Real Steel

Trekked up to the UP on Friday for a day fishing with Dad and guide Brad Petzke. This was our first time fishing the Lake Superior tributaries and it didn't disappoint. Few people know the steelhead rivers of this region like Brad. We spend the day on a beautiful river with cascading waterfalls, rushing runs, and a natural splendor that's unique to the UP.

The fishing style is very unique as well. Think of it as "technical chuck and duck". With high spring water and mostly pocket fishing, indicators would have been nearly useless. When you need to get down into a 5' hole behind a boulder, nothing sinks like skinny line with some weight on it.

Fishing was tough, with clear skies and a sudden cold snap. And wild UP steelhead make you earn it. But the work was worth it -- some of the most intensely colored steelhead I've ever seen. Dad got a nice male in the afternoon, and I picked up a female in the late morning. Technically, I didn't hook it, but I did land it!

If you're looking for a special experience in a most unique setting, definitely look Brad up. You won't regret it!

-Sean-