Eel River...

[Don Powell]

A glimmer of hope-
My pursuit of the fish of the North Coast has led me to figuring out a way to get up there sometime during the winter run for many seasons now. Having been employed and thankful for that, my opportunities have been limited... I have randomly guessed when the conditions might be right four months in advance since that is when I choose my weeks off- I post this because my dream finally came true- checking weather conditions a few days before the week I chose, I was astonished to discover conditions would be favorable- my loyal friend Carlo Proto agreed and we embarked upon the 300 mile trip...
I was not only lucky enough to catch a wild Eel River steelhead but fortunate beyond all belief to hook and land a second one the next day! After much dedication to learn and fastidiously pursue a dream, I was rewarded and I am thankful beyond what mere words can convey. Thank you to all the Kiene's staff and bulletin board members- the dream lives...

[SeanO]

Awesome, Don!

What a chromer that one is.

I think the recent rain will be bringing a few more back soon.

Best,

A glimmer of hope-
My pursuit of the fish of the North Coast has led me to figuring out a way to get up there sometime during the winter run for many seasons now. Having been employed and thankful for that, my opportunities have been limited... I have randomly guessed when the conditions might be right four months in advance since that is when I choose my weeks off- I post this because my dream finally came true- checking weather conditions a few days before the week I chose, I was astonished to discover conditions would be favorable- my loyal friend Carlo Proto agreed and we embarked upon the 300 mile trip...
I was not only lucky enough to catch a wild Eel River steelhead but fortunate beyond all belief to hook and land a second one the next day! After much dedication to learn and fastidiously pursue a dream, I was rewarded and I am thankful beyond what mere words can convey. Thank you to all the Kiene's staff and bulletin board members- the dream lives...

[Bwag]

That is a hell of a fish, bright and heavy! Congratulations and thanks for some winter inspiration!

[JasonB]

Gorgeous fish there Don! I know that fish wasn't an easy one, as my wife and I were there fishing hard for 3 days with no more than a tentative pluck or two between us. I think we actually bumped into you guys? Very well done, a magnificent fish in an even more magnificent setting.
Cheers,
JB

[k.hanley]

Well done Don. Congrats!

I have no doubt that Carlo was stoked to see you have such a successful outing as well. He's an excellent fishing partner.

Cheers, Ken

[Mark Kranhold]

Hats off to you Don, that's a beauty and congrats! I'll bet that one will be etched in the memory bank for some time How was the take?

[Terry Thomas]

Excellent Don! You hit the "window." The river in Scotia this morning is 136,000 cfs.

[Don Powell]

Thanks All! It was a pleasure to share water with you, Jason! Ken, my only disappointment was that Carlo didn't hook one- he presented beautifully and fished his heart out! I am lucky to be able to travel and fish with him. He tailed the fish in the photo for me or there might not have been a photo! Mark, "soft" take, one third through the swing the fly stopped, then two head shakes and I knew it was not a submerged willow branch!