Hey guys, quick little river update first! We’ve had boats out every day here recently with no issues of our own, but the proper response here on “How’s the river?” is, pretty high and probably not really safe just yet for the average rower or wading angler if you are not very familiar with the area or, just able to fish from shore…
As always, we do have links to the two working PMTU water monitoring stations at M-37 and Bowman’s Bridge for your reference here on our site, (Both are coming up again right now from yesterday’s rain, the clarity however, is much better.) but my favorite way to use those links is to click on the little box with an arrow in it at the top of each category for a longer and more accurate view like this one of M-37… (Best viewed on a tablet, laptop or desktop, but sideways on a phone isn’t bad.)
Secondly, I want to mention both the annual BBT Spring River Cleanup on Saturday, May 3rd if you can possibly save the date to help out in that effort and our “BBT Week” in Alaska August 9th – 16th if you’d like to grab a spot for this incredible deal. More details to come on the cleanup and you can click here for more info on Alaska!
Best bet right now in this high stained water is obviously on or around the active gravels, but inside bends and a few of the sandy runs are producing some fish also. I spent the second half of my day with one guy pitching tots and the other stripping streamers on Sunday and had success on both of those methods also. Something I’ll be doing a whole lot more of here soon!
Speaking of “On or around active gravels.”… Most of you know that I, up until right now, haven’t been taking on any new clients at all during the “peak seasons” as I am easing into a lighter guide schedule during that time, but much of that also has to do with my current fishing methods preferences also. Simply put, I just don’t actually enjoy targeting redds (active gravel) so I’m “easing” that out of my personal routine.
Do not get me wrong here, just as I state in this article (That is backed up by some pretty good biologist.) I do not believe you’re harming returns on this particular river by doing so as we have hundreds of miles of closed water that I am told produces more than the river’s “carrying capacity” of young, I just sort of lost the desire to target those fish myself when there’s still some new ones and hungry drop backs around as well as the trout getting happy! 😎
Click that link above (or here) to read more about it if this subject interests you. I am absolutely not trying to start a debate, especially this old and tired one, with anyone or bash on something I’ve done myself for the past 33 years, I’m just saying that at this point I am open to a few new folks in my boat for April, BUT you have to be able to pass on some easy(er) fish with me that others might not be as a stipulation because I want to enjoy my time I have left on the water also… (I had a couple of hunting analogies about ducks in decoys or grouse on limbs, but that’s not really fair, it’s just how I feel. 🤷♂️)
For some of my long-time clients who are reading this, don’t freak out. If you’re still in the lineup it’s because I love ya and we’ll probably wind up doing whatever makes you happy as long as it’s legal… 😉 After all, we probably cut our teeth together like that and this is just one more small step in a long-term process for me, but you can feel free to join me in it too! (I’m also not blowing past an active redd where there’s some big trout feeding, but your tippet might be a bit light for those Steelhead.)
Most of my trips will be a mixed bag at this point I imagine targeting both Steelhead and Trout. I personally like the option of both fly and spin fishing depending on location and the client but let the guys at the shop know if you have a strong preference to one over the other or are open to both for the trip notes. I am definitely more focused on quality over quantity…
Anyway, I’ve got some great dates yet in April if that all sounds acceptable/good to you as do our other guides who have been being successful using all methods! Give the shop a call to check on or book motel or guide reservations 8am to 6pm daily right now. (231) 745-3529
Have fun out there and PLEASE be safe!!
Steve
