Minnesota Steelheader

Minnesota’s beautiful North Shore: The shores give way to an expanse of water that is Lake Superior into which our favorite tributaries flow.  The river mouths serving as the staging ground for the trout gathering in anticipation of Mother Nature’s cues to embark on their annual upstream journey.  Surrounded by vast forests are the picturesque waterfalls where our treasured steelhead venture in early spring in pursuit of the perfect spawning ground and a suitable mate.  As the season warms and the spawning cycle reaches completion, the bright silver flashes of a hen digging redds and the trail of males usually found trailing close behind her begin to fade indicating they have begun their retreat toward their primary residence in Lake Superior. For many anglers the end of the spawn marks the end of their annual steelhead fishing.  While the visible activity may not be as apparent, a patient and knowledgeable angler can continue finding plenty of activity beneat...

As we prepare to share stories and experiences of steelheading ladies, I figure it's time to provide a glimpse into my own journey. Many folks envision a successful steelhead angler as someone with a particular grace with a fly rod.  An example of intense focus and patience.  A person at ease on the rugged terrain that must be traversed through dense forest and swift, flowing rivers.  An individual who exudes that special sense of peace when in nature... There I stood one April morning on a North Shore stream for the first time.  The cute guy I had convinced to take me fishing had provided a couple lessons in casting, drifting, knot tying and yarn cutting but that was the limit of my training. As gentle rays of the new day's early light peered delicately through the trees, we began to fish.  After a few unfruitful drifts we trudged further upstream and again I presented that little snippet of yarn, while in the back of my mind wrestling with the rati...

A fisherwomen's checklist - Part one: Being equipped properly on the water is not just a matter of comfort.   It is a matter of safety.   All anglers will find themselves in a risky scenario at some point and that is when you need to be confident that you can trust your gear with your life.   Let’s review the basics: Polarized sunglasses, stocking foot waders, wading boots, base layers, hat and hip pack Polarized Sunglasses: Whether you are whipping fly line around or dislodging a snag, you want your eyeballs to be protected from flying hooks and sinkers.   Shades are essential.   The functionality of the polarized lenses will become apparent as you learn to look through the water versus at the water.   Not only will you be able to spot your target fish in some instances but the ability to see through the water will also give you a boost of confidence as you begin crossing rivers. Polarized shades are pretty easy to find.   Just ...

  Steelheaders are a unique breed.   Not many who try it will stick with it and of those who do, very few are women.   It is a tough sport for anyone regardless of their gender, and organizations such as Minnesota Steelheader play a pivotal role in the success of many novice anglers who are just starting out.   Rainbow trout anglers encounter unique challenges in their quest for Steelhead and Kamloops on Minnesota’s North Shore and while the general issues are addressed very well by Minnesota Steelheader and like groups, support networks available  specifically to women are virtually nonexistent.   Minnesota Steelheader’s new women’s program Women on the Fly , is on a mission to change that.   As an avid female North Shore angler myself, I’m familiar with the issues women face on the water.   From the comical scenarios such as trying to piddle in the woods while outfitted in waders and full rain gear, to the aggravating circumstance of ...