The blur, is when the days seem to run together, running around like a chicken that recently had its neck chopped. Getting up far too early and going to bed way too late. While no two days are the same, with a schedule of eat, sleep, fish, they tend to blur into one.
A sight that never seems to get old, sunrise.
Honestly, I wouldn't trade it for anything, truth.
Jim Ansite with what fills our thoughts, a perfect wild hen that just "went".
The river has shown us some exceptional days as well as days where we work our a$$es off for that one rise. What you do with that rise is up to you, let him eat it and enjoy the thrills of what make steelhead the greatest gamefish or jerk-it away from him and hang your head in shame, it's your decision, I've been there too, trust me.
Fourth times a charm, after going 0 for 3, Victor Yee finally makes my day and gets one to hand!
Just running a fly through water like this is satisfying.
Always a good time with Rick Knapp, his first North Umpqua summer steelhead. And no, he's not coming for your goat, ha.
Arturo Budnik from Chile with his first steelhead ever. The fishing was tough this day. Close to last light, I had my head down, thinking it just wasn't gonna happen, as much as I wanted to show Arturo a fish. It was just one of those days the North throws at you sometimes. With my head down, the reel started clicking out, "Arturo's just pulling line for the next cast", I thought. The reel continues to scream, I look up to see the line diving across the river, "LIFT! LIFT!" I yell. Arturo stares at me blankly, I lift the rod and put the hook home. Arturo who doesn't speak good english, on the ride back to the Dogwood," I never heard "Lift" before, took me while comprehend, hahahaha!!". Good times!
"Sweep the leg" Chris Marto having a good time, what it's all about.
The most genuine hand shake, every North fish landed gets a shake but, your first, and on a dry, definitely is the best. Mike Ivy with a smile after his first.
The moment I enjoy the most, getting to hold and admire one for a second. Mike Ivy's first!
Craig Neilson, head guide/owner of www.shastatrout.com with a bright buck that must of jumped 6 times. The best part for me at least, was watching this buck come for the fly, being perched in a tree I saw everything. The fish chased the dry down, turned away and then turn back around and rushed it with an explosive take.
Eric White with a "sunfish", they always seem a bit brighter and hotter when taken in the sun. Congrats Eric!
Shaun Britt with an impressive buck, this is the one you fish for all summer. Probably 4 epic cartwheels, backing and the threat of leaving the pool, oh yeah, and the "oh shit" factor the entire fight. This was 1 of 6 we saw that day! Sometimes you step into the right spots at the right time.
Sunset, another sight that never gets old.
It's a rare case these days when you're surprised when you catch a hatchery fish. There's not many places in the states like the North, probably the only one. Let's keep it that way.
Rich & that black dog named Bo who wants to eat your fish.