Shack Nasty Season

It's that time of year.

The worst time of year.

Steelhead is about done.   Rivers aren't popping yet.  Most lakes are still frozen

The Shack Nasties are upon us.

Almost excited about sitting in my pontoon and staring at a bobber waiting for the chironomid to get bit.

Skeena Anglers Auction March 3-7th...

The waters of the Skeena River System left their mark on me more than any other flows that I have ever stepped into.

And now here's your chance to help the Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition in their effort to protect their watershed for years to come through a pretty nice online auction set to roll next week.

Companies like Patagonia and Hardy have donated some sweet gear, there's great custom fly rods, apparel, hand tied flies and so much more.  All the money donated goes to an amazing cause, so I highly encourage taking a look and test your luck in the auction.


View the goods by clicking HERE

No Flash. No Marabou. No Trailer Hooks....

For the first time in 6 months, I sat down at the vice and realized it was time to turn the page.

Everything has it's place, and of course, time.  I often wonder if I had steelhead around 12 months a year, would I appreciate it as much as I do know when the five month gap takes our trips away from spey rods and more to lakes, and local rivers.

Carp anyone?

For a lot of that time, I'll probably be throwing this bug.  Soon enough, it will be time to break out the traditional hooks and get back in the steelhead mode.

Until then, it's time to lob the turd.

Big News From 2 Great Outfitters...

Marty and Mia Shepard of Little Creek Outfitters recently announced that in combination with Brian Silvey Guide Service, they have purchased Big River Outfitters and their permits to guide on the Deschutes River.  This expands Little Creek's rivers to the John Day, Grande Ronde, Deschutes, Sandy and Clackamas River.  The Shepards are on my short list of people I cant wait to fish with.  Hopefully that will come soon!

Get more info HERE

Yos and the crew at Chromer Sportfishing have a spectacular lineup of cool trips and fishing opportunities coming up this year, headlined by their Spey Improvement Week on the Skeena River April 20-26

Based out of British Columbia and with trips all over the province, Chromer has been a fantastic supporter of the Wild Steelhead Coalition and our fundraising efforts by donating trips without hesitation.

Check out their full offering by clicking HERE

Now gets to fishing.

Favorites from the Season

Thanks for coming along for the ride.  I appreciate everyone who visits this little outpost on the internet.

The 6th Month Fish...

6 months is a long time.  August to the end of January.  The length of our summer run steelhead season

T shirts morph to hoodies and 2 layers of wollen socks

Delicate and sparse traditionals turn into balls of flash and feather 4 inches longer or more.

Skaters to sink tips

Long lines to compact skagits

First run sunrises to ice in the guides

Three distinct seasons on 3 very different rivers for the same run of fish.   

Although the same, they fish change and behave so differently depending on the river. They rise less, sometimes more and stay grabby longer...much longer than others may think.

There seems to be this common thought that steelhead season in our area is just a fall endeavor.   Crowds come and go and sometimes, the most rewarding piece of the 6 months lie on the edges.  

Case in point, the first fish of the season.  August 4th on a full dryline.

Last fish, January 29th.  OMR almost got spooled. 

Those fish will stick out much longer and more distinctly than all the rest.  

Variety in the quest.  Cant wait for the next 6 months.

Deubel's Redfish Artwork

You're probably not going to see a better Redfish painting, ever.

Christina Deubel's skill on the canvas is back again, highlighting a art showcase to benefit
Project Healing Waters in Spokane.   Tomorrow's event is at the Liberty Building in Spokane starting at 5pm.  25% of all art proceeds will go to benefit the great organization that helps returning veterans so much

Seriously, how amazing is that piece of art.  And yes, it's for sale.  Get more info regarding Christina Deubel's work via her website, In the Depths

Just Because....

Because a sunset as a day draws to an end in my favorite place in the world is never a bad thing to stare at.

I hope you enjoy it as well.