I haven’t fished for steelhead in at least four or five years...  I forgot how much fun it was, it was fun to get out and sling my eight weight fly rod around for the day.

Same fish differant angle

Cool photo of a different fish

Fantastic Photo - and what a Gorgeous Fish ~ !

 

With results like that, I bet you won't wait another 5 years to do that again . . . .

 

A-Jay

Oh man!  What a great time!

 

Jeff

Geez!

 

That's one heck of a fish!

Thanks for all the compliments!

 

I have always wanted a "big" steelhead for my man cave at home...

 

I had a "weak" moment when I had this big girl in hand and let her go, I hope someone else gets to enjoy her another day. It was a memory I won't forget.

Thanks for all the compliments!

 

I have always wanted a "big" steelhead for my man cave at home...

 

I had a "weak" moment when I had this big girl in hand and let her go, I hope someone else gets to enjoy her another day. It was a memory I won't forget.

 

You would have no problem getting a Replica mount of that beauty - which would look good longer in the Man Cave.

 

A-Jay

Sweet. Steelhead alley indeed. 

Great fish! Have never caught a steelhead but I'm sure that big, broad tail in the current makes things interesting. 

That is one terrific fish! Are these just sea-run rainbow trout? Or a different species all together?

Not sea run but they are great lakes run basically the same. They return to the streams, rivers, etc where they were hatched or released as young smolts through stocking. The majority of their time is spent in open waters.   

Excellent pics of fine fish.

 

Matt Supinski in "Steelhead Dreams" tells us that the Great Lakes steelhead are called catadromous rather than anadromous, i.e., their lifecycle is entirely in freshwater rather than being born in a river, maturing in the sea and returning to spawn in their natal river. Joe Nagy, who fishes Steelhead Alley, also has an excellent book on these fabulous fish.

 

Genetically, steelhead are very close to rainbow trout but for some reason are faster, tougher fighters. Don't kick me off this bass fishing forum for saying so, but there's nothing like 'em in fresh water if you're looking for a fight. 

Used to guide up there. I like it when you can hit a time with off colored water and not as many people. I hate those crowds

Matt Supinski

 

Guided for him on Elk Creek when I worked for Greg Senyo - Steelhead Alley Outfitters

 

Hes used to those BIG DEEP rivers, him  and greg slayed them that day in some HIGH MUDDY water on switch rods.

Nice fish!

Nice One!

Thank you...nice  pics

Brings back memories.  Used to live on west coast and have caught hundreds of those fish over the years.  Used to love hiking the streams.   Favorites used to be in NW Oregon.  Now so far the biggest thing I've hooked is a 20# drum on a floatin fly.  Was fun.

More tight lines

Awesome fish man. Kinda jealous. Making me miss living in washington. Great pics.