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 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!

Wet and Wild - Strategies for Oregon's Winter Chrome

Fishing in Oregon during the winter months is not for the faint of heart.  Wind, rain and elements conspire to make it tough and wading some nw rivers is just not for the timid- the payoff however is big chrome wild steelhead that make your heart pound and leave you breathless.

Amazing settings are the hallmark of steelhead lairs and the rivers of Oregon hold nothing back in raw rainforest beauty and awe inspiring vistas.  The veiw from the banks of the nw waters are filled with alders and fir trees, moss covered branches and dripping ferns.  Elk, blacktail deer and various ducks, hawks and bald eagles grace these waters.  Add in the most amazing of sportfish and Oregon's treasures beckon to be added to even the longest bucket list.

Here strategy is key and nothing is more addicting than the inspiring yank on the line with the swung fly approach.  Sure there are many ways to fool these fish but the most difficult and most alluring is the swung fly strategy.  Here the angler plies the water with a fly often 3" long that moves, wiggles and draws the attention of the ghostly chrome predators imitating shrimp, prawns, squid or just something that pisses them off.

The water is cold so sinking the fly during the cold winter months is of utmost importance.  Effective anglers use sinking tip lines made with tungsten to sink the fly.  Lengths of sinking lines loop onto floating fly lines making them easy to cast.  Common length tips are 10-12' long and are rated by sinking speed.  These sink tips are referred to as T-8, T-11, T-14 etc indicating they are tungsten and 8,11, or 14 grains (weight) per foot.

We use a variety of tricks to get these flies deep in the ever changing flows of winter with the cast, swing -step down approach the trademark of the approach.  Changing things up to get the fly deeper as the conditions warrent is the key to success and the intuition of a good guide and coach who can help you massage the fly to depths likely to elicite a strike.  As the water is cold - often 36-40 degrees getting the fly half the depth of the water is essential.

Rob Crandall owner of Water Time Outfitters, Inc. has teamed up with FlyfishTv and is producing a new DVD which will help anglers reach new levels of success during this tricky time of year.  The upcoming DVD - Deep Swing Secrets will be available sometime this fall.

Oregon has a multitude of amazing waters to seach with the swung fly for the elusive and amazing steelhead.  Top producing rivers are:  North Umpqua, Nehalem, Trask, Wilson, Sandy and Clackamas Rivers.  There are many many more rivers that could be added to this list.

To learn the tricks of success and have personalized coaching on your fishing strategy try the WINTER STEELHEAD TUNEUP coming up March 5.

See more about steelhead fly fishing opportunities visit: www.watertimeoutfitters.com

Free Steelhead Fly Seminars - Portland Sportsman's Show Feb 10-14, 2016

Come see us at one of the west's biggest sporting shows right here in Portland, OR.  The show starts this Wednesday and runs through Sunday (Feb 10-14).   Water Time Outfitters will be at the show with our booth along the fly casting ponds.  Stop by and chat or check out our new t-shirts and sweatshirts!

Each day Marc Williamson and Rob Crandall will be doing seminars.  Here is Rob's Steelhead seminar schedule:

Wednesday 10th:
Fly Fishing Theater           6pm       Mastering the Swung Fly for Winter Steelhead
Steelhead River                 2pm       Top 5 Steelhead Fly Fishing Strategies

Thursday 11th:
Fly Fishing Theater           2 pm     Deschutes River Summer Steelhead Strategies
Steelhead River                 7pm       Top 5 Steelhead Fly Fishing Strategies

Friday 12th: 
Fly Fishing Theater           5pm      Mastering the Swing for Winter Steelhead
Steelhead River                 2pm      Top 5 Steelhead Fly Fishing Strategies

Saturday 13th: 
Fly Fishing Theater           12pm    Deschutes Summer Steelhead Strategies
Steelhead River                  4pm     Top 5 Steelhead Fly Fishing Strategies

Sunday 14th: 
Steelhead River                  1pm     Top 5 Steelhead Strategies

We hope to see you there!

www.watertimeoutfitters.com 

Sandy River Fishing Report - January

The Sandy River has continued to produce good numbers of winter steelhead for anglers who have toughed out the rough weather December and early January has dished out.  The hatchery at Cedar Cr (a tributary of the Sandy) has already seen a decent return and has begun to recycle fish back down river to the Lewis and Clark boat ramp.  Recycled fish can be identified by a single hole pounch found inthe right side gill plate of the fish.  In addition good numbers of wild steelhead make a showing in Janaury.  Fishing is best from the hatchery down to Lewis and Clark with much of the pressure centered around Oxbow park.

