The White

As the end to the spring season draws near an opportunity for another road trip came to fruition. After the successful PA adventure I was tempted to return for another round of juvenile chromers with a friend from work but local reports suggested I pursure other venues. Inspiration came in the form of an email indicating favorable reports were coming out of Michigan. MI is literally at my door step and home to an abundance of world class steelheading rivers. One in particular I have wanted to fish for the last couple of years being "The White".


The White River is a bronze coloured small to moderate flow with expansive gravel bars, deep lumber lined holes, and swift chutes. The White is best waded but we did encounter the odd drift boat guide throughout each day. Typical to the US there is adequate river access and an expansive network of river trails which made exploring that much more enjoyable.
The White river gives one the feeling that you are fishing in the North. The river is surrounded by a mixed hardwood bush with plenty of large towering Hemlocks and cedars shading the deep holes. The runoff is well filtered by the sand and gravel substrate typical to Western MI. She was high water during our visit yet crystal clear. I was told it is rare for the white to be unfishable. This river is where steelhead should live!


While driving thru Western Michigan we were surprised to see there was still snow remaining in the bush from the previous weeks dumping. Upon arrival in Hesperia we hit the Sport Shop for our NonResident licenses and some local info. We were going into this trip blind and any info was greatly appreciated. Within 15 mins were were back in the truck with a map and licenses in hand.
Ya gotta love the outdoors enthusiasm of Michiganders. Upon arrival to the state owned river parking we quickly observed that weekends are what Michiganders live for. The parking lot was crowded. We didn't let this discourage our spirits and we suited up and made our way down the trail. The sounds of spring were in the air. Numerous song birds were singing, a giant Pileated was hammering on a long dead Hemlock and the golden clear river chanted its hypnotizing melody. It didn't take long to slide into a beautiful gravel laden river bend run. The river runs clear but carries a slight stain that is exaggerated by the abundance of golden gravel. The river bottom can be hypnotizing and is quite hard not too look at. The success of this trip was not measured in numbers but more in personal accomplishments, raw beauty, and the spirit of adventure. Western Michigan is truly beautiful country and I cannot wait to revist and explore some more fabled rivers.

Hmmm I wonder if old man Norland is up to it this Friday?
Stay tuned...

All That Is Oak

2:30 am came quick this morning and once again we found ourselves on the highway embarked on a quest to quench our insatiable thirst for Great lakes Steelhead. Today's destination was Western NY. Specifically Orleans County and the infamous Oak Orchard River. Just the mention of the Oak conjures up images of mud, mono, zebra muscles and oh yes steelhead. The Oak has been a kind river to Gene and myself over the past couple of years and she has yet to turn us away unrewarded. Today's adventure was to prove no different. With all of the recent events surrounding land ownership and public access we were hesitant to fish our usual section of river but decided to persevere and were glad we did.
Today I landed one of my largest steelhead to date, a large hen well into the 30 inch class. I question if I would have managed this fine specimen had we made acquaintance in December and she had a couple more pounds to her credentials. None the less she made my trip. Another highlight of my day was meeting up with a very handsome resident brown.
Gene had a great morning as well putting a few on the beach and lost heart breaker in the 8lb range. I was privileged to get a very good look at the mint coloured up male before he broke free. The fishing was steady and rewarding. All we could ask for on yet another adventure.

Quaker State and Steelhead Alley

Pennsylvania-The Quaker state or Keystone state. Birthplace of the US Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Home of the Hershey chocolate bar and the Liberty Bell. Truly a state richly engrossed in US history but what is most memorable about PA to this Canadian are the 51 miles of Erie shoreline in the heart of Steelhead Alley. Having been intrigued by the Internet reports coming out of "the alley" over the past couple of seasons it was inevitable that we would find ourselves on another road trip in pursuit of our passion. The decision for this trip came at the last minute and almost didn't come to fruition. Through my experience these outings make for the best ones. The better part of 5 hours, a couple tanks of gas, multiple coffee's, countless lines of BS, a PA "Tourist" License, and a secret tip from the local tackle shop attendant we were in to our first PA steelie.

