Laughing in Laughlin: T57 wedding reception!

[sansou]

Drove up to Laughlin with The King of Cats, his royal highness, El Trollmeister. We were invited to the Bullets_Full / Tater wedding reception in Laughlin.

We checked in to the Avi Resort, and somehow miraculously we happened to have all our fishing poles, tackleboxes and 50lbs of premium catfish bait in my SUV. How did that happen? :Wink:

Taking advantage of this little fact, friday morning we decided to survey the area (neither Trolly or I have ever fished Laughlin) and found a couple promising spots not far from the resort.

We went to a state park and spoke with a cute Park Ranger. Trolly poured on the Armenian charm, and within minutes this lady was coughing up all the secret fishing spots. Classic! :ROFL:

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing001.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing002.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing003.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing004.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing005.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing006.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing007.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing008.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing010.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing011.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing012.jpg

A little later in the day, we drive off to one of the spots Trolly's girlfriend confessed to. What a great little fishing hole it was. We were later joined by the bride and groom and a couple of their friends, as well as Kalidawg.

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing013.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing014.jpg

Nice job Trolly!!
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing015.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing016.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing017.jpg

Even later that afternoon, Trolly and I decided to do some more recon and drive towards the strip to see if we could find more spots. We hit a few places by the bridge (Thanks Webmaster Jeff for the tips!!) and along the hotels. We had some bites and farmed fish, but unfortunately, nothing landed in our short time there.

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing018.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing019.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing020.jpg


Continuing up the road, we hit the Davis Dam area from the Nevada side. Looks like there are tons of really good looking striper spots.

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing021.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing022.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing024.jpg

At the end of friday, we made it back home to the resort. There was still some daylight, and this drove us crazy, so we figured we would "ninja" around the resort area. Turns out it was the most WIDE OPEN dink fishing we had all day for bass and trout! It was all good until the security guy showed up......LOL! (hey, there were no signs anywhere forbidding us!)

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing025.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing026.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing028.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing029.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing031.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing030.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing033.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing035.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing036.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing037.jpg

As if we had not fished enough all day, we decided to go catfishing at one of the spots (no pics taken). Joining us was Grannyfish and Grandpa fish! We had laughs and a few bites (actually Granny had the bites) but no takers.

Saturday morning came all too early. By 8am we were once again in the truck running around trying to find spots along the river. Our first stop was to the same place we catfished the night before. As we drove up we noticed there was someone fishing our spot.

As we got to talking with this fellow angler (mostly us asking him the scoop on fishing Laughlin), he reveals he is a recent ex-marine, and that he knew was Fishingnetwork.net was! In fact, he rattled off the name "TROUTONLY", and told us Troutonly has a bit of a following from the Marines in Afghanistan! :Shocked:

I was floored.....but not floored enough to stop fishing altogether and catch these little guys: :LOL:

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing048.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing050.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing047.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing051.jpg




Shortly after this little session, we got back in the truck and headed to Davis Camp (Arizona side).

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing053.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing054.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing055.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing056.jpg




Right about here, I had one heck of a fight with a fish. My 8lb test was no match. Line was peeling off as the fish sprinted up river, and there was practically no way for me to slow it down or chase it. I eventually palmed the spool and tried a couple jerks to turn it, but in the end, the fish took off with my lucky rattle-trap. I can't think of a better way to lose that lure. Trolly and I laughed so hard....

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing058.jpg

Shortly thereafter, we got the travellin' itch again, so we got back in the truck and randomnly drove all the way south on the Arizona side.

At about Bullhead City, and following the river, we ran into this tackle store:

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing061.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing060.jpg
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing059.jpg

[ Riviera Marina, 520 Riviera Blvd, Bullhead City, 928-763-8550]


Cont'd next thread...

[sansou]

(continuation of report)


The owner, Rusty, is about the nicest guy you'll ever meet. Had it not been for the Rusty, we would have been turning around and looking for fshing spots elsewhere. Instead, he gave us directions to this gem:

Topoc Marsh!!
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing063.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing064.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing065.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing066.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing067.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing068.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing069.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing071.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing072.jpg



After surveying the area a bit, we got back in the truck and headed toward the place where Trolly wishes to be buried:

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing073.jpg

This pic is for you Pontoon!
http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing074.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing075.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing076.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing077.jpg

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing078.jpg

Sadly, we had no time to catfish the spot, as the reception was 2 hours away. So we had to rush home and get gussied up for a big night of festivities.




I'll leave the details and pics of that soiree for Bullets & Tater to post, but let me just say that there was a bit of this:

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing092.jpg


Congratulations again Bullets & Tater. I expect an invitation to your 10th, 20th, and 50th wedding anniversary if they are to be held in Laughlin!!! We had a blast, and the food was awesome!

