The Perks...

Each year there are those days that hold special memories for each guide.  On Saturday, Ben Barger and myself had the opportunity to take a family out for a shot at some early season steelhead.  It's not typical that we would call this early season, but this year is anything but typical.

At any rate, we had tried unsuccessfully last fall to get the Melaragno clan out on the water and so we were dealt a cold March day where one had to hunt for every fish this time around.  Nothing was going to come easy, that was for sure.

With all of them being newcomers to the fly rod, we chose a choice location for casting instruction that could potentially hold a fish or two...but the odds were stacked against us...or so we thought.

Max is the young man in the right of photo.  He is a very energetic 8 year old who is all boy...just the way they ought to be.  We hadn't been on the stream for five seconds before rocks and sticks were being flung all over the place.  That being the case, the first rod that was ready for use was given to Max.  I can still hear Ben saying, Max, you have a lot of energy to burn, so how about we get you started first.   Mom and Dad chuckled at hearing that.

With that, Ben and Max stepped up stream and the instruction on swinging flies began.  When I say it wasn't 10 minutes later, I am not kidding.  Just 10 minutes into the day and I hear, "I have one!"  Surprised by the proclamation, I look up thinking that perhaps the lad was snagged, when all at once I saw the roll of the fish at the end of his line.  "Amazing," I thought to myself.  Ben scrambled to get by his side to coach him and I scrambled for the camera to capture every stage of the action.  Moments later, we had a nice buck in the net and a family full of smiles....here is one of the best shots from the day.

THE MELARAGNO FAMILY ENJOYS A MOMENT THEY WILL REMEMBER FOR YEARS!

For us as guides, these are the true perks of the job!  There is nothing quite like introducing the next generation to the sport that we love and then getting to celebrate moments like these.

Great job Max on landing that first and memorable fish and way to help the young man get it done Ben!  We look forward to seeing the whole family back again in the future!

Tight Lines,

Patrick "Flybum" Robinson
Director of Operations
Steelhead Alley Outfitters

Ice Out Is Here…Let The Fishing Begin

Well, after the coldest and longest winter I can remember, the break has finally shown itself.  The rivers are blown and dropping back and the fishing will begin in ernest this week!  Sure there is still a lot of ice on the banks and sometimes in the flow, but we are free from the grip of winter, so let the celebration begin!

After many weeks of tying flies of all sorts and varieties for all kinds of species, I am more ready than ever to get out and bust some chrome or any fish for that matter.  Here is one of my favorite ties as of late that will eventually get the job done.

A NICE 3/0 SPEY FLY READY TO HIT THE WATER AND DO THE JOB.

And when I'm not busy chasing chrome, I hope to get out and give a shot at sticking some toothy critters too.  That being the case, I decided to tie up some "go big or go home" kind of flies too.  Here is one such fly for Muskie that I hope will be wet in coming weeks!

A FLY TIED UP AND READY FOR A HUNGRY TOOTHY TYPE!

Regardless of what species of fish you are going after, the ice is gone from most rivers and the waters are ready to be worked by those who are willing.

If you are interested in hitting the water this spring for some Steelhead or Smallmouth, give us a shout and let us help you put some fish in the bag!  You can call us at (888) 453-5899 or email us at team@steelheadalleyoutfitters.com.

We hope to hear from you soon!

Sincerely,

Patrick "Flybum" Robinson
Director of Operations
Steelhead Alley Outfitters

Anyone Ready for a Spring Fling?

It seems like yesterday that the rivers were looking good and we were fishing the fall run.  Fresh chrome was coming to hand and life was good.  Nothing like getting fish on the swing...nothing like it!  As much as I love catching fish that way, all good things must come to an end right?  Well, come to an end it did...and quickly!  That cold arctic air that we are all familiar with from a long hard winter hit us hard and has had us in its grip ever since.

PRETTY FISH ON PRETTY FLIES...PRETTY COOL!

Making the transition out of a steelhead season that seemed to end too quickly last fall was only softened by the ability to get the boats out for some late season duck hunting.  It definitely helped keep my mind and spare time occupied, but there too it proved difficult to stay ahead of the ever increasing ice that threatened to lock up our favorite haunts be it rivers, ponds or the lake.

