"Hey Mister, what're they bitin' on??"

I have had approximately 57 customers in the last three days ask me, "How's the Chagrin fishing?" Well...

I'll let you know after I finish installing the swivel seats on my ark.

Back To School...Steelhead Style

This past weekend Fast Jimi held the fall addition of Orvis Cleveland's biannual steelhead school.  As usual we had a group of anglers who were in the initial stages of their obsession with steelhead, but by Sunday afternoon I think it's safe to say that they were much farther along. 

It's always interesting to see a transformation process take place over such a short time span, but what's always even better is seeing the thrill of a fisherman fighting their first, or one of their first, steelhead.  If seeing the combination of terror and pure, unabated excitement sandblasted onto someones face while their hooked up doesn't bring you back in time to your own personal experience, then you need to pinch yourself.

Without further adieu, here's some of the boys with their first few truchas grandes.

Even though it's essentially November (which is arguably the best steelhead month of the year), for reasons I can't quite explain I'm already jonesing for snow (and Christmas Ale).  Bring on the white stuff, the unbearable weather, the solitude, and maybe a few nice trout too.

Hookset 101: Low and Downstream

One of many lessons learned during this past weekend's Orvis Cleveland Fall Steelhead School. More pictures (including some grip 'n grins with this beauty) coming soon...

OCD?

Organize fly box?  Check.

Makin' the cut...

Looks like Dudewater managed to make the final cut in fellow dude and filmmaker RA Beattie's new feature "Off the Grid."  Support a cool guy and buy RA's film - www.offthegridfilm.com.

Doggin' It

When I came home covered in steelhead slime after my last outing with John, Victor insisted he not be left behind on anymore expeditions. So as usual, when I started pulling gear together at 5:00 AM last week for another trek east, he was at the door waiting. And I have to give him credit; he may not be much of a working retriever, but he's got a nose for chrome domes...

A Little Chrome With Your Coffee?

"Yes, please."