This is what they look like
September 3, 2010
Well it is official. WDFW released the following announcement today:
Upper Columbia and selected tributaries
to open for hatchery steelhead fishing
Action: Open the Columbia River from Priest Rapids Dam to Chief Joseph Dam, including the Wenatchee, Entiat, and Methow rivers on Sept. 8, 2010; the Okanogan River on Oct. 1, 2010; and the Similkameen River on Nov.1, 2010 to fishing for adipose-fin clipped hatchery-origin steelhead until further notice.
Species affected: Hatchery adipose fin clipped steelhead and trout.
- Mandatory retention of adipose fin-clipped steelhead, daily limit four (4) hatchery steelhead, 20 inch minimum size.
- Selective gear rules are in effect for all anglers fishing in these areas, except bait is allowed on mainstem Columbia River from Priest Rapids Dam to 400 feet below Chief Joseph Dam.
- Night closure in effect for all steelhead fishery areas.
- Wild steelhead (adipose fin intact) must be immediately released unharmed and cannot be removed from the water prior to release.
- On the mainstem Columbia River only floy tagged rainbow trout retention allowed.
Effective dates and locations:
- The mainstem Columbia River from Priest Rapids Dam to 400 feet below Chief Joseph Dam; Sept. 8, 2010 until further notice. Floy tagged rainbow trout may be retained. There is no limit or minimum size on floy tagged rainbow trout.
- The Wenatchee River from the mouth to the Icicle River Road Bridge; Sept. 8, 2010 until further notice.
- The Entiat River upstream from the Alternate Highway 97 Bridge near the mouth of the Entiat River to 800 feet downstream of the Entiat National Fish Hatchery outfall; Sept. 8, 2010 until further notice.
- The Methow River from the mouth to the confluence with the Chewuch River in Winthrop; Sept. 8, 2010 until further notice. Fishing from a floating device is prohibited from the second powerline crossing (about 1 mile upstream from the mouth) to the first Highway 153 bridge (about 4 miles upstream from the mouth).
- The Okanogan River from the mouth to the Highway 97 Bridge in Oroville; Oct. 1, 2010 until further notice.
- The Similkameen River , from the mouth to 400 feet below Enloe Dam; Nov. 1, 2010 until further notice.
Other information:
Anglers should be aware that fishing rules are subject to change and that rivers can close at any time due to impacts on natural origin steelhead.
Release any steelhead with one or more holes (round, approximately ¼ inch diameter) punched in the caudal (tail) fin. These fish are part of a study and have been anesthetized; the FDA requires a 21 day ban on consumption of these fish.
Anglers are required to release all adipose-present steelhead, which cannot be totally removed from the water prior to release.
Whitefish anglers are reminded that under selective gear rules, bait is prohibited.
Anglers are required to possess a Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement as part of their valid fishing license. Check the fishing hotline at 360-902-2500 or the webpage at https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/rules_all_freshwater.j
Reason for action: The fishery will reduce the number of excess hatchery-origin steelhead and consequently increase the proportion of natural-origin steelhead on the spawning grounds. Higher proportions of naturally produced spawners are expected to improve genetic integrity and stock recruitment of upper Columbia River steelhead through perpetuation of steelhead stocks with the greatest natural-origin lineage.
Information contacts: Jeff Korth, Region 2 Fish Program Manager, (509) 754-4624, Bob Jateff, District 6 Fish Biologist, (509) 997-0316, Art Viola, District 7 Fish Biologist, (509) 665-3337.
Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.
Please note the reg change for the lower river: #4 under "Effective Dates and Locations."
See ya on the river, Rod
September 2, 2010
Sorry I haven't updated for awhile. I have been laid up most of the last part of August and haven't been able to fish. So, I have been tying steelhead bugs, getting my two-handed reels set up with Scandi and Skagit lines, and a few miscellaneous tasks, but I am back on the river as of the 1st of the week. The days have gotten shorter and cooler. Grouse hunting and archery deer hunting started yesterday, and you may want to think about your waders again if you're fishing.
My friend Susan fished this weekend and reported catching her second biggest Methow cutthroat. She caught it on the same exact fly she used to catch her big one in March (see the "Methow River" page for a picture of her big one). She walked in to a hole between Winthrop & Twisp where not once but twice lost either this fish or one just like it last year. She tried several patterns including the ones she hooked it on last year but no way. In a final attempt to lure it out, she tied on the "retired" nymph she used to catch the big one. On the first pass through the hole, the bobber went down and it was "big cutty" on. This time she landed it. It was about 22". Sorry, she was on her own and unable to snap a picture without harming the fish. The nymph is one of her own creation, and she made me sign a non-disclosure statement not to reveal it. This same bug was very effective last spring for steelhead. With the returning numbers looking as good as they are right now, looks like she’ll have a chance to try it out on them this fall. All I can say is keep checking WDFW's site for updates on the opening of steelhead fishing on the Wenatchee, Methow, Entiat, and Okanogan.
