Steelhead Alley Podcast

Kyle Ale
  • 5.0 (7)
  • WILDERNESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Talking all things fly fishing for trout with a spotlight on Lake Erie steelhead, especially the tributaries of Steelhead Alley. From seasonal runs to river tactics, we share our experiences, setups, and stories from time spent chasing these incredible fish. Along the way, we also cross into Pennsylvania and New York to explore trout fishing on some of the region’s best streams.

Episodes

  1. FEB 12

    Ep. 12: Trip Recap #3: The Final Push (Pt. 2)

    In Episode #12, Day Two of their final winter trip recap — and the Season 1 finale — the crew heads back into brutally cold conditions for one last push. Kyle is joined by longtime friend Pono, they break down Day Two of a trip that tested their patience, gear, and ability to adapt. With temperatures plummeting overnight, the rivers were once again iced up to go along with frozen guides, and constant slush drifting through the runs. Clean presentations were hard to come by, and every adjustment mattered. After some recon and working through the elements, they located a fresh pod of steelhead and stayed into steady action throughout the day. Despite the harsh conditions, the bite held steady, turning what could have been a grind into a memorable and fitting finish to an incredible trip. This episode captures late-season steelhead fishing at its peak — breaking ice, battling slush, making timely adjustments, and earning every fish — as the Steelhead Alley Podcast closes out Season 1 on a hard-earned high note.

    54 min

  2. JAN 28

    Ep. 11: Trip Recap #3: Cold Water Chaos (Pt. 1)

    In Episode #11, Kyle dives into day one of the final trip. The day started slow and cold, with locked-up banks, shelf ice to break, and a lot of water that looked right but didn’t give much back. We spent the early hours searching — clearing ice, testing runs, and staying mobile, knowing winter steelhead days don’t always reveal themselves quickly. Late in the morning, we made a key decision to pull out and hunt a completely different section of water — and that move changed everything. Once we found fish, the switch flipped. What followed was nonstop action, steady hookups, and the kind of rhythm that only happens when everything finally lines up. It turned into one of those rare days — full of bent rods, laughter between drifts, and moments that stick with you long after the trip ends. A reminder that sometimes one good call is all it takes to turn a grind into one of the best steelhead days in years.

    40 min

  3. JAN 14

    Ep. 10: Trip Recap #2: Winter Rewards (Pt. 2)

    In Episode #10, Kyle and the crew wrap up their winter steelhead trip with a payoff that made every cold mile worth it. This episode picks up on Day Two as they hike into picture-perfect winter water, breaking shelf ice, pushing through snow, and methodically working runs to find fish. With cold temps shaping conditions, success came from slowing things down, covering water thoroughly, and dialing in depth and presentation until the fish finally started to show. On the morning of Day Three, a last-minute decision to switch spots changed everything. Fresh snow, untouched water, and improved conditions led to nonstop action and an unforgettable finish to the trip. It’s a reminder of how quickly steelhead fishing can turn when preparation, persistence, and good decisions come together. From scenic winter flows to hard-earned hookups, this episode is all about the rewards that come from grinding it out across Steelhead Alley.

    57 min

  4. 12/31/2025

    Ep. 9: Trip Recap #2: The Winter Grind (Pt. 1)

    In Episode #9, Kyle is joined by Beaver and Dave for Part One of the recap from their second steelhead trip of the season — a trip that tested patience, preparation, and grit right from the start. Brutally cold temperatures locked up many streams with ice, forcing the crew to grind through a long first day searching for fishable water. From breaking shelf ice to hopping between tributaries, this episode breaks down how they adjusted on the fly, covered miles, and stayed focused despite challenging conditions. While the fishing didn’t come easy early, late-day positives began to stack up, setting the stage for what would turn into an exciting and productive Saturday on some picture-perfect water. This episode is all about adapting to extreme conditions, trusting the process, and finding momentum when winter steelhead fishing pushes back. If you’ve ever battled freezing temps, questionable water, and tough decisions on the Alley, this one will feel familiar.

    49 min

  5. 12/17/2025

    Ep. 8: Trip Recap: Dialing It In (Pt. 2)

    In episode #8, part two of our trip recap, Kyle and Zack pick things up on day two as they continue searching for better water and clearer conditions across Steelhead Alley. With flows still less than ideal, we switch streams, put on the boot miles, and grind it out—moving fish here and there while trying to unlock the next window of opportunity. That persistence pays off when they finally move into a section holding numbers of fish and the bite turns on. From there, Day Three brings a big shift. The crew were able to return to water that they fished earlier in the trip, now with improved clarity and flows. Early action sets the tone, and before long the guys find a pod of fish as a group—triggering a stretch of nonstop hookups, chaos, and steelhead doing what they do best. This episode is all about staying mobile, trusting the process, and being ready when conditions finally line up.

