I had the privilege of taking my best friend Joe Bolin and his two sons Cortez and James steelhead fishing over the Thanksgiving holiday. We had a couple days before the river closed for the season so we loaded up the boat on Black Friday and set off. One of the great things about winter steelhead fishing is the sun doesn’t rise until after 7 am and fisherman can sleep in compared to summer fishing which demands a very early morning.
After stopping at the Red Apple Market for coffee and donuts we slipped down the hill and slid the boat in the town run. The first row through was a rod slammer with Joe’s rod buckling under the pressure of an angry steelhead. After releasing a beautiful wild fish we went back for more. The second pass gave us another takedown but the fish got away. On our third pass James’s rod hooked up but the fight only lasted for a minute before the elusive steelhead spit the hook. So we made our way to the sewer hole and it was a chaotic fight. While we were letting lines out Cortez screamed in delight as a big native steelhead snatched up his presentation.
Joe and Cortez had both landed steelhead while James waited patiently for another chance. At the root wad hole, it was James’s turn. Under the big leaning pine, deep in the green water we found success.
We had a great day and the best thing in the world was spending time with my best buddy Joe and his boys. They love to fish and can’t wait to get back out on the water.
Always Believe!