A typical rule of thumb for the Sandy River is when snow levels are below 4,000 feet fishing conditions get good.

If you decide to hit the Sandy try the Crandall's Provider in Black and Blue- the wild fish of the Sandy seem to especially like this fly. Find this fly at: www.spiritriver.com or at Royal Treatment Fly shop 503-850-4397

The Guides Choice- A Fly Pattern for Winter

One of my favorite patterns for the green waters of winter is the "Crandall's Guides Choice".  This pattern is commercially produced for me by Spirit River.  It has combines color and movement to get results during winter flows.  First, I tie this pattern with a small lead eye, I like white because it gives a spot of color that stands out.  When water clarity is low colors that really show up are key.  Some of my favorites for low visibility (low clarity) is fire orange and cerise.  These make a powerful combination and represent squid colors steelhead are used to eating out in the ocean for the last several years.  The movement of the extended rabbit fur tail is excellent combined with the flowing/swimming motion from the specially designed wing of ostrich herl.  

Try this pattern or one like it on the green waters of winter where you fish!  I think you'll like it.  Find this pattern at:  www.spiritriver.com  or Royal Treatment Fly Shop in West Linn, OR 503-850-4397

Please note: when tying this fly rotate the hook opposite of the photo above.  Spirit river has now corrected this problem but hook point riding up is best.  It reduces nasty snags and is better on the fish you hook.  Thanks!  Rob Crandall

Winter Steelhead Tune-Up Class

Winter Steelhead Tune-Up Class March 5th, 2016

Dial in your approach for winter steelhead on the banks of the Clackamas River with pro guide Rob Crandall.  Rob reveals the tips, tricks and tactics from over 20 years of guiding.  Things you need to be more successful with the swung fly this winter.  This four hour session is a jump in and go class getting to the nuts and bolts of swung fly success.  Water lev

el depending you will be transported to good fishing water via jet boat, optimizing the amount of water we can cover and assess.  Assistant guide Todd Rettmann will be on hand to help.  Details of the approach and personalized coaching from Rob and Todd help you increase your odds of success.

We recommend you join us on the FREE seminar before the class (Feb 20^th) at Royal Treatment Fly shop in West Linn, OR. 

Class Location:    This on-water class will be held on the Clackamas River 

Class Timing:     Morning Session is 8:00am-12pm   

                             Afternoon session 12:30-4:30 pm 

Class Fee:   $75 Per person.  Choose either Morning session or Afternoon Session.  Prepayment is required.

Payment Options:      Email us for payment details: rob@watertimeoutfitters.com or call 503-704-6449

Recommended Equipment:  #7 or 8 spey rod, Skagit fly line, sink tips (10’ T-11), waders, boots, fishing license, raingear.

Rods/reel/line combos are available on request.  Preferred flies are Crandall’s Steelhead Nitemare, Crandall’s Provider, Pick Your Pocket black/blue, Crandall’s Guides Choice.  

Water Time Outfitters, Inc. is an Oregon based guided fishing operation that focuses on Oregon's best fly fishing waters for Steelhead and Trout fishing.  See more about us at: www.watertimeoutfitters.com  #thetugisthedrug  #stlhdr #watertime

How to be an Unsuccessful Winter Fly Angler

How to be an Unsuccessful Winter Fly Angler

The quest for winter steelhead on the swing is an admirable thing to do- only those who are carefull to be unlucky are completely unsuccessful at all times.  These are quick and easy steps to non-success that anyone can master.

Fish the wrong gear- a sure fire start to non-success is to use your summer steelhead lines for winter steelhead.  Swinging flies on the surface is fun and rewarding way to cast, and cast and cast.  Winter fish are frozen to the bottom so swinging a fly on the surface will ensure you don't get fish slime on your hands.

