River Currents — Pete Lemman's Trophy Catch

A smiling angler kneels in shallow water holding a large silver-brown trout horizontally for the camera. He’s wearing waders, a dark cap and sunglasses; a flat, pebbled shoreline and low, cloudy sky form the background.

artificial lures, beginner fishing gear, casual angling, casual fishing, coastal fishing, expert fishing, family fishing, fishing accessories, fishing adventure, fishing advice, fishing blog, fishing charters, fishing community, fishing experience, fishing for beginners, fishing gear reviews, fishing guide, fishing hooks, fishing industry, fishing knots, fishing lifestyle, fishing reel, fishing reviews, fishing rod, fishing safety, fishing spots, fishing stories, fishing techniques, fishing tips, fishing trips, fishing tutorial, fly fishing, freshwater fishing, how to fish, lake fishing, live bait, monofilament line, outdoor adventure, pond fishing, recreational fishing, river fishing, saltwater fishing, spinning combo, sustainable fishing, tackle box essentials

Headline: World-class Fly Catch — Pete Lemman’s Unforgettable Day on the Water

When the current slowed and the line tightened, USC fraternity brother Pete Lemman knew he had something special on the end of his leader. What followed was a textbook mix of patience, polished strip sets, and a practiced drift — culminating in the trophy photo above. This issue of River Currents celebrates that catch and dives into the people, gear, and know-how behind memorable days on the river.

Gear & Rigging (What Worked)

• Rod: 9' 6-weight (good all-around trout/steelhead/large-river fish rod)

• Reel & Drag: Smooth, sealed drag to handle sudden runs

• Leader & Tippet: 9’ tapered leader + 12–16 lb fluorocarbon tippet for abrasion resistance

• Fly: Large, stream-pattern fly in natural tones — fished on a slow swing

Tip: If you’re targeting big, powerful river trout, don’t be afraid to step up tippet strength. You’ll lose a bit of stealth but gain control and fewer break-offs when the fish runs.

Technique Snapshot

• Place your cast slightly upstream of the target seam.

• Allow a natural swing across the current; avoid aggression until the fly finishes its swing.

• When you feel weight, give the fish a second to turn and run before setting the hook with a confident strip-set.

  
  

Conservation Note

A catch like this reminds us why respectful handling matters. Keep fish in the water as much as possible, wet your hands if you need to lift them for a photo, and support quick-release practices so the next angler has the chance for the same experience.

Local Report & Upcoming Trips

Water conditions were low for the season, producing slow-but-productive seams where big fish stacked up. Andy is scheduling half-day and full-day guided options throughout the rest of the month — ideal for anglers who want expert instruction and a higher chance at trophy fish.

Reader Q&A

Q: What’s the best time of day for streamer fishing?

A: Late afternoon into low light often produces strong results; fish move and feed more actively near structure as light falls.

Behind the Lens: A Community Moment

This photo isn’t just about a fish; it’s about the camaraderie of the river. Pete and Andy represent different chapters in the same story: angler, guide, shop owner, friend. Those connections keep fisheries healthy and anglers coming back.