Starting Time: 5:00 AM
Location: Skykomish River
Method of Persuasion: Egg, Yarnies & Spoon
Setup: Okuma Celilo 9'6" 4-8lb Rod, Pfluger Trion 30 Reel, 15 Pound Hydrofloat.


The first day back on the water after a long fishing sabbatical, after burning out on guiding. The frosted guides, howling winter winds and lethargic Steelhead certainly took their toll on me, this season past. When I find the sun is shining, the birds are chirping and the Steelhead are aerial, it is a much more enjoyable experience.

We started out a little lower on the Skykomish scouting out some unfamiliar water; after a quarter mile upstream from our original fishing spot, and 50 casts later, I was rewarded with a small but scrappy, Native Steelhead. Thank you Stonedahl for sharing with me a few Yarnie patterns that reward you in your waters up North.

Later in the day and after the crowd subsided, Eddie, Keith and I stomped on down by Reiter. After hooking up multiple times and passing off a few to Luke and Lance, one of these young anglers was rewarded with their first Steelhead! Of many smiles and joyful expressions I have seen, but of half drenched in glacial water, adrenaline pounding, first Steelhead grins as large as the one slapped across Luke's face, I have seldom seen.

After a Saturday of stacking up dates (I'll take a date with the Skykomish River over a chick, any day. Reel Priorities, baby!), inhaling burritos and sleep deprivation, I was certainly beat after this fishing excursion.
Looking back upon this opening day will produce forth a nostalgic grin, without a drop of regret for losing the shut eye, for we've successfully added one to our ranks.

Whatever the goal, experience or journey you're looking for, I guarantee we'll fill the bill, Reel Priorities style. If you're curious how to punch out your catch card, want to perfect your angling technique and rigging, or simply seek a day off from tying, retying, smelling like Sand Shrimp for a week and tailing fish, my door is open to you.

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