See ya on the river, Rod
August 20, 2010
The catching is fair. The last water temp I took on Wednesday was almost 67 degrees and that is an afternoon temp. We were able to bring one good cuttie to hand and missed a few others. The biggest of the day was leaving as Lisa was trying to get a hook set and it broke a 3X tippet and got away with one of my foam hoppers. "Better to have known than not to have know," I always say.
See ya on the river, Rod
August 15, 2010
The catching yesterday was just a little better than on Friday. We tried everything, big dries, nymphs, and streamers on Friday. It was just darn tough fishing. We fished big dries all day yesterday, sometimes with a beadhead dropper and sometimes not. Most of the fish were on on a Rod's foam hopper. We managed to bring a good cuttie to hand that was probably just under 20". One a little smaller went aerial and came down on the fly and was later LDR'd. Several small rainbows and cutties took the hopper or beadhead. Water temps were in the low 60's. Lots of traffic both Friday and Saturday. The bigger fish came from the center of the river.
See ya on river, Rod
August 9, 2010
I have shared my boat with a couple of young anglers over the last several days that are just simply "FISHY." One a 10 year old and the other 15. Both are very focused and displayed a natural talent for having a fly rod in their young hands. Both are fly tiers and actually fished patterns they tied. And they caught fish on them. John and Jack, thank you for allowing me to take part in your fly fishing growth and experiences. I am confident that I will see both of you rowing your own boats in the not too distant future.
See ya on the river, Rod
August 7, 2010
The catching over the last few days has been fair. We tried it all today - dries, nymphs, and streamers. The majority of the fish were on hopper patterns. We saw alot of rejections today. Some good fish came right up to the fly and either bumped it or said no way and left. It has been cooler the last two days with air temps in the mid to low 80's and we had a few sprinkles today. The water temp was in the low 60's this afternoon.
See ya on the river, Rod
August 4, 2010
Sorry, I haven't put up a report for a few days. The Doctor has had me grounded. I had to cancel a few trips, but I am back on the river tomorrow. I tried to break his treadmill so he told me to go fish. I would also like to thank Kevin van Bueren for taking on a couple of those trips for me. I will update you in a day or two on tomorrow and Friday's fishing. The heavy rains we have had over the last day or two have raised the river back up to just over 1400 cfs. The clarity is great.
See ya on the river, Rod
July 29, 2010
I got an earlier start yesterday, but it didn't make any difference in the catching. In fact, the catching on nymphs was slower than it has been. Normally on nymphs when you're not hooking trout, you're hooking whitefish and some of these Methow River whitefish are big and active. We landed "ZERO" yesterday. By the way, nothing wrong with whitefish. On the positive side, we caught a handful of good cutties and bows on a summer stone pattern in the afternoon. The river is still on a slow drop. It is just over 1200 cfs. this morning.
See ya on the river, Rod
July 21, 2010
The catching has been slower over the last couple of days. Even so, we have managed to land several good fish in the 16" range. Fishing a deep nymph rig is still the most productive technique to use; however, yesterday we managed to land 2 good cutties and a couple of good bows on a sz. 8 Neapolitan and Red Winged Thing. I expect the dry fly fishing to keep getting better and better. The river is just over 1800 cfs. and the color is perfect. The good buckets are a beautiful green color.
See ya on the river, Rod
July 19, 2010
This report is coming to you directly from my cabin. I have spent the last 6 days on the river. And on my day off I hooked up my new wireless DSL. The fishing has been good. The river is just over 2000 cfs. and the clarity is perfect. Nymphing has been the best technique to use. Over the last couple of days my guests have turned some smaller fish and an occasional good fish on dries, but nymphing has been the name of the game. Caddis and Mayfly imitations are the most productive with a Pat's Stone taking it's share. I have been seeing adult Caddis and Mayflies on the water. No fish eating them to amount to anything. I am expecting the dry fly fishing to start turning on any day.
See ya on the river, Rod
July 12, 2010
Guess what folks, I have rented a nice little cabin here in the valley. I'm going to stay put for awhile. For the last about 10 years, I have lived in everything from a wall tent to the back room of a 10 wide trailer that was a fly shop and a 20' Argosy Trailer. After spending last winter here in the valley and taking care of some friends house who were in Arizona for the winter, I decided that it was pretty darn nice to be in a real house. So here I am. I am even getting an internet connection. You folks probably don't realize that for the last year or so I have run around looking for Wi-Fi hotspots so I can update this report. Many of these have came direct to you from the WASHWORKS Laundry Mat in Twisp. Thank the Lord for Anna and her husband.
Well anyway the river has been up & down a bit over the last week and is currently just over 3800 cfs. The clarity has stayed good. Even though I have been busy moving since my trip with Dave, I have heard some decent reports. Looks like I will be on the river the rest of the week so I will keep you informed. By the way, just want you to know that the above picture of Dave's Cutbow doesn't do this fish justice.
