Thanksgiving Day Feast.

Adam breaks into some double digit Oak Orchard Steel. Thanksgiving spent on the river in the rain. Our feast consisted of beef jerky, red bull, special k bars, and martins bbq potato chips (the best). Another great day on the water and we still smell terrible. Erie tomorrow with Big Poppa Pump & Gil.

Erie Outlook:

Forecast: 20-30 mph winds, rain, & snow
Our Dad's Fishing Experience: Zero
Erie Flows: Non-existant

Fishing Conditions: Terrible

Bring it.

Thanksgiving Day Feast.

Adam breaks into some double digit Oak Orchard Steel. Thanksgiving spent on the river in the rain. Our feast consisted of beef jerky, red bull, special k bars, and martins bbq potato chips (the best). Another great day on the water and we still smell terrible. Erie tomorrow with Big Poppa Pump & Gil.

Erie Outlook:

Forecast: 20-30 mph winds, rain, & snow
Our Dad's Fishing Experience: Zero
Erie Flows: Non-existant

Fishing Conditions: Terrible

Bring it.

Wednesday's Best.

Day one of five days has gone by fishing the Ontario and Erie tributaries for steelhead and brown trout. Here is day one's best fish. We slayed the browns on the Salmon River in New York today.

We are currently tying flies at a Subway in the Albion Walmart Supercenter. Oak Orchard awaits in a few hours. We smell like moldy salmon. Full report sometime next week.

Wednesday's Best.

Day one of five days has gone by fishing the Ontario and Erie tributaries for steelhead and brown trout. Here is day one's best fish. We slayed the browns on the Salmon River in New York today.

We are currently tying flies at a Subway in the Albion Walmart Supercenter. Oak Orchard awaits in a few hours. We smell like moldy salmon. Full report sometime next week.

Dear Mom & Dad,

I am writing to let you know, that for the first time in my life, I will be missing Thanksgiving dinner.

Steel > Thanksgiving.

Over the years, this dinner has meant a lot to me as I am sure it has for you. Every year I enjoy the company and the laughs that only our family can produce. From the incessant "knob" jokes, the political ramblings about the current administration, Dad's gut wrenching laugh, or even Sophie always finding a way to get something off the table. This goes along with your lovely food that takes you hours upon hours to produce. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, green beans, crescent rolls, cranberries, pumpkin cake roll, cheesecake, Christmas cookies, and beer. I love waking up to the smell of turkey in the oven not only because it smells so great, but also because it is one of the few times the dogs actually leave me alone. Simply put, I love Thanksgiving. However, as you already know, I love something else too.

Praise The Steel.

And The Weather.

Since you bought my first fly rod for my 13th birthday, I have developed an addiction to the sport of fly fishing. You already you know this. Over the years you have seen me (or have not seen me) depart the house during the wee hours of the morning in search of all manner of fish in all manner of conditions. From the 100 degree heat of the summer, to the freezing temperatures of winter. From raging thunderstorms to white out blizzards, I greatly enjoy being out on the water. At first, you did not understand the symptoms but over the years you began to understand. You supported my addiction. Always helping me buy new gear, paying for my gas, and always stocking me up with food for my long road trips. You usually questioned why I needed another fly rod, a new reel, or another undergarment. But you always listened to my explanation and let me make the decision. For that I am thankful.

Now, you are probably wondering why I need to miss Thanksgiving dinner, one of the few times each year the whole family is together. Well...there is this fish. It's called a steelhead and it is a magnificent creature. It grows large in the depths of the Great Lakes aggressively feeding on a smorgasbord of aquatic insects and fish. At various times throughout the year they make their way back to their original starting point and anglers from all over the world journey to these waters to catch them. Fresh out of the lakes, they are dime bright, their chrome sides glistening in the rays of the sun. They eagerly take the flies I tie with all that material that usually clutters the kitchen table. When you hook them, they go ape-shit in the fast currents they love. Usually jumping in every direction testing your line, rod, reel, and your forearm. Originally these fish were not found in the Great Lakes. They are native to the Pacific Rim where (wild) they grow to even more epic proportions and feats of strength. Be thankful, I never get a taste of that game or else you would probably never see me again.

Silver Bullet.

Big Bucks.

Departing Steel.

Now up to this point I am missing Thanksgiving because of my addiction to fly fishing and steelheading. I also want you to know that I have a shot at a monstrous brown trout upwards of twenty pounds. Yes, brown trout grow to epic proportions (world record) in the Great Lakes and we live within driving distance of this fishery. By missing Thanksgiving I'll be fishing for large brown trout without having to travel to New Zealand or Argentina. No passport required. These fish are heavy bulldogs whose violent head thrashes let everyone know you have one on the line. Males possess raw strength and a vicious looking kype while females possess the weight and girth thanks to a belly full of eggs. These are beautiful fish worthy of missing Thanksgiving.

Brute.

Browns > Thanksgiving.

