02-24-11

Friendship is one of God’s richest gifts so to get back on the river with buddy and fellow RiverQuest guide Don Graham and enjoy our friendship made for a wonderful day of fly fishing on Big MO.  With the promise of high 30’s temps and a water warming afternoon sun, we had every reason to anticipate active steelhead bending our rods with regularity.  As the fishing fates would have it, however, a great bite would not be the order of the day.  First the water came up, and then the clouds hung around, shrouding the afternoon and gripping temps with a tight fist.  Nonetheless, Don and I gave it our best shot and while our hookups were few, the calm winds and solitude winter steelheading affords made for a most enjoyable day.

We continue impressed with the condition of the steelhead we’re taking this winter.  Although the buck I took has coursed the river for perhaps a couple of months, he was in superb condition:  solid girth, substantial “shoulders,” and plenty of strength and endurance, despite a metabolism repressing 35 degree water temperature.  So, we’re pumped for what we have every reason to believe will be an excellent run of chrome this year.  Thanks, D, loved it as ever.

Captain Tom Kuieck