Jeff Burdick: Get ahead of the steelhead game with Saturday expo

The north winds have been blowing, the nighttime temperatures dropping and the seasoned steelhead fishermen have been getting uneasy. It may be September but it's not too early to be thinking about chasing steelhead in the local waters. This weekend is a great time to get yourself some much-needed gear, information and refreshers. If you like steelhead fishing or want to learn about catching these fish, the Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders are setting up at the Rocky River Nature Center to have their annual steelhead expo. This is a great opportunity to take a look at some new gear, restock some of last year's lost tackle and take in a seminar or two. There will be some great guest speakers in the lineup sharing their knowledge. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting your pursuit of these great fish, there is something for you at the expo. You can easily spend the whole day or a few hours taking in the information. The day will start at 9 a.m. with a quick welcome from Tom Blotzer, the Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders president. Kevin Kayle, Division of Wildlife Manager, will report on the Ohio Steelhead soon after at 9:15. If you're looking to learn about center pin fishing be sure to check out Mike Durkalec, the Cleveland Metroparks Aquatic Biologist, at 10 a.m. For the fly fisherman, the seminar at 11:15 will be right up your alley: John Brochure, manager of the Orvis shop in Westlake, talking fly fishing for steelhead. A break in the action will be next with local Girl Scouts providing lunch outside the nature center. Coming back in strong fashion at 12:30, Roger Hinchcliff from Steelhead Manifesto and Lamiglass Pro Staff will discuss bead and jig fishing for steelhead. Do you like to swing big Spey flies for these fish? If so, then Jeff Liskay's seminar at 1:45 is a must-see. Liskay is with Great Lakes Fly Fishing and a Patagonia fly fishing ambassador. At 3 p.m. therer will be a raffle drawing to conclude the event. This is always a nice event that gets everyone in attendance pumped up and ready to hit the streams and chase steelhead. As you walk around you will hear fish stories of the big one that got away or just a memorable day on the water. Just a side note, Cedar Point Road is closed south of the nature center. You may need to alter your route further south or north to access the valley parkway. Right about now you may be asking just who are the Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders? Well, they're a group of fishermen with a common interest in the steelhead trout that swim our local rivers and creeks. Founded in 1984, the club has continued to grow and prosper. Its members are working hard at promoting steelhead and educating local fishermen, while also working with the state to ensure the stocking program is here tomorrow as well as for future generations. The group has monthly membership meetings with various guest speakers. They also have on-the-water seminars, club tournaments, many projects and activities, and you may just meet some new friends. This is a club dedicated to the future of the steelhead fishery in our state. Check them out at the expo and maybe even become a member. Notable Archery season for deer opens Saturday and runs through Feb. 6, 2022. Walleye fishermen are anxiously awaiting cooler water temperatures and good fishing. Shore anglers are ready to do some rock hoppin' and boat anglers will be starting the night bite trolling. Don't forget to get signed up in either the Walleye Slam or the Walleye Fall Brawl. If you're going to be out there chasing walleye you might as well have a chance at winning a new boat or two while you're at it. It looks like fall is creeping in on us. Get out there and enjoy what Mother Nature has given us. Contact Jeff Burdick at flyrod11ft@gmail.com.