See ya on the river, Rod
July 8, 2010
The fishing over the last two days has been pretty darn good. Lots of Whitefish and several good Cuts and Bows each day. We fished with nymphs both days; anchored and on the go. Either way we caught fish. We had a couple of fish in the 20" to 20+" range with most of the trout being 12" to 19". Sorry I don't have a new picture for you today, but my guest took all the pictures. I will have one for you in a couple of days. We had a fish on the first day that spooled Dave on a 6 wt. The fish was all over the river. He eventually broke off. I had to follow him down river close to a 1/4 mile. Kind of suspicious that it was a spring chinook. We will never know for sure cause we never got a look at him. He stayed down and did whatever he wanted to do. Stoneflies with Princes, Lightnin' bug, Hare's Ear, and Pheasant Tails. The trout are in the slower water. The river today is 3500 cfs. and it is suppose to be hot today.
See ya on the river, Rod
L
July 5, 2010
Just me and the dogs floated the river on Friday from Halterman to Carlton. Stopped in a few spots and fished dries and/or nymphs. I was really more interested in checking for any drastic changes or new logs. Nothing to report in the way of major changes or hazards. Zero trout and a handful of whitefish. One of the whitefish fought like a trout and was about 20". The flow was about 4000 cfs. and just a bit higher and faster than I'd like. Today it is just over 3600 cfs. and getting better and better. I will be on the river tomorrow and Wednesday. I will let you know how it goes.
See ya on the river, Rod
July 2, 2010
I am miserable. The river is fishable and truck problems plus a few other things have prevented me from getting on it. It is just over 4500 cfs. and the clarity is good. Just a bit of color. For those of you wanting to wade fish it is still tough. You have to pick your spots and be careful. Floating in a boat is the way to go right now.
See ya on the river, Rod
June 28, 2010
Well I had to cancel trips today and tomorrow because of the river conditions. It is still coming down, just over 6300 cfs. this morning, and continuing to clear. Actually it is looking pretty darn good. I am thinking of fishing it this afternoon or tomorrow. Stay tuned!
See ya on the river, Rod
June 25, 2010
Well the river is coming down and starting to clear a bit. It is just over 7700 cfs today. We will just have to wait and see what happens.
See ya on the river, Rod
June 24, 2010
The river is still over 8200 cfs. and off-color. It looks like we are going to have to wait awhile longer. I am out of predictions on when. We have to let nature take its course. Makes us realize how powerless we humans really are.
See ya on the river, Rod
June 21, 2010
The Methow is like a YO-YO: Up & down, up & down. We have had alot of rain over the last several days, and the graph shows the river on a steep climb. It is just over 8,000 cfs. today and still going up. It also has lots of color today, It will be a few days before it recovers providing the weather co-operates. I guess we have to wait a while longer, Pete. "LONG-SUFFERING!"
See ya on the river, Rod
June 18, 2010
Well it looks like I won't make it to the Jimmy Green event in Monroe. I am experiencing some mechanical problems with the engine on my truck and am slightly immobile right now. I hope all of you that are attending have a great time.
The Methow is on its way down again at just over 6000 cfs. this morning and clearing. If it keeps coming down, I hope to be on it next week.
See ya on the river, Rod
June 15, 2010
My friend, Sue Morrison, and I fished Grimes lake on Sunday and managed to land a few nice Lahontan's. Sue, as always, managed to land the best fish. I say she's lucky, she says she's good. She had her weigh net with her and the fish weighed in at 5-1/2 lbs. She caught it on a dragon fly nymph using a chironomiding technique with a type 3 full sinking line. We had a mixture of hot sun and gusty winds with the wind increasing in the evening. By the time we headed back to the launch, the wind was blowing straight into us and we thought we were going to have to spend the night. It was quite a feat. She got on one side of my rowing seat with me on the other, each with an oar, and we made it to the launch. She is planning on doing the Grand Canyon again this year with friends, so it was a good strengthening exercise for her.
This early summer weather is kind of crazy right now. The Methow is back up again. It was just over 9600 cfs. yesterday. This Saturday is the Jimmy Green Memorial Fly Fishing Fair and Casting Expo in Monroe. I am planning on being there, God willing.
See ya on the river, Rod
June 12, 2010
Well first things first. My Daughter and Son were born 3 years apart on this day a few years back. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARCIE & CLINT." I love you both.
Second, the story on the picture. What you are looking at is the view that I see everyday at my camp. OK, there is a story that goes with the hat. When I was a young fella, I had a heavy equipment boss that started the whole thing. His name was Rip Davis, and we were from the same home country so we had a good relationship right from the start. One day he had me running a D-8 Cat along side an older cat skinner who had the occasion to talk quite a little. Rip got upset with him for not listening and says to me: "kid don't hang your jacket on one those fence posts over there because Swede will stop and talk to it for an hour." Well, Rip retired. He set me up into his foreman's job before he left, and I never forgot that bit of wisdom. The hat is a Buckaroo hat I've had for about 10 or more years and never worn. You know how it is when you get a hat broke in - you hate to give up on it. And for sure you don't want to have to break in a new one. That is just about the most unlikeable thing in the world to have to do. So, meet "Dude the Post." I decided to kill 2 birds with one stone. I decided to let Dude break the hat in for me. I put the hat on Dude in a down-pour and have left it there. Aside from dousing it with hot water from time to time and reshapin' it some, it hasn't moved since I got camp set up. Now when someone shows up that is a little talkie, I just introduce them to Dude.
