Evolution!

What a great day on the water with Bill. He called a few weeks ago and said he wanted to learn to catch steelhead on the fly. I love spending the day with a client that just wants to learn everything they can. I watched Bill evolve today from struggling with his casts and line management to making drifts and landing fish like a seasoned pro. That folks is what it's all about.

Are you ready to learn something new? There are a couple weeks of action left. Call me. LET'S GO FISHIN'!

Perfect 10!

Kicking off the Spring steelhead guide season has been long anticipated with this extreme Winter. Early in the season, you never know what to expect. Water temperatures are generally still pretty cool, but early stonefly and hex activity have the fish on the feed. Guiding new clients also keeps you on your toes for the unexpected.

Today was unexpected indeed. Most of the tributaries across Ohio and Pennsylvania began to open up over the past week and the rain we received 2 days ago really got things moving. And luckily, we found some water that had dropped enough to take a swing at.

John and Matt were primed and ready to hit the water. Matt is on his final weekend home for Spring

Break, so we had to make this day work. And work it did.

We hit the creek early and within no time John had hooked into his 1st steelhead. With a little coaching we were able to get it in the net. John was hooked!

Matt hooked several fish and had short battles with them, but they gave him the slip. Finally, BANG...Matt hit a serous gamer that ran him up and down the creek and this one did hit the net. Matt was now hooked as well!

From there, the water was on fire. By the end of the day, these 2 coaxed 10 fish into the net. As we walked back to the truck I reminded Matt how special this day really was because he spent it with his dad. They will both look back fondly 20 years from now at these memories burned into film. There is not much better in life than being able to guide a father and son on the water for a day and just watch them enjoy each other.

Want to make some memories on the water with a family member? Call me. LET'S GO FISHIN'!

Think Spring SALE!

I can't take this cold any more!  We need to think Spring!  Book a Spring 2014 Guided Steelhead Trip between now and January 31, 2014 and save 20%.  That's $220/day for one fisherman or $300/day for 2 fisherman.  A little planning for some Spring CHROME should warm you right ups.  Shoot me an email at patrick@fomoutfitters or Call Me.  LET'S GO FISHIN'!

Fall Steelhead Season 2013 Wrap-Up

We had a great season on the water this Fall.  Many folks complained that the numbers were down, across Ohio and Pennsylvania, but were sure landed a lot of fish.  Great clients and great fishing equals great memories.

Don't forget the Winter steelhead season across Steelhead Alley is fantastic if you can handle the cold.  And, the Spring season is booking fast.  Call me!  LET'S GO FISHIN'!

Christian Men's Retreat: March 21-23, 2014, Girard, PA

WHAT:  Christian Men's Retreat.  Join us in Girard, PA to fish the Lake Erie Tributaries of Ohio & Pennsylvania to chase steelhead on the fly on Steelhead Alley.

We will host a total of 8 men for this retreat, so don't delay in getting registered if you are interested.

WHEN:  March 21-23, 2014.  We'll meet in Girard during the morning of March 21, 2014 and depart in the afternoon of March 23, 2014.

WHERE:  Conneaut Creek Outfitters, Girard, PA

COST: $250.00 Includes your room (2 nights), meals (2 breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners), and the Men's Conference.  $125.00 deposit is due at the time of registration to reserve your spot.  Registration will close when 8 men are registered.  The remaining $125 is due by February 15, 2014.  All registrations for the retreat are 1st come 1st serve.

FISHING:  Conneaut Creek Outfitters is situated on Conneaut Creek in Girard, PA.  The property features 2 miles of private access to Conneaut Creek and is within 10 minutes of Elk Creek and Walnut Creek.  Pennsylvania's Miles Creeks are within a half hour drive and you can easily access Conneaut Creek in Ohio and the Ashtabula River within half an hour.  The Grand River and Chagrin Rivers are both within 45 minutes to an hour as well.  And last but not least, New York's Cattaraugus Creek is about an hours drive as well.  THAT'S A LOT OF STEELHEAD WATER!

We'll fish during the day and incorporate some serious "Iron Sharpening Iron" time in the mornings and evenings  The goal of all of our retreats is to meet up at a fantastic fishing destination, and go home a better man.  We are staffed with great fisherman and even better men of God.  Join us for some great fishing and prepare to be challenged!

Late March is a great time to chase steelhead on Steelhead Alley.  With all of the water available in close proximity, something will be prime for your style of fishing.

**All of the fishing on Steelhead Alley for this retreat will require wading in moderate flows.  All fishing is at your own risk.

**You will be responsible for getting your own Ohio, Pennsylvania, &/or New York Fishing Licenses for this retreat.

GEAR:
6-8-wt Single Handed Fly Rods
7 or 8wt Switch or Spey Rods

FLIES:
Egg Patterns: Pink, orange, yellow, cherise, fire orange/red, chartreuse, white. Sizes #10-#14 depending on the water conditions.

Streamers:  Leaches, Egg-Sucking Leaches, Zonkers, Woolly Buggers. Sizes #4-#8 in black, white, olive, and purple.

Nymphs:  stone flies, hare's ears, pheasant tails, Prince, Copper John. Sizes #14-#16


STAFF:

 

Patrick Campbell:  Steelhead Alley Guide and Men's Ministry Fanatic

 

 

 

Scott Brooks:  Senior Pastor, Freshwater Community Church