Just wishing whoever wanders by the blog a Merry Christmas. Hopefully everyone is having a great Holiday season. Here's to everyone having a great time with family and to catching a few fish in the coming year.
Dec 25, 2012
Nov 26, 2012
Fun With Craft Fur, Part 3 -- Winter Fly
This winter fly is a mix of synthetic and natural. The orange is finn racoon, while the blue is craft fur. The flash is a combination of several colors that were tied over the blue. Duck flank was used for the collar.
The whole fly is around 3 inches long. Which seems to be the length I've been sticking to lately. It is large enough to attract the attention of fish in colored water, but small enough where it doesn't affect my casting in the least bit. There is no weight built into the fly. I can easily pinch some split shot on the leader while at the river.
Ignore the messy head. I've pretty much stopped caring what they look like. As long as the fly holds together, it's all good.
Nov 24, 2012
Fun With Craft Fur, Part 2
Happy Thanksgiving people. I was supposed to be posting more pics of my fly tying, but became a little pre-occupied with family things. I've actually been tying a lot of winter flies the past week or so, I hope to start posting them soon. They combine natural materials with synthetics. Some of them are looking really fishy. Can't wait to try them out.
This fly has been used successfully on the Deschutes in the mornings. The wing is some synthetic fur of some type that I've accumulated over the years. If I'm not mistaken, it is tied on a size 4 hook.
Oct 24, 2012
Fun with Craft Fur, Part 1
It has been a long time since I've posted any pictures of my fly tying. It isn't that I haven't been tying them, I just haven't taken any pictures. I decided it was time to get back to it. So, over the next week, I'll post a handful that I've created with craft fur.
The craft fur kick began quietly a while ago. However, it has escalated into my material of choice. It is easy to use and looks great in the water.
This one, as you can imagine, sinks like a rock. I've been using it in deeper water or really fast currents. I've gotten some pulls on it. So, I know the fish are watching.
I'm heading off to fish the Klickitat tomorrow. And of course, I'll be dragging along a box of flies made of synthetic material. I'll mix it up with some made with more traditional materials and report back with the results. Of course, that assumes I'll even get a grab. Fingers crossed.
The craft fur kick began quietly a while ago. However, it has escalated into my material of choice. It is easy to use and looks great in the water.
This one, as you can imagine, sinks like a rock. I've been using it in deeper water or really fast currents. I've gotten some pulls on it. So, I know the fish are watching.
I'm heading off to fish the Klickitat tomorrow. And of course, I'll be dragging along a box of flies made of synthetic material. I'll mix it up with some made with more traditional materials and report back with the results. Of course, that assumes I'll even get a grab. Fingers crossed.
Sep 27, 2012
Washougal: 8lb tippet is not enough for a salmon
In my 20 something years fly fishing, I have never, that I can recall anyway, devoted a single day to fishing for Salmon. Sure, I may of cast out hoping to catch one while I was mostly targeting steelhead, but I never spent a significant chunk of time at it.
That is no longer the case. I decided to give it a shot. Chinook and Coho are currently in the Washougal river. Or so they should be according to the averages. Figured it was about time I give it a try.
Arrived at one of my favorite steelhead spots to give it a swing. I had my intermediate Skagit line on with a 7.0ips polyleader in front. My first fly of the day was a green and orange intruder. I've never fished the Washougal this time of year, and boy, is the river low. This run was so shallow I could hardly recognize it. Swinging was practically useless. Instead, I had to cast out and strip back. There was at least one big fish in there. He poked his head out a few times, but I couldn't entice him. After growing tired of the cast and strip, I sought out better water.
Deep down, I knew that upstream would be no better. I decided to look anyway. Come to find out, as expected, my usual slots were super shallow and I gave up after only a short time. Decided to go back downstream to a deep hole that I would walk right past when looking for steelhead.
I spent some time casting out and letting the fly swing, then strip it back using varying speeds. I really had no idea what I was doing. Salmon were and still are a mystery to me.
I tried a few flies until I got to a red/orange stinger fly with dumbbell eyes. It was about 2" long and was made mostly of finn coon hairs. Combine the weight of the fly with the sinking skagit line and I was hitting bottom in water at least 10 feet deep. Because I was getting hung up so much, I decided to strip the fly back quicker. My thought was, if I don't give it a chance, it won't get buried in the rocks.
That stripping speed change made all the difference in the world. The first time I applied my speedy strip, I hooked a fish. My first reaction was to not get excited. I didn't know if it was a small fish or not, after all, the tug was relatively mild. But, after holding carefully on the line with my stripping hand, I felt a very deep tug, tug, pulllll. Oh boy- Fish on!!
My rod was bent waaaayyy over. I spent an eternity reeling in the extra line that lay at my feet. At this point, the fish started bucking. I started moving towards shallow water to get a better foothold. Then I saw it. The fish was probably only 15 feet away. By my standards, it was enormous. He took a short run upstream. I started reeling him in. But he wouldn't have it. I don't know how much he weighed, but I could see he was easily north of 35".
