Winter Steelheading on the Eel - January 2016 - Video at bottom of page 2

Haven't posted a fishing report in way too long.  I enjoyed some fantastic time on salmon surveys through the fall months, and now that we've got water (lots of it) back in our river it's time to target one of the most explosive game fish around - the Winter Steelhead.   

The past few weeks have been a waiting game as December flows reached 500 times any river volume seen in October-November!  With snow still melting in the coastal range and saturated ground still giving off significant runoff, I haven't seen much steelhead green along the rivers, and when I have it's been big water.

The past two days provided some opportunity, and I was able to cover some ground and give myself a chance at hooking up.  Tossed my spoons and spinners, spent some hours backtrolling plugs, even bounced a little roe, but I have yet to even see a fish roll.  It's deja vu for many other years at this time, as the salmon run ends and the steelhead have yet to show in numbers.  It's only a matter of time, and I hope for conditions that will allow me to get on it when it's hot.

If you're interested in a chance at a lightning bolt on the end of the line and you'd like to explore some of the most gorgeous scenery on the planet I hope you'll consider getting in touch.   

If you can't make it up then just stay tuned; I'll continue to share what I find, and hopefully it'll include some very bright chrome sooner than not.   

Today's adventure:

 

Im down

Great pictures Eric.  Beyond being a fishing guide, you have a great eye for photography too!

Great pictures Eric.  Beyond being a fishing guide, you have a great eye for photography too!

Thank you!  My main gig is the journey - capturing the essence of beauty and relating it to my spirituality actually turned out to be easier than becoming the best possible fisherman!   

Weather man kinda screwed me up for today.  Thought the river was going to blow out over night, but the storm slipped south.  Watching the gauges and graphs this morning it was apparent that I should've been on the water.  Temps were up in the mid 50's as I left the house just after noon - balmy compared to recent numbers.  I got up to one of my favorite bars where I can park right by my launch, hit the water around 1 and worked my way up through a couple hot runs that I had to myself - I think the parade of driftboats from yesterday had seen the same forecast that I did, because I only saw one boat today right before I launched.  Thought it was gonna happen for me as the water clarity was primo and the flow was more mellow to where your offering actually got down today.  Nothing doing though - no bites, no rollers.  Very much enjoyed having sweet water to myself though.

Would rather be guiding someone.   

I'll be on it again when it's ripe.

Epic pics Eric! One of these days Im going to have to make it out there with ya, looks amazing, fish or no fish.

Love that steelhead green river color!!    the russian was looking great yesterday and today, one of my buds got into a few!!

Ok Eric, your reports are only fueling a fire some of these Mendonesians have lit for me. I just got my first pair of waders and my first report card. I have been looking at a buddy's rigging and reading up on the internet and the forum about steelhead fishing. I've got to gear up still but I'm stoked to explore a new winter hobby.

Steelheading can be a major challenge - lots of skunks, but when you hook into a ten pound fish that fights like a really juiced up twenty pound salmon and does aerials like the best coho, it keeps you very interested. 

Good luck with your new hobby, Slaughtercraft - keep us posted on your trips.

Would love to show you the Eel, Kevin and Tony.

It's all about timing - keep your ear to the ground about river levels, and feel free to send me a message here or an email if you're wanting the latest.

Really choice photos buddy!

Nice report and pics. Things have been a little extreme up north but steelies and kokes are on the hit list for the next month when the WX lays down. Say hey to the kids for me. Scott

Nice report and pics. Things have been a little extreme up north but steelies and kokes are on the hit list for the next month when the WX lays down. Say hey to the kids for me. Scott

Thanks for posting, Scott - glad to hear you're well.   

Eric, awesome post love all the pictures. Wish our trip had worked out would love to see that country for myself. Will be in touch as soon as I get my work scheduled pinned down. Good luck and be safe !