Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: TrophyHunter on November 04, 2006, 12:34:37 PM

Title: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: TrophyHunter on November 04, 2006, 12:34:37 PM
Ok so I thought instead of bringing back BigSteel's rusty old thread why not start a nice new one for the 2006/07 season :)

To me Steelheading is where you really learn how to fish, no more sticking you're presentation in the water and waiting for a fish to swim by and take you're bait, Steelheading is all about hunting, reading water, putting in the miles and fishing every rock and pool you come across.. when I am out for steel I come home exhausted after walking 10 plus km's in one day  ;D ;D
There is nothing like waking up at the crack of dawn on a cold wintery day and hitting the river, gloves, jackets, balaclava's  ;D crunching through the fresh snowfall , the beautiful tree's covered in snow and frost !! the cold air blowing the snow all over  ;D ;D ;D ;D
man I cannot wait to get out there again this year
(http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f31/thickrick/veddersteelhead.jpg)

c'mon fellas ( and Ladies :) )  lets get out those pics from last year and get stoked for the season of STEEL  ;D ;D ;D
TR
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: Hook Set on November 04, 2006, 12:54:21 PM
I am really stoked for this coming steelhead season as it will be my first ever. I cant wait to get my first chance at one of those beauties and hopefully watching the float go down and seeing a few chrome flashes ;D If anyone wants to give a kid a few pointers or a good spot it would be greatly appreciated :)
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: Big Steel on November 04, 2006, 01:04:55 PM
Here are a couple to get you going!! :)
(http://www.fishingwithrod.com/albums/Did-someone-say-Steelhead/First_hatch_4.jpg)
(http://www.fishingwithrod.com/albums/Did-someone-say-Steelhead/Jan_18_06_Hatch_Buck.jpg)
(http://www.fishingwithrod.com/albums/Did-someone-say-Steelhead/Geff_Steel_1.jpg)
(http://www.fishingwithrod.com/albums/Did-someone-say-Steelhead/Dave_Steel_2_Feb_5_06_004.jpg)
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: TrophyHunter on November 04, 2006, 01:08:42 PM
Awesome Steel, Steel :)
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: Fish Assassin on November 04, 2006, 01:42:13 PM
I'm set and ready. Hope to get my nephew into his first steelhead this year.
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: Sterling C on November 04, 2006, 02:20:45 PM
I'll bite.  ;D

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/2006/P1011020a.jpg)

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/2006/P1011024a.jpg)

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/2006/Hatch_Doea.jpg)

Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: Xgolfman on November 04, 2006, 02:23:40 PM
Me too, gonna bring out all the guns,,,checked out my new spey rod today... :o...sweet...and of course the regular one is gonna be out on the hunt too...I can't wait...BS looks much younger...and skinnier in his pic's....What's up with that???? ;D

here's what I'm hoping 4!!!

(http://www.fishingwithrod.com/albums/golfman65/James_copy2.sized.jpg)
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: frenchy on November 04, 2006, 02:41:56 PM
I did not read the old thread yet, but I completely agree with what thickrick said. Even if I only fished for one season, I feel like it is a real hunt. One often says that to catch fish you need to keep your line in the water. For steelhead, I think the key is more about finding the good water, with the good speed, the good depth. These beauty are so agressives, they will often take your offering in the first couple of drifts. You find the good water, you catch fish... and when you catch fish, you become addicted. How do you call them? steelhead or stealhead?
I can't wait.
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: kellya on November 04, 2006, 03:49:02 PM
BS if i see those one more time i swear to god..... haha just kidding nice fish im jelous. Gonna try for some summer runs next week found nice spot
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: DanTfisherman on November 04, 2006, 03:58:41 PM
Don't put much on here, but here's a good photo to get some of you going:

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/DanTfisherman/IMGP0994_1.sized.jpg)

