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[DRP79]

Decided to head out today with my brother and got to the river at about 8am. We had a run in mind but worked a couple spots on the way down. Water was a little low but very nice with about 2ft of visibility. We got to the run we had in mind and there were about 5-6 guys working it over.

We just took our time and worked toward it slowly. Once we got into the run, on my second cast, the float dips. I thought it was a rock as it was a shallow area but was quite pleased when I felt this "rock" shaking its head. The fight lasted only 3-4 minutes and voila, I had a wild buck, about 7ish lbs by the tail. My brother helped me land it and then it was gently released and on its way.

I was quite happy to get my first steelhead of the season on my second trip out. Especially since last year I only got 1 to hand in about 15ish trips out.

We were both having some stomach issues and ended up calling it a day earlier than we would have liked. Still a great morning on the river though.

[Sandman]

Very nice.  I may have seen that fish as I was fly fishing on the other side from you.  It was the only one I saw all morning.  Well done, and nice release. I noticed you kept the fish in the water the whole time, and no gloves.

[DRP79]

Yes, that was me. I remember seeing you on the other side.

[Floater]

Congratz! i made it out after hooking my first fish ever last week and got skunked 

[chris gadsden]

Fished a good part of the day, saw only one caught, a wild. Missed a fish of some sorts that tore the roe bag up. Lots of people out, good to meet a number of forum members. I think I will find one tomorrow.

[alwaysfishn]

As you were leaving the river, a nice 8 lb hatchery was landed in the run just above me. Somehow it got past me...

[chris gadsden]

As you were leaving the river, a nice 8 lb hatchery was landed in the run just above me. Somehow it got past me...

And me too. It shows one does not have to get out early like I did yesterday, fish all day and not get one.

Taking my own advice today and will get a later start. Hope the river does not color up with the rain we had last night.

[Floater]

This is not intended to hijack the post but what do you guys think about steelhead being a first light fishery like coho? I personally dont believe you need to be there at the crack of dawn. That being said i always am just to get max amount of fishing time in lol.

[Dennis.t]

This is not intended to hijack the post but what do you guys think about steelhead being a first light fishery like coho? I personally dont believe you need to be there at the crack of dawn. That being said i always am just to get max amount of fishing time in lol.

No steelhead are not a "first light fishery" like coho. They will bite all day long.Of course it may payoff to be early and the first to fish over rested steelhead form the day before. I used to stand on the bank before daybreak all the time when i started out many yrs ago.More often then not,it did not pay off for me. Now I sleep in,make my way to the river mid morning,rested and relaxed and more often then not am sucessful.

[Sandman]

Indeed, they actually tend to bite a bit more once the sun comes up.  The only reason I am there at the crack of dawn is so I can fish for a few hours as I usually have to be home by noon so the wife can go to work.  It also helps to get there before any one else as it is not as easy to fly fish crowded runs.  Did not help me yesterday as I was the first at one run and by the time I had set up and cast, there were two more guys working the run including one that came in right under me and basically left me stranded working the same part of the run until I decided to leap frog him.  He was apologetic, claiming there was no where else for him to go as the other guy was already fishing the lower end of the run.  I contemplated explaining how all need he needed to do was ask me how long I had been there, and if I was planning on working down the run, or he could have waited a few minutes to see if I moved down.  But I just shrugged and told him not to sweat it and continued down the run below him and then headed down to where DRP79 got his fish.  I had that run all to myself for the most part, at least on my side of the river,  that is until someone else came in below me and fished the tail out before I got to it.

[HOOK]

I have hit lots of steel first light, quite a few even on my first cast. Do i think they are a first light fishery, NO but i like getting in as much time as possible. I dont aim to be there first light when im fly fishing because you dont want to be smoking yourself in the dusky morning with a big fly also im alot more relaxed while swinging the two hander than i am with the gear rod

[Stratocaster]

I am only there at first light for steelies because Fly Fishing Magician forces me to.

[BigFisher]

The best part about steelhead is you can sleep in and still catch them all day long.

[Sandman]

Important to note that the steelhead will also be in different places after the sun comes up.  Steelhead will move up the river at night, which is why first light can be good as they are on the move and may be a little more aggressive.  After the sun comes up they tend to stop moving and hold in different spots. On sunny days the steelhead will seek shelter in deep holes, under structure, or in riffles where they will be less visible to predators. On cloudy days they may move more and may hold in more visible locations, and may be more willing to bite.