Steelhead on the Elk River

Cathy and I met in San Francisco Monday January 21st for our flight to North Bend, Oregon.  I was fortunate to be Cathy's guest again at her home for steelhead fishing.  

After we landed, we made a stop for groceries at the Safeway before driving the hour or so to Port Orford. 

We unpacked then headed to dinner at Spinner's on Gold Beach.  We were treated to a wonderful sunset as we drove along the Oregon coast.  

We split a delicious dinner of spinach salad and halibut with a glass of wine.

I got up early Tuesday morning so I would have plenty of time to dress for the weather.  I'm not accustomed to dressing for cold weather especially cold weather spent fishing on the river.  I started with long underware followed by wool socks, lined pants and long sleeve shirt.  Then it was time for ThermaCare heaters.  One on each ankle and wrist, one on the back of my neck and lower back.  Finally the down jacket then I shinnied into my waders, wading boots, heavy jacket and fleece hat.  We packed up our lunch, purses etc. in our Penn Backpack Dry Bags and were ready to go.

Scott Wolfe, our guide with Wolfe Pack Guide Service (http://www.wolfepackfishing.com/), picked us up and we headed a short distance to launch the boat on the Elk River.  It was quite cold at first but warmed up and was comfortable. We ended up drifting and fishing a nine mile stretch of the river - twice. We started side drifting then Scott switched us to the Bobber Doggin. It was a great day as we caught 1 smolt, 3 steelhead, 2 of which were wild and 1 was a hatchery fish.  The smolt and all 3 females were released to continue up stream to spawn.

It was a fun day on the river not only because the fish bit, but because of the comradery.  It was a truly enjoyable time with loads of laughs, gorgeous scenery and lots of wild life.  We saw deer, beaver, an otter, eagles, geese, crows, bluejays etc.

We returned to the house and after a quick shower and a glass of Champagne, we went to the Crazy Norwegian for a shrimp, fish and chips dinner. 

Wednesday morning was a repeat of the dressing routine with the added layer of Frog Toggs.  I felt and looked like the Michelin Man.  

It was raining and predicted to continue raining all day.  Scott picked us up early and said we would fish the Elk River again.  After launching, we climbed in the boat and pulled down our hoods - a light but steady rain continued.  

We fished hard (as always) and Scott worked very hard keeping us baited up, re-rigging lines we snagged and broke off.  Unfortunately the fish just weren't biting. Just before reaching the take-out area, Scott let us get off into Cathy's back yard so we could pick up hats with a bill (to keep the rain from dripping into our eyes).  After picking up our hats, we walked down to the take-out area  and arrived just as Scott was ready to drive back up river to launch again.

Scott drove back up to the launch area and put the boat back in the water.  Rain slowed to nothing by 1 pm and we continued to fish with the same results as the morning.  Finally, at 4:30 pm Cathy hooked a nice steelhead.  Her fish was big and strong and put up quite a fight swimming downstream towards a small waterfall with branches.  Cathy was able to guide the fish back to the boat and so Scott could net her.  She was a beautiful 14 pound wild female steelhead.  After a photo, she was released to continue her journey to the spawning grounds. 

Scott dropped us off about 5:30 pm.  We had a glass of Champagne and a quick shower before Aleea picked us up to drive to Bandon Dunes golf course for dinner.  I ordered the scallops, Cathy had the fresh steelhead and Aleea had the pork chop. All were delicious.  During dinner we shared experiences and had some great laughs.  Interestingly enough, there were no other women in the restaurant - but lots of men.

Thursday was a different day in every way.  We were up early, dressed and left early for an hour drive to the Coquilles River.  Richard Wolfe, Scott's brother and our guide for the day, met us at a market parking lot.  We followed him to the launch area. The launch ramp was steep and muddy but Richard maneuvered his rig expertly. Scott was already on the water with his two anglers. The river was crowded with other fishermen and there was much life all around.  Geese and turkeys squawking, birds chirping, etc.  The other big difference was that all the boats had motors so they could motor back up stream instead of rowing.  Motors are not allowed on the Elk and Sixes rivers, however, they are allowed on the Coquilles.

Richard started us with the Bobber Doggins then switched to side drifting and finally the Quick Fish.  We had two bites early (one for each of us) then nothing the rest of the day.  Although the fish avoided us, others (including Scott's anglers) caught a few fish.  Steelhead are much more difficult to hook than salmon - or perhaps Cathy and I have a lot to learn.  It was a gorgeous day on the river even without catching fish.  We saw water seeping out of the layers of shale along the river and we were treated to several waterfalls along the way as well.   Just before we called it a day, we fished an area below the take out area where the fish were jumping every few minutes as if laughing at us. 

By the time we got back to the house, it was already 7 pm.  We were too tired to go out to dinner so I made us a spinach chef salad with a balsamic vinaigrette to go with our bottle of Champagne.  It was a wonderful way to end our trip.

Friday morning we packed up and headed to the airport for our flight home.  

Our flights were on time and we made our connections in San Francisco without any problems. It was sad the trip was over but nice to get home to my own bed.

It's such great fun fishing with Cathy and she is one of the most generous people I've met.  I am incredibly humbled that she's invited me to join her on her trips.

#PENNfleet #Team Berkley