Dano
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: THE_ROE_SLINGER on November 04, 2006, 05:43:06 PM
excellent pictures!, I myself am very excited! :o :o
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: Steely on November 04, 2006, 05:58:33 PM
I'm hoping to get out more as well and chase those silver bullets. I can say this nothing fights like a steelhead.
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: allwaysfishin on November 04, 2006, 05:59:24 PM
haven't posted a pic in a while so let's see if this works
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e135/allwaysfishin/feb7steelheada15.jpg)
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: TrophyHunter on November 04, 2006, 06:00:45 PM
Man they sure are a pretty fish  ;D
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: allwaysfishin on November 04, 2006, 06:01:34 PM
ohh, wait.... and this one
(http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e135/allwaysfishin/feb7steelhead005.jpg)
I'll stop now hehehe :D
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: Nicole on November 04, 2006, 06:16:35 PM
(http://www.nicolegoodman.com/albums/vedder_Apr162006/P1011793.sized.jpg)

(http://www.nicolegoodman.com/albums/vedder_Apr162006/P1011797.sized.jpg)

(http://www.nicolegoodman.com/albums/steelhead/2006_01_22sthd2_web.jpg)

:)
Nicole
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: scruffy on November 04, 2006, 07:13:17 PM
everyone's got some nice fish i'm hoping to catch my first steelie this season  ;D
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: Nicole on November 04, 2006, 07:33:10 PM
nicole do you still have the picture of the steelhead tail? That is a beautiful picture, would you mind posting it?

Here you go:

(http://www.nicolegoodman.com/albums/steelhead/2006_01_22sthd3_web.jpg)

Cheers,
Nicole
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: Youngin on November 04, 2006, 09:45:15 PM
wow nicole. beauty!
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: bbronswyk2000 on November 04, 2006, 09:46:46 PM
This year I am determined to catch my first on the fly.
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: Hook Set on November 04, 2006, 09:50:09 PM
Nice pictures everyone. I'm already really excited about my first chance at some steelhead ever. Counting down the days until the steelhead arrive instead of Christmas ha ha. Anyways good luck to everyone this coming season, hope I have some.
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: BigFisher on November 04, 2006, 11:06:53 PM
That steelhead tail is also my desk top, no joke.  :)
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: Ribwart on November 05, 2006, 12:18:17 AM
Bring em on....best time of year hands down!!!!!!!!

(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f149/ribwart/IMG_0548_edited.jpg)
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: BigFisher on November 05, 2006, 01:53:24 AM
Personally Iv only gotten into 3 steelheads, and damn did it ever feel good.  ;D This one was my first steelhead I got into ever, in my first steelhead season 2 years ago on the Vedder. Took me well over 50 hours, but then again I was very new to the whole sport of river fishing. It took me many trips after school, and alot of sucking up to my mom to get there :-*. After getting off school I would fish 4-6pm since that was the last remaining day light I was given, and one night just as it was getting dark this 15+ pound wild steelhead took a good bite of my treat.  ;D Now when I look back at how I caught that fish it was complete beginners luck, 15 pound leader in gin clear water, with a 2/0 hook goeey bob and big chunk of red wool, shows how aggressive these fish are I guess. ;) Its to bad I hadnt gotten a picture of this beauty in my hands :'( , but oh well just having one on my hook is good enough.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v604/BigFisher/steelhead-1.jpg)
How do you enlarge a pic off photbucket?
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: bentrod on November 05, 2006, 07:59:36 AM
I have already caught and released over 50 steelhead this year.   Ok fine, I was using the electroshocker at work. ;D They should still go toward my catch total though. ;)   I can't wait to get out and use the fishing rod. 
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: Ribwart on November 05, 2006, 09:19:18 AM
Electroshocker? What do you do bentrod?
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: Pat AV on November 05, 2006, 10:12:51 AM
I am 0 for 5 for summers this year lost 2 in July at Upper Chehalis Canyon and I have lost 3 in the Seymour! I hope my luck changes on my upcoming trip to the T.
All of my Bulkley / Vedder / Thompson / Chehalis steelies from last year are on my film camera so I will try to scan some pics to add on this thread later.
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: allwaysfishin on November 05, 2006, 10:59:05 AM
take the negatives to walmart, they'll put em on a cd for cheap. I use a film camera as well and for 8bucks and change i got a set of 24 prints and a cd with all the pics.
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: bentrod on November 05, 2006, 12:16:23 PM
I'm a wildlife biologist and sometimes use the electroshocker to sample fish as well as assist in moving fish out of certain areas that have to be de-watered for one reason or another. 
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: DanTfisherman on November 05, 2006, 09:33:47 PM
Despite having a few photos of some rather great looking fish "out of water", I am kinda partial to this one as well as it gives a different perspective!!!

