The first Winter
December 5th, 2007I did manage to make it out last Saturday to my favorite winter steelhead river. I was originally “baited” into fishing with some of the other Team Salmon members but when I received the late night text explaining they had chosen alternative accommodations for the day – I made the decision to go it alone. Besides I bet those previously mentioned don’t even know where their fly rods are.
Going solo afforded me a little leeway when it came to departure time. Jenni appreciated not hearing the alarm sounding at O’dark 30 and she made sure to express her appreciation later that morning before I set out – which in turn also contributed to my even later take off. In my opinion it is always nice to get some before you go and get some.
Not wanting to take the long way around I stopped at the local store, picked up a couple Rockstars, a can of Copenhagen and set off over the MT. This trek was made in the snow. From start to finish I was covered in the white stuff and it was wonderful. For some reason snow just brings out the kid in me. Weather it was staying home from school on a snow day or the ever popular ski buss, snow just has that affect on me. Besides the Old rover is a TANK and the snowy roads were no match for it. Cant say the same about all the Honda Civics spun out everywhere.
When I hit the river I hit it HARD! I did not *Hell-er-file* the river but I did hit it hard. I only fished the middle section of the river. There are a couple spots that I just love to fish and I wanted to give this stretch of water my full attention. The water was lower and clearer then I have ever seen. Not trying to sound gay – but on first glance – the bright emerald green water gave me a bit of a chubby.
I started by crossing the river and walking up to hit my “honey hole”. 
This would be one of the few times I have walked away from this spot with nothing to show for it. Still I had the beach to myself and I worked every last nook I could find, with out so much as a bump. With water to hit I moved down river a bit. PS they have since taken out the access ladder at this location so a bit of creativity is needed to get to the waters edge.
I hit a few small slots along the way back to the bridge before I ran into the only other guy fishing I would see all day. To save face we will just call you “Jake” (he may or may not be tuning into this site as I tend to tell one and all of what you having going here). Jake was working his way down the run just above the bridge with a spay set up. We chatted for a bit and when he offered for me to jump in behind him on the run I didn’t hesitate. Normally we(team Salmon) have fished this slot from the bank but not this time. 
Standing out in the middle of the river I work down the run targeting the far bank (railroad side). Jake had worked the run and moved back to the top and just as I was about to do the same my balloon went screaming up river. Quickly I had this nickel buck on my real and was playing him back down to me. Jack wanting to do his part also made his way back to me as I was not going to try for either shore lines. It wasn’t long before I had a decent size native winter in my hands. Not wanting to miss this photo opp. I instruct Jake to where in my bag the camera is located. All set to take the picture and I see my camera slide from his gloved hands and into the water. The next 5 seconds were a little blurry but as best I can recollect I instantaneously released the fish (gently?) and preceded to reach my hand towards the rivers bottom. When my ear hit the rivers surface I felt the camera hit my hand. Luck was on my side. I was lucky that Jake was up river from me. I was lucky I own a waterproof digital camera. I was lucky that water only trickled down my waders. Standing there in the river with snow falling around me, my right arm and side drenched but still holding the camera, I looked to Jake and said with a smile on my face “that was a good looking fish – Yea?” That is the power of Winter Steelhead and fishing this river.
Needless to say I wanted to take a break and warm up a bit. I did this by crossing and walking down river a bit more stopping to fish the punch bowl
and then walking back up the track side of the river to the break in the pipe. 
Neither spot produced anything other then some scenic pictures. But none the less I was happy to be fishing in the snow. I did get to see two other fish and watch how they held in the water. I spooked both of them and I will blame that on the water level and clarity and not my clumsy stumbling ass. I look forward to getting back at it in the next couple weeks as this is just the start of winters on my favorite river. I will happily fish this river with any and all of you any time.
Jake trust me all is good and I would love to fish with you anytime. Who knows I might even take you up on that spay casting lesson.
Meskel
AKA Meskel
*Hell-er-file* — Fishing HARD from dawn till dusk only taking a break to avoid touching cotton and or till said individual has caught his limit and realizes no amount of coaching will help the others in the party do the same — *Hell-er-file*
