First real trip.

 
Myself and one friend headed up early Monday morning.  We got our licenses and gear and went straight to Sportsmans.  We fished for a couple hours and it was my typical nothing but a bunch of snags.  We went back to the lodge and a great deal for a guide landed in our lap so we signed up for Tuesday morning.  We met the guide at 0430 and waited for two hours at the "spot."  We used his gear and he taught us the proper way to fish for the salmon and steelhead, although we didn't really do much for steelhead.  I am shocked at how technical salmon fishing really is.  Whether it be the proper line sizes, hook size, type of bait, where you throw it, when to reel back in, etc.  Then landing the fish.....................That is a whole other story.  We fished for a good 8.5 straight hours in the same spot, and my friend and I must have fought at least 20 fish.  He landed two and I landed one.  I would have never though it would be so hard to land these things.  They spit the hook, line snaps, whatever the case was.....it was not easy, and very tiring.  I was soo excited to land my first fish, I fought it for a good 20min., and as soon as the guide netted the fish, I saw his face drop.  With a down face he told me I had foul hooked it and had to let it go.  While I was upset, I let it go and it was still a rush.  We were still able to bring some filets and smoked fish home.  I definitely learned a lot about the gear and where to fish and how to fish properly for them.  I give props to the guide Dave from Clearwater Anglers.  Really knowledgeable and super nice guy.  We fished a couple hours later that day with no luck.  We went to the town hole yesterday morning and didn't have any luck, but saw one guy out of 40 slaying them around the bend.  Every cast he had a fish on, yet everyone around him, including myself, didn't have one bite.  I did see one nice Steelhead get caught.  I also went to the hatchery yesterday and that was a pretty cool site to see.  As far as Salmon Heaven Lodge went......it was awesome.  Owners were really nice, it was clean, other people staying there were all regulars, had coffee and continental bfast out pretty much all day.  I did stay in the new RV, with two beds, one bath, brand new.....couldn't complain.  Definitely recommend it to everyone.  One other thing.....I got to fish with a fly rod a good part of the day with the guide and I have the fever now.  Anyone have any recommendations on a decent, not so pricey fly rod for a newbie? 

Ask Pafisher for the name of the switch  rod he bought- really nice for the money. Casts great and a real fish fighter.  Redington has some decent starter stuff.  For reel  bargains, see Uglyfish's reply to Clint about the Orvis reel.  For a  bit more money,  the Lamson is a good choice.  If you plan to fish alot more, spend the extra money.  I'm glad you got into them. Nothing wrong with hiring a guide that has all the knowledge and experience for the water you're on. Most good ones are like good teachers. They're commited to their clients and enjoy sharing all they've learned. Awesome you got a good one. Another reason to look forward to this winter is the Salmon Heaven Lodge, thanks for the report, my wife and I are looking forward to staying there.   Great report!!!!!!!!!!!

I recently purchased a switch rod from Skip Storch,he has a website called ShuFly,it is 11 ft 8 wt and can be bought for $125 with carrying case.It has a soft enough action to go to a light tippit for Steel,and enough backbone to subdue the King.I gave it the maximum test on my annual trip for salmon and really had it bent during the battle,passed the test with flying colors.The only compaint is the reel lock down is  n't real smooth but it works well enough.
I know Dave and he is a great guy that knows his stuff,too bad the water is so low as he could have really showed you something from the drift boat.
Now that you have experienced the right way to do it you are bitten with the fever and you will need lots of medicine to get well again
Good thing I'm already booked for next year as the cat's out of the bag now!

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Great job, it is easy getting hooked on the fly rod.  I have a Cortland Pro Cast 8 wt pole , it is  a quite nice entry level rod with a lifetime warranty for around $100.  Already broke twice both my fault and replaced with no ?'s at the Cortland store.  One time the line wrapped around the 2nd eye down and it pulled out once the line wrapped around the tip.   Both times lucky enough to get a fish and not see it in time .    My Okuma SLV 7/8 reel has served me pretty well for reasonable  price and I have had no real issues with it other than I want something a bit nicer and to be able to have a back up and a spare to loan out if necessary