Working a Steelhead

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I had the opportunity to watch my friend Jeff Hickman work a shy Steelhead the other day and his effort was exemplary. Swinging flies for winter steelhead is a game of numbers, very small numbers. It's a given when chasing winter fish that there may be...



Fly Fishing, No Pain No Gain

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Have you ever felt like this when you got back to the truck after a long day of fishing? Giving it my all on the water is a trait I strongly believe in for my fishing and guiding. I always try to make a point to...



For Steelhead, The Swing Is The Thing…Or Is It?

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WHEN SWINGING FLIES FOR STEELHEAD, HOW IMPORTANT IS MANAGING THAT SWING? It seems like a simple question. I know how I feel about it, but when you start talking to folks about it you get surprisingly different opinions. I've been told it doesn't matter and I've...



The River Is Full Of Want

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By Louis Cahill "I DON'T DESERVE THAT FISH. I DON'T DESERVE THIS DAY ON THIS BEAUTIFUL RIVER. I DON'T DESERVE TO FISH WITH THESE GOOD MEN." I wade out into the rushing water of the Dean, farther than I should. The cold of the water grabs me...



Steelhead Flies, Half As Much

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By Louis Cahill WHEN THE RAIN WON’T STOP, THE LIGHT IS FAILING AND THE RIVER SWELLING, STEEL HEADERS DRINK WHISKY AND STARE DARKLY INTO THEIR FLY BOXES. Maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but we all do it. I spent an evening like this with a group of...