Oh yea, about fishin', I fished Shaw Lake yesterday. Chironomiding was good. I just had a hard time getting them pinned, and once I did I had a hard time keeping them on. A maroon Snow Cone in about 20' of water, or just off the weed line. The river is on its way down again. Just over 7800 cfs. today.
See ya on the river, Rod
June 10, 2010
I fished Cougar Lake yesterday for only a short time before I got winded out. However, I managed to hook two good fish on a black snow cone chironomid. One of them was a carry over for sure. I really liked this remote little lake. It is pretty darn secluded, and that is what I liked best. Sorry I didn't get a picture of the lake. I plan on fishing it again, real soon, and I will get you a picture then. The Methow is on its way up again, 8400 cfs. today. Hopefully, it will settle down soon.
See ya on the river, Rod
June 7, 2010
I fished Davis Lake today until the wind came up about 4:00 pm. The catching was pretty darn good. I managed to land a few fish on a dry, but the best fishing was using a black snow cone chironomid in about 16 ft. of water. All of the fish were 12 to 14" except one that I LDR'd. It was a good fish. The river is still dropping and clearing. It is just over 7100 cfs. today.
See ya on the river, Rod
June 6, 2010
I made it to Rat Lake yesterday. The weather and fishing were great. The catching was OK. No big Browns. All Rainbows in the 12 to 14 inch range. I used several different techniques including: dries, nymphs, and still water leech patterns. An intermediate or type 3 tip with a seal bugger and a damsel nymph trailer worked best. I plan on hitting another still water tomorrow. In the the mean time, the Methow is dropping and water clarity is getting better. It is flowing at 7660 cfs. today.
See ya on the river, Rod
June 4, 2010
The sun was shining yesterday, but today it is raining here in the Methow Valley. Even with the river opening tomorrow, it is going to be awhile before it is fishable. It has been on the rise and is currently just over 9200 cfs. Both the Grande Ronde and Klickitat open tomorrow also. The Ronde is at about 17,000 cfs. and the Klickitat is just over 3,000 cfs. Looks like it will be still water or the upper Yakima if a fisher person wants to fish during the next couple weeks. I had planned on headin' to Rat Lake today, especially after a friend saw a couple of 20" Browns cruising the shoreline two days ago. However, I decided to wait until the rain stops.
See ya on the river or maybe a lake, Rod
June 2, 2010
Well here I am sittin' in the Methow River Fly Shop in Carlton, WA, and my Argosy is settin' on the bench above Carlton just off of Vintin Road. It is set-up. The dogs and are I sleeping in it again; "Home Sweet Home." I am looking down on the river and waiting for opening day. However, right now it doesn't appear that the river will be fishing in its current condition. It is just over 8,000 cfs and a bit on the dirty side. O' well, I am glad to be here, and you can be sure that I will let you know how it is fishin' just as soon as I can.
See ya on the river, Rod
May 31, 2010
I am headin' back to the Methow valley in the morning. Spent today getting everything packed into the totes and will be on the road in the morning.
See ya on the river, Rod
May 28, 2010
I was on the Lower Yakima below West Richland yesterday with my friend John Hanlon. John throws a good rod, and he had a decent day on a chartreuse streamer trailed by a small brown over white Clouser. Most of the fish were on the end of the swing but a few were on the strip. No big bass. However, he landed 1"BIG, BIG" carp. Wouldn't you know it. I ran out of the house without my camera. We didn't get a picture of the carp. But he was fishing an 8wt. TFO, and I had to pull anchor and follow the fish downstream. The water temps have been back down in the mid to high 50's again. Not the most optimum conditions for bass.
See ya on the river, Rod
May 18, 2010
I fished both Saturday and Sunday with fair success. Saturday, I floated from Snively to Hyde; Sunday from Benton City to Horn Rapids. Snively to Hyde produced the best fishing on small Clouser style bugs in white/brown, white/olive, and white/chartreuse. The river is on the rise down here. It is just over 3000 cfs. and the water temperatures at Prosser are in the 63 degree range. I won't be fishing for a couple of days. I am getting ready to do a presentation for the Fidalgo Fly Fishers at Anacortes/Mount Vernon Thursday and will be on the road most of the day that day. After seeing that the Yakima is on the rise, I checked the Methow and found it to be at 10,000+ cfs. The white water folks will love that. They may have a short season this year.
See ya on the river, Rod
May 14, 2010
I haven't fished for a couple of days because of a sewage effluent spill at Grandview. The spill was estimated at approximately 300,000 gallons of raw sewage, but you know how those estimates go (usually conservative). Any way I ended up canceling a trip today, but am planning on fishing this weekend. The water temps are in the 60 to 62 degree range, and the bass should really be turning on.
See ya on the river, Rod
May 12, 2010
The weather is heating up. Now, the bass catching needs to do the same thing. Yesterday was tough. A couple of fish in prime spots but nothing impressive. Fished every flavor and every color in my box, but it didn't make any difference. Watched a couple of gear anglers land several average fish at the West Richland bridge on what appeared to be spinners. I have been thinkin' about that. The only major difference I can come up with, is sound. The water clarity is definitely stained, so maybe sound is the difference. O' well it gives me something to ponder.
