Pulled into ellis cove lot at 7, it was empty so I grabbed a rod and headed down stream. Got to below where this pic was taken and saw two fish slowly moving upstream both kings and about 12 to 15 pounds did not get to cast to them and just watched them swim upstream.

Walked all the way to the trestle without another siteing except for one guy sitting in a chair on the island above snaggers run, that spot sucks and so do the guys that fish it!
River was beautiful this morning and I really needed a morning that did not envolve work!

Walked back to the truck and headed to my favorite stretch for a peek.

Walked it twice with only one spotting so Im headed home and as Im walking up river on the trail a fish comes down stream splashing and running into the undercut of the bank. I chase it down and get a hold of it and its a beautiful steelhead about 8 pounds and not a mark on it. Try to revive it but it busts free plenty strong just could not face upstream or hold in the current, whirling desease maybe?


So my report would be not much up top and Ill be back!

The guys that tromp along that island area suk the big one.
Looked like plenty of flow.
Darn pretty.
A pretty good way to spend a day.
Next time.
 
I always thought whils affected the young trout.
Gillphucker further up river at trestle?
 
Got to force myself to start tying.
Once I start I mass produce pretty good but its like taking the first drive up for the year.
I always find an excuse to put it off.

Yea Bob by no means am I an expert on the disease but have seen it a few other times later in the season. Thought it could have been fought then released but when I grabbed the tail he was plenty strong. Sad, would have kept it for my elderly neighbor but I believe its illegal and not sure if it would be good to eat. Don't tie flys though I wish I did but I noticed Pineville open now so Ill stock up, great prices or at least they were last year. On a side note my co worker and his friend fished the staircase and ballpark for the first part of the morning and reported they saw nothing!

Sounds like you enjoyed it up there- love the vines-even more so when there are fish- lol.

Great pics, John, thanks for the report. River looks great. Wish I wasn't going  flat out and beyond.  I've been tying all summer , now I need the time to fish 'em!
 

I have just lacked the motivation to tie. I have had all this time off and have tied........... wait for it................   4 flies. 2 salmon comets for a friend to try and 2 peacock hurl little nymphs that I messed around with for something new in the box next year. I patterned it out of one of the flies from the swap with a little hackles added for legs. Looks good in theory. Size 12

John give it a try to tie your own. I have a $20 vice. Watched alot of videos, read alot of books and asked alot of questions. After you get the basics just play with it. Fish are dumb , they eat anything.

Great report John . Heck yea, a day on the water is 10 folds better then the JOB. I can't wait ( hope I live ) to retire..
It has been a tough winter and hustle of summer, now it's almost fall , geesh so I hear the lack of fishing..
Sure hope we share some water together, your a blast to fish with..
Catch one for the crew here !!
Tough toss up but I think it might be your post that puts up the first ( hell you already did ) river fish . Lol...
Peace & Tuna

    I tied a lot last year and am still yet to tie some for this year. Work has been super busy and with the season fast approaching I hit up ebay bought lots of flies and the price comes out to be about a buck a fly which you can't go wrong with that. Decently tied and and recieve them in the mail in a few days.  I allows hit up the Pineville shop great people and good prices. Thinking next Saturdaygoing to have to make the trip to do at least a little recon.

Nice pics of a fantastic river....I've tied a ton of flies, but I'll use the NFL season to tie more as I loosely watch the games....