Cold Steel VideoHigh Speed Only
This past week was my first trip fishing the great lakes tributaries for the majestic steelhead. Some how the stars were aligned and decreasing flows and rising temps had the rivers loaded with fish and the conditions were ideal. With so much water and so many options it seemed almost impossible to dial into these fish. But I was fishing with Jeremy, Joey, Jason, Uncle Dan, and Dave. These guys are incredible fly fishermen and they know these waters.
Some people describe the fishing as a simple “chuck and duck” affair. But I came to realize there is a science to reading the water, choosing your fly, and executing the perfect drift. And with the combined knowledge of our crew, we had little trouble finding old Steel-Face. Three days of fishing went by far to fast. But in that time I had hooked and landed some of the best fish of my life, including my biggest brown trout and some beautiful steelhead. Actually, I wasn’t the only one able to say “that was my best fish”. The great lakes steelhead and browns are world class fish in anyone’s book. I fished beautiful and uncrowded waters, had a chance to reunite with old friends and meet new ones. Despite the long drive, slushy waters, cold hands, icy guides, frozen feet, and broken rod, I will always remember this as one of the best fishing trips I ever had. I know it wouldn’t have been anywhere near as good if it wasn’t for the people I fished with. So thanks again guys and hopefully we can get together again soon and hammer some more steel!
Great read Keith. Just when I think these outings can’t get any better they do anyway. It is always a pleasure to be involved with these trips. Looking forward to getting into some “Christmas Steel”. See you on the water fellas’
What a nice fish – He had us worried when he headed for the shelf ice! Nice job keith- It was fun fishing with you, we’ll have to do it again.
“the magic pink”
j-
Nice video, good read, perfect fish!!
Austin
keith – as always when a “new guy” enters the pack, its always kinda awkward at first. even though, you and i had fished the salt water many times on day outings – it was our first longterm trip. so, in many respects you were the “new guy.” It’s just kinda natural for everyone to think, “Hmmm…I wonder who the new guy is and if he’ll be able to hack it.” Sometimes they do, but often they do not. Especially steelheading. We DON’T tread lightly and our days on the river are not for the timid. Man, did you fit right in. I think at some points you were even the first one up and the last one casting. I knew you were hard core when it was our first morning and 13 degrees and the river was full of slush. So much slush that our egg patterns were floating on the surface. When I said, “Keith it seems kinda pointless.” I think you replied with something like, “Dude, its not that bad – I see a few open sections that we could plop our flies through.” So, thanks for coming – I know I speak for everyone when I say – you are always welcome to fly fish with us – I know this because when the trip was over everyone said, “That dude Keith was cool.” — Serously, if anyone were to give in and start whining it would have been on that last and final walk from the river to the car. Miles – through river, ice and fields of snow. Yet, nobody in the group whined. We dug in and got it done – A good group of guys for sure. Thanks for adding to the group and for increasing our enthusiasm with your obvious and equally contageous addiction to fly fishing. join us anytime.
Awesome footage and some beautiful fish. Don’t know a thing about steelheading. What weight rods do you guys all use? Thinking about getting a setup for next year and learning to fly fish for steelhead. Awesome videos and stories btw. Tight lines!
Just wanted to give you guys HUGE props on the video. Look like you had a killer trip.
J