Eel River Steelheading - Early February 2016 - Culmination Video on page 4

Shit just got real in the best way!   

I've got gear to clean, prep for the next few days, and hopefully I can get to bed at an early hour for another 415AM start tomorrow.

Had to get you guys a preview though, and I'll do my best to get a full report up later.   

Great report Eric. Epic scenery. Was glued to the first video. Look like a good fish from the first jump in the video.
Great to see you got on to one. Beautiful fish!
Thanks for sharing.

Alex

After posting up that I was hopeful to burn all your retinas with my next, very chromy post, I started out my two day run with Todd / Reel McCoy by only managing to get us hooked up on 5 pike minnow!     When I revealed that I'd had two bananas along on the trip, I was subject to a bit of much deserved ridicule, but luckily Todd was solid in his commitment to a second day.  We'd cover the same 14 mile route - armed this time with info on all the hazards (kayakers first, fishermen second...) as well as a preview of where we'd focus our fishing efforts on day two.  I'd heard from a driftboat buddy of mine that they'd had a slow Thursday as well, and today we ended up hearing from three more fishing groups that they were also experiencing a heavy pike minnow bite.  I didn't feel so bad at that point, but the fact remained that I still really wanted to get my guy on a hot and wild Eel River Winter Steelhead.

A bit less than half way through the trip we cruise past a spot where a few driftboats had launched, and there were some bank fishermen there still.  We drifted down through the run, and Todd announces that he has a fish on.  I look up and see that he's bent, but isn't this a snag?...  NO!  It's not!!  Todd becomes engaged in a fight with a stout fish, and the next 5 minutes are about him keeping the pressure on while I try to drag him to the side of the river.  We end up out of the current but not banked, and Todd manages to withstand several maneuvers by the fish and he gets it in the net!  We were both absolutely thrilled, and we continued moving quickly and decisively to take care of the fish, get a couple quick pics, and release it strong. 

12 pound super chrome on the board!   

So we work that hole a couple more times for nada before moving along.  Not 30 minutes later and Todd's on another nice fish!  This one turns out to be a really beatup looking runback, but another big, stout fish.  Todd's now "2 for 2", and we're both grinning ear to ear!

The rest of the day could've been raining battery acid and we'd have still been giddy.  We worked our way down to the last runs above our takeout, and just as I was drifting out of the next to last good spot, I got picked up by my own hotrod!  Got the vid rolling and this fish tried to take me downstream over a riffle.  I managed to one-handed-paddle into sidewater as Todd worked his way back up the bank and videoed the action.  Got this one in the net and we did the same careful handling and quick photos before turning another 12 pounder loose - mega-chromer!! 

This was the cherry on top of an awesome two day run.  Todd was great about letting me know that he'd had a good time on day one.  I was happy to have shown him everything I know about a world class section of river and what I've learned about targeting the elusive Winter Steelhead, and he acknowledged the quality of the physical challenge and Nature interaction as well as making me feel like I'd made a new friend.

But the cherry on top is really what you hope for.  When you can cap off a high quality outdoor experience with fighting, landing and releasing a wild steelhead from a kayak, you have achieved something truly unique and special.  I'm so stoked to have shared it with you, Todd.  Thanks for doing the trip.   

3 for 3, and we saw a bald eagle too.   

Jump back! 

Thursday pics:

OK, back to today's visuals:

Then, riding high on my client having landed two FAT steelhead, I got my own turn.

Busy days coming on one after the other right now - I'll try to get today's videos up soon.   

Very impressive!

Nice !!! Way to go Todd !!! And Eric another awesome post ,way to get on some fish boys !!!

Thanks Eric for a truly great trip!  The scenery was beautiful, and the float fantastic.  I would have been happy even if we didn't catch any fish!  Of course we caught lots of Pike Minnow...and Steel!  THe pull of those fish was amazing.

I came away from this trip with a bunch of new stories to tell, my first ever steelhead, a much greater confidence in my padding skills, and a new friend!

At the end of the day a storm moved and we rounded the last bend in the river to heavy wind and rain in our faces,  it was a glorious end to a fantastic 28 mile trip!

Let's do it again!

OH yeah, I forgot one other thing....bananas in the boat = PIKE MINNOWS, NOT STEEL!  !

Kaboom is right!!!
Awesome report!!!
Thanks, Eric!

Awesome work guys! Those are some beautiful fish. 

Another great trip on the South Fork Sunday. Paul / Snakecharmer and I covered 14 miles and had a blast. Saw a beaver, which was a first for me in over 40 years on the Eel! Bites have been scarce, so I was stoked when Paul hooked up mid afternoon with a really bright runback that was just over 30", shaped like a 2x4, and just as tough! This spawned out fish made blistering runs and several jumps, and it swam off strong after we took a couple quick pics. Covering the miles through the oldgrowth and sharing what I know and love with my guest was a blast, but the highlight of my experience right now is in my own reflections on how the fullness of this experience of guiding people in the outdoors is everything that I ever thought it could be and more. I'm feeling very appreciative for these opportunities and looking forward to continuing the adventures!   

Having trouble posting photos...

Posted eight pix, but it re-routes me to a "start new topic" page...