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RETURN to Putah Creek Trout -> Putah Creek Fly Fishing Forum -> Other Rivers, Streams and Lakes -> my first steelhead
Post Info TOPIC: my first steelhead
ChucktheDuck


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my first steelhead
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I decided to give steelhead a try this year and I have been out fishing hard through this bad weather weve been having just hoping to hook up with something...  After getting skunked the last three times out I decided to switch it up and fish the late afternoon hoping the warm day would mean some active fish later.  It payed off with my first steelhead ever!!!  Hooked him on a #12 hand tied caddis larvae in bright chartreuse dead drifting along a seam below a big riffle.  The moment my indicator went down I knew this was no ordinary fish.  I set the hook and a "salmon" appeared about five feet upstream of where my indicator just dissapeared, thrashing his head and tailwalking upstream.  Then he turned downstream and swam into a big eddy, giving me a good sidelong look at him.  The biggest damn oncoronychus mykiss I have ever seen was bending my rod in half as he attempted to pull deeper into the current.  I fought him downstream, the whole time pressuring him hard to keep the fight short.  After about 5 minutes of steering him in and out of the main current I managed to slide him up to a shallow edge and grab his tail.  The fish was a male with a massive hooked jaw and a deep bright silver body with a wide pink stripe along the side below a black spotted aquamarine back.  It was a strange mix of beautiful and monstrous.  I was amazed how much it looked like a rainbow version of the incredible hulk!  Didn't get a chance to snap a picture cuz I left my camera in my pack which was now about fifty yards upstream!bleh  So a description and some fond memories will have to do.  I taped him at 36" (absolutely no BS)and released him.  He swam swiftly away and I was confident I got a good release.  Please excuse me if this sounds like a brag post I am just super stoked because this is simultaneously the first steelie I have ever caught, the first fish I have caught on the American, and the biggest fish I have ever hooked or landed period!  Thanks Brian for giving me the confidence to go out there and pound the water hard to get into some fish.  Maybe now guys will believe you and spend their time fishing rather than talking trash.biggrin

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brian clemens


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you bragger you. JUST PLAYING. i am soooo happy for ya bro. you have been pounding it hard with me and it finally paid off. i am almost as happy as you are. great job bro. man i wish i was there to celebrate it with ya. but i guess i will have to be there for your second steelie and second biggest as well. hahaha. well you can guess where you and me will be on monday. THE AR BABY.

the weather wont be as nice as today but shouldnt be like it was yesterday.


great job buddy, and i am happy to be the first to post on this thread.


SWEET DUDE FREAKING SWEEEEEEET!!!!!


SEE YOU BRIGHT AND EARLY ON MONDAY. bring food to, we will be in the spot all day. no one is gettin in. its ours all day.

again awsome job bro. and thanks for the praise and the back up.

tight lines
brian

oh ya how was the clarity.

just so you know, you got written about on fish sniffer.

I watched a guy bring in one of the biggest, chromiest buck I have ever seen tonight. Thing had to be mid-teens. They are in there, I just am using the wrong soap I guess. so he said.

just like how american fly fishing was talkin about me, you are being talked about on another forum.

great job bro. way to stick in there. 1000 cast finally pays off.

-- Edited by brian clemens at 19:23, 2008-01-26

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LilWhippersnapper


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Good job, I still wanna hit into one of those monsters. How much do you think it weighed, about 10 lbs.?

Hey Brian, I got the money for a drive, so when we gonna hit up AR, or anywhere there's a steelie.

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cole


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Way to go Chuck. I am still waiting for my first Russian beauty. You are right about the weather it's been tough. I have six days filled out on my card with a whole lotta donuts. This year I also decided to really go for some steelie ghosts too. It's all about timing. Last week I was two days behind a really good push of fish. Good news is more are coming with all this water.

-- Edited by cole at 19:26, 2008-01-26

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brian clemens


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eric we are going on monday. come up the night before crash at my house and we will hit it up all day. hit me back and let me know.