My mind started racing. "This could be the biggest fish I've ever landed. Holy cow, this rod is bent over." And then, with that thought, SNAP! The 8lb tippet broke at the end of the poly leader. The fight was over.
I took the long walk back to my car for 15lb mono. Spent another hour or two in the hole with no luck. That was my chance and I blew it. This happened once before back in California where I hooked and then broke off the biggest steelhead of my life. You would of thought I learned my lesson.
I'll be back salmon!
That is no longer the case. I decided to give it a shot. Chinook and Coho are currently in the Washougal river. Or so they should be according to the averages. Figured it was about time I give it a try.
Arrived at one of my favorite steelhead spots to give it a swing. I had my intermediate Skagit line on with a 7.0ips polyleader in front. My first fly of the day was a green and orange intruder. I've never fished the Washougal this time of year, and boy, is the river low. This run was so shallow I could hardly recognize it. Swinging was practically useless. Instead, I had to cast out and strip back. There was at least one big fish in there. He poked his head out a few times, but I couldn't entice him. After growing tired of the cast and strip, I sought out better water.
Deep down, I knew that upstream would be no better. I decided to look anyway. Come to find out, as expected, my usual slots were super shallow and I gave up after only a short time. Decided to go back downstream to a deep hole that I would walk right past when looking for steelhead.
I spent some time casting out and letting the fly swing, then strip it back using varying speeds. I really had no idea what I was doing. Salmon were and still are a mystery to me.
I tried a few flies until I got to a red/orange stinger fly with dumbbell eyes. It was about 2" long and was made mostly of finn coon hairs. Combine the weight of the fly with the sinking skagit line and I was hitting bottom in water at least 10 feet deep. Because I was getting hung up so much, I decided to strip the fly back quicker. My thought was, if I don't give it a chance, it won't get buried in the rocks.
| Access | Washougal | |
| Air Temp | Low 48, High 54 | |
| Water Temp/Visibility | ~57F / 7 feet | |
| Weather | Cloudy | |
| River Stage | ~3.8 feet | |
| Time in/out | 6:30am / 11am | |
| Leaders/Lines | Int Skagit | |
| Intermediate and 7ips | All day | |
| 8 and 15lb | ||
| Flies | Various large/bright winter | - |
| Notes | Water low and clear. Cloudy morning | |
That stripping speed change made all the difference in the world. The first time I applied my speedy strip, I hooked a fish. My first reaction was to not get excited. I didn't know if it was a small fish or not, after all, the tug was relatively mild. But, after holding carefully on the line with my stripping hand, I felt a very deep tug, tug, pulllll. Oh boy- Fish on!!
My rod was bent waaaayyy over. I spent an eternity reeling in the extra line that lay at my feet. At this point, the fish started bucking. I started moving towards shallow water to get a better foothold. Then I saw it. The fish was probably only 15 feet away. By my standards, it was enormous. He took a short run upstream. I started reeling him in. But he wouldn't have it. I don't know how much he weighed, but I could see he was easily north of 35".
My mind started racing. "This could be the biggest fish I've ever landed. Holy cow, this rod is bent over." And then, with that thought, SNAP! The 8lb tippet broke at the end of the poly leader. The fight was over.
I took the long walk back to my car for 15lb mono. Spent another hour or two in the hole with no luck. That was my chance and I blew it. This happened once before back in California where I hooked and then broke off the biggest steelhead of my life. You would of thought I learned my lesson.
I'll be back salmon!
Sep 19, 2012
Deschutes: Slump Buster
I haven't been catching much lately. Not counting the smaller trout, I've been getting skunked day after day. When this happens, there is only one cure. Head to the Deschutes. Once again, the river delivered.
Parked my car at the fish hatchery well before sunrise. After suiting up, I walked down river to a spot that I caught a 12 or so pound wild fish last year. The water looked equally inviting this time. I walked my way out sporting my brand new 420 grain Rage line and a floating poly leader. The fly was a generic size 4 summer fly.
Since this was my experience with the Rage, it took me a cast or two to get dialed in. I wasn't blown away by it. I think I could deliver the Compact Scandi further and cleaner. I stuck with it, trying to see if it would simply be a matter of figuring out any subtle stroke changes I needed to make.
After about 1/2 hour, I decided to move downstream. I walked a good mile, stopping anywhere that looked decent. Unfortunately, there wasn't a whole lot of good looking spots. Argh. I finally convinced myself to abandon hope and go back upstream. The walk was a long and lonely one on the railroad tracks. Stopped by that same run again with nothing to show for it.
I was ready to head to the car, but decided to stop at a decent looking spot. It wasn't an ideal place, but there were a few lines worth fishing. This time, I had a 7.0 ips sinking poly leader and a heavier fly with dumb bell eyes. It was around noon. Much warmer out and fishing deep seemed like my best option with full sun on the water.
The cast was only 20 or so feet from the rod tip, but that was all it took when my fly took a sudden turn downstream. Fish on! A few minutes later, I had a nice, albeit not very big, steelhead in my hand. She was probably only 7 or 8 pounds, but put up a decent fight.