A MIXED BAG FROM MY CUSTOM LAYOUT BOAT I COMPLETED DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS

THE WORST MISTAKE THESE TWO DRAKE BUFFLEHEADS EVER MADE

 So, the winter seems to be done and slowly giving way to the spring thaw.  In recent days, the rivers have been blowing...some at epic levels, and the ice is going with it.  That means that fishing is right around the corner and I don't know about you, but I'm ready for a fix...a spring fling...to hear the ring, the zing or whatever you want to call it.

Cabin fever here is your fair warning....I'm over you and we are done for the winter.  If you are with me, I hope to see you on the water and with any luck, a little bit of this kind of pretty to go along with it!

SOLID FISH ON HIGH GREEN FLOWS...NOT MUCH BETTER ON ANY DAY!

CLIENT SMILES FRAMED IN CHROME...HERE'S TO MANY MORE IN 2014!

Well, that's all for now....and thanks to Facebook, who knows when I'll get back here again...but I will try to get back sooner than later.  I hope your year is off to a great start and wish you all the luck in your excursions this spring and all year long!

If we can help get you on the water, give us a shout at 1-888-453-5899 or email us at team@steelheadalleyoutfitters.com and we will get you on the books.

Tight lines,

Patrick Robinson
Director of Operations
Steelhead Alley Outfitters

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

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

Cranking Up!

The fish are coming in with every push of water and the guys are out getting their early season fix.  If you are interested in getting out for a day on the water, give us a shout soon as the calendars are filling up early this year.

Here are a few snapshots of fish from the boys in the last few days.

Brett put a nice slab of chrome in the net.

Brett poses with happy clients and beautiful water!

Michael Decoteau got this beauty yesterday while scouting around the Alley!

Tim Hess crushed this bruiser on the swing recently...love these fish!

If we can help you in any way, please don't hesitate to give us a shout.  Also, please note that Greg is out of reach for the next couple of weeks so that means I am taking the helm of the ship.  If you have any questions pertaining to fly orders, steelhead trips, current conditions, etc, I can be reached by phone or email at 888-453-5899 or team@steelheadalleyoutfitters.com.  Please keep in mind that I may not be able to answer my phone due to being on the water with clients, so please leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as I am able.

Thanks for your dedication to the SAO team!

Patrick "Flybum" Robinson
Head Guide
Steelhead Alley Outfitters

All In The Family

Each year I have the opportunity to take a lot of people fishing and often times get to share with them the experience of a first Steelhead on the fly. That is always a great experience no matter how long you may have known the angler standing alongside you. However, there is one "first time" experience that trumps all others, whether you are a guide or not, and that is when you get to experience it with your own family.

Going back a few years ago to 2009, I had a brief window of opportunity and an 8 year old son who was chomping at the bit to do what Dad does. It just happened to be March 22nd which is my birthday and I thought, "No better way to spend the day than teaching my son to fly fish!" We only had three hours to get done what I hoped to accomplish, so we hit the road. One hour of casting instruction and one hour of fishing is all that we had with travel time, so we crossed our fingers, said a prayer, and hit the water. With numerous hook-ups, many lost fish, and yes, even some tears from a disappointed 8 year old, the final fish came to the net with the splendor and majesty that only a father can understand. The moment the fish hit the net you could hear the shouts and jubilation from a mile away I'm sure, but I didn't care. It was my son, on my birthday, and I had never had a better one!

Patrick's son with his first fish on a fly rod...

and a Steelhead to boot!

He was as proud as they come and so was Dad!

Fast forward a year, and I had a good shot at getting my oldest daughter out. We hit the stream and conditions were right, but our good fortune wasn't as good this time around. With seven hook-ups came seven lessons in what not to do while fighting a Steelhead...we've all been there. Yes, we left the stream that day a bit disappointed, but this was a good day by any definition, because I had my daughter on the stream.

