Steelhead, Great Lakes: Overcome, Adapt & Find Your Own Drifts

by | Fresh Water

Steelhead Video

Over the years I have fly fished with Jeremy and Austin many times. I enjoy their company and enthusiasm immensely. Anyone who chases steelhead with a fly rod knows that the elements are always conspiring against the angler. In the face of adversity these guys are actually more determined to overcome the elements and be successful than most people I have had the pleasure of fly fishing with. Of course conditions were less than favorable, it is early spring and the water levels are high, water temps are cold and visibility is less than ideal. We spent the first day on the Salmon River with limited results. As evening approached we were consumed with the thought of where to set up shop the following morning. We did some online research back at the lodge and came to a few conclusions. The game plan was to focus on the smaller creeks and try to put one on the bank at first light. Everything went as planed; they knew the drifts, flies, techniques and how to land big fish in tight quarters. The action was great that morning but waned in the afternoon. Again we were intent on finding new water for the following morning. We looked at the USGS gauge that night and weighed out the options and came to a conclusion.The next morning things were looking grim and we thought we had made the wrong decision. Then I heard Jeremy shout “there he is” from below me in the tail-out. He was tied into a monster. From the high bank I could see his fish roll, I could just make out a big flash of white and a nice bright red cheek plate. After a short battle the monster broke the 8lb. tippet. We were still all smiles because we had overcome the obstacles and laced up with giant steel. We finished out the day on some tributaries that are near and dear to our hearts. The fish were there and it was Austin’s turn. In the short time I have known him he has excelled by leaps and bounds in the Steelhead game. Just a couple years ago I watched him hook, land and release his first chrome missile. Now he is wandering around the rivers and creeks finding his own drifts, slots and holding lies we never knew existed. I have learned so much by watching him ply the waters. Thanks again guys. You are always welcome in my camp.

12 Comments

  1. jeremy on November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    whip — great fish tale .. and i like to catch fish more than anyone … but sometimes the best trips are those where everything consipires against us .. wind, water, cold, leaky waders, steelies with lock jaw, overheating cars etc, honey holes packed with steel but cut off by a fallen tree and totally unfishable … whether its albies, steelhead, permit or whatever … the fish that let us down the most, seem to give us the most satisfaction when and if things pan out …..

    thanks so much for taking us around, putting us in the vacinity of fish, driving us around and sharing your flies …. i hope to be back this spring for some more steelhead fishing with you .. and the only way that won’t happen, is if you convince me to fish with you on the delaware river instead… thanks for everything dave.

    ps. waterwhippa (dave) is too humble to promote himself .. and that is one of the things that make him such a great steelhead and delaware river guide; but more importantly one of my best friends. if anyone out there wants to fly fish for steelhead around salmon river and other ontario tributaries or fly fish on the legendary delaware river … check out dave’s website and forum and consider a guided trip with him …. he’s great company, very down to earth, born and raised in upstate NY and a wealth of knowledge and experience chasing steelhead and wild browns …. things are really firing up .. should be a great spring ….

    SALMON RIVER SPECIALISTS
    http://www.salmonriverspecialists.com

  2. greg on November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    Great video Dude! Fisherboy looked board with the game, I was surprised he crashed on Whippas rod ? H e sure catches some nice fish.

  3. jinxed247 on November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    Great video and story!! Glad that ya’ll hooked up on some nice fish.

  4. chromefinder on November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    Great work! I hope to hit a few of those spots this weekend.

  5. twocan on November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    Nice job dudes….. Another great vid. I feel the chrome fever building….

  6. wrh on November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    Well done guys. Bring on the steel. I loved the ending scene, classic. Austin looks like your in good hands.

  7. joey on November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    Nice fish Austin Powers.

  8. Hunter on November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    Nice work guys. Hoping to get into fish this weekend.

    I’ll second Whippa as a guide. Titleguy and I had a great day fishing with him this winter, though the fish and weather weren’t as cooperative. All part of the game and why its enjoyable though.

  9. Fisherboy on November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    thanks joey, looking forward to some spring landlocks with you

  10. Fisherboy on November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    Thanks dave, without you it would have been tough to find the steel. It is great to be able to drive 7 hours and still find the hospitality like you get at home.You are a great comanion on the water and i would recomend your guide services to anybody

  11. KodiakCommando on November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    Great job guys! You guys sure make some great videos and i have to say they are a welcome treat right now. Hopefully one of these days i will make it down there for some steel.

  12. NorthCoastNorm on November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    Nice video and nice fish! It was great to meet all you guys and get my first taste of Steelhead fishing, and even though I never landed my first Steel on the trip (I did hook up briefly, very briefly!) I’ve definitely got the fever and will be chasing them here in Ohio.

    Good fishing!