A November to remember...

After last season’s repeated Smith River heartbreak, I was determined to fill my AOTY salmon slot well before the Smith River season.  I had my chances on the Klamath, and despite multiple hookups I only managed to land a single ineligible coho.  So despite several great opportunities I found myself back in familiar territory.  My entire hopes of winning AOTY were dependent on success at the Smith.

It might sound like I don’t like the Smith, but nothing could be farther from the truth.  It is a gorgeous piece of unforgiving water and I love it there.  There is no finer place in North America to get skunked or have your heart broken by a salmon.  However having lost several winning fish there last year I was definitely intimidated about having my hopes pinned on a river with a sound record of repeatedly kicking my ass.

The flows on the Smith rise and fall unlike any other major river in California, as it is one of the only un-dammed, and otherwise unmolested rivers of its size left on the west coast. I learned over the last few seasons that watching the flows was key.  Different flows opened different opportunities for both species and locations.  I was watching the gage closely as time ticked away. 

We finally got enough rain in early November to open the river.  I loaded up my new Trident 11 driftyak and I made my first trip up to scope things out and fish with Mako1. Mako1, Holy Toledo, and Otobepelagic were already up there but the Leepins had to leave just as I was arriving.  After repeated showers, flows were definitely a bit on the high side but me and Juan hit Ruby for a full day of backtrolling that unfortunately produced nothing. 

Unfortunately, Juan also had to hit the road midway through Day 1.  I was now solo.  I fished until the late afternoon but decided to cut my losses and devoted the rest of the day to scouting. Just before sunset I saw what I was looking for in the binos.

I checked into the Hiuchi Hotel.  While not being overly superstitious, there was something about my room number that I loved…



I hit the water early on Day 2.  I set up where I saw fish the previous day but there were no more rollers.  My gear went untouched…until around 11 am.  I was day dreaming as I floated down current but fortunately my arm was still paying attention and I instinctively swung on a tiny tap-tap.  The rod loaded up, and I was happy.  After a nice long battle I was thrilled to land my first Chinook of the year, even if it was a tiny, dark jack.  I paddled into an eddy, snapped some shots and released the jack unharmed.  Despite being only 24” it was still enough to put me in a tie for 1st.  Woohoo!  Skunk broken…





About 20 minutes later I felt another tug. I hooked and released another dark jack that was nearly identical to the first one.  Chinook number 2 boosted my confidence…and then it started to RAIN.  I put on a hooded paddle jacket, but even that was not enough to keep the downpour at bay.  As the river began to rise, and I began to get soaked, I made one more drift.  Half way through the drift my rod got throttled.  Fish number 3 was much spunkier than the previous two.  After a solid 15 minute fight I slid a nice fat chrome jack into the net.  This fish was a beauty, and I decided it would look GREAT on my Weber so I bonked the little chromer…





With a 1 fish limit that ended Day 2. I returned to my lucky room and celebrated my new 12 point lead…



Unfortunately I only drank one beer, as I knew that’s about how long a 12 point lead was likely to last. Then it RAINED and RAINED all night long.  I tried to fish the next morning but it was a lost cause.  I cut Day 3 short and headed home.  Shimmy called, and was eager to remind me that a 12 point lead wasn’t enough.  Thanks Shimmy!

Unfortunately the rest of my November Calendar was BOOKED with soccer, football, court hearings and all kinds of other important crap that was cramping my style.  In addition the river was not cooperating as flows were going up and down like crazy.  I set my sights on the 15th and 16th.  However as I watched the gage on the 13th I was sure it would stay blown out so I fished locally with Hydrospider on the 14th to preserve WAF (if I even have any at this point?). 

When I got home that night I made the mistake of looking at the gage.  Holy #$%^&…it was going to be perfect the tomorrow.  However I had a dinner date with my wife the next evening.  Time to go for a “Savage- style” banzai run. I took the T-15 off of the roof, loaded up the T-11 and promised Leah I’d be home for dinner.  I set the clock for 0300 and went to sleep WAFless but excited.  I was on the road REAL early…



I returned to the scene of the crime and was fishing by 0800.  I needed to be off the water by noon or face death…no pressure.  Around 0900 I reared back and line began flying off of the reel.  I looked around and the drift boat next me also set the hook…double!  I set the rod into the holder, back-paddled into an eddy, dropped anchor, and hunkered down on the fish. 

