I have been Spey Fishing and pursuing fish on the swung fly for many years now. I can still recall every Steelhead I have hooked and what fly it was caught on. Even though swinging a large fly is not the deadliest method for hooking Steelhead in terms of numbers, it is however the most gratifying. Nothing compares to the cast of a Spey rod, and the grab and pull at the end when one of these fish hits. It was during my years as a guide in Alaska that I started swinging big flies on the famous Alagnak River, home of the famous leopard Rainbows, and yes they do get the size of some of the Steelhead we chase here in Michigan. The Alagnak Rainbows are meat eaters. They loved Leeches, Sculpins and Flesh Flies. So, with Teeny 200’s in hand we pursued these fish on the swing. No need for Indy rigs, and beads. We were catching big fish on big streamers. Then on a great fall day back in Michigan fishing on the mighty Muskgegon River with friend and fishing buddy Kevin Feenstra we started hooking hot fall chromers on Sculpin patterns. After watching this play out I figured the Muskegon River fish are no different then the Steelhead back on my home river, the Pere Marquette. The addiction had started for me on the PM as I experimented with flies, lines and tactics. As I fished the pools and tail outs I learned where my fly fished well on the swing, both river left and river right, and which pieces of water became consistent with hookups time after time. This method of Spey rods and sink tips, has now turned into a full time passion with me. I find myself fishing this way all the time from October to March, and trying to teach and get all my customers and friends interested into this method of pursuing these fish. Some days are fish on and some days are fishless, yet each day is a reward in itself. At least I can practice my Spey casting, and part of the fun is learning.

I designed this web page to share Spey fishing with you the angler. Whether you have Spey fished and swung flies for many years or just want to get started, this site is for you. I share tactics and techniques that I have learned, and offer my own special flies and patterns to enjoy and try. I encourage you the angler to be a part of this too. Send me your ideas and patterns, or send me a story of angling adventures for Steelhead with a swung fly. This web site can be a source for all of us to share and enjoy.

Steelhead anglers are definitely a different breed of fisherman, on the river in the elements battling all kinds of weather looking for that elusive chromer, experiencing the sheer power and beauty of a Steelhead, yet often rewarded with nothing more than a fishless but perfect day on the water. Everyday though is a new opportunity and that’s what keeps us going. The idea that tomorrow could be the day of the big grab and the pull of the Metalhead making your reel zing, is what it’s all about. Swinging flies definitely take patience and a good attitude day in and day out. With a little knowledge and perseverance I promise you that you will be rewarded at the end of the day. I hope at Outfitters North Guide Service I can make that happen, and be your source for swinging flies for Steelhead on the Pere Marquette River.

Check back soon for techniques and tips as well as pattern photos and recipes.