Oregon Coast Steelhead- March

Rain is slamming the coast today… looks like we are going to be blown out tomorrow.  Perhaps later in the week will be good.  Lots of big chrome wild fish coming in.  We are getting them on our favorite N. Coast rivers when water levels cooperate.  High winds lately have put three new trees on one of our favorite floats in the last few days making navigation tricky.  Always interesting this time of year!  Good luck on the water and be safe!

Winter Steelhead Season - December 2014

It is now early December and winter steelhead action is starting on the Oregon coast.  Fish returning this time of the season are often referred to as the early returning winter run fish.  These are typically the hatchery component of the winter steelhead run.  Most common rivers to find early returning winter steelhead in Oregon are the Nestucca, the Wilson, NF Nehalem, the Alsea, Necannicum and the Kilches rivers.  

Winter steelhead time of year the water is cold and requires the fly angler to get their fly down to the fish.  Sink tips or indicator riggings are most productive.  Common sink tips are T-11 and T-14 and at 10' long.  These tips are delivered with a shooting head fly line system called a Skagit line.  At the end of the sinking tip a short leader helps ensure the fly stays where is should- deep.  

Favorite patterns for winter steelhead are often larger than summer favorites.  Flies that have movement and swim with a life-like motion often get the best results.  A few of our favorites below are available at fly shops in the NW and at www.spiritriver.com 

Crandall's Guide Choice is a great fly when there is a lot of green coloration in the water. 

Crandall's Steelhead Nitemare is a producer under most water conditions.   

Crandall's Provider is a great fly for clear to medium clear water conditions.

For more information on winter steelhead in Oregon visit: www.watertimeoutfitters.com or check out our class/seminar schedule to get hands on help with steelhead success! 

Oregon's North Coast Rivers - mid December Report

Rivers on the North Coast of Oregon have had a big shot of rain over the last week and are finally starting to drop into shape.  As these rivers fall, chrome bright winter steelhead are charging up to their natal homes.  Rivers like the Kilches, Neccanicum and NF Nehalem are fast to drop and clear.  The Nestucca, Wilson, and Trask are soon to warrant effort as well. 

 Notice how clear the fins are in these early arriving fish. 

 

Get more info on fishing Oregon's North Coast at:  www.watertimeoutfitters.com