The day started at 4:30am as I left the house bound for Steelhead Alley. I was to meet my clients at 5:45am and so I went about my normal rounds....coffee...donut or two... and gas. Up until that point, all was as it normally is. I moved quickly and hit the road to head north and that is when the change began.
The precipitation that was forecast for overnight didn't come in the form of rain. Instead it decided to come in the form of snow. Just a few days ago we were looking at high blue skies and 73 degrees. However, on this morning, it was in the mid 30's and just ten minutes north of my home in Ohio's snowbelt, there was now roughly 4 inches of snow on the ground. Oh, and did I mention that it was also on the roads? Oh yes, fun, fun, fun....
Needless to say, I was a few minutes late getting to my rendezvous point, but regardless we made up for lost time. Within a short while, we were on the river with rods rigged and the sun coming up....it was time to fish, so fish we did.
BILL FISHES THE SUNRISE AS THE SNOW FLIES
Within moments of our start, fish were coming to hand. Not large fish, as it was apparent that many skippers (jacks) had made their way into the rivers in the past couple days. Regardless, they kept things interesting and in time the fish would gain size and strength.
BILL WITH AN AVERAGE TWO YEAR FISH
The snow kept flying all day long and by the time we got to our afternoon location 5-6 inches of snow was on the ground. Yes, Steelhead season is here and someone told "old man weather" that too :) I guess we can get comfortable now that we know our weather is back to normal.
BILL WITH THE BIG FISH OF THE DAY
By the end of the day we had a handful of fish, wet packs, wet hats, and wet gloves...and plenty of smiles and memories to go along with it.
JOHN WITH ONE DURING THE DAY.
Today's fish didn't come to just one offering, but a variety of sorts. Small buggers, various egg patterns, soft hackles and various nymphs all brought fish to hand.
As I said before, several inches of snow is now on the ground and hopefully with cool nights, we will get a slow thaw. If the warm weather melts it off quick, then we could see some of the tribs rise and muddy up.
JOHN AND BILL WITH A PAIR OF LAKE ERIE STEELHEAD.
Hope for the best, and we will see what happens.
John and Bill, it was a blast fishing with you today. I hope your next couple days are just as good or better.
Until next time, tight lines!
Patrick "Flybum" Robinson
Head Guide
Steelhead Alley Outfitters
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