Streamwalker Nets

Leif Mermagen bending some wood - Photo by Denver Miller

Not long ago I found myself in a situation where I was in need of a new net for my tributary fishing. The old standby was showing its age. It was a Frabill Salmon/Steelhead model with a short handle and large hoop with rubber coated fine nylon netting, which had started to deteriorate the season before, leaving me with a few small holes that would undoubtedly get larger with each new trib fish I put into it

Ethan and I at Streamwalker Nets headquarters

Now don’t get me wrong, it’s a great net. In fact it has helped me safely land hundreds of lake runs over the years. I was even considering buying a new one, or at the very least, try and get new netting for the hoop. This is when I started to look around at all the options, and take everything into consideration, including purchasing something a little nicer with a longer handle. I even took a glance over at a new local net maker that was turning out some beautiful stuff that was priced very reasonably.

Enter Streamwalker Nets!!!!

Leif Mermagen - owner, proprietor, investor, CEO, designer, craftsman, builder, etc., of Streamwalker Nets, is exactly the type of guy that you want building nets, your net!

The Lake Run was made for fish like this.

First of all he’s a fishermen, and a fine one at that. In my book that already sets him apart. He knows what anglers want, or in my case “Fly fishermen” want. He’s created a series of nets that will suit just about every need that you might have, from the Native (a small stream addition that retails at $125) to the Sea Run ($475) which can easily accommodate a small child. Each one handmade right here in Rochester, NY. 

Lake run smallie in the net

Don’t think for a minute that these handcrafted Streamwalker Nets are delicate and fragile works of art either. They are made to be used, and this past year I have had the pleasure of putting a good number of salmon, bass, pike and big brown and steelhead trout into my Lake Run net. It's performance has been flawless, not mention great to look at, and even better to photograph.

With fall and the upcoming tributary season coming into view, the lake run is ready to assist in making each day on the water memorable.

When in the market for a new net, take everything into consideration as I did. Then head over to the Streamwalker Net website at www.streamwalkernets.com and take a look, you won’t be disappointed.

See you on the stream!

Putting the Lake Run to work