SAO Pages

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Smallmouth in Force!

Just a couple of days ago, Greg and I made a mad dash for the state of Pennsylvania.  As you can tell from our blogs, a good portion of our off season (Steelhead season) is spent in this great state and for good reason.

Reason numero uno is the awesome Smallmouth  fishing that can be had.  Our goal for a two day stint was to hit Elk Creek for Smallies and filming and then head to central PA for the world class limestoner trout that are on fire this time of year due to prolific hatches (more on this later).

The day started about 2:30am as Greg departed Northwest Ohio in route for my place.  Around 5:00am we were on the road headed for our first fish & film session.  We were anticipating low clear water and a bit less than ideal numbers of laker smallies.  Upon our arrival, we found our forecast to be correct as far as water was concerned.  However, when it came to fish remaining in the river, we were way off!!!

I personally have spent a number of my years of fishing going after this trophy fish.  I have fished them around the midwest and in Canada, and I assure you I have never seen this many fish in every pool we came to!  Numerous holes were occupied by nothing other than this gamefish.

A BEAUTIFUL BRONZEBACK THAT SLAMMED A NEW SENYO TUBE

WATER WAS CLEAR, BUT FISH WERE ABUNDANT

I spent most of my morning working with the camera and getting video that is needed for coming projects.  But let me just say that there comes a point where the camera has to be put down!  I could only look at these kind of numbers for so long before my mind was so scattered that I couldn't begin to shoot anything of any quality due to the distraction.

SENYO CREEK CHUB TUBE

GREG SENYO WITH A NICE LITTLE SMALLMOUTH.

We only had a few hours of time before the next leg of the trip, and I assure you that next leg wasn't going to take place without a few nice jumps from quality smallmouth such as these.

The conditions were a little cool for topwater action, but subsurface they were very willing if you knew how to present the fly!

PATRICK ROBINSON WITH A BRONZE BEAUTY

A number of quality fish were caught and filmed in our brief window of fishing this river that is near and dear to so many hearts.  There were good numbers of trophy caliber fish around, and Greg was lucky to bring this bruiser to hand.  Great fish Greg!!!

NOTICE, NO ARMS OUTSTRETCHED ON THIS FISH PHOTO.  
THIS IS THE "REAL DEAL" TROPHY CALIBER SMALLIE!

The fish are still in and we have guides available if you are interested in getting a line on some of these awesome game fish.

We will continue to hit the water every chance we get and will let you know what we find.

Until then, tight lines.....

Patrick "Flybum" Robinson
Head Guide
Steelhead Alley Outfitters

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