Well, this Valentines weekend was spend waist deep with one of my many loves. It just so happens that a fishing buddy had the weekend off from family life; when the wife had planned a girls only weekend. So when an opportunity presents itself it is must fish.
The trip started with the 5 hour drive north into the Washington Okanogan country to fish cold turkey on water not seen by either of us. The Methow River flows east out of North Cascades National Park toward the mighty Columbia. It's Steelhead are the typical variety ranging in sizes from 24 to 30+ inches. It is not confirmed that some of the fish are B run fish, but a large steelhead is always possible.
This two angler exploratory/fishing party started the trip on day one floating what was supposed to be a short 5 mile stretch from Upper Burma Rd. down river to the next highway bridge. Not much knowledge of the river or it's fish was available so it was planned to take all day to finish off this stretch trying to find fishing water. It took all day in fact almost into night after a pontoon on the vessel sprang a fast leak requiring fill up every ten minutes or so. Nonetheless, the boat issues did not deter the two hearty souls from fishing as much water as possible. As night drew nearer a fellow angler was spotted fishing a run ahead. Also it was noted that a vehicle was present. In short order it was decided to ask for a lift to where the shuttle had parked our ride home.
Really the boat is not the story here. After all, we were here to do some fishing. The Methow is a real intimate river with extremely clear water with typical free stone stream structure. Running from riffle to pool the river set up for good water. After trying to fish the first few good steelhead runs without success finally in a classic looking and fishing run produced the first fish of the day. This first fish was nothing of note except it was the first fish on new water. Which if you have ever fished much water for steelhead it is something to note. Noticing the the speed, depth and structure of this hook-up led to future attempts. After a few more stops without success frustration began to set in. Then rounding a corner behind the town of Methow a picture perfect run lie ahead.
As the river divided into three, around two small gravel bars, the largest of the fingers run into the corner against a very large and steep cliff and ran 20 yards or so before merging with the middle of the three fingers creating expectational holding water with large structure making for good hiding spots for large fish. If that was not wonderful enough the third came into the run making the middle section of this run something of a dream. On the inside bend of this corner a large eddy was formed requiring deep but not difficult wading. Setting up a cast into the moving water against the hillside opposite of Methow. If there were a thousand words to describe the run they would appear here, but words would not do justice to the set up for this hole.
Surely luck was about to change. Lady luck was gracious. The first drift in the large pool was going well as the indicator floated with good speed just short of the inside foam line seam. After being warned at the local fly shop to look for the subtle takes imagine our surprise when the indicator dunked under the water and began to swim upstream. Well, so much for subtle takes. After spending close two hours fishing this run which was easily a few hundred yards long. Five fish were brought to hand. The largest, a gorgeous, native buck of 30+ inches required help in landing. The future was looking bright.
Alas, it was mere minutes after leaving nirvana that the leak in the boat was discovered. Not deterred each promising looking hole was worked hard with no luck. After each stop air was put in the boat advancing the anglers down stream short distances each time. After several fill ups the fellow angler was found resulting in the ride to the shuttle. After inquiring of the possibility of a ride no time was wasted in getting the line into this promising looking hole. while waiting for this fine gentleman to fishing up fishing the run, in which, he claimed to have hook three. One more fish was hooked and only a few head shakes felt. By this time our ride was leaving.
After hauling the boat over rough terrain for a hundred yard and up the bank to the guardrail day 2 was looking bright. A plan was agreed to while driving down the Columbia to where sleep awaited.
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