.
Then it happened, the fish jumped out of the water 3 or 4 times in about 2 seconds time. He was pissed! Even more impressive was his size. I'm guessing he was 35" and very thick. On one of his jumps, something went wrong. The line went limp and after reeling it in, realized he broke my 12lb tippet. Not at a knot mind you, just a clean break about a foot down from the T10 sink tip.
I was both disappointed and excited at the same time. I lost an incredibly large fish by my standards. However, at the same time, I had the pleasure of hooking an incredibly large fish. It was great while it lasted.
Too bad he stole my new fly that was working so well. Of course, I only had one and had to compromise with something similar. I got a few more good bumps with other flies, but nothing was as impressive as the one probably still attached to Mr. Steelhead.
Throughout the day, I had hooked, but not landed, around 5 fish. Most of them felt pretty large, as far as I could tell, only one of them was a half pounder.
Near the end, as I was standing in thigh deep water, I saw a flash out the corner of my eye. Either my friend was back, saying goodbye, or one of his brothers made an appearance. The fish surfaced two or three times within 5 feet of my legs. He was either chasing something or playing. Whatever the case, the fish in this pool were active, and obviously fear less of this wading fisherman.
Weather wise, the wind was quiet. The rain stayed away until around 2pm, where it was steady until Sunset. I'll be back! Possibly as early as Monday.
Jan 18, 2010
Fly #53, 54, and 55: Summer steelhead flies
Thought I'd post a few flies I tied recently. They are rather generic and are meant for low/clear water.
A basic spider with a bit of flash for wings.
This steelhead sized Royal Coachman was tied in a hurry
and is rather sloppy. However, it probably doesn't matter to the fish.
This has a hares ear body with oval tinsel ribbing.
The tail and collar is mallard flank.
This is certainly not a "pretty" fly. However ugly it may be, it works.
A basic spider with a bit of flash for wings. The body is peacock herl and oval tinsel ribbing.
This steelhead sized Royal Coachman was tied in a hurry and is rather sloppy. However, it probably doesn't matter to the fish.
This has a hares ear body with oval tinsel ribbing.The tail and collar is mallard flank.
This is certainly not a "pretty" fly. However ugly it may be, it works.
Jan 13, 2010
Fly #52: Green Steele Spider
Does this fly look familiar? It should, other than a couple of color changes, it is pretty much identical to my Blue Steele Spider. The blue version has been a great fly. Very productive for steelhead. For a change-up, I decided to tie one in green.
As always, click on the picture for a higher res version.
I won't bother with a description of the materials, you can figure it out pretty easily. Although I haven't fished this color yet, I'm confident it will produce in the right water conditions and with the right presentation.
As always, click on the picture for a higher res version.I won't bother with a description of the materials, you can figure it out pretty easily. Although I haven't fished this color yet, I'm confident it will produce in the right water conditions and with the right presentation.
Fly #51: Green Fuzz
I've been experimenting with various synthetic materials lately. One of which is Polar Fiber. My first tie with the material produced a nice flowing streamer in various shades of green and blue. It looked so good, that I decided to incorporate it into the body of a steelhead fly. In this instance, it was spun on a dubbing loop.
When you put this guy in the water, it has a really nice translucence to it. Additionally, it moves quite nicely. I can't wait to try it out.
When you put this guy in the water, it has a really nice translucence to it. Additionally, it moves quite nicely. I can't wait to try it out.
Fly tying frenzy
Although you can't tell by my lack of tying posts, I've been on a rampage. Working on some new steelhead designs and refining ones that have been productive in the past. I'm also doing a lot of experimenting with new materials. Including many synthetics that look really good in the water. Oh yeah, I'm also going to tie a new intruder or two.
Expect a few pictures over the next week or so. I'm going to get my camera out and snap a photo before they hopefully get ruined on a monster fish.
Expect a few pictures over the next week or so. I'm going to get my camera out and snap a photo before they hopefully get ruined on a monster fish.
Rain, Rain, Don't go away!
My two year old is always singing, "Rain, Rain, Go Away". Someday, he'll realize how much we need it and he'll sing a different tune. For now, it is impossible to not sing along with him. He is just too cute. Besides, if I try to educate him, his response is something like, "No, no daddy! Rain go away!"Lucky for the fish, some rain is coming into California. Lets hope for a lot. The last time we were supposed to get soaked, it amounted to no more than a few sprinkles.
If it works out, and when the flows drop, it may be a good time for steelheading. I'll be out next Tuesday. Hopefully the timing will be right!
Jan 3, 2010
New Year Fishing Resolutions
I never make New Years resolutions anymore. Why? I rarely follow through with them. However, I figured this year, I'll make New Year fishing resolutions. This may be something I can actually do!
In no order of importance...
1) I vow to leave the fly in the hangdown for a longer length of time. Often, I'm in a hurry to step down or simply make the next cast. Catching fish on the hang down (before I got into two handed rods) used to be one of, if not the most productive part of my swing. I need to take a step back and remember that often fish are sitting there and just need a little more time.
2) When I get a bump or a grab, put on a different fly. Somewhere along the line, I also got out of the habit of doing this. I vow to make a second or third cast exactly like I did when I got bumped, but then take a few steps back with a comeback fly.
3) More thoroughly fish the water right next to me. I'm usually pretty good about this. However, occasionally I get so fixated on hitting 60-80 feet away, I forget that fish aren't always afraid to be 5-10 feet away. They need to be given the opportunity as well!
