Aaron Shirley Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 I got out this morning to fish steelhead on a Lake Ontario tributary and enjoy a peaceful day in the beautiful weather. I didn't expect much, just wanted to enjoy a day out casting spinners on my Rapala F2 ultralight and hoped to get a few bites. It was a bit cool in the morning, and I took my time getting there. This day was to be a lazy enjoyable day in serenity. No rushing, just a peaceful time out in a normally hectic life. I started fishing about an hour and a half after sunrise, and it didn't even bother me (it normally does lol). Within 5 minutes of casting a brown trout coloured Mepps Aglia 3, I had a violent hit from a beautiful steelhead. The fish went absolutely nuts and peeled drag like crazy making many runs, going airborne about 10 times, and then more reel peel It took about 10 minutes to land as it was so full of energy, but I got it to the bank, unhooked and released her. This chromer already made my day. But that was just the start I got a smaller one shortly after in the same pool, and almost as spunky. I enjoyed action on that spinner only a short time, as the sun grew stronger, the bite slowed. I was about to switch up to another fav spinner, but I thought I would try a few things I rarely try for steelhead, small cranks, floaters, jerk baits, countdowns etc. After more than an hour casting all kinds of lures from top to bottom without any action, I had to try my favourite Mepps Thunderbug spinner in green and silver. I had about 6 steelhead swipe at the Thunderbug spinner in the next 20 minutes I decided to leave my confidence spinner on the rest of the day, and I'm glad I did. I fished several miles of river with various lures, but when I moved back to the same spots with the green and silver spinner, I got bites. Violent hits, reel peel and nobody in sight but a beaver, a blue heron, other birds and wildlife This was just what the doctor ordered. The warming sun peaked between the trees, birds chirped happily in the spring air, and the peaceful river made it's own music with nature. As a bonus, I got about a dozen ballistic steelies to the bank, lost a few and had multiple swipes and misses. I absolutely loved every minute of this trip. it is my favourite trip this year by a long shot, and just may be tough to beat. I used to hook well over 50 fish a day back in the 80's and early 90's in pools surrounded by guys. I would take the day I had today over those big number days any time. I feel like a very lucky guy to have this type of experience in our province. It felt as if I was far up north in the middle of nowhere at times, and I kept thinking about the hussle and bussle in the city suurounding the serenity of this urban river I fished. I heard no cars, no trucks, no trains, no voices, just nature and steelhead erupting the otherwise peaceful meandering river. It's funny how most people have no idea what is in their own backyard. The steelies are still around and active, try out an ultralight and spinners for an awesome experience you will not forget anytime soon Enjoy the photos. Good fishing! Aaron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillM Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 Nice job Aaron! I'll agree, it doesn't get much better then steelhead smashing hardware! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mercman Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 Breathtaking is the only word that comes to mind reading this report. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
splashhopper Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 amazing..... I wonder how many of those mepps will be bought by OFC'ers in the next few days? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DRIFTER_016 Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 Good on ya Aaron!!! The only thing better than steelies smashing hardware is taking them on a swung fly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alphaalpha Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 wow what a great day! Thanks for sharing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rod Caster Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 Your trout trumps my lone sucker. hahaha. Great photos Aaron. Today I enjoyed the same serenity as you all the way on the North Shore of Superior. I glad you can find the same so close to home!!! that is very cool Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joey Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 Superb report Aaron. Some very pretty fish there. Glad you enjoyed your serenity day Joey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rbaquial Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 I was thinking of taking my F2 out to the rivers too! Must've been a BLAST! Thanks for Sharing Aaron! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
asdve23rveavwa Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 Beautiful Aaron I totally agree, as well...steelhead on hardware is the ultimate blast Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ehg Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 Wow, another great report! I always wondered about those spinners. Now i am sure they work fine and where to use them. Much valuable fishing info can be gleaned from your photos. Great stuff, thanks for sharing it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corvette1 Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 awesome fish Aaron congrats Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grimace Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 Great pictures of beautiful fish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redskullz Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 Thats a beautiful river!! NIce fish too! Way to go! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ctranter Posted May 10, 2011 Report Share Posted May 10, 2011 I agree with with the fly comment, nice report Aaron those are some great pics Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aaron Shirley Posted May 11, 2011 Author Report Share Posted May 11, 2011 Thanks everyone. It was a very enjoyable day, I can't wait to get back there! I wonder if I can get away with calling in sick to work tomorrow... I can say I have the Thunder Bug That sounds serious Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbuck Posted May 11, 2011 Report Share Posted May 11, 2011 Nice job Aaron!! You sure did some damgage tossing spinners. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TDunn Posted May 11, 2011 Report Share Posted May 11, 2011 Nice job Aaron!! You sure did some damgage tossing spinners. Looks like a great day to me! TDunn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreenCanada Posted May 11, 2011 Report Share Posted May 11, 2011 Great photos and commentary! That's the kind of fishing day I long for Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leecher Posted May 11, 2011 Report Share Posted May 11, 2011 Excellent report and awesome pics Aaron Thanks for sharing Leechman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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