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Springer fishing continues to pick up. I am happily surprised with the size and the quality of these fish. They are bigger and brighter than the last few years and there are many large steelhead being caught as well. In the last two days Dan's clients have limited out on real keepers. I checked with some Yurok friends and they tell me over the three day weekend they netted about 15 fish, four of which were steelhead from 8 to 10 pounds. The operative word for 'Springers' is spotty. You may catch one right off the bat or sit nearly all day before getting into some. Yesterday I got the chance to grab a seat on our guideboat and never hesitated. Once it got light enough to discern the shoreline, it became apparent that the water had been dropped about a foot and a half. This is not a good sign for anglers anytime, but the spring run seems to be more reactive to these changes. Nervous at best, any changes in the water depth, temperature, or speed put these fish in "go mode". They are also very tide sensitive. We headed up river for the Blue Creek area since this water was productive on the previous day. We saw only one fish roll and no fish boated by other boats. After a few hours we headed back downstream. |
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I always travel with my full complement of crewmen; including Sally the official Captain Dog, Buster the 3.5 pound First Mate, and our new member Ginger the Pomeranian Deck Hand. (sounds kinda like the Loveboat). I was worried about Ginger as I still didn't know if the puppy could swim. We pulled over to shore for a break. We heard crashing up the beach and approaching at a gallop was one of the local horses hoping we were stopping for lunch. Ginger launched her self like a rocket over the side and started swimming upstream like an Olympian. Dan made a swipe at her with the net and soon she was back in the boat. Her back and head were still dry, attesting to her attempt at running on water. Don't have to worry about her drowning. I fed the horse a bunch of grapes and we were off once again.
We looked at several promising spots but finally decided to drop the anchor in the area of Blakes'. We were rewarded with a chrome salmon about 10 pounds not too long after. We jettisoned the anchor and went after him. Dan purchased a hook and a trailing buoy for the anchor buoy and it is much easier and faster to pick the rope back up with these tools. Finally Dan announced that it was 3:15 and we would be taking off in about 15 minutes. A couple of minutes later a rod went off. My Turn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This fish was a real digger - head shaking and racing for the bottom. He managed to wrap himself around one of the lines being retrieved so we had to cut a spinner loose. Next he headed straight downstream for three boats anchored across the river. He figured if the line trick didn't work he was sure to cut himself loose on one or more of those anchor ropes. These fish don't survive in the ocean by being stupid. I got him turned and we landed him shortly thereafter. He was a 20 pound chromer with sea lice. As soon as you land these fish you notice that every scale in intact on these beauties. Can't get much fresher than that.
The weather was beautiful and the catching was good. Nothing like a fishing, sunbathing combo for relaxation at its finest. You can come home with a tan and dinner all in one trip.
Should getting better and better as time passes, so get your "you-know-what" out on the Klamath for some super fishing.
Joan Carter
Columnist Joan Carter co-owns, with her husband, Dan Carter's Guide Service.
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