When Steelhead Streams Blow, We Find Trout!

I don't know about you, but most of us at SAO aren't really the kind who like to sit around when there is fishing to be done.  After the fishing is done...definitely!  As long as it's in front of the fireplace in a cabin in a wooded setting!

A couple of days ago when the rains came, we headed toward the hills of Pennsylvania to see if we could beat the rush of rain nipping at our heals.  Within a couple hours, we were settling into the cabin at the Cornplanter's Plantation and readying ourselves for the following mornings fish.  There is something special about a nights sleep just before a day of fishing light rods for trout.  I know I slept well, and after talking with the guys, I know they did to.

When we looked out the window of the cabin at the creek, we could see that the creek was on the rise and going off color.  For those of you who have fished for brookies, you know that small creeks run clear and the fish are very spooky.  So, on this day, the clouding water would work in our favor.  Check out the photos below and you will see that it did just that!

(click on photos to enlarge)

GREG SENYO WITH A VERY NICE BROOK TROUT

BEN BARGER GETS HIS BROOKIE GAME STARTED

A NICE DOUBLE COMES TO HAND

A SMALL BUT WILD BEAUTY

A CLOSE UP OF THE FISH ABOVE...LOOK AT THOSE SPOTS!

CAN SOMEONE SAY TUBE FLIES?

We fished streamers most of the day as conditions weren't conducive to fishing dries.  As we pounded the fish, we had an idea.....let's give those tube designs some additional exposure.  In other words, let's see if they have what it takes to be more than a steelhead tube.....well, you've already seen the proof.  

On the second cast in a deep hole, fish on......Note to self: Tubes are deadly and can be used for all kinds of situations, so keep them close by!

Well, that is all for now.  Keep in mind that in several weeks as the Steelhead start to wind down, the trout in PA will be smoking hot.  If you are interested in a world class trout opportunity, give us a call.  We are booking trip now for the spring hatches.

Additionally, if you are looking for a secluded retreat with your own trout stream and more public trout water than you can handle, give us a call.  We are currently taking brook trout retreat reservations. 

Until next time, tight lines.

Patrick "Flybum" Robinson

Head Guide

Steelhead Alley Outfitters

Willing to Work for trout!!

So the steelhead have returned to our toy ocean we call Lake Erie. Ahead is a summer of gorging and growing and getting ready to return to us this fall even bigger and badder than last. As sorry as we are to say goodbye until next autumn , there is certainly no reason to put away the fly rods. Fortunately for us , our region has many great opportunities to chase beautiful fish while exercising the "art of the fly".

Thus it was that an early morning in late May found us happily on our way to check out a local cold water fishery. Granted , there was a border to cross, but at under an hour and a half from my door it isn't all that different from a day chasing steelies somewhere on the "alley". There was one big difference though. As a steelheader , it was downright therapeutic to fly in the face of that odd , enduring association we have between the fly rod and the pain of the elements. On this day in May we are actually concerned with being too hot!

When we arrived we found the stream a bit on the low side and running quite clear. Trout were visible holding and feeding sub surface, so ,much like a day with our favorite chrome fish ,we began by nymphing. It was just a short time before we began to bring some beautiful rainbows out of the water in tremendous leaps that slapped the surface and shattered the silence of the early morning. Baetis nymphs in sizes 14 and 16 as well as Prince nymphs , Copper Johns and Caddis nymphs in similar sizes did the trick through the morning as we brought numerous fish to the hand.

By later morning we began to notice the fish beginning to take advantage of the hatch and we were able to follow the surface feeding and successfully present some Wulffs for the added thrilling dimension of the trout on the dry fly. All in all it was a tremendous day replete with sunshine , the smell and the sparkle of a fresh cold stream and good friends. Steelhead or no, it is good to be a fly angler in Northeast Ohio.

Tight lines
John Clouser

SAO Fly Fishing guide

Fly Fishing Abroad, with SAO!!!

Steelhead Alley Outfitters Report For PA Trout, Late Season Lake Erie Steelhead, Small Mouth Bass, and much more!!!!

Central PA trout report from Jeremy Hoffman:

With all the recent rains the streams have been flowing better then they have this time of year for as long as I can remember. Pressure is definitely there, I see Spring Creek every day and there’s a lot of guys on the streams. I don’t mean to sound pessimistic but Spring Creek fishes wonderfully year round. 365 days a year when its not a flood you can catch fish. I stand on the bank and ponder, where are all these guys in the fall? The sulphur hatch is starting to kick, the crowds enforce that my findings are fact! While I personally feel certain sections have better hatches then others people are definitely not taking advantage of the plenty of solitude the stream has to offer.

A day can be spent in some sections where seeing one or two other guys could be it for the day. Below the paradise is HOT. It’s almost hard to find a hole without stepping on peoples toe’s. These semi early sulphurs are much darker in the nymph form and bigger in the dun/spinner variations(size 12-14). A switch will soon happen that requires lighter nymphs and smaller patterns(16-18). Spring Creek trout can be very picky, they are pressured hard every day and to catch a bunch of fish means you’re definitely doing something correct. A spinner pattern carrying an orange egg seems to rain supreme.

I find the fish to be crazy for no hackle duns, cdc emergers fished mid water column and also parachute patterns work wonders. The bald eagle has been high, very high and muddy. The lower section from Milesburg down saw its last stocking of adult trout for the year about a week ago. I must say, anyone fishing it better be holding on steady and it should offer great fishing into the later parts of summer.

Soon the small mouth and rock bass will pollute the upper section of the stream. These fish are a blast and although you can catch a few rather large fish, most are smaller. They are however very aggressive and will eat practically anything. Add to that crappies in the mix and a few sunfish and you can have a blast of a day. You wont catch many trophy fish but if you like numbers and aggressive native fish, man is it fun! A close friend of mine has been spending a lot of time with me on the water when we are free and we’ve been doing very well. Hope to see some of you very soon.… tight lines!

Delaware River trout report from John Miller:

The Delaware River is starting to heat up and the fishing has been rewarding with alot of dry fly action. A good mix of caddis hatches sizes #18 thru #14 in Olive and tan have been the top producers so far this week. We are seeing some great brown trout in the 20 inch range rising to dries daily. Our trout fishing here is in full swing and is going to get even better. Here are a few photos from this week. Good fishing Everyone!!! John Miller of SAO and West Branch Angler.

Late season steelhead and small mouth report from John Clouser:

If you told me we would still be hitting a few Lake Erie steelhead at this time of year I would have just shook my head in disbelief, but its true!!! The weather has been very cool and the water temps have held decent around 55-59 degrees this week giving us a few great days of steelhead. Swinging streamers, buggers, and John's Creatures have been the ticket for drop backs and these late season runners. We are Picking up good numbers of small mouth in the larger pools on the lower rivers pretty consistently now. Cray fish, emerald shiner, chub, and leech imitations are the top choices, and don't forget a few gray or brown deer hair poppers for early morning top water action.



Spending time with family and friends and passing on the fly fishing heritage: