Russian 1/19

Met a new member John (Bird) and Ben at my place up the river and launched up at a private school above my place. We were followed to the parking spot by a Security guard who said we couldn't launch there anymore. I've been fishing there for a long time and I was able to talk him into letting us launch but he told me I had to get permission from the Principal, felt like I was in H.S. again "Bueller". It was a beautiful day and the water was in good shape. I had 1 hookup right below digger bend he rolled and came off just as I set the hook. For the rest of the day they eluded us. Had a great time and Johns Sevlor is pretty nice. The only bummer for me is the possibility of losing a good launching spot and when we ended in my Home hole found it to be filled in and more of just a rapid than a hole  .

I really felt comfy in the Mini X and control is really good for fishing, took a couple of trips but I am now very happy with my river boat. Now I just have to try it in the snow . You could tell by the way John was fishing he knows his way around Steelies, we covered the water pretty well and didn't see any rollers so I don't think there were many fish holding in that section. We heard of fish caught above and below us but we didn't want to fish in the Circus and the drift above is pretty long.

Its been over a month but I got on the yak again and damn it just felt right...
We met at Mikes river house, complete with the future traveling NCKA clubhouse,
and drove a few miles to an private 800 plus acre semi- wilderness for the launch.
(Mickfish has to go to the Principles office!!)

Mickfish landed the only fish, a non-fighting pike-minnow. Johns inflatable, and john definately knows steelhead, Ive never fished for river steelies before, a bit frustrating, but ive learned a LONG time age about not to sweat it too much, after all its no bfd in the long run...
But next time Ill be ready for them. And Mick, a huge thanx for setting me up again,
and with all those lemons from your tree, it wasnt a total skunk...

Here's Mike's skunk- busting squawfish.

Looks like fun,  love to get up there

Thanks for the pics and report. Gotta try the Russian sometime soon.

Great pictures............We gotta get back on the river

Way to get out there for some river time on a perfect Saturday fellas. Northcoast Rivers are coming into shape.

Great pics and reports.  thx   

Nice pics guys & the water looks nice too!
I wish I could make it there...
definitely next time!

Hello All!
Mike and Ben - thanks for a great day, enjoyed meeting and hanging out with you both.  Beautiful, warm, sunny winter day on the Russian. Great river conditions, we'll get'em next time.
Thanks for the invite and generosity Mike - look forward to our next RR float! Mini-X looks like a river champ.
Take care - John aka "Bird"

Too bad no steelies showed up.

Sorry I didn't hook up with you yesterday, Mike. The old lady and I ended up staying in SF. Didja go back out?

No problem Dustin I banked it by Dry Creek with the Dog for 1 small hen and a few points.
Fishing Steelhead Beach this afternoon

Mike I think that picture is off tumbled obsidian, but it kinda looks like frozen turds. Especially with all the frost outside right now.

Hey Mike.  You've got a sweet place on the river.  I'm crossing my fingers that your principal says "ok".