Simms Dealer Camp

A brutal but awesome trip to the Salmon River. Went up to Pulaski to see the new line and was able to get out and fish a bit. Day one started off pleasant, but the front rolled in and it got cold. The next day we had to work for the fish, but we prevailed. Snow was coming down sideways and the wind was blowing 20mph plus. By day three we had 18 inches of snow and it didn't stop, we got out of there with the help of a bobcat and some man power just before the heavy stuff came down. Hot flies were all sucker spawn or some kind of egg pattern. Low and slow was the ticket to success.

Salmon River - Might be in Trouble

Well the past few trips on the Salmon River have been very tough. Most fisherman and guides that I have talked to said the same thing, one or no fish. A few guides that fished egg sacks and soft plastics reported that they are getting into a couple fish, but all in all its been very slow. So there will not be any fish pictures in this post, only fishing and hot lunch photos.

The main reason that I am writing this post however, is to spread the word about the dying steelhead in the river. Yes dying fish have been floating upside down, and gasping for air. When anglers first started seeing these fish, it was just thought that some jerk upstream had released the fish without reviving it, many people have tried to revive them and some actually swim away. However, later down the river they flip back over and continue to suffer as they die, and end up in the back eddies with the salmon skeletons. This past weekend two DEC boats with biologist in them were floating the river collecting fish for testing. No one know exactly what is going on, but please keep your eyes open for these dying fish, as much as you might want to revive them, I would just let them go by. Hopefully I will have more information for you soon. In the mean time keep fishing, and enjoy the winter weather!!! 

 

Salmon River - Maiden Voyage

This weekend marked the first trip for my new ride. The boat or raft, whatever you want to call it, performed perfectly. The Salmon River was the destination of choice, and a good choice it was. I took Jack and Rob, both had never caught a steelhead on the salmon, and Rob was going for his first ever. The river was a little crowded at the top, but once you got away from the crowds it was quite relaxing, and the fish were around and eating. Day one was a little slow, Jack and Rob each hooked 1 and lost them, and I got 2. The second day we left the boat on the trailer, and headed for the DSR, hoping the crowds would be less, and the fish would be fresh. Rob lost 2 and Jack went 1 for 2. Sucker spawn was the ticket, stoneflies and caddis larva were used, but they seemed to enjoy blue and chartreuse sucker spawn. It felt good to be back on the water, and it felt even better, fishing out of my new toy (or investment). Weather is starting to feel more and more like winter, headed up again this weekend, to fish a couple repeat clients!