You guys are the best.

[Mr Bendo]

Congrats to Bullets and Tater!!! Nice pics Rich. That's cool catching all kinds of fish! Man that the kind of wedding reception I want to go to!!1

[PONTOON]

Rich, Ive enjoyed part one. The pics are awesome and they almost seem just like Trolly described to me as I got updated reports over the phone..........I'm off to part two.

[PONTOON]

OMG Rich, you guys were very close to where my uncle lives. He's described Catfish Paradise to me but I had no idea! Thanks for the pics My Friend. Had it not been improper to crash a party I'd have stowed away in the back of your truck and gladly shared space with the bait trolly brought along just to have the chance to fish that place.:Thumbs Up::Thumbs Up:

Now I've got to go back and review part one because I swear you mentioned something about Trolly having some sort of charm?:LOL:

Last but not least, Congratulations Bullets and Tater! I'm sure you two are going to have a wonderful life together because you two have always seemed to me to be a perfect match! I've always enjoyed talking to both of you at the get togethers.

Congratulations again to Both of you!:Thumbs Up::Thumbs Up:

[bullets_full]

Erica and I were so glad we could have some of our closest FNN friends make it out to celebrate our marriage. We fished a bit (not as much as we wanted to) but managed to pull a few from the river too. We will definitely be back before the end of the year to cash in our comps before January. We will post some pics of the fish and the reception when I detox from 5 days of utter debauchery.

Terry - I really wish we had known earlier of family that couldn't make it at the last minute. We would've been more than happy to have you and your wife come to fill their spots. I hope you understand my friend. If you can, please join us in Nov or Dec for an all out fishing trip to Laughlin.

We will post some pics later when we recover.

_Bullets

[PONTOON]

Erica and I were so glad we could have some of our closest FNN friends make it out to celebrate our marriage. We fished a bit (not as much as we wanted to) but managed to pull a few from the river too. We will definitely be back before the end of the year to cash in our comps before January. We will post some pics of the fish and the reception when I detox from 5 days of utter debauchery.

Terry - I really wish we had known earlier of family that couldn't make it at the last minute. We would've been more than happy to have you and your wife come to fill their spots. I hope you understand my friend. If you can, please join us in Nov or Dec for an all out fishing trip to Laughlin.

We will post some pics later when we recover.

_Bullets

Greg,

I completely understand and didn't mean anything by my comment. I was just kidding with Trolly because he knows how bad I've wanted to fish the river area.

Emilie and I want to congratulate both You and Erica and we wish you both nothing but the best in the years to come!

[sansou]

OMG Rich, you guys were very close to where my uncle lives. He's described Catfish Paradise to me but I had no idea! Thanks for the pics My Friend. Had it not been improper to crash a party I'd have stowed away in the back of your truck and gladly shared space with the bait trolly brought along just to have the chance to fish that place.:Thumbs Up::Thumbs Up:

Now I've got to go back and review part one because I swear you mentioned something about Trolly having some sort of charm?:LOL:

Last but not least, Congratulations Bullets and Tater! I'm sure you two are going to have a wonderful life together because you two have always seemed to me to be a perfect match! I've always enjoyed talking to both of you at the get togethers.

Congratulations again to Both of you!:Thumbs Up::Thumbs Up:


Pontoon!

Trolly and I kept on telling each other Pontoon will go nutz if he sees this place (Catfish Paradise)! You couldn't ask for a nicer spot with trees and super-fishy looking waters.

I think it's time you and Trolly go visit your uncle!! LOL!!

[diamondbear]

What a fun read guys , good variety of fish caught . great pics . that river water was COLD I bet .

[Granny Fish]

Enjoyed fishing with you guys Friday night. I think we would have done better if we had gone up to Davis camp, but we enjoyed the evening none the less. I'm still laughing :LOL:

[Granny Fish]

That Catfish Paradise place sure does look fishey. :Cool:

[Troutman65]

Nice going on the fishing Sansou & Trolly. :Cool:

Congrats Bullets & Tater. :!!!::Big Grin:

[olfishergal]

Very nice report on a great fishing catfish/bass trip and a wonderful bonus........ERIKA AND GREG AS MR AND MRS. I am more than sorry I couldn't make this trip. But, I had already scheduled and paid for a La Paz trip a year ago that coincided. Congrats you two, we'll get together soon. Poker anyone? (report very soon on LaP trip)

[gletemfeelsteelgary]

cool you guys got some fishing time in....AND caught some feesh....congrats...

Some of those areas look super sweet especially those hydro outlets....some big gear and long casts could prove lucrative !


Damn....when I see you catching those troutskies (funny on a trap !) my mind goes straight to a swimbait.....man if those trout are there in great numbers...."you know who" won't be far behind !

