Long time lurker, first time poster. This is not a big steelie by any means (9lbs), but it is a testament to great stuff I learned on this site – how to tie an egg loop, proper use of puff balls (site sponser) and using loose bait cured with UEC I bought the last time Keith posted having a supply. The best part is I caught this fish on Christmas day behind my dad’s house on the Russian river in Healdsburg, California. I grew up catching natives on this river (no hatchery until 1982) but do not get many chances since I moved to Chico, CA eight years ago. The Russian is catch and release on wild fish now, and I don’t keep wild fish on any other river or lake. I am really looking forward to going after salmon on the Feather river now that I’ve been clued in on spinners with hoochies and eggs under a float.

Happy trails, Mike

Nice bright fish, great post...Welcome!

California Christmas Chrome!

Nice post and pic!

Nice chrome,that will keep ya going back for more.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

Wow that is a nice chromer! some of the other cali steel that gets posted almost have a grotesque hue to them....that is a true steelhead right there

That's as shiny as a silver dollar!!!!!! Nice............ Ever goto the speedway there in Chico?

Welcome aboard and very nice first steelhead post. I used to visit Chico and fish for trout as I remember it was quite good at times. Congrats!, Bill

Nice fish and welcome. My folks live in Chico. I'll look you up this summer.
Tillerdemon I brought my son to his first dirt track race this summer in Chico. Very fun!

Merry Christmas Nice Fish

Looks like you just minted that baby! welcome

I lived in Chico for a few years--- also lived in Cohasset for a couple of years. Went to Butte Jr. College when it was still in the old Durham high school building. I have some vague memories of Pioneer Days.

Yeah, those cali fish you refer to are usually inland fish - Sacramento, Feather, American, Yuba, etc. and look more like planted rainbows at times. The Russian is a coastal river and Healdsburg is approx. 30-40 miles from the mouth.


Happy trails, Mike

Definitely look me up! I need help chasin' down the salmon on the Feather this spring/summer. I've seen the gear posts, but it helps to actually see techniques and gear in action! Never been to the speedway, too busy fishin'

Happy trails, Mike

Sadly, Pioneer week became days, then day, now? Chico is crushing it's alcohol reputation. I hope all those people that were drinking don't take up fishing...

Happy trrails, Mike

Nice fish. Drop me a line when Spring gets closer. I'll be chasing those Feather Salmon as well and perhaps we can chat and/or fish togehter. Take care. NCD.

Nice fish Mike

Matt

Thats a very nice fish indeed!

Steve

Ya can't get much of a better fish than that this time of year. Right on!

I should have expanded my answer to explain that the grotesque hue is AIDS. Those inland rivers empty into the delta, which drains into San Francisco bay. Those steelhead have to get through the bay where they sometimes contract AIDS. Sadly, every so often, a fish gets rear-ended by a ferry.........

So sorry, Mike