Runnin' Along

After the warmest winter and spring in recent memory, the stage was set for an epic fishing season. What few snowflakes flew in March and April were replaced with mayflies, and as they are apt to do, the trout didn't take long to notice.  As fate would have it, the ebbs and flows of a typical steelhead season seemed to go a bit differently this year, and for the first time in many years, I found myself doing quite a bit of "true trout" fishing during the most wonderful time of the year to be a trout fisherman east of the Mississippi.

Looking back at a fishing season it's always difficult to ascertain whether or not it was successful.  Is the appropriate metric that should be used days on the water?  Places fished?  Mileage on the truck? Or whether or not you caught the damn things?  The answer is wonderfully unclear, and also, to be honest,  is usually different every day.

Still, regardless of the reasons why I spent time on the water over the past few months, the unquestionable fact was that I was lucky.  From the day in March when I saw the first Hendrickson of the spring flutter past, all the way to this holiday weekend I've been fishing like wild. Looking back at the past few months, I spent more time with a rod in my hand this eastern trout season than any other in the past 7 or 8 years, and that is a very comforting thought.  

I managed to celebrate the Easter holiday with a couple friends in pursuit of trout on one of the most storied tailwaters of the eastern United States, make an annual trip with my entire group of fishing friends to a destination that is steadily becoming a favorite, and made countless trips and overnights in between.  No matter where I've stopped, it seems like the trout have been better to me than I've deserved - and for that, I'm always grateful.  

And now that spring has certainly faded into summer (both in terms of calendar and temperature) the only certainty I have is where I'll spend my time.  Knee deep, in the fast water, just casting and fishing, seeing if I can catch a rise.  See you out there.

-Brett McCrae, SAO Guide

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!

A Much Needed Fly Fishing Retreat...

Over the past 11 days Mike Schultz and I hosted 3 groups of anglers up to our Brook Trout Retreat for a little fly fishing R&R. The bugs were popping everyday, the guys were awesome, and the fishing was good! We look forward to seeing you all again in the near future! Here a a few of the photos, I think they will tell the story better than I can!   

The scenery was spectacular, as we walked the stream searching for a rise.

  

Everyone enjoyed the Michigan Micro Brew.

Beers, brats, and dogs met each group upon there arrival to the retreat. 

Wet waders, strung rods, and happy anglers = Nap Time!

A solid Brook Trout caught on a Stimulator during the Yellow Sally hatch.

Schultzy & Dick pose with a hefty Retreat Brookie.

Bill poses with a nice Brook Trout, one of many during his retreat.

Senyo & Dave share a pic with a nicely colored Brook Trout.

Brook Trout that took a sculpin pattern.

Gary & Mike pose with a nice Brook Trout that took a streamer.

After a long day of fishing and a good steak dinner!

Tyler & Jesse share a picture together! This was Tyler's first trout on the fly!

Jesse wasn't far behind in landing this fat Brook Trout.

Schultzy & Ralph pose with a rare Tiger Trout!

The Tiger Trout took an Olive-Tan Circus Peanut.

Gary with another solid Brook Trout!

When the stream rose with the rains, large sculpins and streamers were the ticket!

Bob with a nice Brook Trout!

Flip landed the most "Wanted"  Brook Trout of the week, as we failed to get this guy to grab a fly until high water...

Schultzy plays a Brook Trout during what little down time we had!

Schultzy poses with a good streamer caught Brook Trout!

Senyo plays a nice trout near the cabin pool...

Senyo with a "Hero" Shot of one of the nicer Brook Trout we caught.

We fished right up to dark, as the Rusty Spinners were everywhere, and each evening we enjoyed a nice fire and good stories to end the day!

The walk home after a good day, and we'll leave it at that!

If you are interested in attending one of our hosted Brook Trout Retreats Next Spring, Please contact us at 888-453-5899.... Space is very limited!