We drifted the American last Friday, and it was a gourgeous day. I landed what has to be the smallest steelhead for the season on the river, a whopping 4" steelhead. I was amazed that it actaully sank my Boles Float Right when it took the nymph. For those interested, it took a size 16 beadhead prince, just in case you want to pursue this monster as well. Also had a very large guy on for about 15 seconds, but he shook off. My buddy landed a half pounder, 2 suckers and also had a large boy shake off.
The worst part was coming down with the flu during the drift, not my idea of a great day, but could have been worse.
As we took out at Coloma at the end of the day, a very welcome sight . . . a DF & G warden pulls up and checks everything we've got. Licenses, coolers, on boat storage, everything. It was great. This particular guy patrols the American River. We chatted with him for about 20 minutes, told him how great it was to see him out. We talked with him about the snaggers that are out. He related the frustration in enforcement from his end . . . too few wardens to effectively patrol as well as DA generally pleading these cases down to misdemeanors, even in gross violations. He was a cool guy. In 40 years of fishing, first time I have been checked by Fish and Game!