My third reason is that it's Thanksgiving! No one in their right mind will be out during the largest feast of the year. Everyone will be at home with their friends and families leaving all the waters to me! Oh wait, I am surely not the only one with this disease. I will not be alone, hundreds of others are thinking the same thing I am right now. Steelhead, Brown Trout, and less crowded water. Screw Turkey!

Solitude.

Equals More Steel For Me.

I am sorry Mom and Dad, I must depart soon after I arrive home Monday night. Please have an extra turkey cooked for me along with all the other Thanksgiving fixtures. Have it wrapped and ready to go so that I may be with you in spirit on Thursday. I fully intend to eat it streamside and share it with any other anglers that have the same addiction I do. Also, please share this letter with any friends and family that question my decision. I am sure they will understand.

Love,

Mark

Where Are the Keys?

Having such high expectations for our first trip north to the Lake Ontario tributaries, we invariably set ourselves up for a huge let down. By no means did we have a horrible trip, we just didn't catch as many fish as we intended to. Over four days of fishing, the number of fish hooked outnumbered those landed nearly 5 to 1. The fish were strong, acrobatic, and incredibly efficient at throwing hooks. So, the first few days presented us with a learning curve before fish could come to hand. When the fish did come to hand, our self esteem was restored, and much needed fuel was added to ensure continued enthusiasm.

Adam's Weapon of Choice

Loop Opti Dry Fly

Sexy.

Adam & A Nice Brown

Smile.

About to Land a Small Steelhead

Amidst the Fall Foliage

Day one saw us head north to the Salmon River where conditions proved to be unfavorable. Arriving around 7:30, we pulled into the upper fly zone parking lot to the tune of 30 degrees, ice, and six inches of snow on the ground. This being our first stop of the trip, we were pumped to say the least. So pumped, that rigging up proved to be quite the fiasco. When we did finally reach the stream, we were awestruck at the intensity of the flow. Twice the average, the river was roaring at 1,449 cfs. There would be no crossing of the river nor attaining better positioning to reach the best lies. We were stuck with one side, and about a 5-10 ft range of water along the bank to work with. After a few hours of fishing, all we had to show for our efforts were 4 brown trout 8-14 inches. After this, we headed to the lower fly zone where our luck yielded a zero percent change. Leaving the Salmon River, we had a positive outlook because we had caught some fish, while other fisherman around us had not. We decided to spend the last few hours of daylight exploring the little and south sandy creeks nearby. We ended up fishing little sandy for around an hour where I landed two small native rainbows and saw zero steelhead or brown trout.

My First Fish @ Oak

Coho Salmon

My, What Big Teeth You Have

Landed Two, Lost Many

Days two-four saw us head southwest to Orleans county and the Oak Orchard River, Marsh Creek, and Sandy Creek. We combat fished the Oak Orchard River for three days along the first half mile below the reservoir. Here we battled with fellow anglers, overhanging branches, a killer muddy slippery single track trail on a vertical cliff, and feisty browns eager to teach us a lesson. Adam hooked and landed three nice browns between 4-6 pounds while I had no luck on my particular lie. Joining Adam, I hooked into a massive steelhead that promptly broke me off after five minutes and a 100 yard joyride downstream. Later, Adam too lost a similar epic struggle. Several smaller steelhead were caught between 16-20 inches and my first salmon, a nice female coho. I also lost several monster browns whose head thrashes easily threw my hooks in the fast water. I managed only one brown at the Oak, a below average female, that would be a trophy at any other water. Adam and I later landed our first nice steelhead of the trip.

Pig Steelhead on the 5wt Helios Opti Combo

Get Optimized.

Bruiser Male Steelhead Put a Nice Bend in the 6wt.

Chrome.

Overall, the trip was an absolute blast. Anytime you escape the rigors of daily life and are free to fulfill your passion, is a day worthwhile. Traveling across New York fishing for huge fish while living out of your car only heightens this sense of freedom. The weather, conditions, and crazy people you come across provide endless opportunities for laughter and fun stories in the future. Looking back on these experiences will always bring a smile and a thought of the life a trout bum leads. Although we didn't land many fish, the ones that got away have made us eager to return and seek revenge on those that lurk beneath. This revenge won't have to wait long because in three weeks, we will be doing it all again. This time however, I am sure it will be even colder and crazier than ever before.

A Nice Female Brown

She's A Beauty

STEEL.

Home = Riley and Sophie

Where Are the Keys?

Having such high expectations for our first trip north to the Lake Ontario tributaries, we invariably set ourselves up for a huge let down. By no means did we have a horrible trip, we just didn't catch as many fish as we intended to. Over four days of fishing, the number of fish hooked outnumbered those landed nearly 5 to 1. The fish were strong, acrobatic, and incredibly efficient at throwing hooks. So, the first few days presented us with a learning curve before fish could come to hand. When the fish did come to hand, our self esteem was restored, and much needed fuel was added to ensure continued enthusiasm.

