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Well, I couldn’t help it.. I have this posted on another topic, but I think it belongs here too. Too bad I didn’t actually catch it live.
But, as the topic is “big alpine trout”, this qualifies. An honest 25 inches even.There was a little blurb in the “briefly” section of the Wenatchee World. Lets see if this works.
http://www.wenworld.com/sub/print/story.php?rn=1448981-15897&id=27590&day=e
“I catch the majority of steelhead on the same lure I use in the high mountain lakes, a kastmaster. I have also had great luck with little cleo's, or pretty much any other type of spoon. Flies also work great, but I rarely fly fish anymore for steelhead because it takes a bit too long to get them in compared to my spin rig. It isn't as hard as a lot of people think it is. Once you figure out where they are holding at that time of year, you have it made. Also, there are some techniques that can make all the difference. A lot of my friends use a slip bobber and jig to great success, but I prefer a lure. One mistake some people make is staying in the same place too long. If I fish a spot and don't have a bite in a few casts, I leave. Also right now they are in parts of the river that a lot of people would just pass by. I have a 100 % success rate with people I have taken out. You have to be prepared to start early and walk on lot of rocks! :D”
“Yeah…. I thought it would be a gas to catch a steelie on it! It was a small one, and it worked fine! I only caught the first one with it, and then put it away. :D”
“Caught 26 adult steelhead. ( over 20 inches.) That isn't my record, I have caught 31 before. Usually a person gets tired and quits before the daylight is gone. I caught 11 yesterday in one place standing on a rock. And yes, they were all different ones. LOL. The first fish of the year, I caught on my first cast and caught it on a 1972 new in wrap Ron Popeil Pocket Fisherman. And, yes, I video'd it! Thank goodness it was only about 25 inches. This isn't uncommon… Last year opening day my hunting partner and I fished after deer hunting and caught 25 in 2.5 hours. And yes, I take pictures of a lot of them for proof. Come on over and I will take you fishing. I am lucky enough to have grown up there and have access through private property to all the good spots.”
“Nope! I never use a leader. I also never use a swivel. I don't like the action of the kastmaster when using a swivel. I always tie it directly to the line. Never have a problem. ^^^^I grew up on the Methow River, and that is where I steelhead. My Dad has a couple miles of riverfront on the lower part of the river so I am kind of spoiled.”
“”Hooked on Toys” here in Wenatchee carries 4lb fireline, as well as many online places. There was some rumor going around the the manufacturer was going to quit making it ( heard it on flyanglersonline) but that they changed their mind because so many people complained. It does seem to not last as long as mono.. but to be honest that doesn't bother me. I usually go through one or two spools a year, at about 15 bucks a spool. Small price for me to pay for the performance. And yes!!! You do need to be careful with this line. The fish can't break it and neither can most people. I love to take it, hand it to people and say “here, break this”. I am sure somebody can, but nobody I have seen yet. I wrap some type of tape around the first loop or so that goes on the reel. My experience has been if I don't, then when the line gets wet, the WHOLE mess will rotate on the spool…. Not good when you have a steelie on. And yes, you need to be careful when you are trying to unsnag your line. I usually wrap the line several times around whatever shirt or jacket I am wearing and then pull. It is amazing how strong this stuff is. I even use it in a leader/tippet combo for fly fishing in the winter. Doesn't cast the greatest, but I catch tons of steelies.”
I use fireline, in the 4lb test. It is supposed to be about the same diameter of 1lb mono. I have caughts scores of fish over the past several years with this line. Because it is so light, I can cast much farther than I was able to with mono. I can honestly say no fish has ever broke it on me. I use the slightly bigger size for steelhead and salmon, and none of those fish have ever broken my line. Another advantage to this line is because the diameter is so small, you can get more on your spool. I find this handy. You mentioned snags? On many an occasion I have snagged a tree on the bottom of the lake, and because the line was so strong, I just wrap my arm several times around the line and pull straight. What usually happens is the hook pulls right through the log and rips off a piece of it. I rarely lose lures anymore. A person does need to be careful to watch that this line doesn’t get frayed. I don’t know if it frays easier, or that I just abuse it more because it can handle more. I use it exclusively now. If you want to, do a search on my user name here, and look at the pics I have up. All of these fish were caught using yellow 4lb fireline, and most of them on a Kastmaster lure. Disclaimer: These are my observations and I don’t claim to be an expert, your experiences may differ! 🙂
[Edited on 9-30-2003 by sooperfly]
[Edited on 9-30-2003 by sooperfly]”
“Yes, you can see Libby. Here is a shot of it. I grew up in that area, so I have been to a lot of those lakes. As far as Libby having excellent fishing, I guess that would depend on your definition of excellent. :P”
Great pics! I couldn’t help thinking Eastern Washington needed some representation here. 🙂 Here are a couple pictures I thought you guys might like. A couple of these are from lakes a bit over 7,000 ft.