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Fishing isnt about catching fish, its not about who caught the most, or who caught the biggest, its about the experience that you have on the water, and the life long bonds you make with others on the journey to becoming a better person inside.
LilWhippersnapper


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do you have tuesday off, and how is the clarity.

-- Edited by LilWhippersnapper at 19:44, 2008-01-26

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1MoreCast


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SEE YOU BRIGHT AND EARLY ON MONDAY. bring food to, we will be in the spot all day. no one is gettin in. its ours all day.



-- Edited by kbigelow at 12:29, 2008-01-29

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brian clemens


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i was just making a joke. if someone is in that spot, there are other places that we can go fish.

again it was supposed to be a funny. thats all.

Mr Brian Clemens, i like it, it has a lil ring to it.
i talked to AL all the time. chuck went in there the day after i called al and told him about my day. he went in there told al he was fishing the american and ofcourse al told him about my day. i was explaining to chuck that he is being talked about on another forum about his fish that he caught. as i was being talked about at the fly shop about my day as well.

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Fishing isnt about catching fish, its not about who caught the most, or who caught the biggest, its about the experience that you have on the water, and the life long bonds you make with others on the journey to becoming a better person inside.
ChucktheDuck


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a couple guys were saying about 14 or 15 pounds and I'm not gonna argue with 'em. The fish was a brute! Water clarity was ok brian like 2-3 ft. I really think the warm day helped the bite. See you monday for some more AR action

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brian clemens


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sounds good bro, i got lilwhippersnapper joining us as well. he is actually right around the corner as i type, gonna pick up the flies and what not that i got for him. then he will give it a go by himself, then with us tomorrow.

see ya in the am. ill call you around 8 or so to pick a time to meet at.

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Fishing isnt about catching fish, its not about who caught the most, or who caught the biggest, its about the experience that you have on the water, and the life long bonds you make with others on the journey to becoming a better person inside.
1MoreCast


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Camping out at holes or covering runs is simply bad etiquette. Rotate through and everybody enjoys.

-- Edited by kbigelow at 12:30, 2008-01-29

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brian clemens


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ill be fishing with 3 people tomorrow, we will all take turns. i am not missing the point. it was a joke. plan and simple a joke. i aint gonna post up all day. fish it in a morning, take an hour or so for lunch and then back down to the river.

ask chuck the duck, thats how we do it everytime. we take off to eat, and then after i go back and fish somemore. aint no body gonna post up shop and pull out a tent. i was making a joke about it.

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Fishing isnt about catching fish, its not about who caught the most, or who caught the biggest, its about the experience that you have on the water, and the life long bonds you make with others on the journey to becoming a better person inside.
shon42073


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Pretty sweet chuck ! As far as camping out at a hole, I'll do it, If i get my butt up at 4 am freeze my butt off and make my way down to a good hole when its still dark then you dam right i'm gonna fish it long and hard. Rotate ? I dont know about that stuff. Actually I wouldn't fish a spot that would even require a "rotation". Just my humble opinion.

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brian clemens


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well nice to know that i aint the only one, i would be willing to rotate with my fishing buddies but someone else no. only my fishing buddies. thanks for the backin bro. if i drive hella far for a spot then yes i will post up, but the american is in my back yard so i can fish it when ever.

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Fishing isnt about catching fish, its not about who caught the most, or who caught the biggest, its about the experience that you have on the water, and the life long bonds you make with others on the journey to becoming a better person inside.
brian clemens


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there is no attitude here. if you get up at the crack of dawn to go fishing at your fav spot, why wouldnt you try to get there just a tad bit earlier than everyone else. especially if that spot is producing very well. its not a local problem, its not a problem at all. its a i really like fishing my hole and if it takes me gettin up an hour earlier so that i can fish it then so be it. you can think what you want. but if you had a hole that everyone like to fish, you know they get there about 8 am, wouldnt you get there at 7am so you know you for sure get the spot. you know you would. everyone on here would. give us a break man. i would rather be the first guy to fish it than the 5th guy. anytime i go fishing at putah (1 hr away from me) i wake up 5am no matter what. i am on putah by 630 fishing my 715, and for the american i get up at 6am, on the water by 7am. hoping to get my spot.