Droppies were plentiful up river hidden under the ledges of this slate lined trib and were more than happy to take our offerings. Being a slate lined trib we found ourselves in long sections of crystal clear water with depths of 2-3 feet. We longed for the deep holes we were accustomed to fishing on our home waters. We ventured up river and found a nice long deep run under a train trestle lined with a large tree on the backside. Exactly what we had hoped to find. It didn't take long to hook into a couple of fish. We shared this run with a local. He was intrigued by our success and ventured over to ask what we were using. He looked at me like I had two heads when I produced a 4" pink worm and handed him one to try. He quickly put it on his hook and cast it onto an extended branch from the sunken tree. :0) "Some men ya just can't reach..."
The droppies were fun but really not the reason we traveled around Lake Erie to Steelhead Alley. The day was slipping away and we had yet to meet up with our hosts. A quick hike back to the steelhead mobile and a quick call on the cel and we were on route to meet up with Wallacio and Tripper at our accommodations. It is always nice to meet up with fellow chrome enthusiasts and it kinda funny how it doesn't take long to break the ice and get the BS flowing. We decided we better hit the local beer store and quickly discovered that PA handles their liquor retail a little different than other states. Being from Ontario we are accustomed to purchasing Beer from a distributor but in PA you have to but from specifically licensed retail outlets and you can only purchase whole case quantities. I can honestly say I have never heard of beer going to waste so it wasn't much of a problem. A few drinks later found us near the mouth of the river where the smolt action was hot and furious. Apparently the annual stocking program had just taken place and the river was full of 4-6" smolts eager to devour roe bags. It truly is a test of ones persistence in conditions like this but we were determined to persevere as we were told of a daily push of fresh chrome in the evening hours. We ventured towards the straight deep sections that lead to the mouth mid evening in anticipation of encountering a pod and were not disappointed. Genes spirits were getting low after the smolt brigade but we quickly remedied that with a barrage of 2-4 lb leaping chromers. We returned to the cabin to reunite with our hosts and share a few Rolling Rocks, hot wings, sausage and hot pepper pizza, and tall tales of the days events. Many laughs were had as tales of infamous GL steelheading characters were retold. Morning was getting closer so we subsided to the sleeping bags for an early rise. Apparently I sound like Darth Vader when I sleep so G thought he was right at home.
The game plan for the morning was to fish the mouth. The strong North winds from the previous day had subsided and this was going to be a posibility. Gene and myself decided to fish the deep straight sections prior to venturing to the mouth. We fished from 7am to 1pm and never made it to the mouth One could only image how many juvenile steelhead were in this section of the river as we landed fish after fish some times 6 drifts in a row. We encountered multiple doubles and at one time broke out into laughter after achieving another. These steelies fought like they were twice their size and jumped like the water was boiling.
At one point in the morning I caught my self prior to complaining that my arm and shoulder was getting sore and quickly ate my words. As a passionate steelheaders we live for moments like these and on this trip we lived indeed. As we were exiting an local angler across the river yelled "way to go guys...you sure had a good day!". What a nice gesture from a fellow angler to end the day on a positive note. We geared down in the parking lot and cracked a cold one to celebrate our success.
We quickly broke into discussion with a couple of fellow anglers from out of state. They reported on little success for the day. We questioned them on their approach and I reached into my vest and gave them my remaining roe bags. We instructed them where to fish that evening and how to do it. Driving home we elaborated on how much we both hoped those fellas were blessed with the success that evening that we had been on this great Steelhead Alley adventure.

Old Friends

As fate would have it I was privileged to fish the secret spot again this morning. This time with an old friend. It was nice to hook up after a long winter and share a drift. Once again G put on a clinic and I got the honour to man the digi. Another serene fishless morning for me but nonetheless a success.

Really Big Water

There is something to be said about living close to water. One can't put a price on the ability to wake up, shower, drift some decent water and return home while the kids are still in their pyjamas. Water was mint today and I only had to share it with two other gentlemen. Still a little early for these parts but we should have turned a few fish. Oh well...it will happen in time. If not for the solitude and peacefulness alone this morning was a huge success.

Another great day of casting

After a very long hiatus and the long awaited arrival of spring my inner demons have started to have their bi-annual conversations in my head. Pretty sure Dejon from Chrome on Chrome is responsible having reported a 30+ fish day to me but I'm not one to lay blame. ;0) Once awoken there is no stopping them. They start discussing the cons. Then they weigh their options. They begin to deliberate short term vs long term forecasts. They start justifying fuel costs, and on and on until logical reason has no chance of prevailing. The resultant was a mid-week vacation day and a road trip north. Lets just say it was another great day of casting ;0)
Glad to get a decent drift in and nice to be on the water again. I don't think it hit the +10C temps the weatherman was bragging about. I think it was more like -10C. I actually had to de-ice every 10th drift. Oh ya, have I ever mentioned how much I love wind and slush? But doesn't everyone? Funny thing is the demons are quiet. For now...

Spring is in the air

For what was a mild and short winter it sure feels like spring has been a long time coming. (one m for G) My piscatorial adventures have been nil since my last epic adventure mid December 06. I have not forgotten my passion but merely set it aside while I enjoyed my family. Winter for me in early 2007 consisted of keeping the wood stove stoked and working at the challenges set before me with a new position at a different facility with my company of employment. It is nice to set things aside and renew the desire. My passion is November/December fishing but spring always gets the blood pumping. I welcome a new addition to my collection. I opted for the Stanton and have not regretted it. It is truly a beautiful piece and will complement the 5" Black Stanton addition from 2006. Classic by design and proven runners these reels have earned their place in Great Lakes steelheading history.

The onslaught of winter...

Well the onslaught of winter has taken hold of my spirits and rendered me to a life of e-fishing from my notebook. I first must apologize for my recent absence. I have had to step away from my piscatorial passions for a bit and give my personal life some much needed attention.

Since my last post I have liberated myself of a questionable collectors piece and am in the midst of procuring a replacement or two.

As life is constantly filled with irony I have a bit of a conundrum to resolve. I was lucky enough to get 3 separate emails over the last week with offers of fine reels to purchase. I am not sure which one or two I will procure but thought it would make a good mid-January post.

I welcome feedback and opinions on which one or two of the three you all would consider :-)

First Reel is an Ang Spec Offset in mint condition

Second is an Adcock Stanton to be imported from Wales in fair to mint condition with original packaging and documentation purchased from Walkers of Trowell in Nottingham.

Third is an original finish MykissII in mint condition presently residing in British Columbia. (this pic is of G's MykissII)