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Monday, December 28, 2009

Snowy Steelhead Alley River Report and Update...

Brett McCrae and Steven pose with a good sized steelhead, caught
just a day before the storms struck the region...

Snow, wind, slush, ice. That's been the theme here in northeast Ohio over the past 24 hours. I've been out the past couple days, and the deterioration of conditions has come quickly and decisively. Many of the rivers along steelhead alley, although still a bit on the high side, are unfishable due to slush and ice. Significant shelf ice has not formed yet in many areas, but with continued cold temperatures and slushy streams it's likely that it will form very soon. Snowfall amounts vary, but most of northeast Ohio has been blanketed with around a foot of the white stuff.

I'm not a weatherman, but with the forecast predicting lows in the teens for the remainder of the week, it's likely that we've seen the end of our fall steelhead season. Although many believe differently, I think that this fall was one of the more memorable that we've had over the past few years. Despite the low water, certain stretches of our area rivers fished incredibly well, and rivers that are normally rarely fishable, were fishing for extended periods of time. On average, our fish ran a pound or two larger than average, and the elusive "big fish" made regular appearances at the bottom of our nets. Success required lots of flexibility, adjustments, and persistence, but was well worth the effort.

I'd personally like to thank everyone I fished with this past fall - every day on the water is a memorable one, but spending time with quality people makes them even better. I think I speak for everyone by saying that we really appreciate your business, enjoy your company, and eagerly await the next time we get you out on the river.

Until then...

Brett McCrae
Steelhead Alley Outfitters

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