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Have been installing new gear on the boat, the TR-1 Autopilot quit functioning, it was one of the originals, and replacement parts no longer available, so we bit the bullet and purchased a new one, it took me more time than it should have to install, but finally got it done. Barb and I found some smooth water and calibrated the unit yesterday. Steelhead fever was upon both of us, it was simply great to get back on the river today.

We launched the boat above Buffalo Eddy and headed upriver to the Billy Creek area, did not see any boat fisherman where we were at, but did see a lot of fly fishers, all of the small rivers are blown out due to the rain, and melting snow, however the Snake River is looking good, a little high, but very clear, so the fly fisherman have migrated to the Snake. I talked to a couple at the boat launch, they had not turned a single fish.

Arrived at the stretch we wanted to fish, there was a little more flow than usual, but very fishable along the current lines. River temp is 36.9*, so I decide to use a plug with dropper from the belly hook position baited with shrimp, Barb is using a Hawg Boss scented with Smelly Jelly. We are about twenty minutes into the drift when I see a couple of light taps on my rod tip, then it takes a slight bend, no pulling and jerking, just a bend in the rod with no action. I tell Barb that I think I have a fish on, gently take the rod out of the holder, and set the hook, it gives a heavy head shake and the tug of war starts, turned out to be a beautiful hen, she never came out of the water, but made several good runs before netting her.

Decided to try another stretch of water that had a little less current. We get the plugs all scented, the new TR-1 Autopilot is flawless, it's like having someone operating the trolling motor while we fish. Put the lines out, pour a cup of coffee and wait for a Steelhead to hit, we are nearing the end of the drift when Barb grabs her rod, "Fish On" this one comes blasting out of the water, it isn't very big but a great fighter, she finally played it to the net, took a quick picture, then watched it swim away.

This was a great afternoon, we usually average a fish about every forty five minutes, but today we fished three hours and landed two. It would have been almost as good without catching anything, it was like spring, ambient temp. was 55*, no wind, clear water, and a good fishing partner.

kenbarb

Ganno

1/16/2011 1:52:00 PM

Great report Sounds like a perfect day

hewesfisher

1/16/2011 5:01:00 PM

I wondered why we hadn't seen any reports from you lately, now I know why. Glad to see you made it out, and caught some nice steelies in the process. We, on the other hand, had winds too high to trailer to Roosevelt yesterday and today. There will be another day. Thanks for sharing! ;-)

afk

1/16/2011 9:02:00 PM

Good to see you are back in action. Thanks for the pics & report.

kenbarb

1/16/2011 10:50:00 PM

Hi hewesfisher, We have spent many enjoyable days fishing Roosevelt, usually camped at Spring Canyon Campground, and mostly fished the Swawilla Basin, and the Purple Point area, many good times and great fishing, I can relate to what you are saying about the wind, there were a few days that we did not even launch the boat due to the wind. It was really windy here today too, out of the South and 60*. Take care, will be looking forward to reading your report when the wind quits.

birdognewton

1/17/2011 11:40:00 AM

Good to hear your reports again. Looks like the Rhonde blew out on Sunday. I love that Billy Creek drift. It has been extremely good to us this year. In fact 2 Sun ago we pulled 4 in 6 drifts and lost 2 (could of been 6 for 6). Look foreword to hearing more reports if the water settles down.

kokanee

1/17/2011 3:17:00 PM

We fish the same area, similar method (pulling plugs) but we live on the Wet Side so we don't get over that often. We have always wondered how long into the Spring the Buffalo Eddy to Heller Bar still produces fish. Your reports are fun to read and helpful.
We will be coming over at the end of the month!

kenbarb

1/17/2011 4:13:00 PM

Hi kokanee, We usually quit steelheading in mid March, and start scouting wild turkeys. There will be plenty of fish in the river when you get here at the end of the month. Today the river is high and muddy, I am wishing for some cold weather to freeze the small streams, which are gushing mud. In normal conditions it is good fishing from Buffalo Eddy to Heller Bar, and beyond through March.

kokanee

1/18/2011 9:14:00 PM

Thanks so much for the reply on the Spring fishing on the Snake into March! That area is such a beautiful area and the fish.... It's like a dreamland. Hope to see you there in early March. We'll look for you guys!

Ron

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