A few days late, but not a few dollars short - Lake Erie Steelhead Alley Fishing Report

There's nothing quite like fishing big water. It's big, it's strong, it's got lots of places for fish to hide, and, oh yeah, it's big. For anyone who has fished along Steelhead Alley for any extended period of time, you know that fishing the Grand River is a treat. The largest stocked river in Ohio doesn't fish all that often during Steelhead season because after runoff it takes an extended period of time to drop and clear.

During low water, when other rivers are running gin clear and with little flow, the Grand can be a lifesaver for a guide - last week was one of those weeks. With Rich and Connie up from Columbus, and the Grand flowing at a fishable level, we decided to give it a go.

Our goal for the day was to swing flies, but with the water in most places barely flowing, we had to pick our spots to use this technique. However, the first place we fished presented an opportunity to swing, and Rich took full advantage and hooked a nice chromer on a white sculpin. Unfortunately it wasn't meant to be, and with a vicious headshake the fish popped 15 lb. fluoro like it was 8/0 tying thread, rolled, and was gone a split second later.

GETTING THE DAY STARTED RIGHT

However, Rich shook that one off, and came through to break the skunk with this nice buck soon thereafter.

Connie, brand new to Steelhead fishing (and, might I add, didn't think she would enjoy the experience at all) also came through with some nice fish, and ended up having a great time. In fact, Rich, I think she wants to do it again.

THE SMILE SAYS IT ALL

Peak fall foliage, lots of hook ups from a bunch of fired up fresh Steelhead, and the beautiful Grand River....Can you think of a better way to spend an October day?

Oh yeah, and who can forget the chub that ripped drag, cleared the water a half a dozen times, and left Connie with a split knuckle from her hand hitting the reel. Remember, ice and ibuprofen will help keep the swelling down.

VICTORY OVER THE DAY MAKER

Until the next chub.

Brett McCrae

Fly Fishing Specialist

Steelhead Alley Outfitters