A trip back to the car to take off layers from the morning. After all, I arrived to 35 degree temps that morning, but now it was well into the low 80s. I also took this time to put on a Intermediate sinking Compact Skagit. I've been ready to try a sinking line out for a while. I finally bit the bullet and bought one from Airflo.
Boy oh boy. Do I love this line. I had a short 8 foot piece of T-8 on the end, but the thing was sinking like a rock. Love it! I could get down really quick. And since the fly line is sinking, it wasn't getting all belllied in the currents. Mending was minimal to get a good swing. I cannot wait until winter to put on a heavier piece of T material and sink a fly down to the depths. I'm excited!
After I put on that Intermediate Skagit, I got in the car, drove through Maupin and started hitting water from Maupin up above Sherar falls. Lots of good looking spots. As the day wore on, I took off the T-8 and put on an intermediate poly leader. Guess what? That skagit line tossed it out there smoothly. Nice. Did I say I love this line?
It was getting late, I found a run to fish for the remainder of light. I was having so much fun that I continued fishing a deep hole as there was barely any light to see. As I was about to call it quits, I hooked up with another fish. Once I got her close, I couldn't see in the water. I needed to be able to step down from my grassy casting platform to get the hook out. I took a chance and stepped in the water. Lucky for me, it wasn't deep right there, I could of easily gone swimming. The fish ended up being about the same size as the one I caught earlier.
Thanks Deshutes for the busting that skunk.
Parked my car at the fish hatchery well before sunrise. After suiting up, I walked down river to a spot that I caught a 12 or so pound wild fish last year. The water looked equally inviting this time. I walked my way out sporting my brand new 420 grain Rage line and a floating poly leader. The fly was a generic size 4 summer fly.
Since this was my experience with the Rage, it took me a cast or two to get dialed in. I wasn't blown away by it. I think I could deliver the Compact Scandi further and cleaner. I stuck with it, trying to see if it would simply be a matter of figuring out any subtle stroke changes I needed to make.
| Access | Deschutes | |
| Air Temp | Low 33, High 80 | |
| Water Temp/Visibility | ?F / 15 feet | |
| Weather | Sunny | |
| River Stage | ~? feet | |
| Time in/out | 4am / 9pm | |
| Leaders/Lines | Rage and Int. Skagit | |
| Poly leaders and T-8 | All day | |
| 8lb Maxima | ||
| Flies | Summer flies morning/evening, Winter mid day. | - |
| Notes | Water was good flow and temp. Great clarity with light fishing pressure. Two decent sized wild fish. | |
I was ready to head to the car, but decided to stop at a decent looking spot. It wasn't an ideal place, but there were a few lines worth fishing. This time, I had a 7.0 ips sinking poly leader and a heavier fly with dumb bell eyes. It was around noon. Much warmer out and fishing deep seemed like my best option with full sun on the water.
The cast was only 20 or so feet from the rod tip, but that was all it took when my fly took a sudden turn downstream. Fish on! A few minutes later, I had a nice, albeit not very big, steelhead in my hand. She was probably only 7 or 8 pounds, but put up a decent fight.
A trip back to the car to take off layers from the morning. After all, I arrived to 35 degree temps that morning, but now it was well into the low 80s. I also took this time to put on a Intermediate sinking Compact Skagit. I've been ready to try a sinking line out for a while. I finally bit the bullet and bought one from Airflo.
Boy oh boy. Do I love this line. I had a short 8 foot piece of T-8 on the end, but the thing was sinking like a rock. Love it! I could get down really quick. And since the fly line is sinking, it wasn't getting all belllied in the currents. Mending was minimal to get a good swing. I cannot wait until winter to put on a heavier piece of T material and sink a fly down to the depths. I'm excited!
After I put on that Intermediate Skagit, I got in the car, drove through Maupin and started hitting water from Maupin up above Sherar falls. Lots of good looking spots. As the day wore on, I took off the T-8 and put on an intermediate poly leader. Guess what? That skagit line tossed it out there smoothly. Nice. Did I say I love this line?
It was getting late, I found a run to fish for the remainder of light. I was having so much fun that I continued fishing a deep hole as there was barely any light to see. As I was about to call it quits, I hooked up with another fish. Once I got her close, I couldn't see in the water. I needed to be able to step down from my grassy casting platform to get the hook out. I took a chance and stepped in the water. Lucky for me, it wasn't deep right there, I could of easily gone swimming. The fish ended up being about the same size as the one I caught earlier.
Thanks Deshutes for the busting that skunk.
Sep 14, 2012
Klickitat
Made it out to the Klick a week ago. The river was clear and pressure was light. Weather was a chilly 40 degrees in the morning, warming up to the upper 80's in the afternoon. Not a cloud in the sky.
Got to my chosen spot before sunrise. Walked in a bit and started swinging. No action. Not even a peck. Continued to walk down river for probably more than a mile (was on the trail side of the river). Fished lots of good looking runs using a floating line on my compact scandi. I used un weighted flies and a couple of skaters. A bit further along in the morning I caught a few small trout. No action from any big fish.
Around noon, I decided to get in the car and drive. The plan was to go15 or so miles upstream. Unfortunately, I didn't write directions down and never found my destination. Good way to waste a couple of hours.
