Headed north with Ryan and Todd looking to get a fix for steelhead fever. A new pair of waders and boots renewed my stream fishing love, and Todd’s excitement for catching his first steelhead had us all excited to fish.
Heavy rains friday into Saturday looked good for Monday, but the streams cleared and dropped quickly. Still great color of that “steelhead” green but low water.
Started on Elk Creek on the lower sections. Decent pressure. Not a ton of fish. Ryan got things started with a “phantom” fish caught around the bend with ‘no one looking’. I know. I know.
Egg sacs seemed to be best, and Ryan did well with a streamer pattern. Fresh jacks were the norm.
Made a move and it paid off. Upper Elk had better numbers of fish, and just a bit clearer water. Was great to fish for them instead of sight fishing all day. Did start to “see” fish on upper elk, and hookups increased. Single eggs led the charge and produced some nice fresh hens and better fish.
Todd landed his first, a nice older buck on an egg sac, and was cool to be part of the excitement!! He has the fever now.
Fish came in pocket waters and bigger holes. Pressure just a bit lighter on upper elk and as day faded, so did crowds, but luckily not the hungry fish!!
Best part of day was the crew! We had a good time joking on the water, and enjoyed the nice weather and fishing time together. Three way tie for species win. Needed just one brown!! Maybe next time.
If debating a trip, go soon. Low and more importantly clear are coming, and Prob here already. Ice and snow are not far behind.
“Keep It Reel”
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