Wandering Steelie On The Wiggler

I caught this steelhead recently on my Arctic Wiggler tube fly in Ohio's Ashtabula River. The left pectoral fin clip shows it is not a fish that was stocked by the Ohio DNR. I think this clip identifies it as a Huron River, Michigan fish. Does anyone know for sure?

A Fly Fisher With The Blues

Water high and muddy? Waders leaking? Just broke off the biggest fish of the year? Man, you got the fly fishing blues..........

Check out the newest friend of the dog- Keith Scott. I met Keith at the Great Waters Expos in Chicago and Mineapolis. He is an awesome musician and bluesman. In Minneapolis he and Gary Borger entertained us with a brief sit-down together. I have two of Keith's CD's now and they are great road music!

Castapalooza Reminder!

The time is getting close for the first northeast Ohio Castapalooza and Riverfest. This will be held on April 24, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Lake Metroparks Hidden Valley Reservation on the Grand River. Hidden Valley is several minutes south of I-90 exit 212 (Rt. 528 Madison/Thompson).

The event is free and open to the public. Spread the word!

Tube Fly Recipe

I have had several requests for the recipe of the tube fly from a post several days ago. The Fox Tail streamer is now officially called the Arctic Fox Wiggler and here is the recipe:

Tube: Eumer Ballhead 17mm

Tail: Arctic fox tail fur 2-3 inches long, mix in 4-6 strands of Krinkle Mirror Flash

Body: Estaz

Collar: 4 turns of schlappen hackle with 4 turns of Palmer Chenille in front.

This fly has great action and movement in the water! Here is an assortment of colors. More testing to come!

Looking For A Meal

The warmer temperatures had everyone out fishing! This adult bald eagle was out along the stream looking for meal of fresh trout.

Testing a New Tube

I had a chance to spend some time testing a new tube streamer pattern with promising results. The Fox Tail streamer is tied on a Eumer Ball Head tube and has great movement in the water. This chunky brown trout along with several others decided to give it a chase. By utilizing a tube, you are able to adjust the hook length behind the fly as needed. More on this pattern later.

Trout Time!

The weather finally gave us a break over the weekend. Although there is still plenty of snow around, temperatures climbed up into the high 40's and made it pleaseant to be out. This brown trout ate a pink Firebug midge larva fished under a parachute dry fly.