Living vicariously

[fishmonger]

After nearly 3 days of dawn to dusk steelheading without so much as a bump, I was walking back to the car for a samwich. I stopped for a second to watch a guy cast, as I figured I might learn something, and BAM, the run below this guy explodes as he hooks a big 'un. I watched him fight with this fish for about 20 minutes, and this is what he got for his efforts:

http://www.myfishingpictures.com/img/081128.jpg (http://www.myfishingpictures.com/?p=81128&c=500&z=1)

What an awesome fish. He said it was the biggest steelie that he has every caught on the Deschutes. He guessed it weighed about 14-15 lbs. Neither he nor his buddy had a camera, so I emailed him some pics of the battle and his fish. I was back before dawn at this run, and...nothing. But, seeing that fish up close got me even more motivated. I've got the fever, bad.

So far I have caught 1 steelie after 1/2 hour of fishing on my first day, and 4 solid days, from before dawn until sundown, and have only caught 3 trout, and not even a short strike from a steelhead. Talk about working for a fish, sheesh! I'll be out there at dawn on Saturday.

http://www.myfishingpictures.com/img/081129.jpg (http://www.myfishingpictures.com/?p=81129&c=500&z=1)

FM

[Grateful Sam]

Thats a NICE fish. Dont worry, the season will only get better from here. Man, you and chrisfish are making me want to get up that way and go fishing. I will actually be up in Ohio for Thanksgiving, but I just dont think I will have time to head up to Elk Creek. I am going to do my best though.

[skibum]

Ya know I checked on airfare the other day. Could you have found a more expensive location to fly into or what. :mad: I think flight's into Guam are cheaper than getting to where you are...lol Cause you know what your lacking out there!!! The proper fishing partner :D

[fishmonger]

Delta flys direct, and is the most expensive. If you go through Travelocity, adn are willing to change planes, it is a lot cheaper. Deltas prices also fluctuate quite a bit.

I need a partner, yep, 'tis true. My fish calls are a bit on the weak side, apparently ;) Need to get motivated...

FM

[oscarflytyer]

I had a similiar experience with my first foray into steelheading. Went to CA for 3 wks of business. Tied for about 2 months prior. Fished total of five days. Walked down to the river, dumb as dirt, w/ a wet Chappie. All locals told me I was crazy - never catch one on that fly, or any other wet.

Well, threw fly in an uncrowded chute, was stripping line out and, WHAM - 8-9 lb steelie! Didn't even cast proper and a fish! Thouhgt this would be child's play - Yeah right!!!

Tally five days later: That first fly drowning fish, one snagged (nearly dead) salmon and one nice hit and double run from an estimated 12-14 lb steelie. Nothing more. But I would go back, or anywhere else for steelies, any day, any place, any time. It truly is a bug, and once bitten...