The day got started early, but not too early. Afterall, the cold temps both in the air and in the water are a sure combination for ice....and ice is around for sure.
We got a good start on the Alley this morning with little ice to contend with. The higher flows on some streams have kept ice development down, but everything is on the drop and clearing, so that will change. As this happens ice will only become more of an issue. If we get another couple weeks of fishing in, we will be blessed!
Yesterday though, I didn't have to worry about ice keeping us off the water. The streams were flowing, and fish were to be had. We got the day started early with a nice piece of fresh chrome....and that is always a great way to get it started! Way to go Ryan for getting the skunk out of our bag!
RYAN WITH A LITTLE CHROME TO START THE DAY
After fishing the morning, with little results, we changed things up, relocated and were into fish again. It was fun today as my clients were hard workers and always willing to laugh. I don't know about everyone else, but one of my life mottos is "Life is hardly worth living without laughing," and today we did our fair share! Either laughing at each other, or at ourselves, we had fun!
RYAN BUSTS A NICE HEN FULL OF EGGS
WHILE PAT SAYS WHO IS THIS GUY? YEAH,
RYAN GOT OFF TO A FAST START....BUT PAT
KNEW HOW TO RALLY BY THE DAYS END!
A NICE CLOSE UP SHOT OF THE HEN ON ICE
Pat and I had some good times on that water that is for sure! Between the learning and the abundance of laughing, fish were brought to hand and then the smiles just got bigger! Here Pat poses with one of the few bucks we landed for the day.
PAT HOLDS A NICE BUCK
As we progressed through the day, both Ryan and Pat's skills improved and so did their ability to catch and land fish. These guys were willing to fish in the toughest of conditions and fortunately for them, after previous weather cancellations, today it paid off.
Here is another nice hen landed during the course of our day together.
A BEAUTIFUL HEN WITH A WINTER BACKDROP
PAT POSES WITH HIS PRIZE FISH OF THE DAY
The flies that took fish today were nuke eggs in orange and pink, but by far the hottest fly of the day was what I call my "Money Fly." It was so named after landing the largest fish of my guide career a few years back that taped out in the 37" range and was estimated by the DNR to weigh around 17-18lbs (you can see a photo in previous blogs). Another hot fly for the day was the new "Chicken Hawk" which is featured on our fly tying tutorial blog.
At any rate, the streams are cold and the air temps colder. We are fishing every day and watching to see if mother nature is going to lock things down. We should see considerable ice in the next few days as we approach Christmas. If you can fish, do it soon! If you are interested in a guided trip, give us a shout. We love to fish this time of year and for those who are willing to brave the cold, big rewards can come!
Until next time, tight lines and a Merry Christmas to everyone!
Patrick "Flybum" Robinson
Head Guide
Steelhead Alley Outfitters
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