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/DanTfisherman/IMGP0996.sized.jpg)

Dano
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: bentrod on November 05, 2006, 10:38:53 PM
Ouch!! Never had a leak in the waders; I did however reach a little too far into the water to scoop a shocked fish.  Definitely a wake up.  Hopefully your leak was below the thigh  :o
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: Pat AV on November 05, 2006, 11:43:25 PM
as promised in a previous reply some steely porn from last season (none from this year yet since I was 0for5 on my summer run hook ups):

Vedder

(http://gallery.flybc.ca/albums/album18/Pat_steel_1.jpg)

Bulkley

(http://gallery.flybc.ca/albums/album18/st_b1.jpg)

Those are 2/4 of the pics I was hoping to post as far as steelhead pics go, I will add Chehalis and Thompson pics from last year once I get the pics scanned

Keep the steely thread alive! More pics to come from my rememberance Thompson trip as well (hopefully)!

Edit: cool pic dano!
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: allwaysfishin on November 06, 2006, 09:32:34 AM
killer pics guys.... i've got a few more kickin round somewhere, just moved into the new house have to dig em up. Betch after this monsoon dies down there will be a couple here and there in the vedder.... I hope  ;)  ;D
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: TrophyHunter on November 06, 2006, 09:46:23 AM
Fishing is going to be awesome after this flood is done !!! all the old half dead chum's should be gone leaving room for the late fresh Coho's and early steelies !!! plus most of the beaks will be gone because there won't be any more easy pickin's  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: Ribwart on November 06, 2006, 01:41:15 PM
Fishing is going to be awesome after this flood is done !!! all the old half dead chum's should be gone leaving room for the late fresh Coho's and early steelies !!! plus most of the beaks will be gone because there won't be any more easy pickin's  ;D ;D ;D


I hear that!!!! Nice pics guys...beauties...! ;D
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: THE_ROE_SLINGER on November 06, 2006, 03:44:13 PM
Hope so!, cool pics pat AV
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: Pat AV on November 06, 2006, 05:26:53 PM
Thanks Roe Kid, lots of good pics on this thread so far by all posters eh!

The lady will be bringing the other 2 pics I promised tonight so I will scan and post them ASAP to complete the foursome of 1 pic from every river where i hit steel in 2005!

Bring on the ironheads and how about the rain! Just nuts!
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: Pat AV on November 07, 2006, 03:51:19 PM
As promised 2 more 2005 steelies from a couple other systems.

The T

(http://gallery.flybc.ca/albums/album18/t.jpg)

The Chehalis

(http://gallery.flybc.ca/albums/album18/chha.jpg)

Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: Pat AV on November 07, 2006, 05:58:43 PM
OK I have a fun idea, although it may be very difficult to pull off............

How about a 2006 steelhead porn derby

Rules:

First new porn of the year wins
Starts Dec 1
Must be winter run

Everyone who wants to play chips in 5 bucks and the first to post a fish from this year wins the pot, to be donated in their name to a fishy cause!

I have the idea but could use some help with the logistics IE how to keep it honest etc

If others like the idea and the mods say it is OK to use this forum as a base I would be in....... I got five on it!

Another possibility would be to post a contest thread to run from Dec 1 to Apr 30, anyone who wants to play would chip in 5 bones and there would be a vote in May to decide the winner of the nicest pic with the best composition and the prettiest fish. Not necesssarily the biggest fish but the best overall picture. Once again proceeds to charity!

Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: Big Steel on November 07, 2006, 06:37:43 PM
We had something like this last year!!  It seemed to work out good!!  But feel free to take the bull by the horns this year!! ;D  This time I could enter!! ;D
http://www.fishingwithrod.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=9559.0
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: Hook Set on November 07, 2006, 07:48:14 PM
Sounds like a good idea, I like the best picture idea because it is possible for someone to post the first picture that is not even from this year. I'd be willing to throw in 5 bucks to enter. It will be my first steelhead season, but hey you always got a chance ;)
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: TrophyHunter on November 17, 2006, 10:45:30 AM
Nice pics Pat !!!!

So are we going to set up a lil competition ??  best pic ???

another idea would be to set up another mini derby like we had for Springs a while back.. proceeds could be donated once again !!
we can make it a couple of weeks after the big Boxing day derby. and this way all the people that are unable to make it to the Boxing day derby will hopefully be able to make it to this one

so whatch think ??? anyone game??
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: THE_ROE_SLINGER on November 17, 2006, 10:58:52 AM
Nice pics Pat !!!!

So are we going to set up a lil competition ??  best pic ???

another idea would be to set up another mini derby like we had for Springs a while back.. proceeds could be donated once again !!
we can make it a couple of weeks after the big Boxing day derby. and this way all the people that are unable to make it to the Boxing day derby will hopefully be able to make it to this one

so whatch think ??? anyone game??
sounds good, the spring derby was fun! Im in
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: Hook Set on November 17, 2006, 03:51:31 PM
Im in, sounds good
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: IronNoggin on November 17, 2006, 06:34:07 PM
I'd be in on the photo competition  ;D

Some incentive, from season's past...

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/Tracks/Results.sized.jpg)

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/Tracks/Goite_1st.sized.jpg)

One of the 'fringe benefits' of coastal fishing. Nope, not a steelhead, but those sea run cutties are beautiful in their own way...

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/Tracks/SproatCutt.sized.jpg)

White Water Battle!

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/Tracks/WhiteWaterFish_On.sized.jpg)

Airbourne!

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/Tracks/Nog_with_jumping_steely_2.sized.jpg)

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/Tracks/Ken_s_2nd2.jpg)

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/Tracks/Consolation_2.jpg)

Weapon Of Choice

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/Tracks/3_Feet_Of_Muscle.sized.jpg)


As much as I love the salt pursuit, I honestly look forward to the impending winter run forays even more! Won't be long now, and Man, am I EVER itching to spin the pin!!

Hope to grab a few more pix to show through this season!

Cheers,
Nog
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: TrophyHunter on November 17, 2006, 08:05:00 PM
Awesome pics Nog !!!! gotta love that pic looking down on the run !! :o ;D
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: troutbreath on November 17, 2006, 08:54:56 PM
Beauty pics Iron Noggin, looks like the Island in those shots.
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: Steelhead King on November 17, 2006, 10:35:19 PM
Here is one of mine from the March '06  (http://www.fishingwithrod.com/albums/album05/cannal_steelhead_2.jpg)
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: IronNoggin on November 18, 2006, 12:13:03 PM
I looooovvvvvvveeeeeeee, the pic of the deep pool ironnoggin, can you see them in there sometimes?

More than sometimes birdman, nearly every time you go! Getting them to take on the other hand...

troutbreath: aYup. I be an Island Lad through and through! :D Only visited the LML once to chase steel on the Vedder. And while I had a decent enough day, landing 7 amongst the masses of folks encountered, that latter kinda got to me. Our rivers, while often conjested on weekends, sometimes offer far removed areas to escape that (or simply go only on weekdays). We saw hundreds of folks out there that day, in the MIDDLE of the week. And the types we encountered seriously soured me towards the thought of ever returning...

Here's a pix of one of those I shook hands with that day:

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/Tracks/Vedder_fish2.sized.jpg)

And a few more, just 'cause  ;D

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/Tracks/Rogue_s_First.sized.jpg)

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/Tracks/Nog_Doe.sized.jpg)

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/Tracks/06_41.jpg)

And just so you don't get the wrong impression, we DO have a few summer runs around from time to time as well:

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/Tracks/SumRun.sized.jpg)

Today, the rivers here are right blown. And while I'm damn itchy to get out and play, guess that will have to wait a spell. Oh well, I'll find something else to do to keep me occupied - hunting comes to mind  ;)

Soon now though...

