Andy Hoodenpyle, an energetic talented young-blood dropped by the shop and expressed his desire to catch a steelhead on the swing. Andy mentioned he has primarily indicator fly fished and has experienced some success catching steelhead, nymphing with indicators, yet would love to feel the grab while fishing traditional steelhead fly fishing methods. The tone of Andy’s voice and wide eyed expressions revealed he was stoked and eager to step out of the box and try something new; a natural progression that ultimately captivates the majority accepting the steelhead challenge.

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I realize we are in the heat of the summer, however spring-summer chinook and steelhead runs are in full swing and it won’t be long before the fall runs begin entering the lower system. No time is better or more practical than now, for those desiring steelhead on the fly, to get with the program and accept the challenge. Tuning in early and learning the necessary equipment needed, fly casting fundamentals, effective techniques and flies, steelhead strategies and understanding and recognizing preferred steelhead waters will advance you that much further to fall steelheading success. Anglers getting a jump on the fall runs will be better prepared and also have a shot at a summer steelhead, which is great way to sweeten the learning curve. Do It!

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It’s been a barn burner the past week, over 100 degrees, and most anyone in their right mind is hanging out at their favorite watering hole. Angling pressure has been light and the few fishing are surprisingly finding some quality action early and late.

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Drift fishing the Trinity River has its advantages

Getting from point A to point B is often times more easily said than done. When drift fishing, whitewater rafting/kayaking, wildlife viewing or simply party barging down a river a shuttle (aka. rendezvous/transfer) is required to pick up the boat/floating devices at the lower end of the drift trip. Unless you prearrange a commercial shuttle, (costing roughly $30-$70 depending upon the drift), this logistical maneuver is necessary and everyone involved knows it’s a pain in the ass. Even after 30 yrs. of floating 800-1100 miles annually and thousands of shuttles, the unexpected ceases to amaze me. Here are a couple shuttle shocks that easily come to mind, and I refer to as the “long and short of it.”

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