River Levels Rise

Timothy Burke • 1/15/162/16/19

Winter fishing is the most challenging time of the year to pursue steelhead. The ever-changing patterns of mother nature, snowmelt, heavy rains, and freezing cold conditions can make it a guessing game for even the most skilled angler. With years of experience under his belt, I headed to the Olympic Peninsula with my fishing buddy and top-notch angler Todd Sloan to target big steelhead. When everyone else was at home cozied up by the fire Todd knew exactly where to go. A majority of the rivers were blown out of shape due to heavy rains but this just meant some of the smaller tributaries would fish perfect.

With the small stream rising, we picked the perfect window. After releasing a small native steelhead we made our way to one of Todd’s favorite runs. He put me in the sweet spot and holding in the tail-out was a bruiser buck.

Thanks to years of experience it was a banner day for Sloan and me on the river.

Always Believe!

Steelhead With The Bolin Boys

Timothy Burke • 1/13/162/16/19

I had the privilege of taking my best friend Joe Bolin and his two sons Cortez and James steelhead fishing over the Thanksgiving holiday. We had a couple days before the river closed for the season so we loaded up the boat on Black Friday and set off. One of the great things about winter steelhead fishing is the sun doesn’t rise until after 7 am and fisherman can sleep in compared to summer fishing which demands a very early morning.

After stopping at the Red Apple Market for coffee and donuts we slipped down the hill and slid the boat in the town run. The first row through was a rod slammer with Joe’s rod buckling under the pressure of an angry steelhead. After releasing a beautiful wild fish we went back for more. The second pass gave us another takedown but the fish got away. On our third pass James’s rod hooked up but the fight only lasted for a minute before the elusive steelhead spit the hook. So we made our way to the sewer hole and it was a chaotic fight. While we were letting lines out Cortez screamed in delight as a big native steelhead snatched up his presentation.

Joe and Cortez had both landed steelhead while James waited patiently for another chance. At the root wad hole, it was James’s turn. Under the big leaning pine, deep in the green water we found success.

We had a great day and the best thing in the world was spending time with my best buddy Joe and his boys. They love to fish and can’t wait to get back out on the water.

Always Believe!

Cold Water Steel

Timothy Burke • 1/8/162/16/19

In the winter temperatures can drop down into the teens. The icy river cascades its way held intact by lava banks, frozen drifts, and gravel bars. The first step thaws frozen boots warming them to the temperature of the water. Cold and green it seems lifeless from first glance while snow flurries fall from above but below the surface, the strong and vibrant inhabitants thrive.

The sound of ice popping off the rod guides echo off the canyon wall. The line stretches across the surface presenting a weighted intruder down into the drift. The fly tumbles through stony crags and greasy hydraulics. The fisherman shivers but the steelhead feel right at home. On the inside of the swing, a soft slow piece of water holds a willing participant. The line goes tight, the rod tip bucks up and down under the weight and the reel communicates clearly it’s under distress. A slight lift to the bank secures the fight and the battle begins.

This trip was with my two best friends David and Seth Burke. We spent the week of thanksgiving fishing our favorite south central Washington stream. Although the temperatures were miserable and snow fell all around us we felt at home. It was a perfect day for three brothers to enjoy the pastime that has created some of the greatest moments and memories we share.

Always Believe!

The Desert Steelhead | Life & Challenges

Timothy Burke • 10/21/152/16/19

The fingerprint of this south-central Washington river is the native desert steelhead. Forged by the challenges that impede its migration home this sage giant knows only power and pursuit. Over time gargantuan obstacles shape the very DNA of this arid river dweller. Its ability to face and triumph over adversity forges its admirable character.

We know that the biggest and strongest fish have to face the largest challenges as they make their way up river to spawn. Over time these obstacles shape their genetic makeup and the outcome is a beautiful part of our handcrafted world.

The native steelhead causes me to think. What makes him so admirable, is it the reality that he was designed to shoot the narrows, run massive rapids, live in difficult conditions, travel unbelievable distances, and fulfilling the calling of his life.

Yes, the obstacles and challenges one faces if willing to overcome can produce unbelievable beauty.

The great Creator seemed to have designed it this way for us all. For those who overcome will produce a bounty of great admiration.

Always Believe

Tim

ps. run the rapids, jump the narrows, travel great distances, preserver through difficult conditions, bring joy to others, this is the calling of our lives…when the Lord holds us in heaven, may we be admirable to Him!

“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts…” Romans 5:3-5

The Steelhead Doc

Timothy Burke • 9/14/1510/13/15

Ken Faw spends his time serving in the community as an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist. His passion is investing in people. During his time in the office at Evergreen Hospital he oversee’s a major medical division and helps hundreds of people every week.

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Preparing for the Dean River

Timothy Burke • 9/1/152/16/19

Learning is the beauty of any pursuit in life. As we learn our skills improve, our knowledge deepens, and our opportunities increase.

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Subtly Leads To Success

Timothy Burke • 8/27/1510/13/15

In summer conditions its important to remember that subtly can be very important. When a river is gin clear and had lots of pressure the profile and presentation of your fly can make a big difference.

On Saturday afternoon I fished the Cowlitz River. With lots of jet boats running up and down fishing eggs, shrimp, plugs, spinners, and a variety of different techniques I decided to go with a small wet fly. I knew the fish had seen lots of big presentations and must have been feeling the pressure.

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Three Boys In The Boat

Timothy Burke • 8/24/1510/13/15

The relentless pursuit from 13 year old Michaelo gave him the opportunity to catch his first steelhead. His trip in June was postponed due to the drought but that didn’t get this kid down. Fishing conditions had improved later in the summer and a week ago we headed to the Cowlitz River in search of steelhead.

Part of my job as a guide is to give grandpas, dads, and grandson’s the best possible opportunity. So we picked a Saturday afternoon in August to hunt for Michaelo’s first big steelhead.

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Determination Steels the Show

Timothy Burke • 8/21/1510/13/15

The day started out with much anticipation as many of my trips do. I met the guys in the Totem Lake Mall parking lot and we made our way down I-5 to spend the day fishing the Cowlitz River.

We launched the boat at blue creek.

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Believe River Brotherhood Raw Footage

David Burke • 7/30/157/28/15

This is what it might be like to be on one of the Believer River brothers’ fishing trip. This short clip captures a candid conversation between the middle brother, Dave and the youngest brother Seth. Dave just so happened to be having a lights out day while younger brother Seth, who usually out-fishes everyone, was on the camera. If you this doesn’t make your day, or entice you to go one a trip with Believe River I’d be surprised. What you may not know about Believer River is that our passion isn’t just about steelhead, it’s about a true brotherhood of love, respect and fun. See what it’s all about.