Cheers,
Nog
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: Hook Set on November 18, 2006, 02:25:52 PM
Very nice pictures IronNoggin, love that picture of the run
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: Big Steel on November 19, 2006, 08:44:17 AM
Great pics Matt! ;)  I am starting to get eager about the up coming season myeslf.  But, I don't know what the rivers are going to do, and how they are going to handle what has been thrown at them.  I just hope that I get to fish a couple days in Dec, but we will see what happens. :)
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: funfisher on November 19, 2006, 09:32:23 AM
Hey Nog, do you ever work? ;D ::)  Nice fish.
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: IronNoggin on November 19, 2006, 10:15:28 AM
Hey Nog, do you ever work? ;D ::) 

aYup! From May through October, I am a salt water charter operator. So get quite a good amount of time out on the Big Pond each year chasing springs, halis, coho, and whatever else happens along. I take time "off" from that to do a little commercial trolling with Area G (WCVI). Then I intentionally take 4 months off December - March to chase steelhead. Doesn't keep us wealthy in terms of economics, but certainly does lifestyle-wise  ;D
Used to be a biologist, but I'm all right now!  :D

Big Steel: I think we'll see interludes between the storms that will allow for some play-time. At least i'm right HOPING!
BTW: You gonna make it over to The Rock this year for some FUN??

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/Ironnoggin/Islander.sized.jpg)

Cheers,
Nog
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: Big Steel on November 19, 2006, 10:20:15 AM
Hey Nog, do you ever work? ;D ::) 

aYup! From May through October, I am a salt water charter operator. So get quite a good amount of time out on the Big Pond each year chasing springs, halis, coho, and whatever else happens along. I take time "off" from that to do a little commercial trolling with Area G (WCVI). Then I intentionally take 4 months off December - March to chase steelhead. Doesn't keep us wealthy in terms of economics, but certainly does lifestyle-wise  ;D
Used to be a biologist, but I'm all right now!  :D

Big Steel: I think we'll see interludes between the storms that will allow for some play-time. At least i'm right HOPING!
BTW: You gonna make it over to The Rock this year for some FUN??

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/Ironnoggin/Islander.sized.jpg)

Cheers,
Nog

Well, I am certainly going to try, I have never fished the Island rivers yet, but have been looking forward to it for a long time!!  Why, would you like to be my guide? ;D ;D
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: IronNoggin on November 19, 2006, 10:31:46 AM
Can't "guide" persee in the fresh water. Actually have no interest in doing so, as I very much consider that My Time. Otherwise I would have pursued that years ago... If you need the services of one, I know several very good ones here personally, and would be happy to point you in the right direction. A lot of folks come over, engage a guide for one or two days, then go solo a day or two after. Good way to get to know the rivers, the spots, and what's working of late...

That said, I've been known to tag along with a Buddy while they're exploring the local flows from time to time  ;) ;D

Cheers,
Nog
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: Bozzo on November 21, 2006, 11:14:47 PM
I've just registered and wanted to say hello.  I was a member on another site for a few years, but when I cancelled my internet during my 2-year-hellish-home building experience, I haven't been able to get them to accept my new e-mail address.  It seems to conflict with either my previous one or someone else's, so I've given up trying to contact them and have moved on to this Discussion Forum... that seems to have a great group.  Although I've been visiting this site for months now, I didn't register earlier, because I had nothing to add... the worst fishing year that I can remember.

So, now that I've found this thread, I'd like to add a photo of my only landed-steelhead in my fishing history (2003).  I hope this will be a good Karma thing for this winter's efforts.  Hopefully I can get out enough to land another.

