14LBS Steelhead caught on the American

[stefanoflo]

Bob Simms on the radio 93.1fm This Morning says a 14LBS was caught on the American this week anyone know of it???

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Over the decades some around 20# have been taken.

In 1975 Joe Shirshac caught one about 16# on a Boss fly above Watt Avenue in late December.

In the 1960s and 1970s the new Eel River strain of Steelhead did so well in the Lower American River that veteran anglers like Walt
Bennett said they didn't even go to the coast for winter Steelhead back then.

Back then we used 9' #9 line Fenwick 2 piece fly rods with a shooting head system.

[hwchubb]

There are a few fish in that range caught every year I’m sure. I got a heavy 38” buck, wow, 15 years ago that I guessed at 16-18#. We’ll go with 18 for argument’s sake 😉. I haven’t seen as many that big the last few years, but always some in the raceway in December.

[Mark Kranhold]

There’s some nice size fish in the holding pen at the hatchery but didn’t see anything in that range, maybe 13 lbs.

[PV_Premier]

Let’s just say I doubt it was caught by a fly angler swinging a Spey pattern but one never knows.

[stefanoflo]

There’s some nice size fish in the holding pen at the hatchery but didn’t see anything in that range, maybe 13 lbs.

Picky Picky give or take a few Pounds. Must of gotten bigger by the Minute!!!

[Mark Kranhold]

Picky Picky give or take a few Pounds. Must of gotten bigger by the Minute!!!

Lol, I got confused with the other posts of 18+ lbers! I had a beastly buck on years ago that took me down to the bottom and just sat there after it thrashed around on the surface a bit. From the looks, my buddy and I thought it was close to the 20 mark.

[Smitty Fish]

14566 Nothing for me this year yet. I did get this 30 incher last year on the American. Hopefully I get one this year.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

A good 5# Steelhead on a fly is pretty nice.

[Mark Kranhold]

That’s a nice fish Jeff

[Mark Kranhold]

A good 5# Steelhead on a fly is pretty nice.

I agree Bill, my favorite steelhead on the American are those little football Springrun. Blue backs as some people referred to them. Hot spunky and full of piss and vinegar

[Smitty Fish]

Thanks Mark. There was some fiesty ones that came through this last fall that had attitudes.

[hwchubb]

I’ll second the spring and fall fish, especially the spring bluebacks. Much more surface oriented, fewer crowds - I rarely fish the winter run here anymore. My failed quest to raise a winter fish on a dry continues, however.