Clackamas Steelhead- April/May

The Clackamas river flows 84 miles through incredible scenic views in Oregon's Clackamas County.  A mecca for steelhead and trout fishing close to the large city of Portland, OR the Clack supports winter, spring and summer steelhead.  Coho, spring and fall chinook also swing the waters of the Clack.  Here we love to chase steelhead in the choppy riffles and runs perfect for the spey rod approach.

April and May mark transitions and ends for the Clackamas steelhead run timing.  Here we often see the over lap of the late winter/spring hatchery and wild fish as well as the early return of summer steelhead.  Fin clippings of the hatchery steelhead are the tell tale sign of what strain of fish they are.  Broodstock or the winter/spring hatchery fish have an adipose fin clipped only.  The summer steelhead will have an adipose and a maxillary fin missing.

This time of year the arriving steelhead are often chrome bright and fresh from the ocean.  Water temperatures are rising this time of year and these fish can be very active- responding well to the swung fly.  It is common for these fish to be into the backing line in a heartbeat- many of them leaping high into the air.  Truly this is a great time of year to find steelhead!  Some of these fish we have dubbed "Rockets with fins" and some are simply "unlandable"!

Spring is a great time of year on Oregon's Clackamas river.  What the river may lack for run sizes it sure makes up for with amazing battles when one does hook up!

Visit www.watertimeoutfitters.com to connect with a great Clackamas River guide.

Oregon Steelhead- Fish of a Thousand Casts- Winter Spey Addiction

Fly fishing for winter steelhead in Oregon can be a challenge whose reward is often found after a lot of hard work.  Steelhead are often known as the fish of a thousand casts.  Oregon has many rivers that offer excellent steelhead fly fishing through the winter and spring months.

Not far from the city of Portland, Oregon are a number of great rivers.  The Clackamas and Sandy Rivers offer miles of great spey water.  1-1/2 - 2 hours away from Portland there are dozens of rivers along the Oregon coast that offer winter steelhead fishing.  Here we look for the best water conditions on rivers like the Wilson, Trask, Nehalem, Nestucca among others.

For more information on steelhead fishing winter and spring in Oregon visit www.watertimeoutfitters.com The professional team at Water Time Outfitters will help you make the most of your time on the water!

Steelhead Fly Patterns by Rob Crandall

I have finally put some of my favorite fly patterns out there in the commercial world.  These flies have been great producers for me for many years.  Each pattern has a specific use and water clarity application.  In generall there is a pattern for low and clear water, medium green to darker green waters.  All these flies work on steelies nearly year round.  I use them on the Oregon Coast, Clackamas and Sandy Rivers and the Deschutes River in summer and fall.

You can now use my secret guiding patterns that produce result for my clients on a daily basis.  Flies are available at great fly shops like Royal Treatment Fly shop in West Linn, OR 503-850-4397 and online at: https://spiritriver.com/new-flies

Good luck on the water!
Rob Crandall

Devils Candy- This is a killer leech pattern that has seductive flash and appeal.  Works especially good on low-clear water conditions or on fish that have been in the river a while. 

Guides Choice- this pattern is a favorite in the green waters of winter steelhead fishing.  Cerise and Orange colors show up well and move and swim in the water.  This is a go-to pattern in winter.

Promise Keeper: this pattern is a great combo of cerise and black with a bit of flash.  It is a top producer most of the year.  Works especially well in them medium green to clear water conditions.  

Crandall's Provider:  Black and Blue has always been a traditional color combo for steelhead that gets results.  This pattern uses Ostrich herl tied in Intruder style to get movement and action in the water.  Always a go-to pattern on any blue sky day or medium to clear water conditions. 

Crandall's Steelhead Nightmare:  This fly I had the hardest time turning over to the commercial side.  It is an all time best producer for me and it is hard to beat for both winter, spring, summer and fall fish. Black and red are great colors for steelies add in the white lead eye and there is a definite color contrast and eye grabber for steelies.  

Crandall's Wedding Dress:  This fly is much better that the traditional "Prom Dress" pattern in that the flash body of the fly articulates and really moves.  This fly is a killer anywhere aggressive steelhead live!  

Clackamas River Fishing Report

Fishing has been good on the Clackamas river chasing the chromers of early spring!  The weather has been mostly agreeable with some ups and downs on the water levels this month but we haven't seen a blowout of muddy water the entire month.  Chrome bright fish are arriving daily.  Some days there are more fish around than others and each day a good amount of hunting is often required to find silver.  The fish we see in the month of April in the Clackamas are often a mix of steelhead stocks.  Wild fish chrome bright are still arriving as well as some of the hatchery broodstock based on these wild fish.  The other stock of fish trickling in this year are the summer steelhead.  These robust fighters are often unlandable as they are incredibly acrobatic and balistic fighters!

