Bent Creek Outfitters

A dandy buck of about 9 lbs. feeding behind an active redd.

Dad fighting a bruiser of his own.  Low, clear water levels.

 
One of the few fish caught from a hole on this day, 5 lb Buck

Congrats on beautiful hen Dad!

Well as you can tell from the pics we had a decent day full of action to keep us coming back.  Though many of you can probably guess the streams by the "Tea" colored water stain the names of the creeks fished can go without mention.  I don't mean to be tight lipped and realize any serious WI steelhead angler knows exactly where I'm fishing.  If you don't, lets get together soon for a day of fantastic fishing.

The Report: Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Though we probably spotted upwards of 35 fish today on two creeks the water was low and gin clear.   The skies were bluebird making for some very tough fish fooling conditions.   I would definitely say that unless we get some more rain, which we have since Wed. and there are some more fish staging out in the lake the run is pretty much winding down.  A water temp was not taken today because I knew it was warm!  Drifting the holes for fish I can't see is my preferred method of fishing spring steelies, but as you can see from the pics Dad's method of fishing AROUND redds, not in redds, was the ticket on this day.  I know there weren't many active fish holding in holes because there were only 4 of them (holes) I came across all day that I couldn't see the bottom of!  Regardless, 8 fish total were hooked, 5 landed, two slipped out of our hands at picture time, and we had 2 others that would have been held if we were carrying a net.  I'll never forget the dime bright buck I fought for 10 minutes that dove under a log 3 times.  I had to result to giving the fish a slack line twice in hopes it would swim out.  Then Dad had both hands on it downstream of the log after I had tired it out. Then I fought it from upstream of the log only to have it finally swim out and break me off.  A gorgeous fish! 

Anyways the hot fly of the day was a small black leach as both Dad and I landed fish on this fly.  Also egg imitations were key as there was much spawning going on.  Sucker numbers were suprisingly low as they must be on the down swing of their run as well.  I would almost have to say that might be a theory: as late April approaches streams that were sucker choked 2 weeks earlier begin to clear and if steelhead are still present fishing can be productive again.   All in all, conditions considered, Dad and I had yet another memorable trip to the Eastern WI tribs. 

Still dying to book some clients.  As you all can see, there's something "fishy" about me.  Conditions are just starting to near their best of the season and with the opener just a few days away my choice of hot spots to guide you on will multiply.  Give me a call to reserve your trip astream!

Get Bent!

Bjorn