What a difference a little rain makes



Joe with a chrome hen



After weeks of running through low clear water in freezing  temperatures, the prospect of fishing in balmy 48 degree weather with a little rain falling was a welcome change. 

The over all river flows didn't rise as much as I had hoped, but the shot of fresh water in the system seemed to freshen the river up some and add that hint of steel head green to the river.  We didn't hook a ton of fish....truthfully we worked hard, covered water well and had two really great hookups to show for it.  Our first was a fish of dreams...large, wild and full of fight.  After a long and technical battle that covered nearly 400 yards of river and ended in a large stump wad,  the hook let loose.  Some times the fish win....It has been said I truly believe that the fish you never forget...are the ones that battle ferociously but get away.  They have a way of coming back in fishing stories and grow larger with each telling. 

Fortunately, our consolation prize was this beautiful wild hen steel head who gave a great account of herself. She spent a large part of the fight in the air and scrambling around the pool.  Luck was with us this time and we were able to slip a net under her and get a few pictures before we sent her back to the river.