See ya on the river, Rod
May 8, 2010
This cool weather and wind most everyday is making the bass catching pretty sporadic. I was on the river both Thursday and Friday. Thursday was fair but Friday was tough. Coby, Clint, and I fished above Benton City on Friday. It was windy and chilly all day long. We hooked only 3 fish, and Coby was the only one to get a bass to the boat. The Prosser monitoring station is reporting water temperatures of about 55 degrees. We need some warm sunny days and warmer water temps. The weatherman is forecasting 70+ degree days by mid-week next week. I sure hope he is right.
o
I was checking water flows for the Methow, Klickitat, and Grande Ronde this morning. The Methow was just over 2300 cfs. That is pretty darn low for this time of year. I have to believe that the Methow could be fishing on the opener in June or pretty close to it. The Klickitat is just over 1800 cfs. and the Grande Ronde is 3900+. Both of these rivers also open the 1st Saturday of June.
See ya on the river, Rod
May 5, 2010
Lots of wind again yesterday, but I didn't let it stop me. And I am glad I didn't. The bass catchin' was the best it has been so far this spring. It looks as though they are moving into the shallows and chasing down critters. Everything was below the surface and they liked chartreuse. No big fish. They were all average and some smaller. The river was at about 2200 cfs. at Kiona yesterday and the water temperature was about 57 degrees. I am also seeing a fair number of smolt and the Gulls are showing up more and more. They are a sure sign of bait fish being present. The bassin' should get better and better. Now we need some sunshine and warmer weather with less wind.
See ya on the river, Rod
May 3, 2010
The wind started about 2:00 am and kept it up all day. No fishing today just sustained winds of 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. Hopefully, I will get the ClackaMax in the water tomorrow.
See ya on the river, Rod
May 2, 2010
Sorry, I haven't updated the report for a few days, but the bass catching has not been good. Also, the last 4 days I was preparing for and attending the FFF Fly Fishing Fair & Conclave in Ellensburg. I will be back on the river the first of the week and hoping that the bass catching has improved. The fishing is always great.
See ya on the river, Rod
April 24, 2010
I got word this week that the cutthroat we caught (picture above) the latter part of the Methow steelhead season was caught in the WDFW adult fish trap set up on the Twisp river. Bob Jateff, the WDFW District Six Regional Biologist, notified me this week to let me know that the department's biologists at the Twisp trap were able to identify this fish from the picture we sent him. It even goes a little farther than that: this same fish was captured last year during the spawn and pit tagged. Scale samples taken from the fish at that time established that she was 9 years old; that makes her 10 this year. The biologists also reaffirmed that she is a resident Methow River cutthroat. Wait, just one step further means that; this fish is close to being one of the first juveniles to survive after the river was changed to catch & release regulations in 2000. What a testament for "CATCH & RELEASE!"
See ya on the river, Rod
April 20,2010
My friend Dick Sagara, TFO & Rainy's Fly Rep, was in the area this weekend. So we got to do a little bass fishing yesterday. Catching wasn't great but Dick managed to land a couple of average Yakima River bass before he had to leave in the afternoon. I got a chance to throw a couple of the new TFO rods, a 6 wt. Clouser series rod and 6wt. Axiom rod, they really handled the heavy tips and flies with ease. We also tried just about every bass pattern that Rainy's has and yes both fish were caught on a Rainy's fly. They have an excellent selection of Bass/Warmwater flies. The flow is on the rise at 2200 cfs and the water temperature is continuing to get better and better. Yesterday it was 59 degrees at Prosser, so you can expect it to be just a little warmer at West Richland. The air temp in Richland was 84 degrees when we hit the take-out. It is going to get better. The increase in flow is also going to move more smolt downstream meaning more bass on the prowl.
See ya on the river, Rod
April 16, 2010
The bass catching is still not good. The water temperatures are rising each day, but it hasn't made any difference yet. Even the gear guys aren't doing very well. Yesterday, I tried every color I have and it was a big "ZERO." I did manage to hook and land a pike minnow. Thought sure it was a bass the way he slammed it. Never thought I would be happy to see a pike minnow. Some days you just have to make do and learn a little more acceptance. The river flow at Kiona is just over 1600 cfs; a bit low for this time of year. The water temperature yesterday afternoon was about 57 degrees. "LONG-SUFFERING."
See ya on the river, Rod
April 12, 2010
We have had chilly temperatures and wind on the Lower Yakima. I fished on Saturday and today. The catching is tough right now. The water temp is low. We took a temperature on Saturday and it was 48 degrees just below the West Richland Bridge. I managed to land a couple of nice fish today on an olive streamer on the swing. It should just get better and better as the water temps increase.
See ya on the river, Rod
April 10, 2010
Well here I am on the Lower Yakima but the wind has kept me off the river for the last two days. We have also had some really cool nights with last night getting down to 27 degrees. I am going fishing today no matter what. I will let you know how it goes.
