February 2016 Fishing Report

It's mid February and winter steelhead season is full on!  Our nw rivers are getting a lot of rain this year and that has translated into good fishing conditions on many nw waters.  Right now we have a mix of both hatchery and wild steelhead on many top Oregon rivers like the Wilson, Nestucca, Clackamas and Sandy Rivers.  Smaller waters with decent runs of wild steelhead are showing fish on the Kilches, Trask, Salmonberry, Nehalem among others.

Top producing strategies are sinking tips with spey rods and big flies.  Getting your fly down is key this time of year.  Look for big patterns that have profile and movement for best results.  10' T-11 sink tip is an important tool for the winter fly rodder.  Combine this with a skagit fly line and you are in business.

Water levels have been high but that doesn't mean un-fishable.  Look for softer edges out of the fast water flow.  Sometimes lighter tips and unweighted flies swung into the willows are the recipe for success.

The Clackamas River has produced good results with Barton to Carver being a top section.  On the Sandy the bite was hot lower in the last month but recent surges of high water have fish spread throughout the system.  Coastal waters have seen fish spread through the system for most rivers.  Look for best results lower in the river with low water and anglers tend to do better higher up with high flows.

Expect continued quality fish to arrive in the next 6 weeks.  Prime time is on- don't miss it!

Oregon's North Coast Fishing Report

Fishing should improve at water levels recede from this current weather front that is hammering the Oregon Coast rivers right now.  Forecast call for a sharp rise in the next few days but dropping trend next week.  That should spell good fishing for most north coast rivers.  Most top names are producing well this year: Wilson, Nestucca, Kilches, Alsea and NF Alsea, NF Nehalem, Necanicum and Siletz rivers are booting out their fair share of chrome this winter.

Some of the first to drop and clear will be the Kilches and Necanicum rivers.  Try bright colored patterns that are visible in green waters.  One of our favorite fly patterns is the GUIDES CHOICE. 

Watch for water levels to drop this week and be ready to hit it!

Good luck on the water!

Clackamas River Fishing Report- January 2016

Winter steelhead have been landed in good numbers already this year on the Clackamas.  Fishing has been stronger so far this year than many years past in January.  Most fish are being caught from the mouth of Eagle creek to the mouth of the Clackamas.

Watch water levels on the Clack for best fishing.  Remember that winter storms will muddy the river especially below Deep cr (below Barton) and Clear cr. (near Carver).  Ideal levels on the Clackamas are below 14' - we prefer anything under 13' for best wading.  In the week ahead look for muddy water and high flows.  As the water drops fishing will improve and fish should be spread through the system.

Good river access is available in the lower Clackamas at a number of locations.  Many of the state and county parks on the Clackamas have great access and boat ramps.

To learn about the entire Clackamas River steelhead run check out our upcoming Winter Steelhead Workshops available throughtout the winter.  Winter Steelhead Workshop Info