4) Smaller tippets. When the water and fly calls for it, I'm going to scale down size.
None of these are difficult to do, I just need to slow down and make sure that I'm doing what has proven to be productive for me in the past. Finally, New Years resolutions I can follow through with.
In no order of importance...
1) I vow to leave the fly in the hangdown for a longer length of time. Often, I'm in a hurry to step down or simply make the next cast. Catching fish on the hang down (before I got into two handed rods) used to be one of, if not the most productive part of my swing. I need to take a step back and remember that often fish are sitting there and just need a little more time.
2) When I get a bump or a grab, put on a different fly. Somewhere along the line, I also got out of the habit of doing this. I vow to make a second or third cast exactly like I did when I got bumped, but then take a few steps back with a comeback fly.
3) More thoroughly fish the water right next to me. I'm usually pretty good about this. However, occasionally I get so fixated on hitting 60-80 feet away, I forget that fish aren't always afraid to be 5-10 feet away. They need to be given the opportunity as well!
4) Smaller tippets. When the water and fly calls for it, I'm going to scale down size.
None of these are difficult to do, I just need to slow down and make sure that I'm doing what has proven to be productive for me in the past. Finally, New Years resolutions I can follow through with.
Jan 2, 2010
Yuba - Above Hwy 20
Spent the last day of 2009 on the Yuba. Parked under the bridge before the sun came up. Put my gear on and walked upstream and around the bend. There is a certain section of water that I always hit here. The run seems to always produce. So, it seemed I should start there.
The first hour produced only a slight bump. However, after getting a little more than half way through the run, I hooked up with a small 15" female. She took a sz8 steelhead hair wing. Not much of a bend in my rod, but she did go vertical several times.
After putting her back, it was quiet until near the end of the run. I had the line below as more was being pulled from my reel. The fly was bouncing all over the place as I was also moving across the river. Not a very good presentation if you ask most anyone. However, that didn't stop a large fish from taking a grab that almost ripped the rod right out of my hands. The hook up was very short. There was too much slack line to set the hook. However, the fish must of been more than 25 inches. It was pretty unusual.
After finishing off the run with only a bump or two, I crossed and went upstream a ways. Caught another 15-17" female as the fly was dangling below me. Stuck around for a while but didn't feel the mojo. I went back downstream and stepped through with nothing to show for it.
I fished the same one from that morning, but from the other bank. Nothing. Crossed river again and fished my favorite spot to catch a couple more fish around 20".
It was a nice day and I had a chance to see 2009 off doing something I enjoy. Hope to get out again next week, but not sure if it will happen.
| Access | Above hwy 20 bridge | |
| Air Temp | Low 45, High 56 | |
| Water Temp/Visibility | ~47 F / 4-6 feet | |
| Weather | Mostly Cloudy | |
| Flow | ~710 cfs | |
| Time in/out | 7am, 5:15pm | |
| Leaders/Lines | Compact Scandi | |
| Int. Poly | All day | |
| 7 & 12 lb FC tippet | ||
| Producing Flies | Sz6/8 steelhead hair wings | 4 |
The first hour produced only a slight bump. However, after getting a little more than half way through the run, I hooked up with a small 15" female. She took a sz8 steelhead hair wing. Not much of a bend in my rod, but she did go vertical several times.
After putting her back, it was quiet until near the end of the run. I had the line below as more was being pulled from my reel. The fly was bouncing all over the place as I was also moving across the river. Not a very good presentation if you ask most anyone. However, that didn't stop a large fish from taking a grab that almost ripped the rod right out of my hands. The hook up was very short. There was too much slack line to set the hook. However, the fish must of been more than 25 inches. It was pretty unusual.
After finishing off the run with only a bump or two, I crossed and went upstream a ways. Caught another 15-17" female as the fly was dangling below me. Stuck around for a while but didn't feel the mojo. I went back downstream and stepped through with nothing to show for it.
I fished the same one from that morning, but from the other bank. Nothing. Crossed river again and fished my favorite spot to catch a couple more fish around 20".
It was a nice day and I had a chance to see 2009 off doing something I enjoy. Hope to get out again next week, but not sure if it will happen.
Jan 1, 2010
Losing Intruders
Normally I don't blink when I lose a fly. However, when it takes 45 minutes or more to tie one, it can be disappointing. Especially after only 10 minutes of using it.
This was the first "true" Intruder that I tied. Put on a shank with the mono loop at the back end so you can string the tippet through. Ala a tube fly. The way that Ed Ward originally tied them (if Skagit Master is any indication, he uses tubes these days).
The 5 inch fly looked awesome in the water with its flowing ostrich plumes. I made the mistake of using a lighter tippet than I should of for its weight. On one of my casts I blew the anchor and it blasted the knot. Off she went into the depths.
I'll tie another soon. This time I'll take a picture of it.
This was the first "true" Intruder that I tied. Put on a shank with the mono loop at the back end so you can string the tippet through. Ala a tube fly. The way that Ed Ward originally tied them (if Skagit Master is any indication, he uses tubes these days).
The 5 inch fly looked awesome in the water with its flowing ostrich plumes. I made the mistake of using a lighter tippet than I should of for its weight. On one of my casts I blew the anchor and it blasted the knot. Off she went into the depths.
I'll tie another soon. This time I'll take a picture of it.
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