Greasy Beaks Fishing Adventures

Greasy Beaks Fishing Adventures
Guided Fly Fishing with Capt. Eliot

Friday, September 24, 2010

September 31X15 on the Swing






It was one of my last days of guiding for the season and I had still never netted a 30+ inch Alaskan Rainbow.... I had seen clients hook them and blow it, as well as blown it on big rainbows myself. With only a few days to go in my final season @ Rainbow King I didn't think I would ever see the illusive 30.
It was 4:30 in the pm when I decided to pick up my Redington Switch 7wt and make some casts with a baitfish pattern. I landed a 12"er and made three more casts before getting the big tug! My fly was'nt even into the swing when I thought I had hooked a Silver. The head shakes were deep and the fish immediately rocketed off down into the tail out and came cartwheeling out of the water. I remember yelling to my clients that I was hoping it was a silver, that way I didn't feel bad if I lost it. Eric Shaffer (the other guide) dropped his rod and ran down to my location with the net and seemed to know innately that it was a rainbow. I think I knew as well because my legs were shaking profusely in the waist deep glacial water. With backing used I began to catch up and gain on the fish which had taken my fly. Gradually I worked the chromer up to my side and saw the pink cheeks signifying it as a large female Rainbow Trout! I had swung up a "unicorn" at the Gorge on the Newhalen River.