Just a quick note to let you all know that I’m back stateside after a 5-week tour of duty in Mongolia, the land of the Giants. It was a great season and fishing for taimen was good throughout. Top fish of the year honors went to Sydney-based “Taimen Freak,” Charles Barrett Jnr, who returned for a second crack at landing a true giant taimen.

After the previous full day’s skunking in Bayaraa’s boat, Charles got his fish on the first cast of the next day. I saw the beast from the boat as I was driving upriver, killed the motor, dropped the anchor, handed rods to Charles and his mate, Ron, and they started chucking. Charles instantly had a tangled knot of running line to deal with but as soon as he straightened it out and made one strip, he was on!

After a powerful tug of war, punctuated by breathtaking wallows and thrashings at the surface. We finally got the great fish into the net.

Just one of the many incredible experiences, fishing and otherwise, that defined the 2010 season (my 13th tour!).

Now it’s back to earth and steelhead season is in full swing around here. Guided a two boater yesterday on the Willamette and we landed 3 in my boat, while Ethan landed 4 in his. A few dates are still available for some of the great fall steelhead action. Hope to see you out there!