After getting back to where I started, I stopped at a run that looked good last time I was here. It was now in the upper 80's and rather hot. Kept my comp scandi on, but rigged up a 10ft section of T10. With a 3 inch bright orange/red rabbit strip fly sporting a large set of dumbell eyes, I started casting into a riffly run.
An hour in, I had a fish pull a few feet of line out. Unfortunately, I was daydreaming, digging around in my pocket, or something else I shouldn't have been doing. I missed the fish. Tried the same cast again and got hit a second time. Argh! I missed it this time too. Sent that same fly out again with nothing. Uh oh. Missed my chance. I backed up a few feet and switched to a small fly of the same color. Fished through. Nothing! Backed up again with a new fly. This went on for 5 flies and about 45 minutes. I didn't feel bad for wasting so much time here. No one was around, and after all, there probably weren't that many fish willing to hit a fly when the sun was directly overhead. Never got another bump. Bummer.
I moved to a new spot. This one was receiving shade from the canyon walls. The water was a little deeper than I like. So, I kept the sink tip, but changed up the fly to something smaller. Three of four trout later, I decided to move on.
It was getting late, I tried a few spots down river, and then I found this section I had never been to before. It was great. Everything about it looked perfect. No fish, but I will certainly be back to try that run again.
The Klickitat is a great river. It has really grown on me. Hopefully, I'll get in a few more trips before the year ends.
Got to my chosen spot before sunrise. Walked in a bit and started swinging. No action. Not even a peck. Continued to walk down river for probably more than a mile (was on the trail side of the river). Fished lots of good looking runs using a floating line on my compact scandi. I used un weighted flies and a couple of skaters. A bit further along in the morning I caught a few small trout. No action from any big fish.
Around noon, I decided to get in the car and drive. The plan was to go15 or so miles upstream. Unfortunately, I didn't write directions down and never found my destination. Good way to waste a couple of hours.
After getting back to where I started, I stopped at a run that looked good last time I was here. It was now in the upper 80's and rather hot. Kept my comp scandi on, but rigged up a 10ft section of T10. With a 3 inch bright orange/red rabbit strip fly sporting a large set of dumbell eyes, I started casting into a riffly run.
An hour in, I had a fish pull a few feet of line out. Unfortunately, I was daydreaming, digging around in my pocket, or something else I shouldn't have been doing. I missed the fish. Tried the same cast again and got hit a second time. Argh! I missed it this time too. Sent that same fly out again with nothing. Uh oh. Missed my chance. I backed up a few feet and switched to a small fly of the same color. Fished through. Nothing! Backed up again with a new fly. This went on for 5 flies and about 45 minutes. I didn't feel bad for wasting so much time here. No one was around, and after all, there probably weren't that many fish willing to hit a fly when the sun was directly overhead. Never got another bump. Bummer.
I moved to a new spot. This one was receiving shade from the canyon walls. The water was a little deeper than I like. So, I kept the sink tip, but changed up the fly to something smaller. Three of four trout later, I decided to move on.
It was getting late, I tried a few spots down river, and then I found this section I had never been to before. It was great. Everything about it looked perfect. No fish, but I will certainly be back to try that run again.
The Klickitat is a great river. It has really grown on me. Hopefully, I'll get in a few more trips before the year ends.
Sep 4, 2012
North Umpqua
My trip to the NU happened a few weeks ago. I'm just now getting around to talking about it. Seems my blogging has taken a back seat to everything else in life.
unweighted summer
Notes
Windy with good water level and visibility. Typical magical Summer day on the NU
Left the house on a late evening to arrive at the NU early in the morning. Early as in, enough time to sleep for a few hours. The NU is a 4 hour drive from the house in Washington. While the NU isn't really that far, it is enough where I wanted to snooze.
Got up before the sun did. Put the waders on and wandered down to Camp Water. My first stop was Lower Boat. I figured that was a safer bet than trying to negotiate through the water to Station before the sun was up. Saw some fish jumping, but couldn't catch anything but smaller fish. The river was empty except for one other guy. I took his spot on Upper Boat while he moved to Station. I later went down to Kitchen, then went back up to Station. No fish anywhere. Bummer.
| Access | North Umpqua | |
| Air Temp | Low 50, High 85 | |
| Water Temp/Visibility | ?F / 8-10 feet | |
| Weather | Sunny and windy | |
| River Stage | ? feet | |
| Time in/out | 5am / 10pm | |
| Leaders/Lines | Scandi | |
| floaters | All day | |
| 8lb Maxima | ||
| Flies |
unweighted summer
Notes
Windy with good water level and visibility. Typical magical Summer day on the NU
I made the walk downriver to several spots that I hit on previous trips to the NU. No go. Again, I saw some fish, but couldn't get them to my fly. I was fishing floating lines and un weighted flies. Often skaters.
Sometime in later morning I did what I do every trip to the NU. I slipped into the water. After a trip back to the car and a change of clothes, I was back again. This time up river of the bridge. Decided to walk further than I have before. Came to realize, once you get around the bend, there isn't a whole lot to fish unless you want to walk for a long time. Oh well, lesson learned.
