THE GUYS FROM TENNESSEE POSE FOR A SHOT WITH SAO STAFF
The past couple of days on the alley have been a bit challenging. With water levels dropping steadily over the weekend from last weeks rain, clearing water is becoming an issue.
Upon arriving on Monday we found the water clearing as we anticipated and levels dropping to lower than ideal. We didn't lose hope though. With a group of repeat clients, we went to getting them some fish as they are accustomed to.
There wasn't any pressure though...none whatsoever....I mean these guys don't know what steelhead are really....In fact they don't know them at all.....Unless, of course, you are talking about very large steelhead :)
Below is the fish that one of these gentlemen caught last Spring while fishing with us and yes, it was forefront on his mind. In fact, within the first few moments of our time together he said, I just want one like last time......I replied with a, "yeah right, don't we all." I mean, 17-18lbs of fresh manistee fish isn't caught every day! Regardless, Kyle was ready for a new opportunity and so we hit the water with expectations of fun and nothing more.
KYLE'S 17-18LB MANISTEE FROM SPRING OF 08'
Once we hit the water, the casting skills quickly improved and in short order the guys were making great drifts. Within a short time the youngster of the group, Kyle Jr., was landing his first fish and throwing down the bragging rights.
KYLE JR. POSES WITH HIS FIRST FISH OF THE TRIP
After a short lull in the activity, I moved the guys to a different hole and soon the lull was over...in fact, it was on!!! I heard Kyle say, "I got one," and seconds later heard Kyle Jr. say the same thing....
We played our cards carefully and within a couple of minutes had both fish in hand and waiting for a quick photo opportunity. It is moments like these that make the work of guiding a true joy even during tough conditions.
In addition to the double, one of them had a clipped pectoral fin on the right side (click on photo to see the clipped fin on Jr's fish). This as I understand it, is a fish that was stocked in the Huron River in Michigan. Needless to say, it is a long way from home.
KYLE AND KYLE JR. POSE WITH TWO NICE FISH
And the last fish of the day came to Kyle which only seems right. That is what happened with the monster of a fish from last spring and this was reminiscent of that moment. The smiles truly show the joys of throwing flies for these awesome sport fish!
ONE LAST FISH FOR THE DAY
And last but not least, below is a photo of Eric and one of his fish from the two days spent on the river with John Miller. Eric, Jeff, and John covered some hard water in two days and still came out with fish. This is truly a mark of a skilled guide and great clients working hard (together) to get the job done.....and get it done they did!
ERIC POSES WITH HIS FIRST FISH OF THE TRIP
Jeff poses with an Ohio steelhead
In closing, we will be on the river every day this week and the rest of the month, so check back often to see the stories and to check conditions.
Tight Lines,
Patrick Robinson
Head Guide
Steelhead Alley Outfitters
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