Following closely along the knife-edge of a severe winter storm that blanketed my locale with as much as 66cm of snowfall, two friends and I made the undaunted decision to fish a few Huron county tributaries today. As the dim hue of pre-dawn embered into the day's first light, we discovered that the majority of rivers were covered in jagged, clear shards of slush and ice. Fortunately, the day's forecast held true, and even the slight insolation from the winter sun was enough to free up deeper pools and runs from the clutches of Mr. Freeze; it's quite incredible how conditions can evolve favourably over a few hours. Today's fish were definitive examples of "quality over quantity", they all exhibited robust, deep stature, and pastel hues which were distinct to each fish. At times, some ask me if I ever tire of photographing Steelhead, to which I simply answer 'no'. Each fish features an unparalleled array of spot patterns and colouration and the visual experience is something I will never take for granted. My friend Kris landed a beautiful healthy fish late in the day that featured scarlet flanks, with relatively few spots ~ unfortunately, she kicked off into the dark cold water before I could capture her essence. Thankfully, I managed to photograph a few, featured below. I did have notions of fishing a stream near Oakville tomorrow, but today's extended hike to locate fish has left me feeling unambitious. Besides, these Tuborg Gold Labels are going down quite well.....The second fish referenced in the photos is probably one of the most beautiful fish I have landed and released in some time.
Featured Photos:
A beautiful winter-run male ready for release
Chrome Lake Huron Steelhead taken in December
Great angle on the second pic. That "shade" of steel happens to be my favorite over the darker spawning colours many adore.
ReplyDeleteI bet the Tuborgs are going down well. It must have been a fun hike... best done not in neoprene waders.
Thanks for your comments, good to see you here.
ReplyDeleteI had my Simms G3's on from about 4:30AM until shortly before 8PM, they are probably the best, big ticket angling investment I have made thus far, though the venerable Chotas are not far behind.
Great pics again Joe....I wouldn't mind hiing you to follow me around on the river some day.lol
ReplyDeleteYour photos are world class.
Supposed to rain on Wednesday....London will be a mess.
Trotsky,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your message. I'd be happy to follow you around, but based on a recent experience, you might have to blindfold me when taking me from spot to spot, and then subject me to a heavy session of deprogramming.
In all seriousness, I enjoy photography as much as fishing, especially when those factors are part of a day out with the two guys I fished with yesterday.
Gorgeous fish and beautiful pictures. Absolutely mint Joe!
ReplyDeleteLove the shots, as usual, Joe. I love the way the colors come out in all your pics. The fish all look so glassy & perfect... almost better than actually holding them in your hands! Thank you!
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Love the new pic on your home page, Joe. Sweet!
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It has taken me awhile to capture a decent replacement for the Ohio male that was on the main page for the longest time, seems as though spontaneous shots have worked out best.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words.
Joe,
ReplyDeleteI was just wondering how you were doing so I figured to leave you a message. I considered sending a christmas card but would have to direct it to your folks which is okay I suppose. Anyway, you have my email cher.clark@rogers.com; I'd look forward to hearing from you. I have a daughter, Bronwyn, and she's adorable (she looks like her mom). I've read through much of your blog and I'm really impressed how amazing your fishing experience has been.