Trolly is turnin' in to a stripa killer too....slayed 'em down out there too !

nice work and congrats to both of U on the many feesh!
Gary

[troutdog]

Great play by play Rich, Trolly so looked in his element :LOL:

Congratulation to greg and Erica, I wish you many years of health, wealth and happiness....I'm sorry I was not able to join you for the weekend :Sad: Hopefully you got my my message before you left, see you soon....I think I owe you both a shot or two! :LOL:


TD

[bullets_full]

Very nice report on a great fishing catfish/bass trip and a wonderful bonus........ERIKA AND GREG AS MR AND MRS. I am more than sorry I couldn't make this trip. But, I had already scheduled and paid for a La Paz trip a year ago that coincided. Congrats you two, we'll get together soon. Poker anyone? (report very soon on LaP trip)

Halloween night at our new place in Corona. I know it's quite a haul for you but if you can make it, we're going to have a lot of players and money on the table!

_Bullets

[bullets_full]

Luckily, we had a chance to break away from the chaos and watch the masters at work. Erica and I met up with Sansou and Trolly at the spot the had scoped out. Unfortunately, I had no luck but the king himself showed mr. stripey what's up:
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t279/bullets_full/laughlin/Picture001.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t279/bullets_full/laughlin/Picture002.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t279/bullets_full/laughlin/Picture003.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t279/bullets_full/laughlin/Picture004.jpg
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t279/bullets_full/laughlin/Picture005.jpg
We spent all afternoon fishing until our arms were tired of casting lures. I saw so many fish follow mine in but were just curious and never took. We did however catch a HUGE buzz and enjoyed time with our friends.

The following morning (day of reception), Erica and I still wanted to get some time on the water. We fished the bridge just outside the AVI resort in the morning. I was casting a rattletrap that Rich loaned me and had a huge shadow chase and bump it. Unfortunatly, my inferior skills couldn't get the hook set. I kept casting my lure right in front of his nose but eventually it just spooked 'em and he swam off into the shadows. I did manage one smallie on a lure though that morning:
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t279/bullets_full/laughlin/Picture006.jpg

I did catch another dink LMB but my mother-in-law has the pictures on her camera so no pics.

Later that night, our reception started out very uncomfortable. I hate being the center of attention and you could hear a pin drop in that place. But, after all found the open bar, the party started to loosen up a tad:

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t279/bullets_full/laughlin/Picture007.jpg

After a ton of beers and a few shot of Jameson doubles, we started to get silly with a few pics:

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t279/bullets_full/laughlin/Picture008.jpg

I told Trolly before the trip that is was mandatory that he wear a shirt since half the time he is shirtless. But we just couldn't resist getting one shot in for the king himself. (Notice how modest Sansou is)

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t279/bullets_full/laughlin/Picture009.jpg

I have so many other stories of the unforgettable weekend but with save them for another day.

To our FNN friends who shared this milestone in our lives, Erica and I want to truly thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Rich, you have always been a real good friend. We latched on to your personality and sense of humor from the day we met you. All of our outings have been so fun and we both are so lucky to consider you our friend!

Trolly, Holy S***! We can't even put into words what joy you bring to us when you're around! You're antics and stories never get old and Erica and I love every minute, every time we hang out with you. Your generosity is second to none!

Granny and Grampa, Erica and I consider you both as our closest friends here. There is not a week or two that goes by where we're not thinking of you two. I'm sure of the fact that we will be life-long friends. We love you both!

Thanks for the read and sorry for the hi-jack Rich.

Mr. and Mrs. Bullets_Full

[trollmiester]

Hey rich it was a blast.Thanx for doing all the driving.Exploring we did thats for sure,i felt like christopher columbus lol.Man you new what lure to change up to when the offering was not good.That water was clear and tasted very good. I realy liked the firecracker store in neveda. 100 m89s for 22.50 is a good deal.Greg and erica thanx for everything. The italian food and cesar salad was real good.Hard ten for five dollars,made 35 dollars.Made 120 on the poker tables,priceless. Thats all i gambled. Breakfaat buffet was good too.Met very nice people out there.The one that blew my mind was a army veteran from afaganistan.When he saw our shirts he said hey where is trout only? Let the blood spill. He said he lurks on this board and fnn has a huge following in that country.Wow i was in shck he knew me and pontoon and various others.I asked the if there were catfish there , he said there was but it was difficult to fish because of all the roadside bombs left by russia in the cold war.I gave him a cold poereade in honor of fnn, and he gladly took it.He as from lagrs vegas now and he knows who to fish and should me a lot of pictures.Granny and mike had a blast with you guys ,sure was fun.Loved the men in the wedding with tuxedos and converse tennis shoes. The women were lokking real good too all in black. Rich thanx again for everything buddy.

[Granny Fish]

Granny and Grampa, Erica and I consider you both as our closest friends here. There is not a week or two that goes by where we're not thinking of you two. I'm sure of the fact that we will be life-long friends. We love you both!


