I hit the river yesterday and within two hours missed two, lost one, and landed a nice little hatchery.
Today I did what most of us do when we have a day like that......drop everything and go fishing again......right to the same spot..... hoping some fish are still around.
I packed up around 1pm, hit the Sumas Tims for a double double, and was on the road sipping my coffee thinking about Chrome Steelhead. I stopped at Keith Wilson and was really surprised to see the canal looking prime with only about 4 anglers in sight. Thought about it but could not resist driving a little further to the run from yesterday. As I cruised by the crossing bridge I saw a dude crossing with a freaking slab in his hand which looked to be around 14 pounds, hmmm "probably not gonna connect again today" I think. Get to my spot around 2pm, and hike out of sight, the forest is totally quiet with just the crunch of icy snow. The river comes into view and I cannot see another angler on either side up or down. I come across a full pack of Djarum smokes that I had lost yesterday, "could be a good omen" I think as I light one up and sip my coffee....iphone playing some tunes.... the water looks good and I cannot help but keep looking at the tail out where I got into fish yesterday.
Time to bait up with some crusty coho roe thats been in my bait box for a month. I start at the top of the pool, and watch my chartruse cleardrift lazily make its way along a seam into some slow water, and it takes a dive!
I set the hook hard and feel a solid fish...then off. Quickly rebait and work a few more drifts through that water but the fish is not interested in seconds. Eying up the tail out, I cannot resist it, and just let my drift go....right into the sweet spot. I get a sense of deja vu as that little chartruse cap disappears in the exact same spot as yesterday give or take a foot....I set the hook hard but even my 13' GLX can't pick up enough line to connect.
With trembling hands I pull out some more crusty roe and make my way down river for a shorter drift. Flick it on out there and reel in a little to line the drift up. Sure enough the scenario plays out just like yesterday......the float goes down hard again!
I am ready and connect with a beauty hatchery doe that puts up a very spirited fight. When you have been playing coho for the last two months it is amazing to feel "Steel" at the end of your line, even for a small fish this one took several nice runs and an one great leap.
All in all I am a half hour into my day, smoking a Djarum, sitting next to a silver bullet that is bleeding out.....stoked
and yes I will be there tomorrow