Host Bill Spicer from The New Fly Fisher is a well-known steelhead addict. He has travelled throughout the Great Lakes in search of chromed steelhead. Recently he learned of the great runs of steelhead on the St. Marys River in downtown Sault Ste. Marie. He booked a trip with Brad Hodgson of the Soo North Fly Shop who guides fly fishers in the Algoma region.

The St. Marys River has been building significant interest with fly fishers because of the large number of fish species that come into the system. Atlantic salmon, pacific salmon, lake trout and even brook trout come into the river at various times of the year. Steelhead are present throughout much of the year but May and June seem to be the most popular.

Both single handled fly fishers and spey anglers enjoy swinging a fly in this system. Bill caught numerous fish during his two day stay using both nymphing and swing techniques. Egg patterns are exceptionally effective here used with split shot and dead-drifted in the current with a strike indicator. Traditional spey flies will also work well with arm-jarring strikes being the norm.

Bill refers to the fishing here as "box of chocolate" fly fishing. With every cast you never knew what you were going to catch. Sault Ste. Marie, affectionately referred to as the "Soo" is becoming a popular destination for fly fishers for another great reason -- reasonable costs.

Anglers can stay at a number of clean and comfortable hotels located in the downtown and literally walk down to where the fishing happens. Brad from the Soo North Fly Shop can also help you with guiding services, fly selection and helping you decide when to come based on species.

For more information:

Sault Ste. Marie Packages: 800-461-6020

John Giuliani: 906-203-9112

Adam Vallee: 705-943-5286

Tyler Dunn: 705-255-6974