Rivers of Mud- Big Rains Hit the Oregon Coast

Big rains have hit the Oregon coast and the river ups and downs have some folks a bit dizzy.  We've been working on the North Coast of Oregon chasing winter steelhead.  This week we were hit with a big front that caused rivers to sharply rise.  Fishing has been good but when fish can't see your fly your out of luck.  Looking forward to the next drop as we head into the weekend.  Rivers should be dropping and clearing as we head into next week.

Wilson River graph near Tillamook

Rowing out the boats in the mud

High water brings in the fish and as it drops and clears fishing should be good.  Here are a few fish from earlier in the week.

Clackamas River Report Feb 11, 2014

The Clackamas River has been due for a big dose of rain as many rivers in Oregon and California have so far this winter experienced near drought conditions; that changed this past week with a week full of snow, rain and ice!  Winter weather returned with a venegance to the Clackamas valley and the nearby city of Portland, Oregon.  Both wild and hatchery steelhead swim the waters of the Clackamas and February is usually a get started month for the Clack.  This month more numbers of wild and hatchery broodstock fish enter the system building into March and April.  Here is a recent graph of the water level and forecast for the rest of the week.

Once the Clackamas hits 14' it is often unfishable.  As it rises towards flood level it reaches the "action phase" this is where things start moving.  For the Clack the action phase is at 18.0' it is forecast to hit that on friday.  We may see some new gravel bars and new spots to fish!

See more info on fishing the Clackamas River at:  www.watertimeoutfitters.com 

River Report Feb 12, 2014

Looks like the rain dance we were working on finally did the trick.  Rivers are swollen now with over an inch of rain overnight hitting the North Oregon coast.  With the good snow pack we had over the weekend the now much higher freezing levels combined with warm rain is melting snow fast.  Looks like next week for some rivers and possibly the weekend for others depending on what we get for more rain.  Should be good numbers of fish around when the water gets back in shape.  Here are some graphs of local rivers:

Nestucca River

Wilson River

Nehalem River

Find more info on fishing Oregon waters at: www.watertimeoutfitters.com 

Better Swing Gets More Fish - See our New Video Clip

Swung fly steelhead in cold water can be difficult to catch.  Managing your swing can help the angler find more consistent results.  Managing your swing requires the angler to think about what the fly is doing and adjust the line to achieve the desired movement of the fly.  Watch this short video clip to see how Rob Crandall of Water Time Outfitters approaches the cold water time of year with the swung fly.  See more at www.watertimeoutfitters.com

Sandy River Hatchery Program at Risk - OPB Interview

Interesting interview regarding the lawsuit filed against ODFW on the Sandy River hatchery program.  Oregon Public Broadcasting... 

Judge Rules Sandy River Hatchery Violates ESA - Think Out Loud, 01/23/2014

https://soundcloud.com/thinkoutloudopb/judge-rules-sandy-river?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_campaign=wtshare&utm_medium=Twitter&utm_content=https://soundcloud.com/thinkoutloudopb/judge-rules-sandy-river

Fly Fish Steelhead Seminar - Portland Sportsman Show

Want to improve your game chasing steelhead with the spey rod?

The annual Portland Sportsman's Show is being held Feb 5-9 come see Rob Crandall; editor of Flyfishing & Tying Journal and owner of Water Time Outfitters present "The Missing Pieces"- The Cold Water Quest for Swung fly Steelhead.  Rob will be presenting in the Fly Fishing Theater and on the "Steelhead River" most days of the show.

Stop by the booth and say hello, Water Time Outfitters booth will be along the fly casting pond.

www.watertimeoutfitters.com

Oregon River Report January 2014

Oregon rivers are getting a much needed shot in the arm as far as water levels go.  Over the weekend a strong storm front moved into the N. Oregon coast and dumped a load of rain.  Rivers on the north coast shot up and blew out from the heavy rains and are now on the drop.  As they clear and drop into shape fishing should be excellent.

Before the rain a long dry spell made fishing tough.  Low and clear water put fish on high alert and fooling fish required a stealthy approach and excellent presentations.

Here is an early January 2014 steelhead caught by Ken.

Water Time Outfitter guides fish Oregon's North Coast- working waters like the Trask, Wilson, Nehalem, North Fork Nehalem and Nestucca Rivers.  Come join us!  www.watertimeoutfitters.com