Here's my proud moment that will never be forgotten:
(http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r216/Bozzo67/VedderSteelhead-12Feb03-NetPost.jpg)

After landing her, I was worried to see some signs of blood.  So, I held her in the freezing current for a number of minutes until it felt like my hands were going to fall off.  Seeing that the blood sign had stopped a minute or two earlier, I attempted to lift one of my hands to my mouth and SPLASH... the sleeping beauty awoke and bulleted back into the run leaving me wet and numb... and smiling.
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: Fish Assassin on November 22, 2006, 12:39:40 AM
Welcome Bozzo. BTW nice steelie
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: Kelso on November 22, 2006, 12:39:18 PM
Welcome to FWR. Nice pic. I am hoping to pick up my first one this year.
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: Hook Set on November 22, 2006, 05:52:34 PM
Welcome. Nice steely, looking for my first one this year.
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: IronNoggin on November 22, 2006, 06:06:53 PM
Nice Fish Bozzo!! Good on ya for the successfull release!!

Decided to give up the bush and chasing cloven hooves for the morning today. Turns out, that was the RIGHT decision!!  ;D

First of the season for me, and a Fine day to be out 'n about!!

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/Tracks/FirstWint_06.sized.jpg)

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/Tracks/Limit.jpg)

Now trying to decide whether to try and get another day like that in, or back to the sodden bush.... :-\

Cheers,
Nog
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: Big Steel on November 22, 2006, 06:10:59 PM
Nice Fish Bozzo!! Good on ya for the successfull release!!

Decided to give up the bush and chasing cloven hooves for the morning today. Turns out, that was the RIGHT decision!!  ;D

First of the season for me, and a Fine day to be out 'n about!!

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/Tracks/FirstWint_06.sized.jpg)

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/Tracks/Limit.jpg)

Now trying to decide whether to try and get another day like that in, or back to the sodden bush.... :-\

Cheers,
Nog

You Bugger!! ;D ;D  Nice Job Matt.  Nice to see one, which I believe would be the first posted this year!! ;)  BTW, nice teeth!!
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: IronNoggin on November 22, 2006, 06:17:50 PM
You Bugger!! ;D ;D  Nice Job Matt.  Nice to see one, which I believe would be the first posted this year!! ;)  BTW, nice teeth!!

First ONE? Ummmm.... Nope, that'd be TWO, a limit you see  ;)

Between me and 2 Buddies, we were into heavy double digits today. Kinda toying with the idea of an "evening hunt", as the morning appears to be spoken for  :D

Yeah, the choppers are doing a decent job these days. Deer steaks mmmm YUMMY!

Cheers,
Nog
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: TrophyHunter on November 22, 2006, 06:20:24 PM
yikes !!  those are some beautiful fish Noggin... I think it is time to head to the island for some fishing !!
nuttin going on over this way yet
TR
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: EZ_Rolling on November 22, 2006, 06:26:09 PM
Nice fish  ;D
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: THE_ROE_SLINGER on November 22, 2006, 06:35:41 PM
Nice fish Noggin!!
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: leaping steely on November 22, 2006, 07:20:14 PM
Nice fish!! I can't wait to hook the first of the season!! ;)
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: Bozzo on November 22, 2006, 08:23:15 PM
:o Nicely done IronNoggin.  I was shocked at how early your catch was, unless your a Charlotte's resident or North-West Vancouver Islander... I'm I right?  As for the hunting, as a kid, it was the plentiful Van-Island blacktails for us.  However, later-years, we migrated into the Okanagan and have hunted that region 95% of the time since.  How are the deer populations doing there; have they recovered from our over-harvest (back in the 80's) and predation from wolves & cougars?  It sounds like the times are good again... if we're talking Vancouver Island.
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: Pat AV on November 23, 2006, 04:42:47 PM
Seems like alot of people like the photo contest idea, all we need now is the approval of the admin and some fish to show up on the mainland.

Nice pics Ironnog and bozzo!
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: IronNoggin on November 24, 2006, 02:20:17 PM
...I was shocked at how early your catch was, unless your a Charlotte's resident or North-West Vancouver Islander... I'm I right? 

aYup, you've got it right. Vancouver Islander through and through.
The deer are slowly recovering around here. I've seen more in the last 2 years than I had in the previous 4 or 6. Even so, they aren't what you'd call "plentifull". Makes for an interesting challenge...

