Started out early in the rain, then things briefly cleared to warm sun in the early afternoon, then a walloping downpour came through late afternoon. It came slowly over the western edge of the valley looking like a giant wave. Only one small steelhead to hand, but a slow and steady stream of mystery grabs to keep it interesting. I was “asleep at the reel” for the best grab of the day. Some late salmon showing in the runs. Water was the color of very light tea and all of the traditional runs were very fishable at 1,900cfs. No wind ever really appeared until the very end as the downpour commenced; making for a simple, quiet outing along the river now completely bathed in fall. If nothing else, everything just seems quiet now and it’s easy to loose track of time altogether while working through the water. I fished the new (to me) spey rod that Jonas from Norway sent me and it took me awhile to get in the groove, but once I did, I settled into an easy rhythm with it. The pace of the day was easy, and the schedule was just right, getting me home in time for an early dinner. Despite the lack of fish, it’s days like these that make me want to go back again and again.
Shaken Rain 