Not sure the last time I heard “fish-on, fish-off, fish-on” all in the same sentence. I wasn’t sure who was more confuse, me, my brother, or the chrome lighting bolt trying to steal his fly.
Coastal Steelhead
Compassionwacky
“Just put me on a gravel bar and let me swing flies” were the exact words from David Brandhagen from Pendleton Oregon. He made short work of this bucket and found a nice steelie hanging in the soft seam.
Compassionwacky is a term he uses to explain the feeling of “swinging gravel bars”, makes sense right…
Pick Pocket
Its one thing to start fishing behind someone and catch a fish but its another thing to do it twice. Although my catch was not as big as my brothers he’ll never let me fish behind him again.
Nice job landing my fish Davy!
the second pick pocket
First Run “Red”
My brother drove up from central Oregon and met us for lunch on this beautiful peninsula river. He is a husband, dad, and school administrator with a busy life. After enjoying some bbq’d dogs we pushed off for an afternoon float. On our fist bucket “Red” we call him swung up this beauty on his third cast.
with the battle raging the prize was soon insight.
all smiles
ended the day with a beautiful sunset
it was “Red’s day” and we all felt blessed to see God’s glory displayed
Steel Will
The greatest quality found in the heart of a winter steelhead fisherman is perseverance. The willingness to endure the elements over come the odds and swing through every drift is no small task.
Will Chester is one of those fisherman who stands out on the cobble strewn banks of this lower peninsula river. With his #7 weight 13/6 hand crafted Meiser Rod in hand the advantage of shimmering chrome and a screaming Hardy Perfect sings true to a “steel will”!
Those who swing to the end often find a reward!
Always Believe
Tim Burke
Monster Oregon Coast Native
Enjoy watching this beautiful 41.5 inch Oregon Coast Native Steelhead.
Not often does one experience such a catch!
Oregon Coast Native Steelhead
2014 Keizer Steelhead Tournament
The Oregon Coast is home to some of the most enticing steelhead rivers in the Northwest. For the past six years local fishermen from Salem/Keizer have hosted an invitational steelhead tournament. This fishing derby focuses on 4 rivers the Siletz, Nestucca, Wilson, and Alsea. Fishermen are tasked with choosing what they believe will be the most productive body of water in hopes of having the best chances at catching the elusive steelhead. Over two days 5 boats and 15 fishermen compete to accumulate the most inches of fish.
The truth about the tournament is not just exceptional fishing but home brewed beer from PBH Brewing, outstanding meals provided by chief David Bauer, and the wealth of knowledge brought by each angler.
This year was exceptional with 23 steelhead caught and 576 total inches of fish. Congratulations to all they guys for an outstanding job!
Here is a picture of my friend Dennis and I with his beautiful 41 inch native steelhead caught on the Nestucca River just above the 101 Cafe in Beaver, Oregon.
The following pictures are of this years tournament winners!
