Eel River Steelheading - March 2, 2016 - in like a Lion

Great year, but...

Lots of high, muddy water this year - that should bode well for spawning success, but it's meant limited fishing days.  No complaints here.

Today I got on the water by mid afternoon once I had all my chores done.  It was to be the last day before the river blows out again from heavy rain and turbidity.  At the hole just below my truck I saw a fish surface.  Worked the area for a bit, and then did my upstream paddle for the bulk of the session.  As I worked my favorite spots upstream my mind kept coming back to that fish that rolled...

Headed back toward my truck just before sunset.  It was raining, and I hadn't seen any fish.  I passed my truck and a few guys taking out their driftboat, and I worked that spot where I'd seen the fish roll a couple hours earlier. 

One pass casting a gold and orange spoon across it, then I figured for one Hail Mary pass with roe - even though it was getting dark.  Next thing you know, Fish On!

I was able to fight this one while drifting and I got it in the net right before heading down a riffle right under 101.  What a special fish - easily 30" and 10 pounds, and if it weren't such a snake it looked to have pushed 12 to 14 pounds. 

I got it to the edge at the top of the tailout, snapped a quick fuzzy pic and got it going along its way back to the ocean.

Mission Accomplished.   

Congrats on the mission accomplished.  Thanks for the report, pictures, and video Eric.

WTG Eric! 

Lovin it!!!

Well, if I cant get out there... Thanks for letting me live it through recordings of your video.  .

Your home river sure is Purdy!!! I have never fished the Eel. Someday. Its on my bucket list now!

Very reminiscent of a sasquatch photo...kinda blurry, kinda scary, but undeniably cool. 

Very reminiscent of a sasquatch photo...kinda blurry, kinda scary, but undeniably cool. 

Thanks, Pat.   

Very reminiscent of a sasquatch photo...kinda blurry, kinda scary, but undeniably cool. 

fish-squatch?

been lurking on you're Eel River crome reports. you're the go to man for information. rock guard rail has inspired me to kayak it next year drifting it. 14 miles to end of drift  fished many of those places as a bank maggot. are there any need to know class 3 Rapids to be aware of ? thanks in advance

are there any need to know class 3 Rapids to be aware of?

The rapids aren't extreme at all on the section that I prefer, but there are some hazards to watch out for.

The big thing is to realize is that traversing the river on a SOT is way different than doing so on a driftboat or a pontoon boat.

I've been running the rivers on my SOT's for many years and with many people, and now that I'm guiding (and liable for others' safety) I'm very focused on showing how to avoid hazardous situations.  The trip is full of instruction about how to use the kayak and paddle to remain safe, specifics on the run that we're on regarding not only safety and fishing but also history and naturalism, and I give all info on techniques which have produced fish for me.

I'd be happy to take you on a trip - even on a Hobie!   

I do prefer that people try one of my X-Factors.

cool vid and pic bro!

got a little private spot that I'm sure you being a local already knows about. has good accommodations with only a handful of short-term rentals. outdoor kitchens are great because there fully equipped and you're only Heat being a wood stove with firewood delivered daily to your porch makes the experience that much more memorable. dryers on the site we're always handy. sure hope they don't have cable television or internet connections they're at the present time as they would only takeaway part of a great experience .

Nice one Eric!  You're on a roll this year!

no Eugene Oregon is a Long Haul. same as the klamith Smih matole and Mad River