Xmas Day Steelie

Snuck out again today at about noon. When I launch I cast out a lure and paddle across and up the river almost got to the other side and wham rod buried and big fish in the air awesome fight jumped 5 or 6 times made a bunch runs and finally gave it up near twin to yesterdays fish 28" on the nose had a little more color or I would have said it was the same fish. Some guys waded down to my spot and I didn't want them to see where I was fishing it so I paddled and drug up river about 3/4 mile fished some rocks for nothing saw quite a few fish rolling. Took the mini-x though some riffles and eddys and it handles pretty good, super comfy, turns quick, doesn't get spun like my bigger boat, I really like the way it handles easy to fish out of. The only things I didn't like were it's so freakkin short it's like sitting on a toy and the primary stability is 0 your coming down a riffle and ahead is a side current coming in as you paddle through it the boat tracks well but the side current wipes out the primary but it has a ton of secondary so I think it will be hard to flip it just feels a little spooky, nothing I can't get used to. Fish my way back for nothing get back to my hole and anchor in the middle and cast a spin glo with a piece of shrimp it sit there about 5 min. then starts to go slack I reel up feel pressure,set the hook and 5/6lb hen go ballistic she's all over jumping and rolling and she burns out pretty quick cool a fish for Mom and bait for me as she it laying along side I see that fin Wild fish I drop the net and release her along side, she thanks me with a face full of water. I take a walk to rest the hole come back sitting on the yak   and I see a big fish roll, with the yak still parked I start casting up stream a little and about the  fifth or sixth cast the lure stops I set and freight train headed down river right into a tree line pops and I lose my go to lure  . I'm pumped what a start to the season 6 hrs fished 6 fish hooked and I didn't even get up early. Its going to be hard to work this week.  Sorry Mooch forgot the optio today

Wow.......way to go!! Rory and I fished Memorial to Steelhead for just a few bites but no landings. Nice to see someone got a nice Christmas present.

Mike,
thanks for sharing some inspiring river work. I want to go.
I lived on the RR for almost 2 years, paddled atleast twice a week, and never fished it.
I know, moron

Cool report, Mike.  Heart-pumping action is good for you.   

awesome report Mike! 

wow, left & right!?  Awesome, Mickfish!!!
I can wait to try there again w/ you w/ my new net!

Awesome. I wish the river up here would clear, its still SUPER dirty. 

another back creek HOOK UP!   You got it TOUGH up there Mike!  
thnx4forgetinthecameratoo, i'll just look at the one on your EARLIER post?! 

nice work mick!! are you fishing above or below steelhead beach? when you gonna have that seminar?

good story mickfish, thanks!

J