Fishing the Clackamas River we use a swung fly strategy with spey rods.  Spey casting is a fun and enjoyable way to cover a lot of water fast.  Water temps have been mostly in the 40 degrees range and we typically employ fast sinking tips on the end of Skagit head fly lines.

We use a jet boat on the Clackamas river to cover a range of the best runs quickly.  See more about fishing the Clackamas River with www.watertimeoutfitters.com

Here are a few photos of lucky anglers who landed steelhead on the swung fly this April on the Clackamas River.

Tanner Crandall our "7 year old guide in training..."

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 

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

Swung Fly Steelhead Mysteries- Free Seminars

Ever feel like winter steelhead are a mythical creature?  Come join us for a FREE seminar exploring the mysteries of swung fly steelhead.  We'll discuss fly pattern selection, the right gear, your approach and hopefully discern the missing pieces in your approach.

Come join us at the Royal Treatment Fly Shop finding the "missing pieces" of swung fly steelhead fishing!

Dec 14, 2014    10:00 - 11:30 Am

See the video trailer for this info packet seminar:  http://vimeo.com/81014079

2014 Seminar Dates:
Jan 11
Feb 15
Mar 15

Clackamas River 2013 Update - Wild Run Steelhead Struggle

The run of wild winter/spring Steelhead returning to the upper Clackamas basin is struggling to recover despite the sanctuary of the entire upper Clackamas River basin above NF dam.  The total fish returning above NF dam as counted by PGE (Portland General Electric) who manages the fish trap facility at NF dam was only 868 steelhead for the 2013 run.  A poor return by most comparisons.  Last year, 2012 the run was a meager 1,249 fish. 

Wild steelhead have many different life histories and spawn in different sections of the Clackamas basin.  Perhaps more fish spawned lower in the river drainage this year and were not counted.  The upper Clackamas basin continues to struggle with meager fish returns as management and conservation groups squabble about studies and what they mean.  Meanwhile, wild fish numbers stagger along with 2,000 or less fish most years in the upper basin.

Clackamas River Steelhead - Guided Jet Boat Trips

Guided Jet Boat Steelhead Trips – Clackamas River

On the Clackamas River we target winter, spring and summer steelhead just minutes from the Portland airport. Long runs, choppy riffles and sweet hidey holes are everywhere on the Clackamas if you know where to look. With perfect water for the swung fly, chrome fish arriving daily and a mountain view the Clack is the perfect choice for the spey rod angler. Variety and options abound on the Clackamas. With the speed and versatility of the jet boat we can cover many different sections of the river often without other anglers; during low water times the drift boat comes in handy.

We fish the Clackamas from February through June.

Guided jet boat trips cover the best waters of the river, timing our fishing locations to optimize our results. Full day trips may cover many miles or just a few depending on where the fish are; the mobility of the jet boats helps us "stay in the fish". Hot riverside meals are served with your full day of fishing with the jet boat.

Make the most of your time on the water, come fish with Rob Crandall on his home river. Rob grew up on the banks of the Clackamas and has been guiding it since 1992. He knows the river intimately and loves to introduce anglers to the hardy steelhead of the Clack.

Guided Jet Boat Trips -	One angler (w/lunch)	$400
	Two anglers (w/lunch)	$495
	Three anglers (w/lunch)	$650
Jet Boat Half Day Special -	One angler	$175
	Two anglers	$300
	Three anglers	$375

Book your trip now - call to reserve your spot or more details: 503-704-6449  see our website: www.watertimeoutfitters.com  

Clackamas River Steelhead

Steelhead fishing on the Clackamas river for May and early June will consist mainly of the summer steelhead stocked by ODFW.  This strain of fish is a hard fighting, acrobatic steelhead identifiable by the fin clip markings they received at the hatchery before release.  The Clackamas summer steelhead markings are easily recognized by an adipose fin clip and a maxillary fin clip.

Summer steelhead first enter the Clackamas river as early as March and will continue to trickle into the river system through the summer months.

Lately the Clackamas river has been running a fairly warm 52 degrees with a flow around 12'4" at Estacada. Chrome summer steelhead are caught on swung flies this time of year and aggressive takes are the norm.
Favorite fly pattern colors are black/blue, red, black & black & cerise.  See more info at: www.watertimeoutfitters.com

Clackamas River ODFW Survey and Fish Run Report

Clackamas River: The Clackamas River is one of those rivers where it is possible to catch hatchery salmon and steelhead almost every month of the year. Fishing for winter steelhead will begin to slow down moving into May.
Summer run steelhead will begin to increase in numbers through spring, and based on Willamette Falls counts anglers should prepare for a good return of summer steelhead to the Clackamas. The catch rates for summers were already on the increase the first week of April. The combination of good coho returns to the Clackamas and Willamette system the past couple of years, along with good winter and summer steelhead numbers to date at Willamette Falls, bodes well for anglers fishing the Clackamas from May through November.

