2012 First Cast...

9:12am on New Year's Day, I wake up and scramble to get my gear on... As I get my coffee, I frantically drive to the Salmon River. With last night's celebration still coursing through my blood, the crisp 34 degree air feels cleansing.

I reach my spot and no one else is around. I am fishing solo- something that rarely happens, but today I needed such an outing. Yesterday, I fished for eight hours straight without even a nudge on the line. I continued flogging the water while watching Lori catch two steelhead in fifteen minutes, and proceed to "call it a day" because of her success. I watched Daley walk in behind me yesterday and catch a steelhead within minutes... Today, January 1st, will be different for me. Today I am determined to catch a fish on my first cast- the river has spoken, and I am listening.

As I position myself on the run, I strip out some line, and make certain my first cast is just in the seam that separates the fast current from the slack water. I know a fresh steelhead slipped into this holding lie since yesterday.

The fly hits the water...

A quick upstream mend, and the indicator drops! It's happening. A silence-breaking slash on the surface, and it's straight into the backing, my reel screaming, with no signs of stopping. I reach the bank and start my New Year's day sprint to regain line.

As I do so, I continue to pressure the fish, moving it into the shallows... It's a new year, and my first cast puts a seven pound steelhead on the bank. This is a fish I will remember forever. Yesterday's eight hours of getting a beat-down is now forgiven. Mrs. Salmon River has given up a gem to play today... It's 10:18am, and the New Year is off to a great start.

I remove the hook, let out a shout, and release the fish back to it's rightful owner- the cold, clear waters of the river...

In the next hour, I proceed to bank two more Salmon River Beauties, and return to the Lodge for a breakfast burrito and a cold beer. It's not even Noon on January 1st, and I'm three steelhead to the good. Happy New Year!

Tight Lines,
Lori & Neil Sunday
www.thegoodlucklodge.com

2011 Holiday Fishing on the Salmon River

What a year! The mild temperatures of November created some outstanding fishing on the Salmon River. The much needed rains allowed the release of water to draw in some fresh fish after Thanksgiving, which means the steelhead fishing should be solid through the winter months.

The water temps, as of this writing are hovering around the 40 degree mark, depending where you are in the river, and what time of day.

Usually, steelhead fishing has that "magical" time-- just after sunrise, and just before sunset.  This time of year, one should add "Mid Afternoon" to that list. Oftentimes, the temperatures peak at mid-afternoon causing a few lethargic steelhead to come alive and take the offering.

We tend to scale back to six or four pound flourocarbon line and size 10 or 12 egg flies this time of year. Almost all of our fishing is under a float or indicator during this time.  In a few short weeks, stone flies will be seen on the snowy banks, and we'll start a new method of fishing for the Salmon River Steelhead.

A conservation and responsible tip for this time of year-- Avoid holding your catch out of the water during extremely cold, winter months, as you can freeze it's gills. Have your camera on and focused, and if you need a "hero shot" make it a single picture. The fish will thank you, and a safe, responsible release ensures the future of our fishery!

Happy Holidays!
Lori & Neil
www.thegoodlucklodge.com