Consistency is for the birds- don't worry about your cast length or wading.  To be consistently unsuccessful it is helpful to cast short, then long.  Especially helpful is to make a short cast then wade 20 feet then make a long cast.  Being consistent and concise moving 5' down every time is boring.  

Sharp hooks are not worth the time.  If you worry about how sharp your hook is you are wasting time.  After pounding on a snagged fly that finally comes loose don't waste your time with a hook file.  This might ensure that if you did get a hit you might actually hook up and lose casting time.

Yank hard!  IF you somehow manage to get BIT after following the above advice do the following: YANK HARD at the earliest inkling that something alive is mouthing your fly.  This will ensure that you save the fly and don't harass an amazing wild steelhead. 

Ignore wind knots at all times.  When the wind blows (or even when it doesn’t) and your fly and leader end in a tangle be sure to keep casting.  Nothing slows you down like fiddling with knots!  If for some reason you snagged a rock or somehow hooked a fish - look at the bright side; the tippet would break and casting would go so much easier and you didn't waste any casting time fiddling with that knot! 

Wear lousy traction to ensure a short day.  If your wading boots suck you might get home earlier and have more time on the couch.  How you say with interest?  Once you go for a swim in winter waters the rest of the group will be forced to get you home where hypothermia will not be an option.  Rubber bottomed boots on large boulder rivers are a perfect combination for non-success.  Try this on days when your casting may be especially lousy or when there is a good football game on. 

These are some short tips when followed carefully will ensure your non-success this winter. 

Happy Casting!  

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!

Customer Thank You- Winter Steelhead N. Coastal Rivers

John battles a dandy steelhead!

Thought I would share this great note from a recent client:

Rob, 

Thanks for a great day of steelheading on the Nehalem.  I couldn't ask for better instruction and thoroughly enjoy your company.  Thanks also for not completely overlooking my 30 years of bad casting habits; your patience is unsurpassed.  Now if I can just learn to let the fish run...

Looking forward to our next trips!

John

A Chromer for Bob

Our good friend and client Bob M. from the Portland area loves to chase steelhead.  At a bit over 70 years young he is still up for a good battle with a chrome steelie.  This beauty of a hatchery fish found on one of our favorite Oregon coast rivers went home with Bob for a BBQ.  Way to go Bob!

See more about Water Time Outfitters at: www.watertimeoutfitters.com 

Oregon's Winter Steelhead Season 2015

Dave's Oregon Coast Steelhead

We had worked the slot very carefully and picked up one nice steelhead about 8 pounds.  We released it and Dave made a few more casts before we were going to head out.  Dave's line straightened in the sweet spot and he lifted his rod into a heavy fish.  Huge head shakes were followed by a ballistic run upriver with a cartwheel on the surface throwing spray like a broken firehose.  The bruiser was having none of what we wanted and pulled hard violently ripping line off the reel as it headed down river.  Now in the tailout it was do or die.  Dave pulled hard but this big guy was headed back to the sea.  We had no choice but to commence chase in the boat.  Downriver into the rapids below the surging steelhead muscled his way through the heavy current aiming towards a log jam.  If he get's in there he's a goner -we all knew... Fighting a fish through a rapid and bouncing down river in the boat is challenging but Dave kept the line tight and the rod bent.  Several times the fish made a mad dash under the boat.  A quick spin on the oars helped keep us from a broken rod on the gunnel.  Finally out of the rapids and into the next hole the big fish started to tire. Eventually we eased him into the catch and release net and admired a dandy steelhead by any measure.  We estimated it at 17 pounds.  A great battle and an epic fish.  Steelhead- hard to beat!

Fishing for winter steelhead has been good this season.  Oregon's north coast is home to some of the best rivers in the region for winter steelhead.  Rivers like the Wilson, Trask, Kilches, NF Nehalem and Necanicum Rivers have seen good returns of chrome steelhead.  Winter steelhead fishing has it's challenges. Water conditions and every changing weather are a big factor.  Another variable especially telling for fly anglers is the water temperatures; cold water makes fishing tough.  For a wide variety of river scenics and fishing variety Oregon's north coast has a lot to offer.

