Well, I finally got back out to the river - first time since mid October. Sure a lot of changes out there, I was surprised to see first hand all the slides that happened last November - especially that field at Wilson Road. WOW!!
Quite cold till mid-afternoon - almost snow. Very few fishers out today - lots of runs to ourselves or just one other person there. Water was higher than I've experienced in march of previous years. Started at the Washout just above Allison Pool. Rob worked through that with roe, I was using single egg with white wool. Nada! Next stop Cedar from the south side - same success. Then to the runs behind the Corrections Camp runs. Worked through most of those, even forged the channels and worked the runds all the way to the back. Nothing on the line there either. Saw no fishers at Tamahai jus a few kayakers. Only one vehicle at Wilson Road / Gun Barrel. Next down to Tesky's Rock area, couldn't find anywhere in there where you could actually land a fish if you caught one. Then home. Seems that Rob & I are doing a great job of protecting Steelhead.
Water was absolutely clear up at the Prison Run, nicely coloured below Thurston Meadows, only about 18" down at Tesky's.
Just being out there and getting fresh ait was good for me. WAY better than being here in the home office hatching a chair and working on mortgage files. Hope to try the lower tomorrow.
Saw quite a few fry in the shallows and quiet water. I was surprised to see dead onles every few feet. picked some of them up and each seemed to have a tiny wound in the side of the body. anyone know what causes that?