My American River Adventures

[Chris Laskodi]

I've been fishing the American several times a week over the past two months. Watched the circus for the first month and a half or so. It was entertaining watching everyone "swing" with their huge split shot and glo-bugs. Lets just say I saw very few fish hooked in the mouth. Over the last 2 weeks though the crowds have all but disappeared and I've had the river nearly to myself.

Think the winter run is over? Not a soul in sight.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/laskodi/IMGP0140a.jpg

All the fish must be gone?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/laskodi/IMGP0133a.jpg

Maybe not. Caught 3-5:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/laskodi/IMGP0132a.jpg

In between lots of these:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/laskodi/IMGP0101a.jpg
and these:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/laskodi/IMGP0112a.jpg

You get some of these this time of year: This one is bigger than most of the steelhead I landed this year! Got to love the elusive golden bonefish.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/laskodi/IMGP0135a.jpg

I finally got one that wasn't so chrome, but was still in great condition:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/laskodi/IMGP0128a.jpg

But mostly I've been getting the chrome types:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/laskodi/IMGP0144a.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/laskodi/IMGP0113a.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/laskodi/IMGP0102a.jpg

And my favorite pics so far this year:
The lunar eclipse on the river:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/laskodi/IMGP0122a.jpg
And a memorable big HP/small adult:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/laskodi/IMGP0114a.jpg

All these fish were caught nymphing with egg pattern/caddis pupa combo. About 75% on egg and rest on caddis.

Hope you enjoyed the pics!

[Flycanoe]

Well that is just very cool. Way to stick with it even when the odds seem low. I'm jealous as I fished that river 4 times this winter and went 0 for 4. Very nice job. Thanks for sharing as it gives me hope to try again next winter.

[jlmelend]

Way to keep working it Chris! Those are really nice fish! Congrats on bona fide steelheading...you should be proud as its a real challenge this season on the A!

[Rick J]

Great photos - I loved the eclipse!!! Any winter fish is very cool!! Mostly it is casting practice and just getting out - any fish is a wonderful bonus and you did great!!

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Thanks for the great post Chris.

[Adam Grace]

Awesome report Chris, good for you!

[Mik]

who doesn't want to go fishing after seeing those pictures? Thanks for posting those.

[SteelieD]

Everyone knows, if there are no people on the river, there can't possibly fish! :lol:

Great pix! Love the success stories!

[Dave Neal]

SWEEET dude. Nice job going out and fishing.

[lee s.]

GREAT eclipse!!! 8)
GF and I watched it for some time also. Sure wish we'd thought of the camera. :cry:
......lee s.

[Squigly Worm]

Wow, is this public fishing? hehehe, great pictures of a great fishing trip! Thanks for sharing your adventure with us.

Regards,
Squigly_Worm
Shawn Hiatt

P.S. I hate fish hooks!