See ya on the river, Rod
April 6, 2010
I have my stuff packed, my ClackaMax in tow, and I am headed for the Lower Yakima tomorrow. I will be looking for fish like the one above. Just as soon as I get settled in a bit, I will be on the river. I hope to be able to give you a report on the bass fishing by the weekend. Stay tuned.
See ya on the river, Rod
April 5, 2010
It is snowing again in the Methow Valley. It started on Friday, and we had about 4 inches on the ground in Carlton. It melted off, and this morning it started again. I will be headed for the Lower Yakima in the next couple of days so stay tuned. Also, for you Gobbler chasers Spring Turkey hunting starts on the 15. We have seen a lot of birds, especially Jakes, this late winter and early spring. My two-hander will turn into a Berretta 12 guage Auto-loader for a few days soon.
See ya on the river, Rod
April 3, 2010
I have my new boat home. It is awesome, and I would like to say "Thank You" to John Garrett of Garrett's Guide Service, a Klickitat River Guide, for his honest appraisal and advice on this boat. I hope to get it in the water next week on the Lower Yakima and start stalking Smallies. I will post a picture of it just as soon as I get it in the river. I will be living in Prosser for the next 2 or 3 months devoting my time to smallmouth bass. I will keep this report updated with both reports and pictures on the bass fishing down there.
I would like to wish you and yours a blessed Easter. At this special time of year, I like to take the time to reflect on what Easter is really about. And it is about: a man that grew up in a carpenter's shop, took up with a group of outcasts (including several working fishermen), paid our debt, and 3 days later conquered death. For me, "I would rather believe and find out I was wrong, than not believe and have to face God."
See ya on the river, Rod
March 31, 2010
Well, I threw my last line on the Methow for steelhead last evening. After a day of finishing up my tax info and sending it off to the tax accountant, I wanted to wet a line one last time this season. So, I grabbed my rod and a pair of old hip boots, coaxed the dogs into the truck, and headed for the "Turkey Trot" run. I didn't even bother to change bugs. I fished the sz. 14 red lightning bug and sz. 10 prince that I used the last time I fished. Third cast I hooked a fish and lost it. Fifth cast I hooked a nice 7-8 lb. hen on the prince and landed her. Great way to end the steelhead season. I got in my truck and head home with a smile on my face reminiscing about the great season we've had. I am on my way to Clackamas on Thursday to pick up my new Clack. When I get back I will be getting ready to head to the Lower Yakima for smallmouth. I am looking forward to spending a little time with my Kids & Grandkids before the summer trout fishing starts here on the Methow. I am planning on staying in Prosser close to my son and daughter through May.
See ya on the river, Rod
March 29, 2010
On Sunday, I got a chance to fish with my friend Sue. Not only did she land a few steelhead, but take a look at the beautiful Methow River Cutthroat that she landed. You will have to go a long ways to see a better cutty than this. It took a sz. 12 Prince with just a touch of red on it. Notice the hook scar on the jaw. When Sue got the fish into my waiting net, it was wearing an 1/8 oz. pink & white jig and about 2 feet of tippet. This fish was caught above Carlton. Can you imagine this fish taking a big dry in July? I can. Three more days of steelheading.
See ya on the river, Rod
March 25, 2010
The fella in the picture is David Doperalski. He and his dad, Vic, came over to fish a half-day with me, and David had two firsts. He had never fly fished before for anything and look what happened. His first fish fly fishing was a nice hatchery buck. Later that day, David hooked and landed his second steelhead ever, a beautiful wild hen that did a tail-walk across the river. I started him on a 7wt. TFO switch rod and he caught on quickly. A sz. 12 red/black Sno-cone Chironomid did the trick.
Right now we seem to be catching a few more fish in the Twisp area. The same bugs are working, but I am also hearing that fish are being caught on egg patterns. The river is on a gradual rise and is at 575 cfs. today. Six days left in the '09 & '10 season. I will be in Conconully tomorrow for the first annual "CONCONULLY FLY FISHING RENDEZVOUS." If you are over that way, stop in and see me. The show is presented by PAT'S FLIES and is being held in the Community Hall
.
See ya on the river, Rod
March 23, 2010
On Saturday, I taught a steelhead fishing class on the river for the Northwest Women Flyfishers (NWF). The class was done in conjunction with an NWF Methow River steelhead outing hosted by Sue Morrison. All of the gals that attended managed to hook at least one steelhead over the two day outing. The class covered all aspects of steelheading with alot of attention to the nature of the fish and reading the sections of a run to determine where fish are holding at different times of the season. On Sunday, they fished on their own as a group. Thank You ladies, I really enjoyed working with you.
The fishing below Carlton has slowed some, but the fishing in the Twisp area has improved. Fish are being caught at most of the prominent runs above Carlton. The catching should remain good through to the end March 31.
Well guys and gals, the steelhead fishing is almost finished here on the Methow. It has been a fantastic year, and I am already looking forward to next fall. It is like you just can't get enough steelhead fishing. During April, May, and the first part of June, Clint and I are going to be focusing on the Smallmouth Bass on the Lower Yakima. I will be spending most of my time down there, so if you are looking for an opportunity to catch a big smallmouth let me know. Not huge numbers but "Big Bass." Fish pushing 8 pounds are possible. I lived in Prosser for over 20 years, and Clint grew up there and still lives there, so we know it pretty darn well. In June, I will be back on the Methow fishing for those awesome Methow River Cutthroat. We have seen a few of them during the steelheading that were well over 20". I am looking forward to a great dry fly trout fishery this summer. And don't forget the Klickitat. It opens for steelhead again in June.