Greg and Erica - The feeling is mutual. We love you both and know the two of you will have many, many happy years together. Congratulations on your new home and new life together. See you Saturday!

[BIG*GAME*HUNTER]

looks like great outing..it's cool to meet up with a lot of new found friends through here..wtg on the fish and the nice catch bro, she's a keeper..

[deanhall32]

Fun report to read!!!

[sansou]

Here's the fireworks Trolly was talking about:

http://i282.photobucket.com/albums/kk274/sansou/Laughlin%202009/LaughlinWeddingFishing038-1.gif

[Rooster]

Congrats to the both of ya. Enjoyed all the pics and report. Hope 2 cya all out on the waters soon.

[NoHo ART]

Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Bullets_Full:Beer Toast:
vicki and i wish both of you all the best in life

[TroutOnly]

OH MAN RICH I WANTED TO SEE THE PIC WERE TROLLY FALLS INTO THE RIVER WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM YOU PUSHING HIM,AND IM GOING TO A VETRANS DAY POST TO THE MARINES IN AFGANISTAN FOR THE COURAGE UNDER TH CURRENT CIRCUMSTANCES,,,,,,t/o ,,,,,,and the pic of trolly with firecrackers really captured his likeness,,,,,,,LOL,,,,,,,

[Granny Fish]

TO - he almost fell in with a little help from me. LOL!
Better him than me...:LOL:

[Fisherman57]

Congratulations Greg & Erica! .......

Donna & I both send our best wishes, and we want to get together with you guys soon and raise a toast to you both!

Im sorry we couldnt make it out there, it sure looks like we missed out on a great time and everyone looks like they had alot of fun! We'll find time soon to celebrate locally with you guys.

Thanks Rich for sharing all the pics..... I dig that Lucky 57 t-shirt Trolly.... .........and Erica, ....... Donna says to tell you she thinks your dress was VERY COOL!

I hear Rich has already made an offer on the first Trollmiester Waxing Salon franchise... :LOL:


57

[Mondo21]

Congrats to the Bride and Groom! It looks like everyone had a great time. Love all the pics! Rich thanks for the play by play of all the fishing spots, niccce. The water clarity is awsome.
Cindy:Big Smile:

[bluehunter]

Congrads on the wedding Bullets& Mrs Bullets. Fabulous report and pictures. Looked like an awesome time out there fishing and a wedding at a fun place. Nice!

B

[calico killer kevin]

Wow, I was over there for spring break and we didn't toss a line in the river. But, that golf course nexr to Avi, OMG bass galore. Buddy took home the JP with a 7lb largie. Maybe we'll go again this spring break.

Thanks for the report.

[primo55]

great report,have driven by there in the past and regreted not having my tackle with me,now i know where to stop and get the lines wet!!:Big Grin:

[Wingnut]

Congratulations!!! May the two of you ride happily into the sunset together. :Big Grin:

[scca]

CONGRATS !!!! BULLETS AND TATER. Sorry i could'nt make it out. Sansou and trolly thanks for all the photo's. Looks like you guys got into some good fishing out there. I love that catfish paradise picture.

[The Stalefish]

Awesome post! What a great mixed bag out of the mighty colorado! Thanks for the post!

[ghetto dad]

CONGRATS you two!!!!!

Rich....excellent report and pics brother....it was well worth the 30 minutes it took my computer to load them!! lol...I need a new comp!!

GD

[MAN VS WILD]

What an awesome report!! Sounds and looks like you guys had a blast! I like the variety of fish that were caught. Great pics

Congratulations Greg & Erica!!! I wish you guys the best!!

FISH ON!!!

[Trout-Chaser]

This post was an absolute pleasure to read! And I cannot believe the clarity of the water in the first photos! WOW! And Trolly, you look like you were having way too much fun!:Big Grin:

Guess I will have to put a trip to Laughlin on my list of places to go!

[fishtales]

I have a quick question, were all the bass large mouths or did you catch some small mouths?

Thanks for the great report!

[steelhead]

It looks like you guys were able to get in a lot of fishing for the two days. The water looks very tempting for swimming, was it cold?

[sansou]

Fishtales: there's smallmouth all along the river. I used a small pearl piggly tail grub and a colored rattle trap. They hang right by rocks along the edge of the current in typical smallmouth fashion. Small hardbaits were tough to get down deep enough, otherwise I would have fished them. There's no lack of smallies where we were at, but I never hooked anything large. A good bass fisherman (not me) would have a field day.

Steelhead: Too cold to swim comfortably when we were there. I think the river keeps a steady temp all year round because the lower strata of the water column is released from the dam. I think I recall hearing the tour boat operator say 58 degrees, but I could be mistaken.

[Santa Fe Eric]

I know this is very late, but CONGRATULATIONS Bullets and Tater! You are a great and fun loving couple. May all of your dreams come true!
Eric