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3. Spring Steelhead

Saturday and Sunday I fished Conneaut Creek and caught four dropback steelhead averaging 23", one mirror carp about 8# which was a surprise, a Quillback which was a first for me, and a bunch of huge Redhorse suckers. All the fish were in the stream to spawn. The Redhorse suckers are easily some of the biggest fish I have ever caught on a fly rod. I didn't take any pictures because there was no place to beach them for photos. I would get them tired, grab the tippet with my right hand and slide the forceps down to the hook and grab the hook and twist them off. Most were at least 6# and some were 8# - 10#. Sunday was a repeat except no mirror carp and two of the four steelhead were fresh jacks (first year 17" - 19" fish) Monday and Tuesday I fished the Ashtabula and absolutely crushed fresh steelhead just in from the lake. All but one older male were shiny but may have already spawned since they appeared to be on the thin side, especially the females. One grizzled male had battle scars and was just under 29". It was a heavy fish, easy 9# and it was the best fight in the sense of length and strength of pulling.

All steelhead were carefully revived and swam away strongly.

I'll be 76 years old in September. I fish like I think I'm 60. Tuesday I was exhausted after a tough day on the Ashtabula. The conditions were different than on Monday as the stream became very stained, yet not any more water, maybe somewhere up river a farmer was plowing and a light rain brought mud into the river. Anyway I laid down on the bed in the motel at 5:30 p.m. and didn't wake until 6:30 a.m. Wednesday morning.

Nice work, Matt. Those put a bend in your rod for sure!

Good morning Louis,

Yes, all the steelhead were very strong and powerful. One jumped five times. Others ran line and would of put me in the backing had I not cranked down on the drag. Two broke 3X when they bolted to get under a downed tree. The 5th fish took close to ten minutes to land. It would not quit. Going back next week, probably Wednesday through Friday.