The end of the fall season is bittersweet. The weather is getting more volatile, the days shorter. But the fishing has remained compelling for those willing to brave the elements.

Alan Jacobson and Randy Hutchins recently made a journey from Texas and New Mexico, respectively, hoping to hone their speycasting skills and perhaps connect with their first steelhead. On the first of two days of swinging, Randy and Alan worked hard perfecting the finer points of two-handedness. Both enjoyed the relaxing pace of swinging and stepping down through the Willamette’s broad smooth runs. On day two, they wore their game faces and were rewarded with the ultimate prize: their first steelhead. The true trophy was the window into the mysterious world of the steelhead fly fisher. Suffice it to say, these guys are hooked! Check out some of the photos from the day:

On the last day of the season, Scott and I joined up with Greg, Bert,and Katie Jones, along with Katie’s friend, Megan, for a misty day on the McKenzie. We were all lamenting the woeful Saturday performance of the Beaver football team when Katie hooked into a huge fish. The first of the day turned out to be the trout of the year!

Katie once again demonstrated that she is definitely a fishy young woman (and I mean that in the nicest possible way)!

All in all, the Jones family two-boater made for a perfect ending to the fall season.

Now: Bring on the rain!

Get ready for winter steelhead! The Dudes are now booking January dates for the ultimate Oregon fly rod quarry.

Just a quick note to let you all know that I’m back stateside after a 5-week tour of duty in Mongolia, the land of the Giants. It was a great season and fishing for taimen was good throughout. Top fish of the year honors went to Sydney-based “Taimen Freak,” Charles Barrett Jnr, who returned for a second crack at landing a true giant taimen.

After the previous full day’s skunking in Bayaraa’s boat, Charles got his fish on the first cast of the next day. I saw the beast from the boat as I was driving upriver, killed the motor, dropped the anchor, handed rods to Charles and his mate, Ron, and they started chucking. Charles instantly had a tangled knot of running line to deal with but as soon as he straightened it out and made one strip, he was on!

After a powerful tug of war, punctuated by breathtaking wallows and thrashings at the surface. We finally got the great fish into the net.

Just one of the many incredible experiences, fishing and otherwise, that defined the 2010 season (my 13th tour!).

Now it’s back to earth and steelhead season is in full swing around here. Guided a two boater yesterday on the Willamette and we landed 3 in my boat, while Ethan landed 4 in his. A few dates are still available for some of the great fall steelhead action. Hope to see you out there!