Steelhead and Rain

Had the opportunity to meet Rick from Swingin' Flies (see link on left side) and his fishing partner, Ted, to do just that, swing flies. I hooked up with Rick and Ted at the "secret" spot. When I arrived, Rick was already waist deep and Ted was just getting rigged up.

We took positions and started throwing flies. It was dry early in the day, but as it progressed it started raining harder. Now I know why I don't like fishing in the rain. It's too damn wet. Even though I had on a rain jacket on the top and waders on the bottom, I still felt damp all over.

OK, enough complaining about the rain. Here is an accounting of the day. I got two bumps, both on the egg sucking leech and then promptly lost it to a badly tied, improved clinch knot. Can't blame anyone but myself for that one. I do want to note that I was able to let the fly sit instead of yanking it like I've done in the past. Some improvement anyway. More bumps than I've gotten since the Deschutes trip. Ted managed two hookups, but both got away. I left around 11:30 and they were still at it. Got an email from Rick last night and they fished until dark and got more bumps and hookups, but the day was a skunking for all.

So, the fish of a thousand casts, sits at about 845 now. Odds are, if I keep at this Steelhead thing, I should hook up in the next 155 casts. Right. They are obviously there, I just think they don't like me. Then again, I don't think they like anybody. Persnickety (thank you Merriam-Webster) is what I think. The defination says "fussy about small details". A small detail like getting caught is a reason to be fussy? But wait, I still have another Month or so before all is lost.

Since the rain is supposed to end today (10 days in a row), I think I'll wander out to the Camanche Trout Pond tomorrow and see if I still have the ability to catch fish.

Till tomorrow, remember: "A bad day fishing is still better than any day at work".

Mark (Shoreman)