Back to the car. This time I decided to drive down to mile marker 30 something and parked at every pullout available. Found some great spots that I marked on my map for future reference. Ended up catching some 18-22" fish. Nothing to write home about.
The day was windy. Casting that compact scandi wasn't easy. I concentrated on what was right in front of me and found some good water at my feet. Had a blast while being blasted by that wind.
I ended up day somewhere between mile marker 30 and Camp Water. Scurried home and had another fantastic magical Umpqua river trip in the books.
Aug 18, 2012
What happened?
Haven't made any posts in quite some time. While I have fished a number of days, I just haven't had the energy to post here. The days I've been able to get out, they've been on either the Washougal, Lewis, or Kalama.
My first trip to the Kalama was a good time. While I didn't catch any steelhead, I did get to spend a warm and sunny day on some great water. The fly-only section is simply outstanding as far as being alone in a secluded place. You may not find as many fish as you would below the hatchery, but it is worth it just for the scenery.
Next week I'll be heading down to the North Umpqua. Now that I live in the PNW, it isn't such a long drive. I can make a day trip out of it. I consider the fly-only section to be one of, if not the best places to go fishing. It is an almost magical place where it just makes me feel good to be there. Never mind catching fish, there is something about it that I just cannot put my finger on. I cannot wait. I've been tying a bunch of skaters to get myself in the mood.
May 27, 2012
Washougal
I've been fishing a few mornings here and there at the Washougal. Yesterday, I fished the island and neighborhood for a few hours with only a pull. River stage of 5.25 feet (just low enough to not be washed away at the island) and 51 degrees, the river was clear with 5 or more feet of visibility. Arrived 1/2 hour before official sunrise to see fish rising in the run I stepped into.
This trip marked the first day of the year I switched over to my compact scandi and slow sink poly leader. Water temps are high enough to justify fishing just below the surface with unweighted flies. It was a nice few hours of fishing with eerily quiet day for it being a Holiday weekend. Only saw 1 other angler.
| Access | Washougal | |
| Air Temp | Low 50's | |
| Water Temp/Visibility | ~51F / 5 feet | |
| Weather | Overcast | |
| River Stage | ~5.25 feet | |
| Time in/out | 5am / 9:30am | |
| Leaders/Lines | Compact Scandi | |
| Int Poly | All day | |
| 8lb Maxima | ||
| Flies | Various size 4 and 6 summer | - |
| Notes | Water dropping after rain. Good conditions. One pull. | |
This trip marked the first day of the year I switched over to my compact scandi and slow sink poly leader. Water temps are high enough to justify fishing just below the surface with unweighted flies. It was a nice few hours of fishing with eerily quiet day for it being a Holiday weekend. Only saw 1 other angler.
May 24, 2012
Spey Clave / Sandy
Went to the Spey Clave last Saturday. After walking around, eating food, and talking with others, I spent the last 4 hours fishing in Oxbow below the Clave. Good looking runs with no action. Was using T10 and T14 with various weighted and unweighted flies. Water visibility was at least 6 feet. I didn't mark down river stage, however, looking back it appears to be around 9.5. Temp was in the upper 40s.
I'd post more, but I didn't take notes the day of, so I've forgotten all the important info.
| Access | Sandy / Oxbow | |
| Air Temp | 70's | |
| Water Temp/Visibility | 40'sF / 6 feet | |
| Weather | Mostly Sunny | |
| River Stage | 9.5? | |
| Time in/out | 4pm / 8pm | |
| Leaders/Lines | Comp Skagit | |
| 10 and 12 feet of T10-T14 | All day | |
| 12lb Maxima | ||
| Flies | Various sizes in winter and summer | - |
| Notes | Post Spey Clave fishing. Runs looked good. Didn't mark down river levels. Had a few bumps. No real pulls. | |
I'd post more, but I didn't take notes the day of, so I've forgotten all the important info.
May 7, 2012
Local?
I might be in the minority. But, I actually look forward to Mondays. I enjoy my work and I know that sometime during the week, I may get a chance to get out on the river. The weekends are blocked out for family time. So, fishing rarely takes place.
Even though work has been pretty much non-stop, I've managed to get some swinging time. This would never be possible back in California. But here, in the PNW, when I have a steelhead river within 5 minutes of home, I can fish in the morning before work or after I get home. An hour here or there isn't that hard to do.
Lately, I've been focusing on the Washougal and East Fork/Lewis. I'm getting pretty familiar with both. Especially the Washougal. I now know the best flows to hit various runs and have found access points that I never knew about before. Another bonus, meeting locals on the river that are willing to share their secrets.
Just the other morning, I arrived to the Washougal at a little past 5am. It was raining and cool. River was in good shape and looked really fishy. The summer runs are just trickling in and I could see them rolling around just a few days earlier while we (the family) played nearby. While I got nothing more than a tug this morning, it was a productive. As I went back to my car around 7am to go home and take a shower before heading to work, a local came up to me and starting peppering me with questions.
