He is hard to believe another week has slipped by, a week since the 62 nd steelhead derby wrapped up.
Most of the week saw the river in poor fishing condition but I was pleased to have picked up my second fish of the year on Tuesday, between rain storms and turbid water conditions.
Checking the river this a. m. visibility looked in the 12 inch range so after church I checked it again this time at Lickman and I could see it was a little better. Talked to Doug who was fishing there and said the upper was in good condition but he and his partner had nothing when I saw them around noon.
With the forecast saying another 5 days of rain in a row for the coming week I thought I better give the afternoon fishery a try or I may not get back out for a while.
Thought I would go to where I picked up the 12 pound hen on Tuesday as they always say if you catch a fish in a particular spot there is a good chance another fish will be in the same spot at a later date.
Arriving at the river I think I am at the intersection of Granville and Georgia Streets in Vancouver. No they were not anglers but scores of walkers enjoying a stroll along the beautiful backdrop of the Vedder River.
I think back to the days when we use to drive where these newcomers to Chilliwack now walk, the days when you could count the nunber of anglers on your two hands in a particular section of the river.
Of course they have as much right to be out enjoying nature as much as I, but I do object to those agencies that have allowed developement on numerous subdivisions so close to yours and my beautiful and irreplaceable Vedder.
I quickly try to close my mind to the hordes and start the same route as on Tuesday. The water is higher than Tuesday of course and in not as pleasant of colour but I can see the top of my Helly Hanson boots as I wade up to my knees. Having caught fish in similar conditions before I was glad that I had come out.
Fishing the first spot as I did Tuesday morning the drift was better than Tuesday but once again the drennan float remained at the surface on the couple of dozen casts. I worked from the far side first, shorting my casts each time to try and lure a bar of chrome to taking my roe sack that was filled with a nickel size piece of steelhead bait.
I see no other anglers except for the one set of fresh human tracks. tracks embedded in the fresh sand that a couple of days ago was covered with 8 inches of water. As I move towards the Tuesday "hot spot" I check for other holding water, seeing none I am soon in position for that first cast that I hope may be virgin water as the tracks appeared to have bypassed it.
It did not look as prime a spot as it was on the last visit but there was still a nice seam there. The first cast tells me the speed looks good as does the drennan float with the blue and white Maple Leaf emblem as it bobs up and down through the bit of choppy water.
It was on the second or third cast, not sure which one but as quick as a Sundin wrist shot the red topped float is no where in sight.
Reflexes seem better this year, far improved from the last season and I firmly flick my forearm.
No sooner done and the tell tail head shake of a fish telegraphs up the Sage rod and at the same time line begins peeling off the centre pin.
The excitment quickly mounts as the steelhead clears water completly in the first few seconds after being hooked. My mind quickly flashes back to the trouble I had with Tuesday's fish where I fought not only the fish but all the obstacles as well before being very luckly to land her.
The walkers on the trail are now spectators as a few stop to view the action. The steelhead does not seek the root wads but heads downstream a few yards but even though the current is quicker today the silver beauty does not go far downstream and I am able to coax it into swimming towards me. It tires quickly as it comes close to my feet and the shoreline, maybe a tired moving fish. I see it is another hatchery, another doe in the 10 to 11 pound range. As I said in my report on Tuesday the next hatchery would be released. I edge her to the shore noting a seal has taken a small part of her tail off. I do not bother to put her through any more stress in trying for a picture as I easily remove the #1 gammy from her mouth. With the hook out I right her to a upright position, for a moment she remains motionless, free of my grasp, saying thanks in being released maybe. I have the time to admire her before she scoots back to her watery home, as she disappears I think in my belief she is one of God's most beautiful fish.
I of course am more than satisfied as I am off to a better start than most steelhead season's landing all 3 I have hooked so far, all in the tune of 8 days.
I try the spot again for a few more minutes wondering if another, her mate may be there but if he is he will not take my offering. I move towards another run as two anglers appear and head my way.
I fish a number of other spots but I am offered no more chances. I finally meet up with the two other anglers and just as they told me they had seen the flash of my fish, on its jump I guess my cel phone rings and it is CEJ phoning for a update. As I talk to CEJ the two anglers move off heading down river. I think of moving to another section of the river but decide to stay in this area for the last hour of fishing time. Just before I pack up two fellows come down river in a canoe, they pull up on a bar across from me and enjoy a beer. I wonder if it would be there last as I certainly would not be out on the river at this time of year in a canoe. At least they had life jackets on.
I find no more fish in that last hour but find a few beer tins including one full one and one float.
As the walkers head to their vehicles, the 2 canoeist continue their faithful journey, and the last flock of gulls disappear over the hills towards Cultus Lake I too leave very pleased with my afternoon outing.
What could be better than finding a steelhead, a float and a full tin of beer. Come to think of it I think I will toast that beautiful steelhead now with that natural cooled tin of beer both from the Vedder River, that is if you don't mind Fish Assassin.
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Topic: Connecting Again, On A Sunday Afternoon on The Vedder. (Read 7899 times)