The story behind the pattern
Why Steel My Heart Still Belongs on the River
Some patterns begin with a color palette. Steel My Heart began with a feeling: the quiet intensity of a steelhead river and the people who keep returning to it.
Inspired by Oregon water, original artwork by Irene Meniconi, and friendships forged along the bank, this Fishe print carries far more than a fish. It carries the patience, grit, hope, and connection that make steelheading unforgettable.
In this story
From steelhead water to a lasting Fishe print
Pacific Northwest inspiration
A pattern born from steelhead water
Steelhead fishing asks anglers to stay present through cold mornings, long swings, changing water, and many casts without a grab. The waiting is part of the devotion.
Original words by Erica Hickey
That opening still captures the soul of Steel My Heart. It is not only about landing a fish.
It is about committing to a river, trusting the next cast, and recognizing why a hard-earned moment can stay with you for years.
Meet the artist
Irene Meniconi gives the fish movement
Irene Meniconi’s work begins with an anatomically recognizable fish, then builds energy through watercolor, ink, line, and color. The species remains real while the artwork becomes unmistakably Fishe.
Her love of the natural world makes fish especially rich subjects: scales, fins, eyes, movement, and reflective surfaces all offer something different to translate onto paper.
Explore the full Irene Meniconi artist story to see how her original artwork becomes a finished Fishe pattern.
The meaning in the name
Heart rocks, hard-earned fish, and friendships between casts
The name Steel My Heart holds the memory of walking riverbanks with friends and searching for heart-shaped stones. Those small finds became symbols of the bonds made in steelhead country.
Erica’s original story also named what gives steelhead such emotional power: their immense journey, the strength of the fish, and the way a shared day on the water can bring people together.
That is why Steel My Heart feels both strong and tender. It celebrates the fish, but it also celebrates who stands beside you while you search for one.
Story preserved from the original 2022 introduction by Erica Hickey.
The pattern today
Steel My Heart grew beyond its original launch
What began as a new print has become a broad collection for cold mornings, fishing days, travel, and everyday adventure. The Steel My Heart Collection now carries the artwork across layers, leggings, bags, accessories, and more.
Thermal 1/4 Zip Top
A warm layer that carries the steelhead-inspired print into chilly outdoor days.
Thermal Active Leggings
Cold-weather leggings designed to bring warmth, movement, and bold pattern together.
Duffel Dry Bag
A roomy adventure bag that puts the full Steel My Heart artwork on display.
Styles and availability can change, so the collection page is the best place to see the current lineup. The story remains consistent even as the gear evolves.
Why trust Fishe
Built by women who understand what the water means
Fishe was created around women who fish, travel, wade, row, guide, learn, and keep showing up outside. Our patterns start with original art, but they are shaped by real places, real species, and real experiences on the water.
Steel My Heart is a clear example of that approach. The artwork is beautiful because the underlying story is specific: Oregon rivers, a demanding fish, meaningful friendships, and the tiny heart rocks gathered along the way.
Conclusion
A print for the casts you remember
Steelhead have a way of making one moment feel earned. A grab after a quiet morning, a fish held briefly in the current, or a heart-shaped stone passed to a friend can become the memory that defines an entire trip.
Steel My Heart was made to hold those memories. It is a pattern about persistence and wild water, and the people who make the long search worth it.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired the Steel My Heart pattern?
The pattern was inspired by Oregon steelhead rivers, deep turquoise water, green riverbanks, determined anglers, and friendships formed while fishing together.
Who created the Steel My Heart artwork?
Artist Irene Meniconi created the original fish artwork that became the foundation of the Steel My Heart print.
Why is it called Steel My Heart?
The name connects steelhead with the heart-shaped rocks friends found while walking riverbanks together, turning those small discoveries into symbols of friendship.
Is the Steel My Heart Collection still available?
Yes. Steel My Heart remains an active Fishe collection, although individual styles, sizes, and availability can change.
What kinds of gear feature Steel My Heart?
The current collection includes apparel, leggings, bags, hats, accessories, and other outdoor pieces featuring the pattern.
Where can I learn more about Irene Meniconi?
Fishe’s Meet the Artist story explores Irene’s background, nature-inspired work, and the process she uses to create recognizable fish artwork.
Keep exploring
Related Reading
Meet Irene Meniconi
See how nature, watercolor, ink, and an accurate fish drawing become a Fishe original.
Katie Dowe and the Pull of Steelhead
Meet a Canadian angler whose steelhead journey is rooted in healing, patience, and community.
Unbound Brown Pattern Story
Discover another Irene Meniconi collaboration inspired by a fish, its habitat, and the anticipation of a cast.
Carry the story forward
Find your piece of Steel My Heart
Explore the current collection and choose the gear that brings this steelhead story into your own days outside.
Explore Steel My Heart