SILVER GHOSTS

             
           

Another morning

getting out of bed on my day off with the highest hopes of having a world class day with the one who defeats me the most is just normal anymore. That's ok with me. Give and take. 

A lot less fish this year in our rivers has honed my skills and has brought me back to the detailed angler I use to be. 

The cool North wind passes through the crimson turned maples. The air is free of summers humid grip. Much hasn't changed here on the Rocky river since I felt the fly rod in my hands at age 10. Memories of learning how to read water and long days of  frustration seem to come back every fall.

The robust reflection on the water Is the glowing hue from autumns best. its been 23 years now since I stepped foot on her bank and I'm glad to be  reminded.  

I've carried a log for several years and have tracked the timing of these fish from c.f.s. rates to days it takes "pods" to get from A to B. Without knowing for sure it's all a guess.But it seems to be somewhat accurate. For the last 4 years I haven't recorded a thing. But its times like this that I'm glad I did.

THE NEW CHROME COAST

                     
                                 

                
                                                Here in Cleveland, Ohio we know a little about dwindling and degrading circumstances. Anything. You name it we've built it and lost it. From watching steel mills close, factories leaving for cheap labor to are very own voted officials arrested for corruption and racketeering. 

                                        

 And of course...

     

But we have also seen major changes. We also know how to rebuild and fix what's been degraded. Cleveland no doubt has been a national leader in job creation. The Cleveland Metro parks taking up our lakefront was huge. I can't wait to see how this is going to grow.Another great step.

But some areas are not that fortunate.  Like it or not , the Great Lakes have everything the native left coast  has to offer for our steelhead. I know for some buddies of mine it's a sensitive issue.  The down word spiral of Steelhead streams disappearing is alarming. We have it great.So I have some articles for everyone to  read. The grass isn't always greener on the other  side.

    ~shipslog.org/2011/03/27/are-cedar-river-steelhead-extinct/  

 ~ community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/? date=19970812&slug=2554348

 ~ touch.latimes.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-20372869/ 

 This is why groups like Trout unlimited and Cleveland Metro parks are so important. 

A new beginning

                         

                               

                               

I

    When I see this picture, I think of endless opportunities. To me, it's almost a second flag. There have been years of hard work from d.n.r.'s, special interest groups and world class biologists. Through partnership with army core of engineer's even as far as the Navy who have done migration studies on our steelhead. We are very fortunate. If you were to venture out west, you would be lucky to catch 2 steelhead a day. And that IS even a hell of a day. We are spoiled. Plain and simple. On the other hand, you could say no. This is just our great lakes work ethic. If we want it bad enough we can have it... 

       So everyday that I am on our water I cherish it. I hope you do as well. From the Holy Waters, to the St.Joe's someone donated their time to give you their hard earned information to help us progress. 
                      

 The morning didn't seem to feel like fall. But the run is on. I'm always worried of hooking a fish  with these low oxygen levels in the warm water. So far, so good. These komakazi fish have no regard. Ultimately, these fish are in your hands. A good angler knows the biology of what he's hunting. And I think all should.but almost all don't . 

We had a later start this year than last. On the 18 of august last year, i was fishing consistantly on my birthday at that point. But itleast it's on. The numbers will be fewer again, but the size will be their They say. Which is spot on to what I experienced last year.  

  

     

DOWN TIME

                                                       

                                 I know its coming.The days getting shorter. And nights getting cooler. Mr.north wind becoming more consistant. He lets us know that a change is lurking. Year after year, it preps us for winters furry. Just a glimpse I suppose. But it's enough to set the mood. 

                                                        

                                                     

Before the run begin's, I always find myself visiting the harbors and taking sunset walks along the beach. The swing of the season draws me to these familiar places every year. Ironically, we meet at the same place, same time every year. Like clock work. 

Through the summer I visit old haunts like most.  

But it just isn't the same.