JUST PLAIN LUCK

From the title I am sure many of you are thinking that the luck was with the fishing. While that always seems to hold true at times, I am referring to the opportunity I had recently to accept a trip. It was one of those last minute, unplanned outings that I sometimes fear only because I know what goes into the preparation. For some reason I felt like I had to accept this offering. The day started in that typical fashion, waiting for light, are the fish gonna be there and did I forget something! But then I met Tim my client. As he began to tell me about himself I suddenly realized why I was suppose to be on this trip. Without going into details, Tim shared with me some private issues that have come about in his life. I looked at this man who stood before me and realized that I was put in this position for a reason, not just to be a guide today but to be a student. It was time for me to listen and learn about life in its simplest meaning and most complex all balled up into one chance meeting. And wonder you may what I learned on this day....................................

Slow down, open your eyes and Breathe!

I also learned that eventually you have to
pay back the fish gods!

Tim with his first steelhead on a fly!

A fresh hen that destroyed a Bob's Minnow pattern

Thank you Tim for sharing this day with me. I wish you the best and truly look forward to future endeavors with you. With Easter soon upon us, I would like to wish all of our followers and staff members a Happy Easter! Enjoy your time together with family and friends and remember not to stand behind them while they are casting! LOL

Until Next Time.................................

Tim Hess

Fly Fishing Specialist

Steelhead Alley Outfitters

Tough Times, But Tight Lines!

It's tough to catch a break this Spring! I think the saying "rain, rain, go away, come again some other day" is appropriate about now. I for one have seen enough rain for at least a little while. Yesterday was a welcome change, but snow, really? It was snowing so hard that it was accumulating for a while. I had to check my calendar to see what day it was. But hey, I have to admit....it was true Steelheading weather for sure and the fish agreed.

Larry hits a nice hen.

A nice dropback comes to hand.

The fishing has been difficult for one reason this Spring and that is due to the fact on most days, most streams haven't even allowed you to grace their waters. However, we have been lucky to get out on about every occasion that they have allowed us and our anxious clients have been rewarded with some quality fish.

Tim holds onto a nicely colored hen

Jim holds onto some nice chrome...Oh so pretty!

The key lately has been to stick and move...cover water and find the fish that are constantly moving due to the pulsing waters. Fish are around, but not in huge numbers, so walking and working are what pays off.

Brian with his first fish of the day.

Larry & Brian smile with their catches and willing friend Marty.

Tim hits a nicely colored fish...one of the only of the day

Kerry puts a nice buck in the net early in the day

Their is one experience that is always cool and that is when the fish all want to bite at the same time. Doubles are extra special and always remembered for years by those who were the fortunate fisherman. Getting them both in the net at the same time is always the trick for the guide, but this time around it worked out perfectly!

Larry and Brian pose with a nice double down

One of those colored mugs we all love!

Jim lands this thick heavy buck waiting

anxiously for some hens.

Larry nailed this beautiful lady with a voracious appetite!

Thanks to all the ladies and gentlemen who have been entrusting us with their days on the water in the last few days! We have had a great time playing this game of hide and seek and look forward to doing it again in the future!

Keep your eyes on the gauges, because once again the next few days are bringing precipitation and most streams will likely pulse higher than they are currently. We hope to get back out in a few days with more anxious anglers.

Flies that have been hot lately are Bob's Minnows, Ice Man Minnows, Chicken Littles and a variety of pastel eggs. Keep in mind that drop backs are starting to drop out and are looking for a meal. They will give chase, so swing em up or hit them on the white buggers and minnows.

Tight lines,

Patrick Robinson

Head Guide

Steelhead Alley Outfitters