Eel River Steelheading - Late February 2016 - Video Added

Got on the water with NCKA bro Eric Kaai / Yakhopper earlier this week.  We did a 14 mile run down the South Fork, and when we hooked a hot fish in the first hole I'd hoped it would be a day of many bites.  That one got off after a couple minutes - maybe 5 pounds or so - and, other than a few pike minnow, that turned out to be the only bite all day.  No worries though; Eric, myself and a young waterman and new owner of Mad River Tackle, Jens Hansen, had a good time covering the miles.  I showed the guys my favorite section of river and where and how I've had success with the steelhead, and they soaked up info I offered on how to run the river, what to watch out for, and the perks as well as the potential pitfalls of kayak fishing the winter river.

Two days later, Friday, I got out solo for a couple hours on a sweet run where I paddle and haul upstream two miles before fishing my way back down.  No bites that afternoon, but the water was approaching perfection regarding clarity and flow volume.  A bit of rain during my paddle was a pleasure, and it wasn't enough to foul the clearing river.

Today I got back out on that two mile paddle and haul.  I was able to work a nice run for almost two hours by myself with no takers and no fish rolling.  Worked my way up the rest of the section and passed 3 driftboats on their way down - 2 said they'd had 2 fish, one had no bites.

I worked the top of the section for quite a while before heading down an hour or more after the other boats had cleared the area - gotta let those holes rest to increase the likelihood of getting a bite.  I got down into what has been my most productive steelhead hole, and I was trying to make some time so I could meet up with another NCKA buddy who was passing through town - Harry Pali / Moose who was fresh off a trophy catch up in Oregon.

Just as I was about to bail out of my best hole I got picked up by a hot fish!  Got the video on and pointed the camera toward the action, and, as has happened a few times lately, I had to scramble to paddle against the current to keep from drifting down a chute.  Got things under control and got the fish in my net boatside. It was a down-runner but very bright and lots of spunk.  Easy revival and it was off to the races.

After that I boogied down the last 3/4 mile so I could meet up with Harry who was manhandling his giant Spey rod in the riffle by my truck.  Great to see you, Harry - sorry that fish made me late.   

This game, the kayak steelhead obsession, is serious shit!  Hooking, fighting and landing a wild steelie on the yak has become a really fun and rewarding part of my quiver.  One month left - we'll see what March brings.   

Friday afternoon pics:

Saturday - Solo run with a payoff.   

Love it!

Very nice Eric!  Thanks for sharing!

Beautiful!

Sweet adventure!  Your camera mount rocks

Thank you Eric for a great adventure. Had a great day and really enjoyed learning from the master. Sorry for not taking any pics, but I was busy taking in the natural beauty of this majestic area.
Looking forward to paddling with you again
;0)