He wasn't rude, just curious about who I was. After a few minutes, it became obvious he was sizing me up. He wanted to know if I was a local without directly asking me. I let him know we just moved into town not too long ago. He suddenly opened up and shared some of is favorite spots with me.
The Washougal is one of those rivers that much of the river is surrounded by private lands. Come to find out, many of the landowners are friendly to fisherman. They'll let you walk on their land to access the river. Guess being a local has its advantages.
Even though work has been pretty much non-stop, I've managed to get some swinging time. This would never be possible back in California. But here, in the PNW, when I have a steelhead river within 5 minutes of home, I can fish in the morning before work or after I get home. An hour here or there isn't that hard to do.
Lately, I've been focusing on the Washougal and East Fork/Lewis. I'm getting pretty familiar with both. Especially the Washougal. I now know the best flows to hit various runs and have found access points that I never knew about before. Another bonus, meeting locals on the river that are willing to share their secrets.
Just the other morning, I arrived to the Washougal at a little past 5am. It was raining and cool. River was in good shape and looked really fishy. The summer runs are just trickling in and I could see them rolling around just a few days earlier while we (the family) played nearby. While I got nothing more than a tug this morning, it was a productive. As I went back to my car around 7am to go home and take a shower before heading to work, a local came up to me and starting peppering me with questions.
He wasn't rude, just curious about who I was. After a few minutes, it became obvious he was sizing me up. He wanted to know if I was a local without directly asking me. I let him know we just moved into town not too long ago. He suddenly opened up and shared some of is favorite spots with me.
The Washougal is one of those rivers that much of the river is surrounded by private lands. Come to find out, many of the landowners are friendly to fisherman. They'll let you walk on their land to access the river. Guess being a local has its advantages.
Apr 15, 2012
Hood River
A little over a week ago, I had a chance to check out the Hood River. First impressions? Nice place. Easily accessible and you could walk up and down the river with ease. I'd say it is primarily a place to nymph, as it is a deep river in most spots. However, there are some nice runs to swing through. However, on this day, the water was just a tad high and you were in the brush for some of the more fishier spots.
The water was clear, in fact, I could see 10-15 feet down in the deep pools. The river was on the drop and I was told previously to going that people were catching fish. I got one pull in the morning and that was it. I talked to a dozen others and no one had caught anything. The fish weren't biting for whatever reason.
Still, the day was a success. I found some good spots that I'll hit next time. Hope to be back again soon.
| Access | Old Powerhouse | |
| Air Temp | Low 40, High 60 | |
| Water Temp/Visibility | ~40F / 12 feet | |
| Weather | Sunny | |
| River Stage | ~5.6 feet and dropping | |
| Time in/out | 6am / 7pm | |
| Leaders/Lines | Skagit | |
| 11 feet of T11 | All day | |
| 15lb Maxima | ||
| Flies | Various large winter flies | - |
| Notes | Water on the drop. Clear water. Great day. | |
The water was clear, in fact, I could see 10-15 feet down in the deep pools. The river was on the drop and I was told previously to going that people were catching fish. I got one pull in the morning and that was it. I talked to a dozen others and no one had caught anything. The fish weren't biting for whatever reason.
Still, the day was a success. I found some good spots that I'll hit next time. Hope to be back again soon.
Apr 3, 2012
Contrast of the Clackamas and Sandy
I arrived at Milo McIver park around
8am. Drove to the upper boat launch and pushed my way through the
brush. The water was high. Much higher than I anticipated. I
decided to go to this river based on the water level prediction of
the river dropping to a good level. Needless to say, it was much
higher than they predicted. (I actually believe the level rose.
Must of released extra water through the dam.) Now, today, when I
retrieve the data from yesterday, it seems to be non existent. I'm
not sure what happened, but something went wonky. I'm guessing it
was at 14.5 feet when I was there.
| Access | Clackamas - Milo McIver | |
| Air Temp | Low 40, High 60 | |
| Water Temp/Visibility | ~40F / 2 feet | |
| Weather | Sunny | |
| River Stage | ~14.5 feet | |
| Time in/out | 8am / 11am | |
| Leaders/Lines | Skagit | |
| 11 feet of T11 | All day | |
| 15lb Maxima | ||
| Flies | Various large winter flies | - |
| Notes | Water high with funny business going on with stage readings. Okay clarity. Access difficult. Not good fly fishing conditions. | |
It looked completely different from
last time. Clarity wasn't bad, maybe 2 foot of visibility, but the
water was so high up the bank, finding a place to cast from was
difficult. Stepping down a run was nearly impossible in most spots.
A few hours were spent here. Did a lot
of exploring for spots to revisit when the water is lower. However,
I knew it was a lost cause doing any actual fishing, so I headed over
to the Sandy river.
The Sandy was a much different story.
Water level seemed perfect. Clarity was surprisingly clear. I could
see 6-8 feet easily. The water looked fishy.
| Access | Sandy - Near Oxbow | |
| Air Temp | 60's | |
| Water Temp/Visibility | ~40F / 6 feet | |
| Weather | Sunny | |
| River Stage | 11.5ft | |
| Time in/out | 12pm / 5pm | |
| Leaders/Lines | Skagit | |
| 11 feet of T11 | All day | |
| 15lb Maxima | ||
| Flies | Various large winter flies | - |
| Notes | Water was at a great level. Dropping into shape after heavy rains. Clarity was very clear with slight tint. A great day for fishing. | |
Unfortunately, I didn't catch anything.
