I've been guilty of doing my share of complaining on the board lately. I don't like it. Seems to me the board has taken on a more-or-less gloomy tone because of all the up-coming turmoil with seasons and god know's what else. I find myself getting caught up in it WAY more than I should because it's been effecting my mood and that, in turn, effects other people.

So, I've been doing some thinking about my options this winter and the attitude I'll need. I'm taking the high road!!

It's so easy to forget that we have some the best rivers on earth not just for numbers but beauty. Indeed, a day spent doing our thing on the river is a day well spent. Alot of us (myself included) could use some reminding of that fact.

What I would like this thread to evolve into now is to know what's gone RIGHT with your week in the world of steelheading! Don't have to give tips and secrets. It could be something as simple as finding a mint condition favorite plug someone hung up on the bottom that you were able to retrieve or
seeing a herd of elk in an area you'd never seen em' in before.

Go get em' and enjoy your season!

I think this board has been sounding pretty good......must be the drift off ChuckNDuck's thread....

Good call Eric....
My fishing partner, Steve, and I did the Ben Howard to Tualco drift on the Sky yesterday. It was our first time on this drift, so it was cool to see and learn new water. We've done the upper drift numerous times, thought we'd try to hit some down low. Saw two, chromer fish roll right next to our boat. No fish caught for us yesterday, however, had a great time with a great friend, fishing, BS'ing....looking forward to doing all over again next saturday and every weekend after that until the end of Feb!

Kev

Thanks for the good thoughts Eric, your good cheer inspired me to come up with a random fish story generator that hopefully will entertain and put everyone in a better mood! Check it out at: Random Fish Story Generator

I went to the Kalama on Sunday and decided to fish some water I don't usually fish. I had a friend with me and a good idea of where I wanted to get on the river. Unfortunately, in the dark, I missed the spot by one rock and another fellow got the spot I'd hoped for. We watched him catch 3 nice fish, including at least 1 winter fish. But the part that saved the day was this guy, Joe, who came along while we were fishing. He was a friend of the guy on the lucky rock. This is the second time I've met Joe and he is a really good fisherman. He fishes jigs that he ties up himself and they are pieces of art.

The first time I met him was back in June. I was fishing below this same spot and I watched him three times hook up from this same lucky rock and wade down through the slot into the riffles where I was, chasing these nice summer fish. On the third time down we started talking and, as he was done for the day, he took me up to this rock, showed me exactly what he was fishing over and exactly the jig and set-up he was using. He was friendly and knowlegeable and just had a great attitude about the sport. He didn't mind sharing some knowledge and I even got a few jigs off him for a nominal amount.

I found him to be the same on Sunday and it was good to see him again. I'm a pretty intense fisherman and have been accused of not even taking time to breathe while I'm fishing. I was kicking myself pretty hard for not getting us into the right spot. We got to talking a little about jig fishing and he showed me a couple of jigs that he'd had luck on lately. The jigs he showed me were ones I'd buy by the dozen if I saw them for sale.

Anyway, that put a pleasant spin on an otherwise frustrating day and I was able to learn a little to boot. So its this kind of thing that, if I can't catch a fish, makes the experience worth while in any event. If you can't have the river to yourself, it's nice to meet good people, with good attitudes, who aren't looking at you like you are trespassing on their mothers' graves and who are just pleasant to fish beside.

So I took time to breathe and enjoyed my day, despite only watching people catch fish.

To me a good day on the river does not have to = fish for me. I have to say I do like catching fish and feel I get my fair share. But there is real joy in being on the river. Some of the best times have been with my kid and his friends. Believe me taking two 11 yr olds keeps you real busy. But it is sure fun to see them hook in to a fish. First there is the suprise on the face when the pole goes down. Them the fear of the fish getting away. This turns to(I really want to get this fish). Them ( hurry and get it in the net) on to (do I have to touch that thing ?) Next the ( I can't wait to show Mom) this is followed by ( OK when do I get the next one) To share this feeling is great. This is what makes being on the river great.

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dank
Keep The Rivers Clean!

Good responses. Anyone else?

I think I've found my new winter gem! The shush-shush! We have been landing 5-10 fish a day. When everybody runs out to the coast in march the natives are in the shush-shush too. I landed a 16lb nate on Dec. 1st. Thats the earliest nate I've ever caught. I'll still fish the duc and hoh but its going to be a real zoo. I guess all these new regs mean you have to go learn new rivers and or get up early M-F on the coast. Also I just bought a spot-light for floatin' down the duc' in the dark! Its going to be fun!!!

Very mature words you speak, Eric. Bravo!! Anyways, today I learned that clear leader works better than green leader in clear water, and also that 10lb test won't hang with Chum! Oh well, it was still a blast! It IS a much better world than we usually think it is, and this area is a nice part of it. Fish on!

I really enjoy seeing eagles when I'm on the river during winter. You don't have to float the Skagit, or drive long distances to spot them roosting in trees, flying just above the river, or soaring high overhead. Right now, a half dozen or more are hanging out along the Cedar River feeding on sockeyes and seagulls. When I fish the Snoqualmie, I usually see eagles cruising the river looking for chum carcasses. Spotting a fully-colored, mature bald eagle can make you temporarily forget about the skunking the wiley steelhead are giving you!