An Unruly, Flashy Mess...

Steelhead season has a way of undoing all my well thought out organizational systems.

Oh hell, where's the blue schlappen?

TIme To Go Beast Mode...12th Man Wraps

Time for the Seattle Seahawks to kick a little Atlanta arse today.

Inspired by Evolution Anglers' 12th Man Series, here's a few Seahawks approved flies that should at the same time, bring a steelhead to hand.

Go Hawks!

Admiration....

When you catch a wild steelhead, you only have a fleeting moment to take it all in.

It's hard to remember the exactness of the fish, the form, the weight and the moment.  From hookup to battle to quick pick to release, it's a moment of blur that disappears in an instant.

That's why I've spent a good time looking at this picture.

Ryan got trucked by this fish.  Absolutely blown up in 38 degree water where summer runs are not supposed to do what this fish does.  I spent 10 minutes on the bank throwing stupid tips and dos & donts to him as I knew that this was a special fish.

He's worked hard at learning.  He's put in time.  It was time for Ryan to be rewarded, and this spectacular hen obliged.

After I tailed the fish, we both sat there for a split second with our mouth's agape.  Perfect fins, perfect adipose, perfect shape and massive size.  I can pontificate about this fish for a long time but take my word, it was just plain perfect.

This picture was in a series of quick shots before the release.  It captures exactly the feeling when at least in this humble anglers opinion, full adoration and admiration is expressed.

As Ryan let her go to do her duty,  we did the awkward man-hug-chest-bump thing and soaked up every last second of that exchange


It's no wonder why we do what we do.  At least in our minds.

The Spoken Word of Soul River...

Man, I really dug this

Soul River's got a great new approach, check them out HERE

Wild Steelhead Coalition Benefit...

It's all starting to shape up nicely.

A pile of guided trips to give away including days on some of the most hallowed steelhead grounds in the world

Rods, reels, boots, waders, hats, lines, stickers, apparel, one of a kind artwork, custom tied flies and a hell of a lot more.

Also on hand will be a great collection of non profit fly fishing groups and conservation organizations

Last year, we raised $2,000 for the Wild Steelhead Coalition.

Lets kick it up a notch and break $3,000

So if you're anywhere near Spokane on February 19th, you know where you need to be.

Keep informed and up to date  by joining the FB group by clicking HERE.

Steelheading with Master Shredder...

Everyone remembers that ridiculously awesome cartoon.  How cool were the Ninja Turtles, and that scary Master Shredder?  Answer....a lot

I mean, pizza for every meal and beating up bad guys....what's not a 8 year old little dude not to love and that's not even mentioning the gameboy game that I may or may not have played a zillion times

Well, I think I went fishing with Shredder yesterday.

All of a sudden, he shows up and photo bombs me with a slick wild fish.  Where the hell did his shoulder pads go with the blades on them?  That's the first thing I thought

So he continued to fish with us....

and was rewarded with a ripper of a wild steelhead.

you never know who you'll run into on the river.

Icy Guides...

Tis the season....

No other way to deal with it but keep on fishing.  People ask me, "you fly fish...in the winter"

My response never varies..... why wouldn't I?

I suppose that cold hands and extremities bordering on frostbite is a valid reason, but I tell you this....

Staying inside sucks.  I'd rather have ice in my guides then be sitting on my couch not participating in the awesomeness that is outside.

Happy ice fishing.