Episode Show Notes
In this episode of the Great Lakes Dude Podcast, the spotlight turns to the southern shores of Lake Erie and the legendary Steelhead Alley—also known as Rainbow Alley. Jeff is joined by a longtime friend and the current president of the Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders, Tom Blotzer. Together, they dive into what’s happening with steelhead programs in the region and what anglers can expect over the next four to five years.
They also discuss land conservation efforts, the latest fishing updates, and the overall state of the fishery. Jeff shares a bit of history too—recalling how, back in 1984, he sat in the Rod Maker’s Shop in Strongsville, Ohio, as part of a 12-person steering committee led by the shop owner. That moment marked the beginning of what would become a powerful movement to establish a steelhead program and club. At that time, they weren’t even connected to Ohio—they operated as a chapter of the Michigan Steelheaders. Jeff fondly remembers Mike Spino, the club’s first president, who has since passed away. Now, nearly 40 years later, the club has grown exponentially, and Jeff is proud to introduce Tom, the current president, as the leader taking the organization into the future.
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Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders
