Drifting for Russian River Steelies...a day with the young master.

I have the great fortune of having an oustanding grad student in my office, who also happens to be a steellhead fishing master.  While Josh may be a little young for most to believe his guru status, all I can say is this kid is the real deal.  Josh LOVES steelheading.  I can't tell you how many times I have watched him leave the office at the end of the week to drive a zillion hours to go where the water is right...and he ALWAYS comes back with the photos that are sweet enough to make you cry.   If Josh looks familiar, its because his mug is in the 2006 Regs...holding a  steelhead.

On the other hand, my steelhead angling skills are a constant source of frustration.  While I catch the occasional fish, my success ratio is in the basement.  When Josh offered me a day in his new drift boat, I was thrilled.

We launched at the Wohler Bridge access at first light.  Even in the dark, it was obvious his new boat is a beauty An 18 foot FishCraft with EVERY option and seating for 4.



We worked a few spots downstream for nada.  As we were drifting a long shallow glide we saw a few big steelies cruise by.  Josh carefully dropped the anchor, and passed me a rod with a Wiggle Wart.  He said "let this float downstream 'til its even with that cover, then put it in gear and let it swim.  Those fish are in there."

I paid out line, put it in gear, and let the wart do its thing.  If you've never had a steelie wack a plug, you're missing out on a great fishing experience...they simply crush it!  I let the plug swim for less than a minute and my rod got blasted...FISH ON!  A big steelie shot into the air for a quick series of 3 cartwheels, and then as quickly as it was on, it was off  .   While disappointed, I was still stoked to see such and amazing display.

We picked our way down the river, fishing and soaking in the scenery.  We saw otters, mink, osprey, and a bunch of other cool stuff.  We spend a LOT of time on this river, and we still marveled a split personality of the Russian.  In the summer, the same area seems impossibly warm for salmonids.  But on a cold and misty day like this you would swear you were some where in Oregon.  Misty rain, redwoods, bedrock and fall color...

 

We continued to work various spots, with different techniques, and I was learning a LOT from the young jedi.  We approached a snag-filled run, and I saw some fish rolling.  I alerted Josh and he decided to beach the boat and fish from the shore since the this particular slot was so skinny.  Several casts later, I heard the water erupt and a Josh screaming FISH ON!  I dropped my rod, and got out the camera.

Josh was fishing a GLoomis spinning noodle with 6# test, and it was bent to the grips, and the line was flying off the spool... 



It ran up and down the river, mixing in a few jumps and some gator rolls.  Josh's gear was at its max... 

 

After a long, crazy gator roll Josh called for the net as they fish had become severely wrapped in the line.  I dropped the camera, and grabbed the net.  I waded in and scooped, the fish barely fist in Josh's shallow rubber net.  Josh was rewarded with a nice bright 12# hatchery buck. 



As we completed our drift, it got cold and rainy.  Josh push hard through all of the frogwater and we still barely made it to the take-out before dark.  Thanks Josh for the great day on the water.




     

Beautiful fish and a great report.  Thanks.

Dude, I felt like I was reading a Fishing Magazine... I got all tingly.  The background looks like Oregon (true that).  You guys were missing and forgot one thing.... ME.  I had to do my other fishing job anyways.....  Great pics and story.   

great report, great pic's and a beautiful fish........ I think that's enough to put a smile on your face for a couple of days weeks years

Hey Sean - great photos! Could the same kind of drift be done in a yak? Maybe with more stopping and shore fishing in the fishy spots?  What do you think? Tom

Could the same kind of drift be done in a yak? Maybe with more stopping and shore fishing in the fishy spots? 

Possimaybly...making that assessment was part of my mission yesterday.  I may try a short section and I will post up after I do.

Sean, great report! Did you row the drift boat? It's fun. Josh has my next oars, I'm still using all wood.
About that particular drift, is it open to the public?
You're right on about how a steelie hits a plug, it's ferocious! It's addicting.
Fish on brutha'!

Juan:

The drift is 100% public.  There was a lot of lame water between good spots, but it was pretty.  I never touched the oars, I'd lie to give it a try next time.

Non-yak report of the year.  Nice!   

Sean Your pics are the best. You bring us all there. I drifted the south fork Eel from Leggett to below standish hickey last wednesday. It was bony at places but I saw some steelies in the deeper pools. Hard to steer your yak and hold a rod at the same time. A rudder would help or go in tandem.

Friggn' awesome! Straight Kale!

Z

Thanks Abking and Swellrider.  My poor Optio is on its last legs, need to get a new one after Xmas. It has been a great camera though.

Z-werd

Sean - I'm thinking about the Pentax Optio W20 - maybe find an after Xmas deal on line. Whats going on with yours? Have you looked at the Olympus Stylus 720sw? Waterproof and shock resistant. BTW, is Mendo still worth the drive?  Tom

My Optio is an older 43WR and was doing great until Elsie bounced it down a few stories of conrete stair at a soccer match in baja.  It survived the fall, but it chipped the lens protector.  Unfortunately getting the lens protector fixed is $160...a new WP 20 is $220.  I have nothing but great things to say about the Optio cameras, mine has been TORTURED and still works.

Great report and pic Sean, thanks for sharing.  I live a couple of miles from the Russian and about 10 minutes from where you launched.  I have considered doing some kayak drifts the past few years, but the timing has just not worked out yet.  I'd like to do the Veteran's beach to Steelhead beach run, after the rain this weekend, it may be in good shape toward next weekend.  Looking forward to your report if you are able to give it a try, let me know if you are in need of company when you give it a try, maybe I can sneak out.

Norm