Jim, Cameron, and Luca came in from Indiana for a day of Steelhead fishing on a day that didn’t exactly seem like spring.  Dropping temps and rain made it tough even for me to not have body heat sucked out but the fish cooperated for the most part.  We aren’t seeing many fresh run fish at all so we are mostly hitting tribs that have good numbers of fall and winter fish.  Many are done spawning and are dropping back which does concentrate them in the lower sections similar to the Fall season.  Some are starting to turn silver in preparation for returning to the lake and these can be misidentified as fresh spring run fish.   A close examination will usually show markings and scars from spawning and the myriad of other dangers they face in the tribs throughout the year.  Ice, hooks, fins missing….these all will separate a true spring run fish from a drop back fish that is heading back to the lake. 

A look at the lake will also tell a story about what is happening this spring.  Lots and lots of ice remains and this can deter fresh runs from happening until it melts or blows out of the Erie area.  It’s possible something may happen with the warmup next week but if it does it will be a short 1-2 week period and that will be it. 

Jim was able to get into fish on jigs and nymphs and Cameron and Luca were able to reel in a few as well.  Flatfish saw a few chases and strikes but the cold has put a lid on the aggression levels of fish we have seen the last week.  We worked hard for fish and the rain didn’t really turn fish on like we had hoped.  Eventually the rain and temps in the 30′s late in the day put an end to the fishing.  It was a pleasure fishing with Jim, Cameron, and Luca and I look forward to fishing with them in the Fall.  I think Jim has convinced me to finally take that trip to Michigan for salmon this year and succeeded in giving me some reason to root for Kentucky in the tournament.