Fast forward one more year to the fall of 2011 and it was back on the stream this time with my oldest son and daughter. It was amazing how well my daughter did this day given the fact that it had been a full year since her last trip. We stepped into the hole and I put her in the sweet spot. It didn't take any time and she was making beautiful casts and picture perfect drifts...then it happened. The indicator stopped, she set the hook up stream (yes I said up stream), the fish surfaced, the head flopped side to side, the hook pulled, and she looked at me. I smiled and said, "what did you do wrong?" And to my amazement she said, I set the hook up stream. I was amazed and excited all at once. My soon to be teenager DOES LISTEN....woohooo....LOL....Oh, back to the story. I couldn't believe she had retained that small piece of information and analyzed her mistake so quickly.

With a bit of pride in my heart, I said, "OK, then just don't do that again!" Two drifts later, she had made a perfect cast, a great mend, and the indicator dropped again. This time she came up with a great hook set in the downstream motion and stuck that fish hard. Immediately the fish raced upstream and I was afraid to look at what she may do with the rod and the line and, and, and, I WAS AMAZED. I don't know what happened, but she acted as if she had caught 1,000 fish, because none of her previous years mistakes ever showed themselves this time around. She set right, cleared the line like a pro, kept her hand off the reel unless she was actually gaining line, and then that second "proud Papa" moment happened. I exclaimed, "raise the rod to turn that head up," and she followed the order with precision. I waited for that head to rise so that I could make a good stick, and stick him I did.

I wondered how enthusiastic her response would be. Would it be like my sons had been? Probably not I thought....she's a girl (reasoning in my mind that she's probably here more for me than her) and....well, I was wrong and extremely happy to be. When I came up with the fish, she let out a hoot that put a smile on everyone's face that day. In fact I'm smiling now just thinking about it!

What a beauty...and the fish isn't half bad either!

Dad thought he would push the envelope to see just

how much of a flygal she would be and said, "You have

to kiss your first fish." I was amazed when she put this

lip-lock on the fish. That's alright with me...but I'll shoot

any guy who tries for the same...LOL

Once again, fast forward about 4 months...it's now March of 2012. I am laying in bed one night when my wife comes straggling to bed extremely late. She was out with friends that night and came rolling in about 3am just as I awoke, needing to make a last minute call to clients before they left Columbus because of some overnight storms. As my wife crawled in bed, she said, "I have spring break next week, what do you think the chances are of you taking me fly fishing?" WHAT? I had to roll over and check to make sure my wife was actually the one in bed with me! "Seriously," I asked. I stumbled in my words totally taken back by the question and quickly realized that the following Thursday was, you bet, my birthday. Good old March 22nd. It had been golden three years earlier with my son...could it happen twice? I didn't know, but was very willing to give it a shot.

The big day came and I got the lunches packed for a picnic with the wife on the river and we headed out the door. My wife enjoys fishing (but had never fly fished), LOVES the sun, and proclaims the same for me. This was definitely a day of Steelheading that appealed to her because it was sunny and 75-80 degrees. I didn't care what the conditions were...it could have been any condition as far as I was concerned! I was just elated to have my wife on the river with me!

It didn't take long to get the rod in her hand and teach her some basics on casting. She was a bit reluctant at times, but I gave her some space to let her work out the kinks and build her confidence and would then come in with some pointers which she took very well. Not long into the day she hooked her first fish and made the common one handed grab of the rod and line together and as always I watched the rod drop sharply and "Ping"....bye, bye fish!

She was really amazed at the power of that fish and immediately questioned her ability to get the job done. I quickly affirmed her ability and told her she didn't need to be anxious, but to just keep the rod up at all times and the line simply "under control"...no need for death grips here. She settled in and within a half hour that glory moment came. The fish ran her around, up and down if went as I shouted out instruction on what to do and what not to do. Soon I was moving in, net in hand, to see if my birthday blessing would happen twice. Within seconds, it was sealed....I may now have one of the best sets of birthday memories a fly fisher could ever ask for!

My wife and the catch of my life, holds her

first Steelhead and her first fish on a fly rod!

I think I could get used to having this one as my

partner on the stream more often!

Needless to say, I am a blessed man. We now number 4 steelheaders in the family and my two youngest are begging every day for their shot at it. Soon, I hope, we will be a steelheading family and my dream collage of pictures for the wall will be complete. I look forward to the day I can hang that frame on the wall. It will most certainly be a trophy of a lifetime!

Patrick "Flybum" Robinson

Head Guide

Steelhead Alley Outfitters