    1h 1m

  6. 12/03/2025

    Ep. 7: Trip Recap: The Early Push (Pt. 1)

    In episode #7, Kyle and Zack break down the full story of their latest run up to Steelhead Alley — a trip that started with a curveball before they even packed the truck. With the forecast shifting, they ultimately made the call to head up a day early in search of a prime fishing window.  This episode covers those first two days as the crew bounced between streams, split up to gather recon, and tried to dial in where fish were holding as the water slowly settled. Some stretches demanded patience and grinding through tough water, while others came alive with steady hookups after working the right runs long enough. From adapting on the fly to finding pockets of fish in unpredictable conditions, this is the story of how the trip started — and how persistence set the stage for the rest of the weekend.

    46 min

  7. 11/19/2025

    Ep. 6: Steelhead Mode: Trip Planning and Preparation (Pt. 2)

    In episode #6, Kyle and Zack pick up where they left off in part one of their steelhead trip preparation series — shifting from weather, flows, and layering into the gear and rigging details that make or break a successful trip. This episode dives into the nuts and bolts of getting your setup dialed in: preferred leader builds, terminal tackle choices, and why tying a fresh batch of flies before you leave can save time and frustration on the water. The guys also break down their favorite planning tools — from apps and online resources to the small habits that help you map out smarter, more productive days on the tributaries. Whether you're getting ready for your first steelhead trip or fine-tuning your routine for another season on the Alley, this episode is all about filling in the gaps and helping you hit the water fully prepared.

    44 min

  8. 11/05/2025

    Ep. 5: Steelhead Mode: Trip Planning and Preparation (Pt. 1)

    In episode #5 of the Steelhead Alley Podcast, Kyle and Zack kick off a two-part deep dive into preparing for your next steelhead trip. Part one is all about comfort, safety, and being ready for whatever the Alley throws at you. From checking weather forecasts and monitoring stream flows and CFS levels, to staying warm with the right base layers, outerwear, and waterproof gear — the guys break down what it takes to keep yourself dry and fishing strong all day. They’ll cover traction tips for slick slate bottoms, how to move safely through snow and ice, and the benefits of smart on-the-water storage setups. They also share a few personal gear favorites and small accessories that make long steelhead days smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.

    44 min

  9. 10/22/2025

    Ep. 4: Trout vs. Steelhead: Same Game, Adjusted Approach

    In episode #4 of the Steelhead Alley Podcast, Kyle and Zack break down one of their favorite topics — the difference between trout and East Coast steelhead. From lake-run migrations and fresh chrome arrivals to the transformation steelhead go through as they hold in the tribs, the guys dig into what truly sets these fish apart. They cover how these changes influence fly selection, presentation, and gear setup, plus the adjustments every angler makes as water temps drop and conditions shift across Steelhead Alley. Whether you’re chasing bright, fresh steelhead from the lake or those colored-up fish holding to spawn, this episode dives deep into what makes each pursuit its own unique experience — and how to fine-tune your mindset and approach when chasing these incredible fish.

    49 min

  10. 10/08/2025

    Ep. 3: The Switchover: Fall Fishing

    In episode #3, Kyle and Zack dive into what makes fall trout fishing so special on the East Coast. As summer fades, cool nights and steady flows wake up the rivers, and trout shift into an entirely different gear. Brown trout get aggressive and territorial, chasing streamers with attitude, while brook trout light up in their brilliant spawning colors — and with winter steelhead just around the corner, anticipation is high across Steelhead Alley. The guys break down tactics, gear, and seasonal approaches, while soaking in everything that makes fall fishing unforgettable — crisp mornings, vibrant fall foliage, and that unmistakable energy in the air. Whether you’re chasing big, fired-up browns or enjoying that moment of calm, fall is one of the best times to be on the water

    51 min

  11. 09/24/2025

    Ep. 2: Big Fish or Numbers: Mood, Mindset, and Approach

    In episode #2, hosts Kyle and Zack dive into the classic debate of chasing big fish versus going for numbers.This conversation starts with a broader look at trout fishing, where the trade-off between size and numbers is often front and center, before shifting into steelhead, where the stakes—and the fish—get even bigger. Is it just the mood you’re in when you hit the stream, the stage you’re at in your fly fishing journey—or is it more about the mindset you bring to the water? We unpack these ideas and plenty more in this episode of the Steelhead Alley Podcast.

    46 min

  12. 09/10/2025

    Ep. 1: Steelhead Alley Origins: Our Fishing Journey

    In this kickoff episode, your hosts, Kyle Ale and Zack Vanderslice, sit down to share fishing experiences that shaped their love for chasing trout. We start by looking back at our roots—those early days of spin fishing as kids—and trace the path that eventually led us to the fly rod. Throughout the conversation, we explore how our techniques, approaches, and perspectives have evolved over time, from targeting trout to developing a passion for chasing steelhead on the fly. Whether you’re new to fly fishing or a seasoned angler, this episode offers a glimpse into the journey of two lifelong fishermen who want to share their time spent on the water.

    25 min
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Talking all things fly fishing for trout with a spotlight on Lake Erie steelhead, especially the tributaries of Steelhead Alley. From seasonal runs to river tactics, we share our experiences, setups, and stories from time spent chasing these incredible fish. Along the way, we also cross into Pennsylvania and New York to explore trout fishing on some of the region’s best streams.

Information

  • Creator
    Kyle Ale
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kyle Ale
  • Show Website
    Steelhead Alley Podcast

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