Thank God for Fish, Friends, and a Team!

It's no secret that we have had a very snowy winter and one heck of a lot of rain in recent weeks. The good news is that the last couple of days, the sun has chased away the clouds and rivers are starting to drop back and fish. A couple of days ago though the fight was still on.

I found myself on the water a few days back with a long time client and friend of SAO named Dave and this time he brought his long time buddy, Frank. This was Frank's first shot at Steelhead on the fly and I can say confidently that all of us at SAO are excited whenever we have the chance to make that introduction!

Dave and Frank drove up on Tuesday evening and unfortunately on arrival, they found it starting to rain. Well, you know how fickle the Alley can be. With ground that was already choking on the water it had, our nicely dialing streams were hit with every drop of rain and melt that came off. Much to my chagrin (not to mention my clients) we arrived on the stream the next morning to find less than desirable conditions. We decided that with a little visibility remaining, we would give it a shot. Perhaps the stream would drop back as quickly as she colored up and allow us a decent shot.

Well, as much as I would like to think that I am invincible as a guide and can always make the day happen, it just ain't so. We all know that fishing is fishing....and I for one am not invincible! Passionate at times, yes, but invincibility should probably be left as a designation for someone much better than me. So with a deep disappointment for my clients, I had to do the right thing by my clients and call the best part of the day our fellowship. Fortunately for our clients they had planned for two days...and sometimes that is the saving grace. As many anglers know who fish the Alley, "It's crazy the difference a day makes!"

Another fortunate thing is that at Steelhead Alley Outfitters, we are blessed to be a part of a team...and the team pulled through for our friends Dave and Frank. On day two the conditions improved and our team guide John Miller worked his butt off to get these guys on fish! Great job John for getting the job done under tough conditions. And congrats Frank on your first fly caught Steelhead...I just wish I could have been there to see it personally. Regardless, the SAO team is stoked that you guys got the fish....we look forward to the next time we share water...

Here are a few shots from yesterdays trip...

Our good friend Dave with a hot cheeked buck

Dave gets a nice dropback hen.

Frank puts a very nice colored up buck to the net.

Way to go Frank! We hope to see you again!

The best part of our opportunity to do what we do is the time we get to spend on the water with those who entrust us with their time and resources. So, thanks again guys for coming out and giving us a shot at putting fish in your hands.

To all those watching and reading, the streams are dropping back and we are watching the conditions improve daily. If you are in the mood to get out and give Steelhead on the fly a shot for the first time, or the first time in a while, please call us at 888-453-5899 or email us at team@steelheadalleyoutfitters.com.. It would be our privilege to spend a day on the water with you!

Sincerely,

Patrick "Flybum" Robinson

Head Guide

Steelhead Alley Outfitters