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Fishing isnt about catching fish, its not about who caught the most, or who caught the biggest, its about the experience that you have on the water, and the life long bonds you make with others on the journey to becoming a better person inside.
1MoreCast


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I am sorry if you feel I am giving you a hard time, that was not my intentions, I guess my hope was to educate. When I say it is a local problem what I mean is, that having the good fortune of fishing many wonderful rivers through-out the western states, this " my hole" mentality is only common in this region. My angling friends and I are still trying to figure out why.

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memebop


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Fly steelheaders? Or Hard-headers?
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Some of the "Educators " on this site are a little up tight.  Maybe the best place to educate is in person.  Face to face, I see fewer problems knowing what the person is really thinking.  

If I thought someone was "hoggin' the spot", I'd discuss it with them on the river and see what their attitude was.   Then you can really tell what they're thinkin'. 

I'm glad most fly fishermen aren't this "picky"  . . .  Are they?

-- Edited by memebop at 20:31, 2008-01-27

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mx19


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RE: my first steelhead
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Wow...What do you know...A guy puts up a post about his day on the water and it gets side tracked and turns into a hissy fit...

hey chuck n duck nice fish, glad you had a good day on the water...

who cares if someone works a hole all day...Not everyone has the same out look on fishing..Im not going to say its right or wrong..If you got skills you will stick fish up and down any river or creek...If I see a guy or gal struggling and Iam doing well I will totally let them slide in ..I enjoy seeing others having a great day...some of you guys are to competitive..loosen up a little..If your such a stud on the water then you will have many years of success.share that with others...

I always thought flyfishing was a gentlemens sport...when do we start acting like it...

mx 19


-- Edited by mx19 at 15:24, 2008-01-28

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mx19
JT


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Chuck,

Congratulations on your first steelhead.  You worked long and hard for that fish.  I just wish I could have been there to take a picture for you.

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windknots


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I had to read that a couple times to let it sink in, 36" rainbow... Congrats on catching that fish, and I respect how you were cautious to get him in as quick as practical to ensure a good release. You'll be toothless and a hundred years olds and still be talking about that fish.

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Flyfisherwoman


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oh come on guys

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Chris Laskodi


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I think the people compaining about etiquette haven't been on the American. Its a river in the middle of a major metropolitan area. The same rules you see in the NW do not apply here. You're fishing the river with probably 50 people in sight, the holes and runs get crowded and people do not give them up, including guides.

This same type of stuff goes on the Trinity, don't believe me go watch drift boats anchor on a run, or the people get out and flog the same water for hours.

Steelheading in CA, is a whole different game than in the rest of the NW. You are competing with literally hundred of anglers for about a mile of water on the A. The place is a madhouse, I don't blame them one bit for what they are doing, you see everyone else doing it, even the "swingers". It is just one of the things you have to get used to fishing in CA. I see the same on big rivers like the American and dinky rivers like the San Lorenzo.

Congrats on the fish as well Chuck, you really will remember that fish the rest of your life. I wish I could get a fish that big out of the A.

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ONEWEIGHT


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On a brighter note, I'll relate an older, as well as a couple of recent experiences on Putah. 

Three years ago, I was fishing up near the bridge.    As I hit the hole, someone was working the area I wanted to hit.  I asked what direction they were working and if the minded me dropping in on top of them.  They were ok with that.  As the began working their way up, I pulled out and moved downstream.  I believe in that karma thing as well.

