The Target Has Changed

Well, it’s only a few days before the start of Autumn, the night time temperatures have been touching the 40’s, and a big rain event pushed up the water levels on the northeast Ohio tribs. That only means one thing, time to change the target. Steelhead are making their initial push into the rivers, with reports of success already trickling in. Good bye smallmouth. See you in the Spring.

 Hey smallie, see you in the Spring.

(Click on image for larger view.)

I reviewed my fishing journal from last September, and realized that this same week last year I hooked into my first steelhead of the year. Unfortunately, I had my 4wt outfit trying for a late season smallie. I was stripping a steamer through a pool when I felt a tug that tells you this is not a 10” smallmouth. The chromer hammered it, and the 5X tippet didn’t stand a chance. That fish was fresh and hot. So, I’m not making the same mistake this year. The 8wt is coming out, and in another 6-8 weeks more layers of clothing, and fighting with leaves. Can’t wait!

Steelhead season.

Cast, swing, step. Cast, swing, step. Repeat

Go out and fool a fish!

Ramblings From A Riffle

How many thoughts go through your brain while on the water? Do you solve the world’s problems? I know, when you are in the middle of a stream you should be concentrating on catching fish, but my self-diagnosed ADD gets in the way. I’ll be fishing a pool or riffle when two or three thoughts enter my brain. I never know what the next thought will be. But, to get an idea of what I go through here’s a few thoughts from a recent outing.

Enjoy the warm weather and solitude now because steelhead season is right around the corner. Four layers of clothing and iced guides will be here soon.

Summer is never long enough. We’ve lost about two hours of daylight since late June. Used to be on the water at 5:30AM. Now it’s closer to 7:00AM. Hate that.

Term limits would solve a lot of the problems with the government. One term, eight years. Eliminate reelections and maybe Congress votes for what is right, and not a vote to protect their seat.

Why don’t the smallies like this fly?

Most business meetings are twice as long as they need to be.

I still can’t understand why tippet manufacturers don’t color a section of the tippet near the end of the spool. It would be a perfect warning that the spool is almost used up.

Why didn’t I take up fly fishing 20 years ago?

I’ve got a great wife. She’s never said no to a fishing trip. 41 years and going strong!

Some day I’m going to float the Shenandoah River for smallmouth.

Are the Browns really going to be that bad? Projected one win. Doesn’t matter, still watch them.

Wouldn’t a Cubs, Indians World Series be fun?

Why does a round of golf seem to take forever yet the same time on a river will go by way to quickly?

I hate plumbing repairs.

Go out and fool a fish!