pkk

no apologies to tako. come on he was completely correct.

well ban me too, because I have to agree with Tako. that creek is definately their spawning grounds, and those were more than likely taken off their redds. it is mid sept. yes those are great fish but i bet they are much better looking and harder fighting earlier on. PK

generally smallish rivers would require shorter casts (50-70 ft), therefore a shorter bellied line (skagit/scandi) is a better suited line. Why use a traditional 70 - 90 ft belly when you cant cast the full line. Also skagits were designed so one could cast heavy large flies and sink tips. It is just a bonus that you need less room behind with a skagit (less line to keep off the water)

Summer run steelhead enter freshwater as early as july and as late a november. They winter over and dont spawn until spring. Almost all of the summer run rivers are closed to fishing at the end of december. that means that these fish are not bothered at all for several months prior to spawning and after spawn so that they can make it back to the ocean and do it all again. the problem lies when a river has both winter and summer runs. the river will be open because of the fresh winter /spring run fish but the summer run fish are still in there also ( but a little worse for wear). unfortunatly some people will target these "older" fish. Rivers like the gold out on the island are now closed for a period in the spring to help solve this problem. Not sure about atlantics. With regards to fishing at the confluence when they are all stacked up isn't for me. I like a little bit more of a challenge. how many fish does one need to catch and how fun is it when you can catch one on every cast. there are fish all over the river. caught some real beauties ( rainbows) above carsland yesterday. Typically it is less experienced fisherman that will hang out at the confluence.

nice fly. they also work for summer runs. (lead eyes?)

it seems to me that is really irrelevant whether a skagit style is a true spey cast or not (lets not bang our heads on that one). i am somewhat confused in your description; speed of delivery. and the speed of the cast that is forgiving ( are you referring to the skagit style)? in an earlier post you also mention full sinking lines, anyone use those?

beg to differ islandguy. cackhanded doesnt mask or adapt to bad habits. i beleive because of the restricted movement in the cackhand there is less room for error and you are somewhat forced into the right position.its a nice compact stroke. yes longer rods,longer bellies therefore a longer stroke, which is great if you are in a distance casting competition but rarely needed for actual fishing. I prefer a much more compact casting style (rarely catch steelhead beyond that 70')

cackhanded, same same as Brian said.

headscan, yes a shorter belly helps with tight quarters as does a shorter rod. Yet a shorter stiffer rod is much tougher to cast. your timing has to be much better ( less room for error). a 13' with a short belly would be best for a newbie.

where is spey beach?