The Hold Out...

This week we have been out doing some scouting and looking at the rivers.  The good news is that there is open water to be fished on all of the streams.  The bad news is that the lower water sections on most of the rivers are still holding out for the really warm weather or super high water…whichever comes first.

I was out on Tuesday looking around and snapped some shots from the lower sections of some streams and the following photos were very characteristic of what was to be found.

While poking around the rivers, these little guys reminded me that we were definitely in the spring season.  It is always a welcome sight to see thousands of these little winter stones crawling all over the ice and snow along the river.  As things warm we should see some more bug life that will get us thinking about throwing dries for trout too!  Any way we slice it, I just look forward to some warmer days with fish included.  There are a few out there to be had, but the best is yet to come.

Keep an eye on our Facebook page and we will keep you up to date on the latest conditions and what we may find.

Until then, stay warm, tie some flies, and get out when the windows allow to put a bend in your rod!

Tight lines,

Patrick Robinson
Director of Operations
Steelhead Alley Outiftters

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

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