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Showing posts from April, 2015

A Quick Note on Temperature

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    Once again in 2015, we are seeing the strong correlations between the reported run initiation temperature and the initial upstream migration of steelhead and kamloops.     The various stream packages have been giving us fits because they have been up and down, partially running, not running, fully running... sometimes all variations on that theme for any given day. At any rate, here is the best we've been able to come up with given the unpredictable nature of the available data:     We started tracking daily numbers back on the 15th of March after we started seeing movement in the ice. On April 2nd we began flirting with the reported run initiation temps, but didn't get too excited simply because there was still so much ice around along with snow-pack up in the highlands, and underneath conifer stands still waiting to melt. We assumed temps would tank with remaining melt slowing things down temporarily, and that appears to have happened.     On the 10th, small Low

Fish on!

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A couple of us hit the lower shore rivers yesterday dispite the low water.  It was just to nice of a day to miss out on some fresh air and running water. Though the water is low, the rain earlier this week pushed fish into the rivers.  We managed to hook more than we landed, but those landed were a wonderful sight.   We were seeing, and catching, both kamloops and steelhead.   People often ask us " will this weekend be a good time to fish?"  We are happy to give our opinions, but we believe If you  have the time to go fishing, just go!  When the conditions are less than ideal, learn to adapt and take the time try new tactics and gear or explore new water.   As you see from the photo, it can produce some fine results.

2015 - Steelhead and Stout

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Just what is the Meet & Greet? The Meet & Greet is an annual gathering of like-minded Minnesota steelhead anglers, hosted by Minnesota Steelheader (MS), a non-profit organization dedicated to informing, educating, and entertaining veterans and new-comers alike to our North Shore fishery. This off the water gathering is a casual way to meet fellow anglers, exchange fishing stories, share tips, techniques & photos.  It also provides an opportunity to ask questions and learn a few new tricks all the while relaxing in the warmth of a comfortable establishment This event is open to women, men, 1st time steelhead anglers and seasoned veterans - we welcome all.  There is no membership. needed.  This is a great opportunity to get to know your fellow anglers, share tips,  learn some new skills, ask questions, and improve our angling community camaraderie,  wile getting to know the volunteer staff members behind Minnesota Steelheader.   We hope to see you this spring!

April Showers, We Need 'Em!

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    As of April 11th, 2015, Stream conditions are making life difficult for both man and beast, er... steelhead. Lower Shore rivers are running low, clear and cold; there is still a fair amount of shelf ice along the sides of the streams.     The clear skies today will go a long way towards getting water temps up, but we think tomorrow's badly needed rain, especially if air temps remain high, might just do the most to jump-start things on the lower shore vis-a-vis rising flow, stream temps and willing fish.     We've been running the numbers since March 15th and have only recently begun flirting with the run initiation temps observed in North Shore Steelhead and Kamloops. Problem is that one-day's worth doesn't seem to do it, we have to remain above that threshold but when we do, magic... By the way, the significant drop in the Lower Shore index stream flow is the result of some healthy ice-dams breaking up and releasing all that pent-up water, not necess