5 Drifts - 5 Fish

It took 5 casts to catch 5 fish Sunday afternoon. The fabled fish of 1,000 casts - the elusive Steelhead - seemed for 20 minutes at least, to be as simple to catch as a chill in February.

Our boat, guided by "Miracle Ken" had toiled for nearly 6 hours along 20 miles of river with only 1 Steelhead to show for our efforts. Ken announced it was time for a fourth quarter comeback. So with Favrian skill he orchestrated what would now and forever more be known as simply "The Comeback".

You see, it wasn't just us not catching any fish, it was everyone. Hundreds of shore and boat anglers had been counting their thousand casts, hoping the next one was it. Blue Creek was swarming with boats and people, the only missing player, the fish. That was, until Ken piloted us to the top of the drift and into the Steelhead Hall of Fame.

We increased our weight, switched our presentation and set forth. (no pun intended). 30 yards down the drift, "Fish On!") We landed a mid-size hen a few hundred yards down river. We proceeded back upstream and began again.

This time it took all of 40 yards for the announcement. "Fish On!" So it was to be, another Steelhead.

We tried again and again...two more drifts two more fish. 4 for 4.

In the world of hitting a baseball 4 for 4 is a fine, fine day. In the world of fishing for Steelhead 4 for 4 would be like throwing a perfect game and hitting for the cycle in the same game.

Would lady luck smile upon us on drift 5?

The simple answer, yes. Just as Bill Murray lived the same day over and over in Groundhog Day, so we did on Blue Creek for a fifth time.

Anglers on the shore and in their craft stood with jaws agape as Ken drifted us through that final run and simply stated, "I believe we've worn out our welcome".

As quickly as it had begun, it ended. We got our 6 fish - 5 on 5 casts the other on 6,000 casts, which I guess when you average it all out it not all that special after all. ;)

Many thanks to Chuck and Bob for the trip and hat's off to Ken - architect of "The Comeback".