Fishin' with MADWIZERD

[Wardendog]

I was fortunate enough to get into a drift boat with MADWIZERD very recently on the lower Sandy and had one heck of a great time.

I am here to say this guy knows the river very well and can row like there is no
tomorrow

It was my first time in a drift boat after 23 years of walking the river along with the Salmon river (when it was open for steelhead).
I am an "old school" type of fisherman with all my knowledge of drift fishing passed down to me by a loving grandfather in the Sandy Basin. He is gone now ,but his values still exist in me; I want to say that I noticed a very high level of respect for the river, fish and other fishermen that MADWIZERD showed the whole time I was out with him. He is a class act!

We drifed from Dabney to Lewis and Clark and picked up one very nice native winter steelhead. We released him promptly. I don't get to fish my streams too much anymore because I now live in Austin Texas for the last 12 years. When they were still letting fin clipped steelies over Marmot Dam I would come up to Portland every year, 2 or three times in the summer months and have my way with the steelies on all my favorite spots on my beloved Salmon river around Trail head #742 and at the confluence with the Sandy. (Anyone here ever fish that area on the Salmon?)

Anyway, I want to say I like the way MADWIZERD fishes and he is a good guy that shows respect for his surroundings. My first drift on a drift boat was a great experience.

Thanx again MADWIZERD :tongue:

Wardendog

[fishbait]

Hey, I fished with the Wiz. He is in fact a class act, He is kinda ugly and smells bad, but other than that........... :grin:

[SafetyChain]

I did my first DB fishing a few weeks ago with Wiz. I could not agree more at how much class this guy has. We did not get into any fish, but that did not hamper the experience. Catching would only been the crown jewel.

Dan had many reasons (see a former thread) to be angry while on the water. Instead, he gently explained some of the isues he observed. I learned tons that day. Mostly about river etiquette and how to read the water.

The main reason I wanted to get out with Dan is I now havce access to a DB and wanted to see how it was done. I can honestly say that I learned more than I could have asked for. There is no way I would have learned from a guide what I learned from Dan that day.

Thanks Dan.

[Wannabe]

Wardendog
When I was first married (many moons ago) I fished that area a lot. From the confluence of the salmon and sandy down to Sleepy Hollow. Caught a lot of fish. Fly fished way up the salmon off the trail too above Greens Bridge and had some good times. Most memorable experience was during the winter one time in the late afternoon at the confluence of the Sandy and Salmon. For some reason Steelhead started jumping all over down at the lower end mostly around the boulder patch. It was an incredible site. I don't know how many fish were in there but it was going on from bank to bank until dark. I believe I only hooked a couple ... but the floor show was incredible. Tight Lines
&lt))><

[Dan Christopher]

Thanks guys,
I am glad you enjoyed your trips.

Oh, and fishbait :tongue: that wasn't me that smelled, it was your secret Sturgeon sauce. :shocked:

[slamin salmon]

You lucky man. Glad you enjoyed it. Have not meet wiz yet but the time will come. Nice job writing. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

[Bankbound]

I'll second that Capt'n Dan is first class. I had a great day on the sturgeon challenge, no keepers mind you, but a great day as well. Once again thanks!!! [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

MH

[jeremysgonefishing]

Caught my first summer run just where the Salmon comes into the Sandy, in that big hole. My fishing partner, Norm, and I had to chase that fish all the way down to the parking lot. Man, I miss fishing that stretch of the river.

Glad you reminded me of those days, thanks!

Jeremy

[Ras]

Must admit, have know Wiz for several years. Did not know he was the Wiz until recently, but that's another story.

Chomped on some prime rib and taters with him and his family last night (talked as much about big game hunting as we did fishing, but that's also another story....), and have to concur with everyone else; pretty good chap. I will take everyone's word on his fishing knowledge, etiquette, and expertise. I don't question it, just have yet to experience it. Some day I am sure I will.

Here's to Madwizerd!!

Good to see you last night Dan. Take care,

Ras

[Dan Christopher]

ummmmm. Prime rib . Wiz loves prime rib.
Nice to see you and the family again ras. Like I said last night a seat will always be open for you, just let me know when and where you want to go.

Thanks again for the kind words guys. Your making me blush. :smile:

My hero too, not. :tongue:

Sounds like you are doin' good Wiz man.

I got some blue paint left over