Reports of spring chinook in the Clackamas are limited and anglers shouldn’t expect to see these fish in greater numbers until mid to late May depending on water conditions. With chinook passage over Willamette Falls increasing these fish will begin to move in as water in the Willamette slowly warms from the late winter cool down.

Anglers should anticipate a change in how spring chinook move through the lower Clackamas now that the acclimation ponds have been operating for over three years. The Clackamas has three acclimation ponds in the lower river designed to increase sport fishing harvest, and these management tools seem to be working. These sites are located along the Clackamas River and on Eagle Creek with the intention of slowing fish migration and holding the chinook in the lower river longer. The returning Clackamas River fish can be identified by an adipose fin/left maxillary fin clip while the Eagle Creek returners can be identified by an adipose fin/right maxillary fin clip. ODFW biologists welcome any reports of anglers catching these chinook as they continue to evaluate the success of this program.

If you are out on the Clackamas River this spring you might see ODFW crews working a research project on spring chinook, mainly from Barton down to Gladstone. These crews will be doing radio telemetry research on hatchery springers from May through late June. The fish will be caught by hook and line or nets, then tagged and released unharmed. Anglers who happen to catch one of these fish will be able to identify it by the wire tag hanging out of its mouth and all tagged fish must be released unharmed. ODFW would appreciate any information about the catch or the tag; they can call the number found printed on the tag or contact District Biologist Todd Alsbury at 971-673-6011.

Clackamas River Recreation Corridor

If you are visiting the Portland area, fishing the Clackamas River or are just up for some exploring the Clackamas River corridor has a lot to offer.  Following HWY 224 to Estacada the opportunities for outdoor excitement billow around you with plenty of options.  Parks along the Clackamas River such as Barton Park, McIver Park and others offer plenty of outdoor rec ideas.  The drive up 224 can be stunning as you enter the upper river canyon; wildlife viewing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, hiking, photography and fishing options are nearly endless just minutes from Portland.

Along the lower Clackamas River at Baron park you might meet with friends to play a game of softball, run the dog or go fishing.  Pickniking options abound at Barton and McIver Park.  McIver Park which is farther up river and closer to the town of Estacada offers fishing access, camping and a popular Frisbe Golf course.

Barton Park has some great fishing opportunities for Steelhead, Chinook and coho.

Driving through the small town of Estacada one cannot help but stop at one of the unique coffee shops for some java or one of our favorites- the Harmony Bakery.  Established in 1984 this bakery has enormous donuts that will make your mouth water while oogling them through the glass before you even order. Homemade breads and great breakfasts are also found here.

Harmony Bakery is found on 221 SW Wade St Estacada, OR 97023 (503) 630-6857

You will also want to stop by the Fearless Brewing on your way back.  Great beer, burgers and a cool local make this a sure bet to fill the hungry on your way home from your Clackamas corridor adventure.

Headed up river east, past Estacada on Hwy 224 you will soon enter the Mt. Hood National Forest.  Check for details on what you may need for a forest park pass.  Hunting, hiking, fishing and more are natural fits for the Mt Hood National forest.  Located twenty miles east of the city of Portland, Oregon, and the northern Willamette River valley, the Mt. Hood National Forest extends south from the strikingly beautiful Columbia River Gorge across more than sixty miles of forested mountains, lakes and streams to Olallie Scenic Area, a high lake basin under the slopes of Mt. Jefferson and encompasses the entire upper reaches of the Clackamas River.

Hiking along the upper Clackamas in Spring

Trilliums line the trail in shady forested areas

The bloom of a salmon berry bush

The upper Clackamas in April can have a good volume of water from snow melt.

Lush vegetation is common along Clackamas corridor trails

Wild steelhead are and important and precious resource in the Clackamas basin

 and must be released unharmed.

Fish Creek is a wild fish sanctuary on the upper Clackamas

Hiking, fishing, hunting and whitewater sports are all found in the Upper Clackamas River corridor.  This area is a key spawning zone for wild steelhead and salmon.  One of the last remaining late arriving wild coho runs in the entire Columbia basin has it's strong hold in the upper Clackamas watershed.  Important care must be given when fishing the upper watershed of the Clackamas; wild juvenile salmon and steelhead call this place home for several years before they go to sea.  Carefully release these fish and check your regulations carefully before you fish, many sections of the upper Clackamas are closed to fishing.  Lakes such as: Harriet Lake, Ollalie Lake, Timothy Lake, and Trillium lake offer great fishing for planted and holdover rainbow trout, some browns, and the elusive brook trout.  

