A Fall Weekend

It's hard to decide what to do on a weekend in the fall. There are so many things that one can do. From hunting big game, or going after some ducks, taking the dog out for some pheasants, or deciding what river to go to and fish for some fall browns or maybe even head west and try one's luck at catching a steelhead. This past weekend we decided to go try our luck. Now I will admit that I had pretty much written off Spey rods and Steelheading because I just didn't think it was my thing. I had accepted the fact that I would just stick to a Montana fall and hunt and fish closer to home. But when the opportunity arose, I couldn’t pass up the chance to try it one last time.

So we packed up the truck and the boat, along with the Spey Rods' (and yes I brought the trusty over-hand 8wt cause I just knew I would get frustrated with my cast) and headed west stopping in Missoula to pick up a couple more who wanted to go (Paul and Cornfed).

After a very entertaining and enjoyable road trip down, and I do mean entertaining, we got into camp in Idaho right about mid-night. The next day came very early and we were on the river a little late, but none the less we were on the river.

After the first few casts with the Spey, I was starting to get frustrated and knew why I had written off this rainy, cold, and miserable time that a lot of people love called steelheading. If I remember right I sat down on a rock, took a breather, and decided I would try my luck again. After working the rod some more, a few pointers from Dobson, I started getting more comfortable with it. Couple hours went by and Wike hooks into one, lands it, and now I'm heated! I head straight for the top of the run and fish the same run just knowing that I can do this stuff.

Nothing!

I go to the boat, tie on a new fly and head right back up to the top of the run. A few casts later, I don't know what's happening. Mid-swing, I felt the take, lifted the rod, and low and behold, IT WAS ON!!! Not knowing what to say or do for a brief moment, I think I yelled, "Wik....I got one," in a silent but excited tone of voice. After landing my first Steelhead on the swing, working on the spey cast, I realized why there is such a love for these fish, and this style of fishing. Just like there is the love for permit, or tarpon, or a rising trout on the Mo' they all have their different twist on things, and they are all something that I will go back to try my luck on again.