Wilson River Report 8/21/08

[rollcast]

A friend and I hit the Wilson yesterday from 3-8PM. I caught quite a few cutthroats swinging a Borden's Special. One was a good sized fish (~15") and the rest were in the 8-11" range. All the fish were normally colored (no signs of being sea runs). However, the highlight of the day were the two fish I lost. The first came off quickly (after a short run) and was either a big cutt or a steelhead. The second fish was a large steelhead that I had on for about 15-30 seconds (seemed like an eternity) on my 5 wt. I hooked it in a large pocket (tiny pool) of water surrounded by white water. It took to the air and the rapids. My reel screamed and the fish just kept jumping and getting further and further away. When I was most of the way through my backing it came unhooked on a jump. It took a really long time to reel all that line back on my little reel. That was one of the most exhilarating moments of my fishing life! (That was the first steelhead that I ever hooked flyfishing). I am still jazzed about this fish.

For anyone thinking of going, the water was perfect yesterday! It was not muddy at all (slightly greenish in the deeper holes). The visibility had to at least 5 feet.

Good luck,

[Wild Chrome]

Cool story! I was combat fishing the Deschutes, wondering if I should've gone to the coast instead. Thanks for providing my answer!

[AndyK]

That was one of the most exhilarating moments of my fishing life! (That was the first steelhead that I ever hooked flyfishing). I am still jazzed about this fish.

Great story.

Are you hooked now?

[rollcast]

Cool story! I was combat fishing the Deschutes, wondering if I should've gone to the coast instead. Thanks for providing my answer!

Your welcome. I always enjoy reading this site (even though I do not get to fish very often), it is nice to be able to give something back.

[rollcast]

Great story.

Are you hooked now?

Yes! Today at work I was still so jazzed that I could barely concentrate - on work. I hope to get out again soon. Next time I will not be as under-gunned.

[fura]

A friend and I hit the Wilson yesterday from 3-8PM. I caught quite a few cutthroats swinging a Borden's Special. One was a good sized fish (~15") and the rest were in the 8-11" range. All the fish were normally colored (no signs of being sea runs). However, the highlight of the day were the two fish I lost. The first came off quickly (after a short run) and was either a big cutt or a steelhead. The second fish was a large steelhead that I had on for about 15-30 seconds (seemed like an eternity) on my 5 wt. I hooked it in a large pocket (tiny pool) of water surrounded by white water. It took to the air and the rapids. My reel screamed and the fish just kept jumping and getting further and further away. When I was most of the way through my backing it came unhooked on a jump. It took a really long time to reel all that line back on my little reel. That was one of the most exhilarating moments of my fishing life! (That was the first steelhead that I ever hooked flyfishing). I am still jazzed about this fish.

For anyone thinking of going, the water was perfect yesterday! It was not muddy at all (slightly greenish in the deeper holes). The visibility had to at least 5 feet.

Good luck,

Wonderful report, thank you! This sounds like what fishing should be!

[Wyndknot]

What you experienced is your passage to the dark side. Your life as you and yours knew it irrevocably changed in those few seconds. Resistance is futile, go the fly shop nearest to you and establish an open account. You are destined to spend many hours and more dollars chasing the next fix. Welcome to the Brotherhood of Frozen Rod Tips, Fingers and Toes.

[Pinecone]

Great report! I'm Jealous! I've been itching to head out that way myself, I gotta make some fishin' time soon....It's been waaayy too long since I've hit any river....

Thanks for the report.

-Joseph

[K-sigfish]

I am dying to go try for some cutties. I haven't wet a line in months and really would like to learn the wilson. Anyone willing to take on a newbie to cutthroat if I spot gas money & barley pops? I am a very experienced fly angler just looking to learn some water a little closer to home!