A bit of a solution

an engineering fix for smolt mortality , but removing the dams would be better.

Connectivity

If we can restore the connectivity we can restore the populations.

The Greatest Migration from EP Films on Vimeo.

Steelheading 2010

My biggest problem when taking pictures on a fishing trip is that I really like to fish and never take time out to shoot (I am not sure how those of you like JayMore, Corey K, and FV manage to do both)..... so when I took my 4 year old son back to Idaho for a quick chrome outing with his grandparents, well I didn't get enough pics.

Now I am not a cinematographer, and partnered with my lack of photo skills, I do not produce the best videos....... but I try.

We fished 2 days, got some nice fish and had a memorable time. My son had a lot of fun, floated the river, fished a bit, rowed a bit, and played with sticks and rocks a lot. He enjoyed his trip with his grandparents and was a great fishing partner.

I am trying to build memories with my kids and hope to make a steelhead outing a yearly experience. As grandpa and grandma also had a great time, this may be an easier sell to Ivana (disguise my chrome addiction as a family outing).

My mother caught the first steelhead of the trip, and her first fish since our Alaska outing years ago. I tied into a few the first day, but it wasn't until the 2nd day that Dad and I landed fish. Both wild, hard fighting, big and both within a couple dozen feet of the other.

Dad picked up 1/2 dozen out of this hole but only managed to land a couple. He did find a very productive hole and had one big bruiser bust his hook.

I took my new spey rod and cast it for the first time. I need spey lessons ;) but I still managed to get into fish.



For the bigger, better version of the video click here.

Steelhead sneak peek

Well until I can put together a montage of some of the pics and video clips from last weekend's steelhead outing...... I give you my current gear. 13' 7-8 Echo Classic Spey with Allen & Co. Alpha 9-10, and Allen spey line and my G Loomis 10' 8 wt GL with Allen & Co. XL 8 with 9 wt fast sink line.



The trip north and west was good and everyone except little L (4 yrs old) landed at least 1 steelhead. Even so, L had fun.



I will post more when I get the montage put together.

Magic

There is a indescribable beauty in the MF Salmon River at Dagger Falls. Above the falls the river splits into its headwater creeks; Marsh Creek and Bear Creek, which remain among the best spawning habitat for Salmon and Steelhead any where in the world. And the fish that make the 900 or so mile 6500 foot climb from the ocean to these headwaters are among the "most fit" any where.

Salmon Film Teaser from Epicocity Project on Vimeo.

The mortality rate introduced by the dams on the Columbia is atrocious. But despite the dams, the returns for the last couple of years have been good. It is hard to know how much longer these runs can endure. I am taking my 4 year old boy up to Salmon in late October so that he can build some memories of this river and these fish while there are still fish.......................

steelhead ties

Pulled the trigger and bought the tickets. My 4 year old and I are headed to the Salmon River on a 3 day lightning chrome run so I have been at the vice. Copying patterns we got from Rocky Maley and Marty Howard at the IF fly expo. Man those guys can tie!




I figure though it is going to cost a bit, it is worth my sanity to get a cold water and mountain fix.

Tex Hex

A little Pflugerville hexagenia action from my front yard.



Recently purchased a new DPS, still trying to learn macro. Too exposed and not enough detail. Now to figure out where he came from so I can toss big mayflies to hungry bass.