Fishing Reports

Well 2012 steelhead will not go down in the annuals of history as being epic. In fact the whole body of work for this season would be sub par. With that said, if you want to catch a steelhead you can't catch one on the couch. Yes this year has been a lot more time and patiance and work between steelhead, that is just how it's been.  Just be prepared and keep your chin up.  The upper river will close December 31st from Pelton to the Northern Reservation boundary, so the shot clock is running for a bulk of the river. 

Steelhead:  River has cleared up, which is good news. That was not really fun or very productive fishing the last week or so while the dam was puking. You had to hit a fish right in the face. Took a lot of work and patiance to scrounge some fish up. Since it has cleared fishing continues to be fair. Steelhead season version 2012 has been a lot of work. Looks like overall number of fish in the whole Columbia system is down from the 10 year average. Not sure how much behind we are, but it doesn't feel like there is an overabundance of fish around. Bottom line is be prepared to work for your fish. Coverage, patiance, and realistic expectations with a good attitude are what it will take to keep you in the hunt. 

Trout: Pelton to the northern Reservation boundary closed October 31st and Steelhead will close in that section December 31st.  There have been a variety of bugs hatching and some days while steelheading I have noticed quite a few trout up and working. Actually looked quite fun.  Looks like the warm streak that we have been experiencing will be coming to a close so the hatches might simmer, but trout fishing could be good, or at least a nice break from chancing steel to ease some mental pressure.

Trout: (Good) Just did a One day trout trip, might be one of the last since the main focus is and has been steel. With that said it was a really nice day. The upper river was a ghost town. The weather was great and the trout where nice and fat and willing. A good old stone flyish big bug or October caddis pupa trailed by midge patterns, pheasant tails, and smaller caddis pupas kept us busy enough and we just went gravy riffle to gravy riffle.  Still quite a few caddis around when the weather is nice. Noticed more b.w.o. and mahogany duns in the mix, which means the normal fall menu switch is taking place. Great time to get in on some late season trout.

Steelhead: Been a little tougher. Fish numbers don't seem epic, and as of late finding tons of fish moving to a swung fly takes a lot of patiance, covering water and not freaking out. The takes we have gotten have been light, so don't chop wood on em till they commit, no Jimmy Houston hook sets or you'll blow it. If you more inclined to putting Thing-a-ma-bobs on and nymphing, you'll do better. The nymphing has been much better from what I have heard and seen. A change in weather, clouds, rain, something, should shake em up and knock em out of this "stale" funk and get em grabbier. Fish all the way up, but bulk of action would be Whitehorse down.  Typical steelhead, get up early, work hard and don't blow your shots. Some nice fish in the ditch this year though, so your efforts will be rewarded with a decent fish.

Steelhead:  Been a bit of a roller coaster. There are some really nice fish in the system and they have been a hoot to tie into.  That is why you go chase the Lower River steel. They are chunky gorgeous and hot.  Fish up to and above Maupin.  Numbers will quickly spread, it's about that time of year.   So far it has seemed like you had to put your time in and it has been" pockety." The more work, the higher the reward, that is the allure of steelheading.

Trout: We have been in the middle of chasing steelhead and have not had a 5# rod in the boat since the end of August. Normally the trout fishing picks up around this time of year. We are moving from the dog days of summer into fall. The fish are getting a break as every one is off chasing steelhead and there is still plenty of bugs to chow on before winter.   Look for BWO and other mays to join the menu.

Trout, well it's getting a little tougher out there. End of August dog days. pressure is light and fun to be on the river for sure. More day to day than over all super consistent. A lot of the eddy and dry fly bank fish are getting pretty spooky. Stealth and one great first cast is important. The evening shade has still been good. As we slide into fall it should pick up. Patiance and perserverance and enjoying the big picture is the mind set.

Steelhead. Nights are cooling down and fishing should imporove. Numbers are a bit below the average at the time, but look like they are taking an upswing. The next month will really dictate how we look. Temps look decent and things should do nothing but imporve.  Counts for the Columbia and Sherars.

Limited spots for multi-days left. Just a couple slots for September, October and November. If you are thinking of coming along, now is the time to peek at a calendar.

Trout: still lots of caddis and the weather has been good for chasing fish on the dries. With that said hunting dry fly fish at this time of the year is not an easy under taking. Most of the good fish are tucked away in deep, dank shadey pockets under the trees. They are there but the cast and approach are not a "soft pitch'.  Fish to be found spot and stalk in the eddies as well. Again, bring your A game. Challenging, but rewarding. The evening shade and activity can level the playing field a little bit and be not quite as technical as the daytime headhunting. Nymphing has been fair to decent if you want to go that route. 

Steelhead: Lower river has been kicking some fish out. Decent reports, haven't heard too much as far as red hot. Matt slipped out and fished off the road and found some willing fish on dries and traditionals. This time of year the fish are gorgeous, fat and sassy. Time to start chasing steel. It will get super busy the next little bit. Time to make plans.  Fishing should get even better as the heat mellows. Keep an eye on water temps and damn counts.