Steelhead School

Dad and I travelled to the far reaches of the state for an initiation to big river steelheading.  We did a lot of watching and learning, since we had only fished for salmon on the Smith and this was a whole new game. 

Drift boat after drift boat filled with seasoned guides and expectant anglers marched past as we studied each oar stroke and every plunk of bait.  We watched for where they fished, where they didn't, and figured out the boat etiquette for a few somewhat crowded holes.  We spent every hour of light on the water for two and a half days and only saw our hotel in the light as we checked out.


Dad enjoying the perfect weather on Saturday


tick tick tick


crotch view


helpful sign


Rain was a given


Found some shelter


Spelunkers view


Close eye on the truck


River clearing while the sky fills in




It's amazing where these things will take you




Couple of videos

  Best report I have seen in a long while!  Absolutely stunning shots and great video.  Thanks for sharing what must have been a great experience and what no doubt took a lot of work to accomplish.  The photos were quality enough to save!  Thanks for sharing. 

Great report.  Thanks for sharing.   

Great report.  Thanks for sharing.   

Dude we ran into at least three people who spoke of a mythical figure known only as "Abking" after seeing our NCKA sticker on the truck... Most were tight lipped as to their identity but they told tales of cold water plunges and monster helmets, that guy is famous up there.  Any relation?

Beautiful river and stunning scenery!  Thanks for sharing your adventure Allen & Patrick.

WTG guys,
With all the rain we've been having I'm surprised the river isn't blown out
Thanks for the visuals
Tad
 

looks like an awesome trip patrick, love the color of that river,hopefully no windows broke in the truck this trip, cameron

As usual Patrick. You and big Daddy living the dream. Your artistic words and pictures capture the moment of discovery and joy.

Wow what a great report.  Thanks Andy

That's awesome! Thank you thank you thank you!

Wow I have forgoten how stunnigly gorgeous it is up there,thanx for  reminding me.I made a promise to myself to catch a Steely on my yak someday,soon.Nice report see you guys soon Gabe.

It is truly beautiful up there Patrick. Thanks for sharing.

Jedmo

I enjoyed your report and beautiful pics. 

Thanks!
Al

Nice shots of my favorite river. In the underwater vid I was looking for the malfunctioning Stradic 2500 I threw in there a couple of years ago.

Didn't see it.

Allen, will you be my dad?  So did you catch one?  Good post Patrick.  Hope I see you guys again someday.