Adam's Weapon of Choice

Loop Opti Dry Fly

Sexy.

Adam & A Nice Brown

Smile.

About to Land a Small Steelhead

Amidst the Fall Foliage

Day one saw us head north to the Salmon River where conditions proved to be unfavorable. Arriving around 7:30, we pulled into the upper fly zone parking lot to the tune of 30 degrees, ice, and six inches of snow on the ground. This being our first stop of the trip, we were pumped to say the least. So pumped, that rigging up proved to be quite the fiasco. When we did finally reach the stream, we were awestruck at the intensity of the flow. Twice the average, the river was roaring at 1,449 cfs. There would be no crossing of the river nor attaining better positioning to reach the best lies. We were stuck with one side, and about a 5-10 ft range of water along the bank to work with. After a few hours of fishing, all we had to show for our efforts were 4 brown trout 8-14 inches. After this, we headed to the lower fly zone where our luck yielded a zero percent change. Leaving the Salmon River, we had a positive outlook because we had caught some fish, while other fisherman around us had not. We decided to spend the last few hours of daylight exploring the little and south sandy creeks nearby. We ended up fishing little sandy for around an hour where I landed two small native rainbows and saw zero steelhead or brown trout.

My First Fish @ Oak

Coho Salmon

My, What Big Teeth You Have

Landed Two, Lost Many

Days two-four saw us head southwest to Orleans county and the Oak Orchard River, Marsh Creek, and Sandy Creek. We combat fished the Oak Orchard River for three days along the first half mile below the reservoir. Here we battled with fellow anglers, overhanging branches, a killer muddy slippery single track trail on a vertical cliff, and feisty browns eager to teach us a lesson. Adam hooked and landed three nice browns between 4-6 pounds while I had no luck on my particular lie. Joining Adam, I hooked into a massive steelhead that promptly broke me off after five minutes and a 100 yard joyride downstream. Later, Adam too lost a similar epic struggle. Several smaller steelhead were caught between 16-20 inches and my first salmon, a nice female coho. I also lost several monster browns whose head thrashes easily threw my hooks in the fast water. I managed only one brown at the Oak, a below average female, that would be a trophy at any other water. Adam and I later landed our first nice steelhead of the trip.

Pig Steelhead on the 5wt Helios Opti Combo

Get Optimized.

Bruiser Male Steelhead Put a Nice Bend in the 6wt.

Chrome.

Overall, the trip was an absolute blast. Anytime you escape the rigors of daily life and are free to fulfill your passion, is a day worthwhile. Traveling across New York fishing for huge fish while living out of your car only heightens this sense of freedom. The weather, conditions, and crazy people you come across provide endless opportunities for laughter and fun stories in the future. Looking back on these experiences will always bring a smile and a thought of the life a trout bum leads. Although we didn't land many fish, the ones that got away have made us eager to return and seek revenge on those that lurk beneath. This revenge won't have to wait long because in three weeks, we will be doing it all again. This time however, I am sure it will be even colder and crazier than ever before.

A Nice Female Brown

She's A Beauty

STEEL.

Home = Riley and Sophie

Prepare for Glory.

Only one more day until Adam and I embark on our first journey north to the Lake Ontario tributaries and massive lake run steelhead and brown trout. We have planned this trip for over a month and the anticipation has occupied our minds for much longer than it should have. The ability to focus on any task albeit school or listening to someone talk has been pushed aside and replaced by images of monstrous brown trout at the ends of our fly lines. I cannot believe that these images are about to be reality. I cannot wait.

Standing on the Edge

Erie, PA

Adam & Matt

Having only fished for steelhead one other time, we are going to be put to the test. Unfamiliar waters, frigid weather, and the strongest fish we have ever fought are what we are up against. Not to mention the thousands of other anglers we will have to contend with. We are going to try and abandon the crowds and the combat fishing to search for less crowded water smaller streams teeming with fish. Of course, this is all wishful thinking, but we will have four long days on the water to find our little slice of heaven. Speaking of heaven, sleeping in the bed of a pickup truck, outside in a Walmart parking lot, in sub-freezing temperatures is a lot what heaven is going to feel like.

Lake Erie Hen on the 5wt.

Adam & Steelhead

My 5wt orvis clearwater is not going to be able to handle these fish like it did on the Lake Erie tributaries last year. I upgraded and am hoping to slay some beasts on my Loop AEG 966-4 and Multi Reel. Adam is gonna go hardcore and fish his brandnew HELIOS tipflex 5wt and Loop Opti Dryfly reel. Of course he has his 8wt Zero G to always fall back on. We also have been building an arsenal of flies. Egg patterns, streamers, and large nymphs are gonna be on the menu up in New York in all manner of colors. One of these flies is going to own and we both know it.

Nymphs

Streamers

Eggs

Black Estaz Stone

METALHEAD Special

Veiled Otters Soft Egg

100% Grade A Ownage

One more day... and to quote Dumb and Dumber... "we're there man"