See ya on the river, Rod
March 15, 2010
When you fish the Methow at this time of year, you never know what will be at the end of your line when you feel the tug or the bobber goes down. This was definitely the case with the fish in the picture above. Right up until the time that he was at our feet, we thought for sure the fish at the end of the line was a buck steelhead. All the signs were there. So when we saw this guy we were surprised; but I must say, pleasantly surprised. Look at the size of this guy. Just one more reason why the Methow is such a special river. Keep in mind that Bull Trout are a protected species. And although you can not control hooking one while fishing for steelhead, you can control the way you handle them once you find one on your hook. Please do not remove them from the water, and make sure that they are revived and ready to take off on their own when you release them.
The steelhead fishing is still decent. Some days not as good as others, but the fish are still willing to take the small nymphs. You just need to be selective when it comes to where you put your bug and the presentation is very important. Drag free! Cover a run thoroughly because the offering has to be right in front of their face.
See ya on the river, Rod
March 11, 2010
Well fellas, no matter what, it is still steelhead fishing here on the Methow. One day is good and the next one or two days not so good. As it gets closer to spawning, the fish are on the move. You may hook 1 or 2 or more fish in a run today and the next day "0" regardless of where you go. Remember this word "PERSISTENCE." There is something about these fish we call "STEELHEAD" that keeps us coming back. For me, it is the throbbing at the end of my line, the blistering runs, and the aerial acrobatics that this fish that has traveled so far is still able to deliver. Concentrate on the slower deeper sections of the runs and don't be afraid to think outside of the box.
See ya on the river, Rod
March 5, 2010
We are seeing some big fish right now. Over the last week and a half, we have landed some fish that are over 30". Large girthed fish that are hard fighters. We are still fishing the small stuff and doing well. It is pretty cool to land a 30+" steelhead on a sz. 14 nymph and 6 lb. leader. The river has a little more color than usual, but I like a little more color. One more thing, we are starting to see fish stacked up at the Twisp bridge. I got a report of about 12 fish holding there this morning.
See ya on the river, Rod
February 26,2010
Catching improved some over the last two days with the cloud cover and rain that we had today. I was on the river yesterday with long-time friend and guest Beth Lindsey, and she managed to land her first and second steelhead ever. She was pretty excited. The smile on her face while she was fighting those two fish said it all. Both fish were in the 7 to 9 pound range and taken on sz. 14 Lightning Bugs. One on pearl and the other on red. Reports from the river today were good.
See ya on the river, Rod
February 23, 2010
I guess these Methow River steelhead don't like the sunshine, because the catching has slowed since the clouds have left and the days are sunny. Also, the night time temps have been dipping below freezing with the clear nights. This morning when I got up it was 25 degrees. Either way, the multiple fish days are just not as plentiful as they were with the cloudy overcast days we had a week ago. The small bugs are still working best for me, with most of the fish taking the sz. 14 trout type nymphs. The weatherman says we are suppose to see some rain and/or snow over the next few days with highs in the mid to high 40's. Could make catching better. Whatever, it is still steelheading.
See ya on the river, Rod
February 15, 2010
Catching is good right now. I got a little break in my schedule and spent Saturday fishing with my son Clint and grandson Coby. Coby hooked and landed his first Methow River steelhead. A nice 8 lb. buck on a sz. 10 Silver Copper Swan. Small bugs have been the most effective with many of the fish we have hooked of late falling prey to sz. 14 Copper Johns, Lightning Bugs, and Pheasant Tails. It should only get better through the end the season which now appears to be March 31. Also, word is that the Wenatchee will close February 28. The time to catch a Methow Steelhead is "NOW."
See ya on the river, Rod
February 10, 2010
Spent the last two days floating and fishing from Twisp to Carlton. Keith and I floated from Halterman to just downstream of the rock garden on Tuesday. My setter Pete and I did the rest of the trip today. Got to admit that my expectations were a little higher than the results. Over the 2 days we hooked 7 steelhead, 3 bull trout, 2 rainbows, and 3 cutties. The last steelhead, a nice bright 6 lb. hatchery hen, was landed late this afternoon just above Carlton. Most all of the steelhead were picked up in small slots that didn't really stand out as a known steelhead lie. The best runs either had anglers in them or showed the tell-tale signs of being heavily fished. "PERSEVERANCE"
See ya on the river, Rod
February 8, 2010
Catching is good. Guests have put multiple fish on the beach yesterday and today. Small bugs have been the ticket. And when I say small, I'm talking about sz. 14 small. Slow & deep. Having confidence in your choice of bugs is important too.