Other than a strong wind, the weather was nice. Sunny and 60
something degrees. Not bad! Despite the nice weather and beautiful
fishing conditions, I wasn't really into it for some reason and
actually left before 5pm. Hopefully this isn't a trend and just a
temporary loss of interest. My mind was elsewhere.
Apr 1, 2012
A few thoughts between fishing trips
I know, I know. It's been quiet around here. I've been swamped with work and haven't had a chance to go fishing. Tying a few simple rabbit strip flies has been my only outlet.
Speaking of flies, I've decided to abandon tube flies. It was a short lived fascination. I still like them in theory, but they are simply too hard to rig when I'm standing in waist deep water. I'd rather not be fumbling around with tubes and hooks. Having just one thing to tie on is much easier.
Being up here in the Pacific Northwest for a full year of winter fishing, I've gotten pretty good at flinging heavy tips and heavily weighted flies. What used to be a clunky adventure is actually working out pretty well. Those 5inch rabbit strip flies with huge lead eyes are no longer so scary. My confidence is up in response. I'm not so hesitant to try and hit that fishy piece of water way on the other side of the river.
I'm between projects right now. The next one is supposed to start late next week. Unfortunately, it has been raining quite hard for a couple of days. The rivers are all swollen. My 4 year old's daycare is near the Washougal. So, I often pop by to take a look. Right now, it is a muddy mess overflowing the banks. I've got my fingers crossed that I can get out on Monday or Tuesday and the rivers will be dropping. (The Washougal is closed right now, so I'll hit something in Oregon)
That's about it. I'm anxious to get out there. Especially since I just dropped nearly $200 for Oregon and Washington licenses. Man, that was expensive.
Speaking of flies, I've decided to abandon tube flies. It was a short lived fascination. I still like them in theory, but they are simply too hard to rig when I'm standing in waist deep water. I'd rather not be fumbling around with tubes and hooks. Having just one thing to tie on is much easier.
Being up here in the Pacific Northwest for a full year of winter fishing, I've gotten pretty good at flinging heavy tips and heavily weighted flies. What used to be a clunky adventure is actually working out pretty well. Those 5inch rabbit strip flies with huge lead eyes are no longer so scary. My confidence is up in response. I'm not so hesitant to try and hit that fishy piece of water way on the other side of the river.
I'm between projects right now. The next one is supposed to start late next week. Unfortunately, it has been raining quite hard for a couple of days. The rivers are all swollen. My 4 year old's daycare is near the Washougal. So, I often pop by to take a look. Right now, it is a muddy mess overflowing the banks. I've got my fingers crossed that I can get out on Monday or Tuesday and the rivers will be dropping. (The Washougal is closed right now, so I'll hit something in Oregon)
That's about it. I'm anxious to get out there. Especially since I just dropped nearly $200 for Oregon and Washington licenses. Man, that was expensive.
Feb 9, 2012
East Fork of the Lewis: A productive first trip.
Finding time to fish with a newborn and a four year old isn't easy. Luckily, my wife is a good sport and let me go out for a day on the East Fork of the Lewis River.
I arrived a bit late as I took my older son to school first. The drive was only a half hour or so from the house, so it wasn't a big deal. I put on my waders at home, so I simply jumped out of my car at the river and started fishing. This was nice as the rain was falling and I didn't get wet trying to get prepared. Being the first decent rain in a while, the river was clear and at a good level. Looked like good fishing conditions.
I had never been on this river, I made my choice of destinations by looking at Google satellite maps and reading a few things at the library (The local library is full of steelhead/fishing books. Something I never experienced in California). All of them said good things about this river. It may not have the biggest runs of fish, but it does hold the Washington state record for a 30 something pound steelhead.
| Access | Lower River | |
| Air Temp | Low 40, High 45 | |
| Water Temp/Visibility | 41 F / 8-12 feet | |
| Weather | Rainy | |
| Flow | low/clear | |
| Time in/out | 9:30am, 4:00pm | |
| Leaders/Lines | Compact Skagit | |
| 10ft of T11 | All day | |
| 5-6 ft of 12lb Maxima | ||
| Flies | dark, muted, 2-4 inch | |
My gear was setup with a compact skagit, 10 feet of T11, and about five or six feet of 12lb maxima. I started the day with an intruder style fly, but the hackles were black marabou and nothing else. It was basically a black leech with dumb bell eyes. The thing was about 3 inches long and had a bit of flash around the shank between the marabou clumps. I picked the fly because the water was super clear- easily 8 foot visibility and I wanted something that wasn't too obnoxious.
The run I picked in the morning looked good. It was between two small rapids. Large boulders under the surface looked like good holding spots. I started at the top and lengthened my casts as I moved down. As the water slowed, I had to make casts of about 80 foot. Quite wide for this river, which is relatively small.
