That Variable

Every outing has that variable that defines the moment. Today's outing was to be no different. Going in I new that my little river was greatly affected by the mid weeks precipitation event. Arriving at my chosen starting point I was faced with a barely recognizable rendition of fishable water. We as steelheaders have to adapt to our environment and adapt I did. For the next 2 1/2 hours I was to fish 6 different highly productive spots with no avail. I fished all the current breaks and slack water, all the seams, boulders and pools from top to bottom but still no luck. The decision was made to slide up to a run that was overlooked in years prior mostly due to low water conditions.

This year the run in question has proven productive. I decided it would be my last venture up river. This run proved to be very successful giving up 5 fish in the course of an hour. Before packing up I decided to drop down to the large wintering hole I had just beat up with no luck an hour earlier. This hole was due to give up a fish I just felt it. This decision proved to be wise for the hole turned into a revolver firing off bullet after bullet of chrome. This hole was to produce 8 fish as the hour unfolded 2 of which were pushing towards the 30" class.


It never ceases to amaze me how a simple 1/2 degree temp change can flick the switch and a morning of bewilderment can be recycled into astonishment. I strongly feel that variable today was the 1/2 degree rise. Driving home I pondered on similar experiences from Novembers past and smiled at today's.