Was supposed to get an early hunt in yesterday, but my partner had already heard of the day before's fishing success, and showed up with both his rifle, and his centerpin set-up... LOL!
Long story short, we ended up playing a fair number of steelhead through the morning, and right into the afternoon. Meant getting to the hunting fields a tad late, and there we encountered white-out conditions! So, while no joy with the horns, there certainly was with the steelhead! And yeah Bozzo, even for here, that's rather early! Earliest I've recorded them in over 10 years! But then again, I'm not usually chasing them until December...

Another pix for you from yest. I think that would be 3, 4, and 5 for the first of the season?  ;D

(http://gallery.fishbc.com/albums/Tracks/2ndDay.jpg)

One of course is a Buddy's, the other two mine. One destined for an elder Buddy's supper table, the other for candy. And that's likely the last that will see the hammer from me for the forseeable future. C&R from here on in methinks...

Hope you're getting into a few SOON!

Cheers,
Nog
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: scruffy on November 25, 2006, 03:03:52 AM
those are some nice fish nog congrats  ;D
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: Bozzo on November 25, 2006, 12:59:35 PM
IronNoggin: "supper table, the other for candy".

I have yet to taste Adiposeless Migrating Metal.  I've heard from most that the smoker is the best way to eat them, but a few have said they love 'em baked or simply prepared.  What's your preference?

Also, you seem to have a great catch per hours-spent ratio.  If you don't mind, can you tell me if you mainly use bait, wools or hardware?

Sorry to pry, but you've got my motor running. :o
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: Fish Assassin on November 25, 2006, 01:11:23 PM
I like good cured roe.
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: IronNoggin on November 25, 2006, 06:49:51 PM
HiYa Bozzo,

Preference? Hmmmm... I very much like the candied version - Yummy! That said, from time to time I also like them smoked on the BarBee. So kinda an either or thing I guess.
But most years I kill less than a half dozen. This year will be no different. Seems more and more these days, I'd rather return to hunt them again, or offer that back to another, over making grits out of them  ;)

Quote
you seem to have a great catch per hours-spent ratio.

LOL!  :D Not always, that IS For Sure!
Sometimes you land on 'em, sometimes you don't. Regardless, it is as much the Pursuit more than anything else. I've had many many days where I've been skunked, many more when I've walked away with a serious grin, having shaken hands with but one or two. Those rare Gravy Days are far and few between, and of course, result in a PermaGrin that is actually disturbing to some ;D  :D

Quote
If you don't mind, can you tell me if you mainly use bait, wools or hardware?

It all depends...
Where and when bait is open, there is a host of things that will work. Just now, the hottest thing we locals can fling out there is obviously chumly roe, whether singles (bagged) or skein. These were the last to spawn in most systems, and therefore the most likely delicacy the steelhead encountered on their way upstream. At other times, roe from springs or coho will work better. Sometimes shrimp (or prawns) is the answer, and often sand (ghost) shrimp is unbeatable. All depends on the timing...

Most systems, bait is a non-issue in that it's use is Verboten. There, I like egg imitations whether flies or plastic as a first drift item. After that, natural coloured rubber worms (when clear water) or pinkos when a tad off colour to dirt. Have caught the odd handfull on spin-n-glos, corkies, and even Colorado blades, but for me, these latter are almost always the last in the arsenal to be tried. Some of my Buddies do well on spinners and spoons, and under the right circumstances they can be deadly.

Nothing new there, same old - same old actually. I personally think a lot of it boils down to the right place at the right time. Of course that occasionally pays off better when you've done your homework, understand the type of water they tend to prefer under varying circumstances and how to "read" the flow for where that might be. One's potential for having the "right terminal" increases with the understanding of that, and the individual river.

Pursuing steelhead is amongst my most favorite pastimes, more like an obsession some say. Kinda like hunting, I find it more akin to that than most other fisheries I engage in. Often it hurts, a few days you grin, and on some rare days there's glory. Just the way it works.
I am of the opinion that the more time you put in out there, the greater will be your understanding of how it might be working on the occasion you're there. And likely as importantly, the next time you're looking.

Cheers,
Nog
Title: Re: The New and Improved Steelhead Thread :)
Post by: Bozzo on November 25, 2006, 08:22:19 PM
Thanks for answering in such detail... It was a great read.