Steelhead fishing is now in full swing. Lots of fish are now being caught in our area. Weather is also pretty mild, as winter morphs to spring, after a light snow pack. If you want to catch one these red sided beauties, before they depart our waters, now is the time to come fishing with us. About Salmon Season: Yes, it appears we will have yet another good season for salmon come May and June.
Yep, this is me with the biggest steelhead I have ever caught, just a few days ago. It was a wild male, perhaps 40 inches or so, and over 20 lbs. No measurements, as we were even shy about holding this fish out of the water. It really doesn't matter how big it was. It was such a robust, beautiful fish, and fought so hard, it earned its freedom to sink back into the depths of the river and to live forever in the far reaches of my own mind. The bigger surprise, was what I caught it on. But, you will have to gcome fishing with me to learn more about that story. Sorry, secrets are not easy to give up.
Wildlife Report Another fun bird to readily observe on the river, as it dips in and out of the water, (Burr) is the water ouzel or dipper. I have even had such acrobatic little birds land on the bow of my driftboat, as well on an oar held stationary just above water level. Cute little guys. One time, my wife gathered up a western grebe after shuttling me upriver with guest to fish for steelhead. She thought it had a broken leg and was determined to save it. But in reality, it had just landed in the wrong spot. Mistaking ice on a back country road for water, it landed, and soon appreciated it could not take off. These birds have to run to take off for flight. They cannot jump into the air, nor can they walk very good on land. Their legs are set too far back on their body, so if they make an error in judgement, it can be fatal. Fortunately, we brought the bird back to the river, on another fishing trip, and it ended up following us down river for half the day, (mother hen effect), before finally flying off. So in essence, my wife did save the bird. Western grebes are very beautiful. Blood red eye, clean contrasting white and grey body, and essentially an exquisite elegance in feathers. Oh yes, deer and elk are often seen this time of year, too. They are taking advantage of early green-up beneath blankets of snow in the high country. Often we see them on the hillsides half way down the canyon as we float along. Once we even had a cow swim the river in front of us. Sometimes we see bighorn sheep, as they too are looking for food below the harsh white barriers of winter. If you are lucky you might hear or see them butt heads. Jan/Feb is when they are in the rut, so spectacular shows are possible for the extremely lucky. |