After about 20 minutes of fishing downstream, I'm following my fly on a drift and all of a sudden another fly lands literally on top of mine.  I look up to see this same guy now fishing on top of me.  I just starting laughing . . . too funny.  I explained to him that we really didn't need to fish the same 2 ft. of water together.  This guy was clueless.  After a couple minutes of this, I moved downstream.  After I pulled out, I had to walk right by him on the bank.  I'm 6'2", 210 lbs. and a former collegiate lacrosse guy, and I think he was thinking I was coming after him!  I stopped and spoke with him for a minute and gave him my philosophy, in a very friendly manner, on how we might both enjoy our fishing experience a little more.  This guy never said a word?????  I was kinda pissed, but life's too short to let something like that ruin a day.  I still laugh about it.

Fast forward to the last couple of months.  I fish Putah more these days.  Twice in the last 6 weeks, I've dropped in a run and had people working areas I've been itching to hit.  After explaining what I'd like to do and how I wouldn't screw up their turf, each person was more than willing to let me slip in.  I was surprised to say the least.  I found the etiquette and coutesy on Putah to be greatly improved over time.  Most people seem to understand the "deal" at Putah, and with a little courtesy and friendship extended, are more than happy to work with you.  When I think about this, I see it on a lot of the rivers actually, but Putah has been up there with the best.  The Little Truckee can get  testy at times, that's for sure. 

A little communication goes a long way, no different when we're on the river.  I'd like to thank you guys who let me slide in over the last couple of weeks.  You can be damn sure I'll always reciprocate in the future.

CONGRATULATIONS an a great fish and experience!!!!

-- Edited by ONEWEIGHT at 17:07, 2008-01-28

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Lahontan


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Yikes you guys!  I am NOT taking sides. Those of you who've met me know where I'm coming from...

My best advise to newbies, who are quick to jump "on topic" is to go read Keith Bigelow's post on "netiquette".  Man, I lurked here for 90 days before I posted bubkiss! (spelling?)

I've not fished the water in question, but I have met the fella's who seem to be defending the good day.  Pretty straight forward guys. I have "rowdy" kids at home, I look forward to some peace and quiet when I'm on the water...the American may not be for me ashamed.

Hey Duck ... congrats, we've not met, you kinda slowed down posting about the time I started posting.

I even admit to being a little "over" sensitive after a crummy day at work, but this thread is reading a little OVER THE TOP. 

I wish you all well, play nice, don't forget, the milk, cookies, and your blankie!wink

Ed.

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-- Edited by kbigelow at 12:40, 2008-01-29

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Lahontan


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That's a good one ONEWEIGHT...very good! thumbsup.gif

I feel the same. I was back in the middle of no where!!! No kidding. There aren't many "hiddie-holes" anymore, but I found one on a cold morning, and fished probably 2 hours with out seeing a soul. About 9 in the am, a fella came up stream, and dropped an upstream roll cast right into my swing.

I just had to look at him and say, "really?", I wasn't snotty, just trying to say with all the river he had to drop a cast in right underneath me. He was pretty cool and hopped above me, working his way past.

I've bush wacked my way into places only to find someone in the hole, back out I'd come ... and on to new water.

The little kid in me loves the stories of the headlamp wearing commando, out to get the spot before dawn! ... I was that guy 15-20 years ago. More power to them! Now, I'll get the extra hour of sleep, and take seconds on the spot ... well most times.wink

I hear stories, but had no beefs on Putah. I'm all in on the karma gig. "Gotsta, practice what you preach ...", "but you earn respect before you preach."

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mx19


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nice fish....was that a putah or trinity brown....or somewhere else....

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mx19
Swinger


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oneweight, well said, you are a gentleman and a scholar.


-- Edited by kbigelow at 12:39, 2008-01-29

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Lahontan


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yeahh enough bickering...that brown is a rock star! it's a beaut!



-- Edited by kbigelow at 12:38, 2008-01-29

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keith bigelow


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This Topic has been edited and RE-OPENED.




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