PUTMBAK!

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I wonder what the Great Lakes Steelhead would think if he knew what a controversial fish he is. No, he's not a native fish. Yes, it's a completely man made fishery. No, it's not a wild and scenic experience. Is he a real steelhead? Who cares....

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...

Dean River Chinook

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By Jeff Hickman IT'S TIME FOR THE BIG BOYS. With the rapidly increasing popularity of Spey fishing, targeting Chinook salmon has also recently become hot. These large powerful anadromous fish have always been attractive to fly fishers in areas with strong populations. But with modern spey...

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...