I was trying all sorts of casts to get the fly to sink. Straight across to a bit upstream. At the end of the swing, I was getting hung up quite a bit . On one of those, I was flipping my line around trying to dislodge the fly from the rock. Then, all of a sudden the rock moved! The fish took the line for a few feet and then spit the hook! Drat!
I kept at it. Moved downstream until I was between two trees. One off my left and one off my right shoulder. I had a limited possibilities for casting direction. So, I cast down and across. About a 100 foot cast. The fly went completely across the river and landed right under a tree on the other side. The line straightened out in the air and landed flat. Perfect! As soon as the fly hit, I saw a faint commotion on the water surface.
Was that a fish? I tightened up my grip and then all of a sudden, I saw a splash and felt tension! Oh yeah! So much for Winter runs only taking flies on the bottom. This girl came to the surface to attack. There was no way that fly sunk that quickly.
She didn't fight all that hard. In fact, I assumed it was a small fish. However, when I got her close, I saw her and she was big! Sweet. My first official winter run fish in Washington. I got her to hand. It was a hatchery measuring about 34 inches. Nice!!
My wife jokingly told me to bring home dinner before I left. Thinking about that, the first thing I did was check to see if the fin was clipped. It was! I normally release all fish. Including hatchery. However, I'm starting to re examine this thought process. As much as I appreciate every fish, wild or not, these hatchery fish are not doing the wild population any favors. A decision was made, I was going to take this fish home.
I was holding her about a foot from the steep bank. I set my rod down and climbed up the hill and she started going nuts. The fish flopped out of my hands and back into the water. She just sat there for a few seconds. I jumped in and grabbed her tail. However, she knew this was her shot. She started kicking and I couldn't hold on. The fish got away! Sorry, no fish for dinner tonight.
I spent the rest of the day exploring. Walking up and down the river, I found some great swinging water. I also drove for a while and saw that access was limited because of private land owners. That sucked.
I'll be going back to the East Fork. What an incredibly beautiful river. This place also has a great Summer run in June/July. I'll be going back. After all, if you land a big steelhead the first time at a new river, you have to go back sooner than later.
Jan 17, 2012
Not much posting, but lots of fishing.
You wouldn't know it by reading the blog, but I have been fishing. I'm trying to get it out of my system before the new baby arrives. Went to the Sandy a handful of times. Tried a few new-to-me spots around the hatchery, Dodge Park, and I also managed to hit Oxbow again. All of my trips were before the rain and snow arrives. The river was pretty low and clear. That will be my excuse for only walking away with one good tug.
Also been to the Washougal a bunch. This has turned into my home water. I slip away for an hour here and an hour there. Awesome to be so close. Unfortunately, like the Sandy, it has been low and clear. Fish have lock jaw and I haven't landed anything.
The good news is that the recent rains and now snow(!!) will change the water levels for the better. The bad news is that I won't be fishing again for a while. The baby is due to come this week and I'll be on diaper patrol.
By the way, I found my camera buried in a box. I promise to take it out next time on the water and have something for you to look at next time.
Also been to the Washougal a bunch. This has turned into my home water. I slip away for an hour here and an hour there. Awesome to be so close. Unfortunately, like the Sandy, it has been low and clear. Fish have lock jaw and I haven't landed anything.
The good news is that the recent rains and now snow(!!) will change the water levels for the better. The bad news is that I won't be fishing again for a while. The baby is due to come this week and I'll be on diaper patrol.
By the way, I found my camera buried in a box. I promise to take it out next time on the water and have something for you to look at next time.
First real tube fly attempt
Occasionally I get an email asking why I no longer post pictures of flies I've tied. Well, the answer is simple. I haven't been tying much of anything. Sure, I've done some here and there. But, for the most part, I have so many flies in my Summer and Winter boxes that I haven't had a need to tie any.
I saw some pictures on Spey Pages of tube flies that some of the members had posted. I was inspired and decided that I'd like to tie one. To me, the biggest advantage of a tube is that you could use any length you want, tie material on and stop at any moment it looked good. Snip the tube, melt a lip on the end and you're done. Added bonus, when I'm brushing feathers back with my hand, I don't get poked.
This is my first serious try at a tube. Other than the humungo head, it came out pretty well. If I were a fish, I'd eat it. The copper colors look great in the water. This thing is about 3.5 inches long and swims great.
I'm still on the fence about the on-river functionality of tubes. They are a huge pain in the butt to rig while standing in the water.
I saw some pictures on Spey Pages of tube flies that some of the members had posted. I was inspired and decided that I'd like to tie one. To me, the biggest advantage of a tube is that you could use any length you want, tie material on and stop at any moment it looked good. Snip the tube, melt a lip on the end and you're done. Added bonus, when I'm brushing feathers back with my hand, I don't get poked.
This is my first serious try at a tube. Other than the humungo head, it came out pretty well. If I were a fish, I'd eat it. The copper colors look great in the water. This thing is about 3.5 inches long and swims great.
I'm still on the fence about the on-river functionality of tubes. They are a huge pain in the butt to rig while standing in the water.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)