Ice & Snow + Steady Flows = Fish

It is so glad to be in the midst of our winter Steelhead season....(sounds of screeching brakes, crashing sounds, etc)....wait a second, did I say winter?  What I meant to say was spring, but all this snow and ice has me a bit confused these days!

Lately our riverscapes have looked anything but spring like and if it weren't for the presence of the Canada Geese and plethora of other waterfowl on the rivers along with our wonderful stonefly hatches, I would be hard pressed to believe we are actually in the spring season.  Don't get me wrong, we get a little bit of snow each spring, but this has been a straight up deep winter weather pattern.  In the last week or so we have seen as much as 15 inches of snow fall.  Here is this morning out my front door.

 A gorgeous spring morning from my front porch

A winter Stonefly nymph crawls on the snow looking for a partner

Despite the feel of winter in the air, we have been as busy as ever and although the water temps are a bit chilly, fish are hitting the net without fail.  Here are just a few photos from recent days out with those who are either lovers of swinging flies or are just learning the art of spey casting and wanting to try their hand at swinging flies....it's been a lot of fun out there!  But just look at the surroundings....snow, snow, and more snow...with a bit of slush for added affect.

No matter the conditions, steelheaders are out there beating the water.  Yes, we are a rare breed!  Often called crazy or stupid, but we like to call ourselves passionate about what we do.  Freezing rain, snow, sleet, and 32 degree water doesn't keep us from doing what we love when given a chance.  After many flies swung and a lot of downed indicators, fish have been coming to hand for many and here are just a few of the photos from the past week or so....

Any way we look at it....spring or not...we love to do what we do!  Thanks to all of our friends and clients who have entrusted us with their time!  It has been tough on some days and easier on others, but you all have stuck it out and got the job done!  Here's to doing it again and often!

On a different note, if you haven't heard, we have just launched a new website at the same web address we have always had...http://www.steelheadalleyoutfitters.com.  If you haven't already seen it go give it a look and let us know what you think of it.

Also, we are starting to think toward our September Alaska trip.  We still have openings available if you are wanting to make this trip with us.  Drop us a line if you have questions or want to make the journey with us this year.  Below is an overview of the trip and you can visit our website to see copious amounts of photos and video by clicking here.....ALASKA 2013

Good luck out on the water!  Hope to see you out there soon!

Tight Lines, 

Patrick "Flybum" Robinson

Head Guide 

Steelhead Alley Outfitters

The New Web Presence

Over the course of the last couple of years some of the SAO boys have been working on a new look for Steelhead Alley Outfitters on the web. A little design here and a little design there and it slowly started to look like a website.  In the last couple of months the activity and need to finish the project reached a fevered pitch and we realized it was now or never.  With a bit of team spirit and a good old pep rally kind of session, we all agreed to push through to the finish as the spring Steelhead season would quickly be in full swing.

Today we are happy to say that the fruits of our labors are finally available for the public to view.  We are happy to have it done and hope that it helps serve our customers well.

There is one aspect of the site that isn't quite finished yet and we are equally as excited about it.  The new "Flies and Gear" page on our site is soon to be a full blown web store.  Here you will be able to pay for everything from guided/hosted trip deposits and balances to purchasing custom tied flies, fly tying supplies, wears, and anything else we can think of over time.

Go check out the new site at http://www.steelheadalleyoutfitters.com and be sure to let us know what you think.

Tight Lines,

Patrick "Flybum" Robinson
Head Guide
Steelhead Alley Outfitters

A Season Underway!

In recent weeks, the fishing has been good for those willing to brave the cold.  More often than not, those late winter days on any given year are shared only by the most die hard of anglers.  It doesn't take long though for the weather to warm and with the warming comes the throngs of people who are ready to escape the blahs of a long winter.

This week happened to be that warm-up and with it came the anglers ready to break the ice of winter with a few hot fish.

A Nice Hen Slammed a Senyo Swung Fly for Chris and SAO Guide Patrick Robinson

Chris and his father made a return trip to the Alley today and beat the rains that threaten to blow things up and out for tomorrow.  Although conditions were a bit tough, some nice fresh fish were waiting for them and their persistence paid off.

Chris With A White Hot Steelhead 

 Cameron Mortenson of the Fiberglass Manifesto Bags Steel

 Dave Holds A Nice Fish While Fishing With Michael Decoteau

Greg With A Respectable Hen On The Fly

Our dates are filling fast, but we still have availability if you are wanting to get out and chase some Steelhead.  Just give us a shout if you want to get out.

In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for the announcement for our new website launch.  We are hoping to have this new site launched in the next week.  We are excited for the fresh yet simple site and hope you enjoy it when we launch it.

Until then, tight lines and get out  there every chance you get.

Patrick "Flybum" Robinson
Head Guide
Steelhead Alley Outfitters