This fish had weight to it and was running all over the place.  I was starting to get nervous.  Then out of nowhere an image of  Jonesz appeared off of my bow.  He looked at my panic and shook his head. 

He said “Be patient and use a light drag.  If you believe in the force, the fish will come to you”.  He then asked if I had sharpened the hook. 

“Yes Master” I replied.

He nodded with approval and vanished.

The Jedi’s words of wisdom put me at ease and my focus returned.  When the fish came to the boat I about filled my waders with wiz…this was the fish I needed.  Moments later I slid a nice bright buck into the net. 



I was limited out by 0930.  At the launch the nice folks in the drift boat snapped this pic…



Chinook number 3 was good for nearly a 50 point lead… 



I was headed home by 10 am, which gave me time to stop in Arcata to pick up a gift or 3 for Leah.   When I got home she asked if I was glad I didn’t have to go back.  I didn’t answer as I was thinking the exact opposite…I couldn’t wait for another day on the Smith. 

An opportunity for a final banzai run presented itself.  This time I slept in until 0400 and I drove like a maniac to make up time.  I was fishing by 0830.  This time however the water was low, clear, and everyone was gone…including the Chinook.  Carcasses were littering the bottom of the river, and it was starting to look like it was over.

I began looking around and found a small dark eddy that looked like a great spot for a salmon to hide.  I had a fish on in less than a minute.  I continued to hook fish after fish until the bite was finally off.  While none of the fish were an uprade, I managed to land 5 Chinook in a day, a new personal best.  Here are a few pics…







By the end of the day I was even shooting underwater video with my Optio…



I left at around noon with a huge grin on my face!  While I know my lead may be ephemeral, the memories of this November will be with me forever.  Not being able to share them with my kids however has prompted me to by a small pram.  This way they too can also experience the magic of this great river for themselves. 

Now off to break the 1700 barrier!

Looks like you have a lucky 11 footer there , what can you say but congrats on your day .

Pat R

Congrats, not so much on the 1st place spot, but on the adventure that got you there,,,,,,,,,,

Dale L

Nice work Sean!  Terrific report.  Best of luck in AOTY, I know how much you want it.

Michael

You dawg! The Smith IS a FUN place!
I recognize the hole, wish I was there.

WTG Sean... You were getting me a little worried there. Sounds like the ape is off your back.

Freddie

Way to go Sean! Great looking fish.

Awesome read Sean and beautiful fish!

Being a mover and a shaker always pays off.

Thanks for the Smith adventure story, great stuff!  Congrats Sean !!!

   Congratulations Sean!  If I do the math correctly I only need to upgrade EACH of my fish by TEN points just to tie you. Great write up and pictures!

Way to stick to your guns.  Nice looking fish!

Thanks everybody.

You dawg! The Smith IS a FUN place!
I recognize the hole, wish I was there.

Yes the Smith IS once you figure it out.  I wish I could be there too. 

Congratulations Sean!  If I do the math correctly I only need to upgrade EACH of my fish by TEN points  just to tie you. Great write up and pictures!

It could happen.  Even a blind squirrel....

wow sean, those salmon are fat!

DUDE,what a great story and those pics are off thehook. I especially like the eyeball shot.WTG on the AOTY. I dont know what makes you guys so fish crazy but you seem to have a great time and really know your stuff. Well I do know what makes us fish crazy. The time you guys put out is what blows me away. If I ever thought of entering next year I am getting a glimpse of the dedication and perserverance it takes. Congratulations to all who entered.

Sweet job Sean.
I just love reading these "risking it all" kinds of reports when they turn out like this.
I'm about to begin building the awards, and this post has definitely inspired me.
Wtg man, wtg....