My morning opened up, and I needed a fix of nature, exercise and adventure that the river could provide. I was a little concerned about the river levels, because the rain came down hard the night before. Morning came, but unexpected chores and preparation delayed me. Sound familiar? With a late departure, I decided to go close, reaching Thomas Eddy at 8:00am. There was only one car already in the parking lot. I was armed with a few creations to support floating or drift fishing from shore. Also had cured eggs, fish or shrimp oil and live sand shrimp (Compliments of John’s Fishing and tackle – Thanks John!) I had never used sand shrimp before, but I was ready to try. There were several great spots with Eddy currents to test my floating skills with a pink and white jig. I found some open water too that required use of the waders in a slow current. The sun came out from the clouds and glistened on the river. A 3’ Steelhead leaped completely out of the river, about 30’ in front of me. I quickly cast just upstream of the fish, but no bite. Then added shrimp to my jig and donated a few of them to the river. Goose egg, but fine day with the water all to myself. I rated this a 1, to comply with the rules when no fish are caught, but it was a 3.5-4 in my mind. Happy fishing!

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