OH NO COHO!!!!!!

Fishing with my guide Nelson was one of the most fun I have had in a long time! We fished hard but also laughed alot which really helped take my mind off the Bear fear that haunts me everytime I am in Bear Country!
The trails were impressively cut and well groomed, making the 3 mile hike safe and a real adventure.
Once we arrived at the camp, you knew this was classic steelhead water...and I was in awe at being able to spot a wild steelhead for the first time in my life.
I had no idea that coho salmon would become intruders and make my steelheading even more challenging than it already is. I fished hard all day making casts to every good looking run we came across. Swinging classic steelhead flies trying to entice a strike brought me some awesome fighting coho salmon, but after several of those it was the steelhead that I wanted tugging on my line.
As the sun was kissing the treetops I realized the day was quickly coming to an end and no steelhead had even touched my fly, I made a few final casts working my way back to camp when all of the sudden there was that unmistakable slam and without time to think I set the hook and I had a fight on my hands...I won that fight and landed my first wild steelhead with Hannah there to tail it for me.
I can't tell you how happy I was at that moment but I remember admiring that gorgeous fish and absorbing all the beauty of nature around me. I will never forget it. In the remaining few days I had several other steelhead on but unfotunately unbuttoned on me and as disappointing as that can be, I was still filled with joy from that gorgeous creature. As I watched it swim free with such strength and force, I knew that someday I would return to Damdochax River and do it all over again.
This trip was more than just great fishing, it was about personal challenge and about meeting great people who somehow have a place in my heart.
Thanks Hannah, Alice, Don, Wilson, Shawn and Mark...You guys ROCK!
Until next time....over and out!