Fished the upper Snoqualmie looking for dinner. The water level was kind of high, but visibilty was actually pretty good and improving by the minute.
I started out fishing by the power house and quickly made my way upstream closer to the falls. I just flipped my float\jig into fishy looking seams and pockets, but kept moving at a good pace. I was a little intimidated by the high water and couldn't get a feel for the bottom structure in the area. In one broad and deep tailout, I made a few casts and hit a rock at one point. So I tried working either side of the rock - but still not sure if the water depth was 4 to 10 feet deep. I was about to call it quits, and move to the lower river where I know how to fish some specific high water spots, but then my float went under due to the rock. This time the rock pulls back!
The fight is on and I end up having to chase the fish for 50-75yards downstream. I'm fishing my light summer rod (10foot Loomis GL3 - rated for 6-10lb line) and a light trout reel (shimano 1000) spooled with 10lb power pro and 8lb leader. Anyway, it was quite a long battle - my biggest concern was keeping my line away from all the big sharp boulders the fish was trying to hide behind.
Finally I managed to lead the fish into a small side channel where I could safely release it and snap a few quick pics on my crappy disposable camera. There was no shallow gravel to lead it to for a good pic, so these are all I ended up with. No one was around to help either... The pics don't do this beatiful hen justice. She was probably about 18lbs - but I didn't take time to measure. And the color was amazing. She was so thick and strong - nothing like i've caught before. It was hard to let her go -not because I wanted to bonk her, but because I just wanted to admire her as long as I could....

Judging by the water level just barely behind the big rock you hit that spot at the perfect water level.

Have not fished there in years but used to live in North Bend and fish there once and a while. Under higher flows all white jigs rock.

Nice pics and good story.

P.S. Funny how even on several summer days you need a rain coat fishing there do to the wind and mist generated by the falls.

Beauty

How cool!!!! Exact spot where I caught my first EVER steelhead driftfishing. Had to be 20 years ago (or more), and it was in the winter, but alas it was a worn out summerrun, so I C&R'd my first (driftcaught) steelhead ever and I was only about 10 years old. Great picture, and the water was perfect in my opinion!

Nice fish! thanks for the pics.

I spent many years fishing the Snoq. With many happy memories. I salute you for letting this gorgous fish continue the species. I wish more people would return these wonderful sports fish to the rivers where they live.

Awsome pictures and a great fish!! I am jealous, those big nates are amazing.

Thanks guys. I was a great morning. Couldn't believe I was the only one there - especially since it was the last day, and the water was on the drop.... A few did show up as I was leaving though.

I love that stretch of river above tokul to the falls. Prettiest spot on the river. Fishing it can be tough, as it structured much differently. Very little gravel and almost no wading. But I love rock hopping, avoiding the bigger crowds, and almost never any boats. Fishing isn't as hot as fishing the creek, big eddy, or down through the launch, but that's worth it to me to fish in a little peace and quiet...

Now I see why I haven't seen them pictures anywhere else. You were fishing from the dark side. LOL. Very nice fish. I sent you a PM on another site.

Jim

Yep. I did put the pics on that other site - but I don't post non-fly fishing reports over there Guys like you would give me a hard time

I never claimed to be a purist

nice fish! nates rule!

Not Me.

Jim