2015 Fishing

The following is my 2015 update.

Wow! I still can’t believe it: after an absence of some years, and with the encouragement of Rob McDannold and Billy Blewett I was fortunate to make it back to the Dean in late August.The lodge had been forced by nature to make a move to a new location after the 2012 / 200 year flood. This was my first visit to the completed new facility. And what a work of art and craftsmanship !
I can’t say enough about the layout, uniqueness of design and absolute beauty and comfort of this new Lower Dean River Lodge.
And the meals, that a whole other gastronomic delight.
But did I mention the fishing ! Again the “Valhalla” of Steelhead rivers didn’t disappoint. I caught numerous large fish, two of which were in excess of 38 inches.

I found that with the chemo treatments of a few years ago, my footing was not what it used to be. In the early years they used to call me “Arm Pits Willie” as I bounced the runs like a moon man, with abandonment. Not so this trip,- with my trusty wading stick in hand I carefully maneuvered my way through the runs.

The take of a Dean Steelhead is like no other with continuous runs and jumps. (at least 7 for the fish below)

On one beautiful afternoon Billy Blewett and I fished together for about 2 hours and hooked and released 5 amazing fish.
We had the opportunity to recount many of the great experience of over the 35 years of our friendship .

This without question was the fulfilment of a desire to “One More Time” visit the river that has captured my heart and has over the years been a special place where I commune with its Creator.