For great fishing options on the Clackamas river contact a local, professional fishing guide.  We recommend Rob Crandall of Water Time Outfitters.  Rob grew up on the banks of the Clackamas and can help you find your next adventure.  See more about great fishing options at: www.watertimeoutfitters.com 

Clackamas Steelhead Hit Prime Time

It's prime time on the Clackamas for Steelhead fly fishing.  This close to Portland, destination river offers year round fishing opportunities but for those who swing the fly with spey rods, this is prime time.  Water temperatures are starting to warm from the winter chilly readings, the spring foliage is budding out in brilliant shades and three strains of steelhead are steeming up the Clack right now.

While you may see ducks, geese, osprey, deer, beaver, or bald eagles it is the steelhead we are after right now.  Chrome bright fresh arriving wild, hatchery spring fish and hatchery summer fish are all overlapping right now.

See more about fishing the Clackamas River with Rob Crandall in his Jet boat or drift boat at:
www.watertimeoutfitters.com

Clackamas River Steelhead & Salmon to See Big Changes

Casadero Dam on the Clackamas River- Summer 2012

The Clackamas River is fish bearing stream about to see big changes. It is near the city of Portland, Oregon and flows through communities like, Oregon City, Gladstone, Estacada, Barton and Carver among others. Spring and fall Chinook salmon, coho, winter-spring and summer Steelhead run in it's waters. Flowing off the cool slopes of the Mt. Hood the Clackamas River is a complex system with a number of power generation projects interupting it's flow. PGE operates with-in the Clackamas basin and is up for relicensing it's current project. For relicensing PGE has been tasked with some major changes to the way business is done.

Warm water temperatures are death to salmon & steelhead juveniles as well as resident trout. The Clackamas river has been exceeding the maximum temperature requirements during summer months. PGE's solutions to lowering the water temperatures are big moves that in theory will improve the health of the river system.

North Fork Dam on the Clackamas River



First, adding spawning size gravel to the system below River Mill Dam is supposed to help the water run faster and cooler. Thousands of yards of gravel are expected to be added to the river. More water will be below the riverbed surface and under and around rocks gaurding it from the sun. This also mitigates for lack of spawning size gravel moving through the river system from upriver tributarys. The dams stop this movement of important sized gravel and over the years this is having a cumulative effect. Less spawning gravel for wild fish.

Fish Trap below Casadero Dam on the Clackamas River- Spring Chinook in the water



Second, Faraday lake on the Clackamas river system is a diverted portion of the river split apart at Casadero Dam. This water historically sat in the lake and then is run through power generation exiting back into the main river channel. This is also beleived to be a culprit of warmer water temperatures in the lower river during the summer months. The current plan calls for eliminating the lake and channelizing the water to the power generation facility.

Third, new fish trap facilities are planned to be state of the art and reduce fish handling. A new facility is being built near North Fork reservior. This new facility is promised to be much better than the old facility below Casadero Dam.

Fourth, new juvenile collection traps will be placed at the top of Rivermill and North Fork dams. Funneling fish into the newly updated bypass tube that takes downstream migrating fish from above NF all the way to below Rivermill dam.

Suffice it to say there are a lot of things going on with the Clackamas river system this year (2012). We'll see how these new changes impact our wild and hatchery steelhead runs.

Clackamas River Steelhead - Guide's Life

Living next to the Clackamas River my whole life it has been a challenge to get things done; who wants to go mow the lawn when the river is so close?  I am blessed to have an occupation that is also my passion.  The guides life isn't all fun on the river but it sure is a great place to call my office.  Since I was 5 years old, I have plied the waters of the Clackamas River.  Now a full time fishing guide, I get to share the love and passion for the river and it's fish with those who fish with me. 

Fly fishing the Clackamas is my favorite way to catch steelhead in the winter and spring.  We fish both swung flies and indicator strategies.  To maximize our time on the water we often swing flies through the good runs and then drift with indicators through the steelhead travel routes to intercept both wild and hatchery steelhead. 

We float the Clackamas in drift boats like Clackacraft's made right here in Clackamas, Oregon.  Drift boats give us versatility and stealth that jet boats don't have.  When the water is too high or an angler cannot wade we can swing flies right out of the boat.  We also can easily choose to fish dead-drift patterns out of the boat if fishing the swung fly has been very slow virtually eliminating down time.  The other asset of the quiet boat aside from not polluting gas and oil into our precious resource is the stealth it provides.  We can sneak into quiet riffles and shallow water spots inaccessible to big boats.

On the Clackamas River you may see, otter, beaver, deer, osprey, bald eagles, canadian geese, and a variety of ducks. 

The Clackamas river is located just 1/2 hour from the Portland airport.  Many lodging options are available.  Corporate events, weddings, business travel of all kinds bring anglers to the Clackamas River.  Whether an advanced fly fisher or a beginner we can help you make the most of your time on the water. 

Come join the fun!

Rob Crandall
www.watertimeoutfitters.com or email:  wto@ccgmail.com