See ya on the river, Rod
February 7, 2010
Steelheading is still steelheading. Over the last week one day may be multiple fish to the bank, and the next maybe 1 fish if you are fortunate or maybe even 0. You just have to be at the right run, at the right time, with the right bug. On Friday the catching was good on a sz. 10 steelhead Prince nymph that Al sells at the shop, and my standard set-up didn't fish so good. You just need to be prepared for the unexpected. If they see one bug too often they get suspicious. The water temps have been in that 43 to 44 degree range, and I have seen a fair number of fish rolling. Swinging with a tip could be good.
See ya on the river, Rod
February 2, 2010
The catching is getting better and better. It started picking up over the weekend, and on Sunday we were able to get more than one hookup. It was about 43 degrees in the lower part of the valley today. If it stays like this the fishing is going to continue to improve.
See ya on the river, Rod
January 29, 2010
The catching has gotten tougher over the last two or three days. That is steelheading. Sometimes you'd swear that the river is void of all life. We managed to hook a couple of fish on Thursday and one today, but they are definitely harder to come by than they were 4 or 5 days ago. The air temperature was in the 40's at Pateros today. Hopefully the catching will start picking up again. Regardless, the fishing has been awesome. The river flow is currently at 387 cfs. and in my opinion walking in to runs is far better than floating the river. You need to be able to fish the runs a little more thoroughly than floating allows you to do. Should you hook a fish in a spot, chances are that there are from 3 to 6 fish holding in the same run. Sometimes even more. "PERSERVERANCE"
See ya on the river, Rod
January 22, 2010
The fishing was awesome yesterday, and the catching wasn't too bad neither. We had a water temp yesterday morning at 11:00 am of about 40 degrees. The fishing started out a bit slow in the morning, but picked up about noon and stayed pretty consistent up to about 3:30 or 4:00 pm. We were able to land 4 fish about like the one above. We were just at the right spot at the right time. As long as the weather hangs in there, the fishing should remain decent.
See ya on the river, Rod
January 19, 2010
I got a chance to get out on the river today. The water temperature was about 42 degrees and the catching was good for my partner, not so good for me. Keith was fishing his standard float set-up. He managed to limit out on hatchery fish. I was swinging with a tip and an articulated pattern, and I hooked "0." The river is in great shape. And if the weatherman's forecast is accurate, it should stay that way into the first part of next week. Nymphing below a bobber is still the most productive technique unless you are a float fisherman.
See ya on the river, Rod
January 17, 2010
Sorry, I haven't updated this report for a few days. I can't really report on the fishing for me because I haven't been able to fish all week. I have been out of the valley all week, but I have stayed in touch with my friend Keith. He tells me that the fishing has been a day by day thing: good one day and not so good the next day. The warmer temperatures have kept the river fishable. It is just a matter of finding the right run and fishing the right bug. Fish are being caught on the standard colors of blue and black with a touch of red or chartreuse; but also white has been fairly effective. So don't be afraid to try something a little different. I hope to be able to fish the first part of the week. P. S. Keith called just as I was finishing this and told me that there is 3" of new snow in Twisp.
See ya on the river, Rod
January 10, 2010
The temperature here in the valley today was in the low to mid-30's, so I couldn't resist spending about 3 hours on the river this afternoon. The catching was pretty darn good. I hooked 3 fish of which I got 1 to hand a 6 lb. wild hen. All three fish fought good, with one of them showing me how well it could come out of the water. It was the biggest of the 3. I was below the town of Methow and in the same run for all 3 fish. I was nymphing and the color today was black with a chartreuse bead head and a touch of red lightnin' dub in the body. The temps are suppose to stay in the 30's this week both here in the valley and Wenatchee. Both rivers should fish OK.
See ya on the river, Rod
January 6, 2010
What a difference a day makes. Yesterday it was 38 degrees and bearable on the river. Today it never got much above 20 degrees. We lost our cloud cover last night, and it dropped down into the low teens. The river is still fishable; but if the temps stay as low as they are right now, the river will start icing up again. Keith Roe and I fished several different runs yesterday with good results. We were able to land two hatchery fish. The best colors right now are blue or black fished deep and slow. Stick to the slower water too.
I have a new ClackaMax on the way. I normally try to trade my boat out at least every two years, and this is the year that the old one needs to go. I have been hearing some good things about the ClackaMax so one is being built for me right now. I have a guide friend, John Garrett, of Garrett's Guide Service that rows one on the Klickitat, and he says it is the best boat he's ever rowed. It can handle 3 anglers with ease. I am excited to get it on the river.
See ya on the river, Rod
January 3, 2010
I can't hardly believe that it is 2010. I hope that you all had an awesome holiday and are looking forward to all that the New Year has in store. The last few days the temperature has improved here in the Methow Valley. It was 36 degrees today and the ice is breaking up again. I have spent a few hours each day for the last two days on the river. Yesterday I fished above Twisp. Today I spent about 3 hours downstream of Carlton. No fish either day, but I have heard reports from the WDFW Creel Checkers that a few fish are being taken. Primarily by anglers using floats and jigs or by fly fishers with nymph rigs. The river is definitely fishable; however, be careful especially below Carlton where chunks of shelf ice are breaking off and floating downriver.
See ya on the river, Rod
