The Schrantz brothers, Dennis, Tim, Joe, and Mike, live in four different states, but each year they get together for one week in October to fish the Salmon River.
“We’ve been doing this with our friends for about 10 years,” said Dennis Shchrantz of Kalamazoo, Michigan. “We love it!”
This year the Schrantz brothers fished the Lower Fly Zone, just upstream from the Altmar Bridge and their favorite watering hole, the Hotel Altmar. And they absolutely crushed it.
“We had 6 men on the river every day and hooked over 20 fish per man,” Dennis said, estimating his hook-to-land ratio was about one in 9. On his best day, the crew hooked over 100 fish and landed at least 30 kings, cohos and a memorable steelhead.
Pictured above, one of Schrantz’s friends, Alan “Cowboy” Swanson of Sarver, Penn. holds a 32-inch, the 18-pound king he caught on an egg fly on a 10-pound leader and an eight-pound tippet.
“Cowboy caught this lunker after breaking his 10-pound pole earlier,” said Dennis, “so he’s all smiling on this one!”
In the photo below, Dennis holds a 28-inch, 13-pound king on a fly selected and tied by brother Tim, the team’s master angler.
Great job Schrantz brothers, see you on the river next year!
Nelson Rudiak of Rome recently hooked a dozen fish on the Salmon River drift, including this nice king.
Nelson Rudiak of Rome had a great day drifting the Salmon River with Joe’s Outdoor and Fishing Adventures. He hooked a dozen fish and took his limit, including this nice king.
Jonathan Pirong of Geddes caught this colorful 32-inch coho salmon in the Salmon River on a crazy egg.
Jonathan Pirong of Geddes caught this 32-inch coho salmon in the Salmon River on a crazy egg.
Ben White of Cicero with a 36-inch, 11-pound northern pike he caught in Guffin Bay, Lake Ontario, using a small flasher.
The salmon are about to run in the Salmon River, but there is still plenty of action on Lake Ontario. Here’s Ben White of Cicero with a 36-inch, 11-pound northern pike he caught in Guffin Bay at 20 FOW using a small flasher with Bill Saiff Outdoors’ guide.