Ever since I moved to Oregon in 1991 I've been thinking the iconic fish of the Northwest is the Steelhead. I've had lots of success with other fish, freshwater as well as saltwater. But the mighty Steelhead has eluded me, mostly. Probably 10 years ago I thought I'd try it and bought a super cheap spinning outfit thinking there was no use in spending lots of money - the fish don't know what I'm using. Turns out a piece of junk doesn't get used, or catch much fish although it has served ok on the jetties fishing for greenling. But on my real desire to catch a winter steelhead, several years of not having a clue resulted in 0 fish. Then I moved to the coast (North Bend, Oregon) and I eventually decided to try plunking on Tenmile Creek at the hole where all the retired guys hang out - might as well go where the fish are getting caught - and proceeded to get a super bright and hefty native on a little trout rod. Boy was that cool. And the next year resulted in precisely one more steelie, same situation, but a hatchery fish this time. I was just dying to more actively fish, I mean plunking is great, but it gets kinda boring just checking out the rod for extended periods.

Somehow or another I came across Chad's videos on YouTube in December/Early January, came to the site here, and got all wound up on getting out there and actually catching fish. Nothing on the first day, or the second, but day three I finally put it all together with a bobber/pink worm set up on the West Fork Millicoma. Success! Probably everyone here will remember that first, almost accidental catch with a new technique. First I thought I caught the bottom of the river, of course it was a fish. I had to play the poor thing out since I was still using that little trout rod and had no net. Through all the bumbling - I landed a 28" winter steelhead. Ever get an adrenaline rush? After tying on a new rig, I kept fishing, but really the replay in my mind of the fight with all the jumps out of the water (like 5 times) and the adrenaline shakes kept me from doing much real fishing. Life is good. It's about time I actually get to fill out the salmon/steelhead tag I've been buying all these years. And I aim to fill it up!

Hey, that's a great story!! I am glad we could help you get started and get your first fish. Those small rivers around you like tenmile a a few others are perfect for floats and micro jigs/bait. You can use a lot of what we do to get into lots of fish in your area. We were just talking about checking out tenmile pretty soon. It looks like a lot of fun. You are well on your way to getting into many steelhead. Again welcome to the website and forum.

Great story for your first fish. Welcome to the site and hope to see some pictures of some chrome beauties soon. Good job.

Welcome Coastal!! Nice story........and it is true.......you never forget your first. Its the start of a wonderful addiction. Steelhead are a blast to catch. This is the right place for good info and good people!!!!
Heres to filling your tag Buddy!!!

We have all started at more or less the same point, the fact that you went out on your own without a mentor is a feather in the cap. Great job!

On the Little N. fork
Dave

Appreciate all the comments. I don't think I ever found anything near what is offered on this site. This is a real friendly forum with so many good topics, and I'll probably be too tired at work tomorrow after reading a zillion posts on everything from line weights to product reviews. Geez, I should go to bed, ok but after I finish just one more topic . . .

I meant to go to Tenmile today and try out the new techniques, but a short hike in the dunes geocaching turned into a three hour jaunt and used up all my fun time. There's always next weekend I guess.