Ramstrong
08-19-2008, 06:15 PM
I thought some of you might be interested in a report from my first Salmon trip to the Fahey on Margaree River. It was phenomenal in every way. My wife is from Nova Scotia and last week was my first time there with a bug rod. Her Uncles sent me on my way with some directions to the hole and not much more.
When I arrived, there were four anglers working the run. Since I was directed there by family and didn't really research, I didn't know what to expect. While I was rigging up at the bench, a nice gentleman hooked a fish that I'd guess was 17-20#. Unfortunately it was lost at the beach. I was excitedly waiting for my turn to hit the run as fish started to roll in the pool. While rigging I was observing the method employed by the locals. I soon recognized the steelhead swing that I'm so used to.
I tied on my steelhead confidence fly "freight train" and went to town. In the middle of the drift I raised my first fish. Unfortunately, the hook point broke at the bend on hookset. I placed another fly on the tippet and continued working my way down the run. Once I got to the tail, magic happened. As I was skating my fly, I watched a salmon nose out of the water and slurp my fly just like a rainbow would. A quick hookset and the fight was on.
After growing up in Oregon catching Steelhead and Salmon, all I can say about the Atlantic Salmon is that it's like the perfect combination of a Steelhead and a Chinook. Bulldogging at the bottom, long runs, tail walking, and a back flip. It was spectacular. My brother in law tailed it for me and we quickly taped her at 31" and then I sent her back where she belongs. The only bummer is I didn't have a camera to record my first catch. Chrome with sea lice.
Positively fantastic in every regard. I don't think I will be able to return this year, but next year I plan on being on the banks of that beautiful river trying to raise more of those beautiful fish after my Alaska trip.
When I arrived, there were four anglers working the run. Since I was directed there by family and didn't really research, I didn't know what to expect. While I was rigging up at the bench, a nice gentleman hooked a fish that I'd guess was 17-20#. Unfortunately it was lost at the beach. I was excitedly waiting for my turn to hit the run as fish started to roll in the pool. While rigging I was observing the method employed by the locals. I soon recognized the steelhead swing that I'm so used to.
I tied on my steelhead confidence fly "freight train" and went to town. In the middle of the drift I raised my first fish. Unfortunately, the hook point broke at the bend on hookset. I placed another fly on the tippet and continued working my way down the run. Once I got to the tail, magic happened. As I was skating my fly, I watched a salmon nose out of the water and slurp my fly just like a rainbow would. A quick hookset and the fight was on.
After growing up in Oregon catching Steelhead and Salmon, all I can say about the Atlantic Salmon is that it's like the perfect combination of a Steelhead and a Chinook. Bulldogging at the bottom, long runs, tail walking, and a back flip. It was spectacular. My brother in law tailed it for me and we quickly taped her at 31" and then I sent her back where she belongs. The only bummer is I didn't have a camera to record my first catch. Chrome with sea lice.
Positively fantastic in every regard. I don't think I will be able to return this year, but next year I plan on being on the banks of that beautiful river trying to raise more of those beautiful fish after my Alaska trip.