As a buddy said this morning... "I've fished in rain, sleet, snow & wind. Now I can say I've fished it all at the same time!" On the river an hour before daylight. The time spent waiting for light was the best as far as weather is concerned. As soon as it got light the wind started, then the rain, then the sleet, then the snow joined the party. Now THIS is winter steelheading!! River is low and clear, but not TOO low. Started out with dark colors and hit the only fish of the day right off. She took my jig and then proceeded to show me who was running the show. Sat on the bottom for a bit, then slowly headed out to the middle of the river, then downstream. Just as I started to run after her with that sinking feeling that she was going to spool me she turned and started giving line back, but still on her terms. Finally after another short burst I outlasted her and she reluctantly gave herself up. A textbook net job by my buddy and it was all over. Fished until about 1pm and it was the only take I had all day. Went with two other friends who blanked with a combined 4 missed take downs (the wind made mending line nearly impossible) and a lost fish (big buck). slow Slow SLOW for this time of year.
Fish weighed out at 9.2# with a pound of eggs. Sorry for the quality of the pic. Took it quick with numb fingers while the truck was warming up. I think I need a bigger truck cooler!

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