A River Runs Through It and Then...

In 1992 the fly fishing industry received a huge shot in the arm. It was called Robert Redford and "A River Runs Through It!" I can't tell you how many conversations I have had with people while on the water who say, "I started fly fishing after I saw the movie, A River Runs Through It." It's like the world of fly fishing can be separated by BTM and ATM....before the movie and after the movie.

Well, no more. I believe that the next shot in the arm is taking place right now and in a couple years we are going to start hearing a different story. In the last month, The Orvis Company has started a campaign that spans the country to help bring people into this wonderful sport. In recent weeks, here in Ohio and all across the country, Orvis stores as well as affiliate shops have been offering "Fly Fishing 101 & 201" classes. Several of us here at Steelhead Alley Outfitters have had the opportunity to be involved in these classes and they have been very well attended. Thanks to Orvis, fly shops, and a lot of volunteers, thousands of people are being introduced to this awesome sport!

The rods are rigged and ready for fresh hands

Ben Barger, Will Turek, Jim Lampros and myself get

ready for the newest class of Fly Fishing 101 students.

Jim Lampros gets started on the basics with an

energetic bunch listening to the instruction.

If you are interested in getting in on either a 101 or 201 class, you still have some time left to get signed up and participate...Oh, and did I mention that it is FREE? YES, FREE! Just click on the hyperlink above and you can see the remaining dates that the Cleveland Orvis store will be holding these classes and what you must do to get involved!

Until the next time,

Patrick "Flybum" Robinson

Head Guide

Steelhead Alley Outfitters

Brown Trout- East And West

Guides Brett McCrae and John Miller are both respectfully chasing the most beautiful Brown Trout our country has to offer. I'm always jealous when the fish photos from these guys start showing up in my email! I have had the pleasure of fishing both the West Branch of the Delaware River on the East, and Wyoming's Piney Creek in the West. The trout are spectacular and the scenery is stunning, I only wish I had more spare time in my schedule.

If you can find time in your schedules and are willing to travel for a few really nice fish, Brett McCrae can be reached at Rock Creek Anglers and John Miller at the West Branch Angler

Brett McCrea poses with a Wyoming Piney Creek Brown Trout. 

Brown Trout and big streamers make for a fun day...

Guide John Miller has been putting West Branch Angler clients into some very impressive Delaware River Brown Trout!

Another nicely colored Delaware River Brown Trout...

Bronze Backs, Farmer Tans, and Deep Fried Pretzels

After spending the last couple of months enjoying Northwestern PA trout fishing, it was awesome to come back to my home water- Lake Erie Tributaries! Over the past couple of days I have the pleasure of stalking beautiful Lake Erie Smallmouth Bass with Patti, Meredith, and John who made the summer trip up from Indianapolis. Long cast and small flies were productive for us the majority of the time, with opportunities in the morning and late evenings for top water and big streamer action.

We all put in the extra work perfecting on our always in style farmer tans, and ended the trip with a feast of pizza, wings, and deep fried soft pretzels from Mike's Sports Bar in Lake City, PA. If you are looking to get out we have a few limited days available. If you plan to get out on your own, stalking, long leaders, and even longer casting is required to catch a few of the bruisers cruising the shallows.

Olive, Black, Brown, and Gray BH Woolly Buggers in sizes 10 through 6 were the most effective flies the past few days. Here are a few of the pictures from the past couple of days!
   

Meredith poses with a solid Lake Erie Smallmouth Bass!

Patti is all smiles, after doing battle with this fine bronze back.

John poses with another solid Lake Erie Smallmouth Bass.

Buggers were very productive.

Patti with another fat Erie Bronze Back.

John with a stellar Lake Erie Smallmouth.

Meredith poses with another large Erie Bronze back.

Guide Tim Hess met up with us on Tuesday afternoon, and found a few willing to hit a big fly!

To my disbelief this late Steelhead smacked a Woolly Bugger, that was being stripped through the pool for Smallies! It fought as hard as a November fish despite it taking the fly on June 13th....

Tying In The Pines....

Guys this will be a fly tying weekend to remember, and also to fill your box! Only a couple spots remain- contact Mike Schmidt at 614-638-6727 or mike@anglerschoiceflies.com to RSVP!

You Have Got To Love The Colors Of Spring!

Over the past 60 days, I can honestly say it was probably the most enjoyable Spring I have ever personally had! There was alot of water, everything from Yellow Sallies, Black Caddis, Sulphurs, Green Drakes, and Rusties in the evening- just a ton of bugs everyday.... Our last retreat of the season was hosted with Jim Lampros of Orvis Cleveland and it was really good times had by all! Thanks for closing out the season on a great note! Here are a few of the pictures from this past weekend.

Jim Lampros sharing the strings with a Sulphur Mayfly.

One of the few Tiger Trout caught this spring.

Barrett poses with the Tiger Trout from above.

Dave is all smiles after landing this nice Brook Trout.

Jimmy and Victor got into a few nice trout, during alittle down time.

A pair of newts that were sitting on a log over looking the stream. 

Jimmy out harassing some of the natives.

A close up of the Brook Trout above.

A nice native Brown Trout.

A nicer native Brown Trout...

Love those colors!!!

Let's end this post the way it began!

Steelhead Alley Outfitters Decals Now Available!

Our SAO logo stickers are now available for sale online through Bone Yard Fly Gear! During the steelhead season, I will be looking for our decal along the Great Lakes Tributaries! If I see your vehicle with our decal you will receive a half dozen flies absolutely free! I will leave my business card on your vehicle, and all you have to do is call me to receive your flies. We really appreciate all your support over the years!!! 

Click Here to Purchase

Click Here to Purchase

Got Trout?

Both John Miller and Scott McClintock are having very good success on the Delaware River System! If you are looking for big Brown Trout on dry flies, don't hesitate to contact the guys on their summer guide waters at West Branch Angler. I will be out of contact and back in the Allegheny Mountains from this Thursday through Tuesday on Brook Trout Retreats. If you need any assistance or need to book a guided trip please contact Patrick Robinson at flybum@windstream.net

Here are a few recent Delaware River Brown Trout pictures from John and Scott!