Fly fishing the north coast focuses on two primary techniques; the swung fly strategy and nymph fishing approach.  Both are deadly effective at the proper time and place.  Swung flies are extremely effective when water temperatures are warmer.  Coastal rivers tend to run warmer than inland rivers because of the marine influence and generally warmer temperatures.  This plays into the favor of the swung fly angler.  The cast is generally down and across alowing the fly to sweep across the current.  Quickly covering a large area of water searching for aggressive steelhead.  To get the fly down the swung fly approach requires a sink tip for the winter timeframe.  Sink tips are often 10-12' long and have varied sink rates.  Sinking tips that drop at 6-8 inches per second are common for this time of year.  T-11 and Type 8 sink tips are a favorite among many veteran anglers but lighter and heavier tips may be required depending on the wide swing in fishing conditions.  While the take of the fly can vary when a fish grabs the swung fly an electrifying tug is often felt.  This is where the expression: "The Tug is the Drug" comes from.

Nymph fishing strategies for steelhead allow for a dead drifted presentation and fishes the water much differently than the swung fly.  With the dead drift approach getting the fly deep is the main objective. Indicators are placed on the leader allowing the angler to quickly detect a fish or rock that has stopped the fly.  Split shot or weighted flies are utilized to anchor through the fast and heavy flows of winter and get down to where the fish are.  These are varied depending on the flow of the river.

This year's return of hatchery steelhead has been excellent.  Great returns have been seen on many of our coastal rivers.  Most notably the NF Nehalem has seen as many hatchery fish return in by Jan 1 as we had return in the entire season on 2014.  Limits of fish each day for our guides have been the standard when good water conditions allowed in late December and early January.

For good bank accessible rivers, the Wilson River flowing into Tillamook and the Necanicum River flowing into the Oregon town of Seaside are favorites.  Miles of easy access are found along HWY 6 on the Wilson and on HWY 26 for the Necanicum.  The Wilson River has many great sections to float but the upper river has extreme hazards.  The Kilches river is a beautiful gem which receives early hatchery steelhead and later run wild fish.  This river has several good access points and can easily be floated in the lower river with a pontoon boat, raft or drift boat.  The NF Nehalem is a dangerous river for floaters and only expert anglers should consider this float. Three water falls in a basalt cliff canyon are the legendary hallmarks of this river.  Limited access is found along the bank near the hatchery where anglers have solid results during medium -high water conditions.  The Nestucca River is another river just south of Tillamook that sees excellent returns of both hatchery and wild steelhead from December - March.

For the best view of the river join one of the Water Time Outfitters team of guides for a day float.  Our guides are experienced oarsmen and expert anglers with a lifetime of experience on the north coast of Oregon.  See more info at: www.watertimeoutfitters.com

Big Water Event Ahead

This graph shows the forecasted water levels for the Clackamas River for Dec 19-24.  Rarely do we get a graph like this where there is so much pink at the top of the screen.  More commonly on big rain storms we would see the river rising near or to the Action phase at 18'.  Here it shows the river rising to Major Flood stage at nearly 25'.  Normal flows for this time of year are around 12'6"-14'.  Looks like this one is going to be a dandy.  Watch for new channels to form and the river to shift.  We may have some new holes to fish by Christmas!

www.watertimeoutfitters.com 

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! 

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!  

Winter Steelhead - Techiques Tune-Up Class

Dial in your game for winter steelhead on the banks of the Clackamas River not far from Portland, Oregon with pro guide Rob Crandall.  Rob reveals the tips, tricks and tactics you need to be more successful with the swung fly this winter.  This three hour session is a jump in and go class getting to the nuts and bolts of swung fly success with personalized attention on your technique.  Only $40.  Spots fill fast, save yours today!  Call Rob 503-704-6449 or email:  Winter Steelhead Tune-Up Class

On water class session is held after our FREE seminar at Royal Treatment Fly Shop in West Linn, OR.  Free seminar starts at 10am - 11:30 on water session will be from 1-4pm.

Class Dates:

Dec 13

Jan 10

Feb 21

Mar 21

See more about Rob Crandall's guided fishing at: www.watertimeoutfitters.com 

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

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 

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