The Salmon River, Nymphmeister, Mandy & big ass Steelhead

**Nymphmeister** · 11-12-2009, 11:34 PM

Took Mandy on her 1st ever Steelhead trip, and boy is she hooked now. We now both have Mon & Tues off every week, so I think there will be some regular trips up there.

Below is my personal best Steelhead, landed on my Hardy 11' #5 Marksman Drifter that I got for trout- a split shot came rocketing back and hit my brand new Hardy Demon 11' #7 steelhead rod & it broke about 2 hours later, right where the shot hit it. I brought the Drifter as a back-up in case one of us broke our rods- it ended up being an amazing Steelhead rod, much to my surprise. Hardy was unbelievable in their customer service, going above & beyond- I called them, and they overnighted a replacement rod section which arrived at lunchtime on day #2 of the trip. I LOVE my new Demon rod, it's definitely the best all around Steelhead rod I've ever used, and it's so light it feels like a 10' #5 rod. I was so bummed when I broke it, and so relieved when the replacement rod section arrived at noon the next day.

This big ass female Steelhead weighed over 17# on my Boga Grip & taped out at 36", wow!

First fish on the new Hardy Demon 11' #7 rod, a colorful 10# male-

Mandy's first fish, she is sooo hooked now-

Mandy with a 10 pounder-

Some browns....

Dark 11# male-

All in all, a truly great trip. Mandy kicked ass & had a blast, I was both impressed & proud of her, she has a knack for Steelhead and actually outfished most of the people there. I think this will be the first of many trips. The fishing was excellent, with many fish hooked, lost & landed. Some were really hot, zig-zagging all over the place, ripping line & jumping like crazy. The only downside was the crowds, I don't know if I've ever seen so many people there on weekdays during Steelhead season. However, we made some new friends, and we will be back there very, very soon!

**LopatNympher** · 11-12-2009, 11:44 PM

Nice ass fish! And check out Torrey sporting the George Michaels look :P

**Adam** · 11-13-2009, 11:06 AM

Great post, great photos...congratulations on the personal best and to mandy on her first steelhead...

I have been hearing about the crowds from a lot of places. I guess the 70 dollar license fee is not scaring people off. Plenty of folks not working...so I guess fishing is not a bad way to pass the time.

**sholgate** · 11-13-2009, 11:03 PM

With these pictures, even my wife thinks I should go to NY. Thanks for the report and great pictures.

alanb_ct · 11-13-2009, 11:17 PM

Torrey,

What a terrific report! Thanks.

Mandy has really progressed up the learning curve super fast, thanks in part to your great instruction.

Alain

**SlowNDeep** · 11-14-2009, 03:09 PM

Sounds like a great couple o days

**Brookie** · 11-14-2009, 03:28 PM

Sweet fish, dude! In the next day or 2 I'll be posting with mucho pix regarding my trip to the lake Erie tribs. We cranked them, mostly in areas we hadn't fished before which was very gratifying.

Dave