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
On a misty morning this Puget Sound tributary held some of the finest fighting fish of the season.
Both of the chrome bright natives were found in the soft inside high bank water.
With reels screaming and fisherman praying the early morning produced a beautiful catch and release.
Proper presentation and determination seemed to be the magic formula for the day.
Patience is a virtue for many steelheader’s with so many beautiful scenes to enjoy on the trip.
The most important part is the awesome people you get to spend the day with.
Always Believe!
Tim
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
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!
