Winner of steelhead fishing trip gets his day on the river

Richard Tejeda of San Jose recently caught his first wild steelhead on the Gualala River, while on a free guided fishing trip sponsored by Trout Unlimited of California. Tejeda won the trip through a Department of Fish and Game (DFG) online contest encouraging steelhead anglers to submit their 2009 Steelhead Fishing Report-Restoration Cards via DFG's Web site.

"Wow, it was great and the river is fantastic," said Tejeda. "We tried to fish the Russian River Wednesday but it was blown out so guide Kent MacIntosh took me to the Gualala River on Friday. It was like two free trips."

MacIntosh is the Northern California Grassroots Organizer for Trout Unlimited of California. He is also a guide specializing in steelhead fishing in Northern California. He donated the fishing trip for the winner, in conjunction with Trout Unlimited of California.

"Helping DFG get the most accurate and timely information to manage California's steelhead resource is a priority for Trout Unlimited of California," said MacIntosh. "It was a pleasure to fish with Richard."

Tejeda caught his wild steelhead drifting an orange corkey with a touch of roe. The river was in excellent shape and steelhead were hanging below the mouths of the creeks. Tejeda also lost a second steelhead that made numerous jumps before throwing the barbless hook.

California Trout Unlimited sponsored the "Free Guided Fishing Trip Contest" to encourage anglers to submit their Steelhead Report-Restoration Cards online. In addition to being quicker, easier and more convenient for anglers, online submissions enable steelhead managers to more efficiently access and tabulate statewide data.  The report card provides in-depth information on where steelhead are caught, the number caught and angling effort.