Anticipation was high on the Skykomish River this week. The opening of salmon and steelhead season had highway 2 crawling with drift boats, jet sleds, and bank anglers ready to hook into the first fish of the season. Our day started at High Bridge just above Gold Bar. We slipped the “Fish Craft” drift boat into the emerald green water and rowed up just above the launch to pull shrimp and eggs through the soft inside slot just under the bridge. Minutes into probing the hole with bait divers the left side rod bowed down under the weight of a curious steelhead. The expert guide JR Hall held back for a split second until the anxious steelhead devoured the shrimp. The battle was on, a chrome streak made its way up and down the slot. JR passed the rod to his buddy John Czech who fought and landing his first steelhead.
A few holes down river above the clay bank there is a beautiful soft run above a large creek just tucked under some overhanging cedars. We stopped to float eggs and within minutes a bobber disappeared and reappeared with a big bright steelhead attached to it. Rookie John Czech had his second steelhead of the day and this one was a fighter. After 10 minutes of aerial displays, long runs, and nervous head shakes the elusive steelhead surrendered. John Czech went home with his first two bright Skykomish River steelhead, stories, and a smile a mile wide. Come fish the Sky with me!
Always Believe
Tim Burke
Believe River Guide Service
425-435-9070