Not much new to report…the river is still extremely low and clear!!! Some new fish have been pushing up the river in groups/batches and spreading out quickly. We are experiencing a bigger than normal coho run this year, which is a nice bonus! There are fish throughout the system, but the further up-stream you go the “skinnier” the water and the slower the flow. The fish have “all day” to look at your offering; in this low & clear water. They see it from further away and it is drifting towards them very slowly. However, stealthiness and proper presentation is getting rewarded.
Don’t get me wrong, fishing is challenging right now, but we are finding some players daily. Covering water, running smaller flies & beads and quality drifts will help you find a few biters. Also, mixing up techniques has been critical on some days. The hardware bite has been boating fish…pulling them out of the structure and lumber. Plus, I have heard a couple good reports from people stripping streamers…same theory…draw the fish out of the lumber. Almost ever hardware bite is coming out of “no where” and in places we can’t drift flies or beads. Tougher condition…leave no stone unturned! I love fly fishing, but tossing gear is a blast!!!
It’s been a fun November for sure and it is certainly not over! After this weekend, we have LOTS of open guide dates, so give us a call to book a day or two…231-745-3529. Full and half day trips are available and we have lodging at our Motel. The weather is still very mild and looks good for the next 10 days (other then a couple cold nights)…it’s fall steelhead fishing at it’s finest!!!
We have been throwing the “kitchen sink” at them…fly fishing, bead fishing and tossing plugs/spinners. Beads in natural colors (pale oranges, peaches and yellows in 8-12 mm) have been getting some attention. Plus, don’t be afraid to try some bigger/brighter colors (flies & beads) as the water temps drop…big and bright sometimes gets their attention in cold water. Stripping streamers with a lighter amount of flash in natural color schemes has been getting some grabs. Swung flies on a “lighter than normal” (T-11) sink tip in smaller natural colors will get some looks with a longer leader and smooth casting. Nymphs will start producing more as we transition into winter…stones, steelhead buggers, hexes and pheasant tails.
Gotta run!!! Thank you for keeping us busy! We truly appreciate each & every guide trip, guest at the Motel and customer in the shop…THANK YOU!!! Spending time on the river, steelhead fishing, is rewarding and therapeutic. The days are getting shorter and it might be a long winter? Come get in one of our boats for the day and experience why we love November steelhead fishing! It is addictive, rewarding, humbling, challenging and you will never forget any of the fish you catch. I am looking forward to the remaining fall and winter pursuing these amazing fish. Good luck out there and have fun!!!
Later,
John
