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With recent rains came the hope of new fish entering the system. This fall I have been using a 48' Spey-evolution and 15' floro leader. In essence, turning my 10.6' switch rod into a dry line long belly experience.
I managed to access the river at first light and had first water advantage for several nice pools and runs over the next 3 hours. Nothing. No tug, bump or splash. This led me to question if the rain had been substantial enough to draw in fish.
Eventually I came upon center-pinners who all had landed a few nice fresh fish. Nonetheless, I kept swinging classic mixed wings despite watching them catch bright dime fish.
Well, after another 3 hours of skunk it was fair to say I was feeling quite discouraged. I made the switch to a scandi set-up with a polyleader and various brass eyed marabou leaches. Nothing for the next two hours.
After the 2nd pass through a favourite stretch I clearly recall thinking, "what's the point," when I was jolted by a vicious take that screeched tens of feet of line off the reel. 4-5 three feet high jumps, upstream/downstream runs, nose digging bulldogging. The whole shebang. Best steelhead fight I've had.
I have never felt such gratitude and appreciation to a fish for taking mercy on me. Fervour restored.
I managed to access the river at first light and had first water advantage for several nice pools and runs over the next 3 hours. Nothing. No tug, bump or splash. This led me to question if the rain had been substantial enough to draw in fish.
Eventually I came upon center-pinners who all had landed a few nice fresh fish. Nonetheless, I kept swinging classic mixed wings despite watching them catch bright dime fish.
Well, after another 3 hours of skunk it was fair to say I was feeling quite discouraged. I made the switch to a scandi set-up with a polyleader and various brass eyed marabou leaches. Nothing for the next two hours.
After the 2nd pass through a favourite stretch I clearly recall thinking, "what's the point," when I was jolted by a vicious take that screeched tens of feet of line off the reel. 4-5 three feet high jumps, upstream/downstream runs, nose digging bulldogging. The whole shebang. Best steelhead fight I've had.
I have never felt such gratitude and appreciation to a fish for taking mercy on me. Fervour restored.
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