Salmon River 11/3-11/8 Steelhead

[15FOOTER]

Bunch of us fished the Salmon River this past week. Fishing was a bit below average because of a constant release from the reservoir. The flow stayed at about 1900 for the week and they were only lowering it to 1400 on the last day Friday 11/8. First day out we had my friend Doug (never fished for steelies or salmon before) and the 2 other usuals Seth and Brian. We had 2 hook ups(Seth and Doug) no landing and that was the action for the whole day (4:30am-5pm) and we were really worried due to the height of the water. So since Doug had only 1 day left and we had to at least get him to feel a fish to get him addicted we headed out to a creek to see if there were some kings around from a late run. Well there were and Doug nailed 3 landed one and got his first Pulaski fish. Went back to the room and everyone wanted to call it quits but we got motivated somehow and headed out for the evening bite. I was net man/detangler for Doug so I hadn't fished much to this point so I jumped in the river and whammo first cast steelie, nice fight then brought him to the net and I was happy. Got Doug in the water and all on his own first cast using a 10ft rod hooks and lands his first steelie. As hes doing that Seth hooks in and it was game on till dark. Hopefully Doug left happy and addicted (everyone from the trip has the flu now) so I have not talked to anyone. The rest of the week fishing was good in the morning slow pick afternoon and at its hottest just before dark. 90% of all the fish caught were right in tucked by the bank. We were all using 10-11ft spinning rods with 8lb test and 4-6lb leader with our homemade egg sacs. We made the salmon bite on our flies with fly rods lol. Fishing should be perfect up there any day now. River was loaded with fish there was just so much water they were really spread out. Good luck guys!