You May Be Killing Steelhead And Not Even Know It

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STEELHEADERS ARE GENERALLY PRETTY SERIOUS ABOUT CATCH-AND-RELEASE, BUT IT'S LIKELY THAT MANY ARE MORTALLY WOUNDING FISH WITHOUT EVER KNOWING IT. There are few species of fish as vulnerable as wild steelhead. These fish are beset on all sides by threats both natural and man-made. With their...

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...

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...