Steelhead

[k9mark]

After two years of trying, I finally caught my first Steelhead here on a local river. A nice, 22 inch native half pounder caught on an egg sucking leech pattern. Now I finally understand why we go nuts trying to catch them.

[Smitty Fish]

That’s awesome! What river? Was it a good battle?

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

That is a favorite size of mine......

[Mark Kranhold]

Congrats! Nothing like that swung grab feeling... electrifying

[k9mark]

He made three runs until I was able to net him. I can tell you it was not the American.

[Idadon]

Some Advise; Stop NOW. Preserve your sanity while you can. If you keep going down this path you might/will hook a big winter fish fresh out of the salt. From then on you're addicted! I speak from experience. I've been addicted for 55+ years. Caught most of the glamour species on a fly but the Steelhead still holds the top spot in my mind.

[Norman B]

You caught a real “adult “ steelhead, certainly bigger than a half pounder.
Swinging is the best, the tug is the drug!

[stefanoflo]

can`t be that river that`s 20 minutes east of Stockton???

[bigfly]

K9....we go nuts when we can't catch'em......
Catching them justifies spending all the money and time.......and suffering...
It's as bad as heroin.......

Jim

[JasonB]

K9....we go nuts when we can't catch'em......
Catching them justifies spending all the money and time.......and suffering...
It's as bad as heroin.......

Jim

Sometimes I think it may be even worse, and question just how and why I ever started such thing. Just whatever possessed me to persue seemingly insurmountable hurdles to catching one, the countless miles of driving, the frustrations of high water and low water, run timing, being low holed, casting demons, equipment failures, etc, etc, etc? Why on earth someone would put up with all of that, let alone get so addicted to it is a question many family members have no doubt wondered. I know I’ve questioned all that a time or two after going a week without a bite, all while freezing my butt off...
And then...
BANG!!!
That electric jolt of a steelhead, fresh from the ocean, as it tries to yank the rod out of your hand. For weeks afterwards it’s all I can think about. When can I go next? What rivers will be in shape, where might I find some fresh fish? And the cycle starts again.


Congratulations and condolences,
JB