You know you’ve been staring at the Thingamabobber to long when you start pondering such things as sucker evolution but hey it’s been a long Winter. Wait it’s April 14th and I just fished all day in sideways snow on the Middle Fork. All things considered it wasn’t really a bad day. We caught fish on March Browns, Possie Buggers and Mega Princes. It was colder than hell and I had to turn the boat around (backs to the sleet) to gobble lunch down in 2 minutes before it “sogged” in my hand.
Back to the Suckers, I hate to admit this but 5 have been landed in my boat this spring. Believe it or not they have been hooked in the mouth, if that is what you’d call it. Scary!
Any insights on why I have caught more suckers this spring than the previous 25 are welcomed. I know that “rough” fishing and “Brownlining” are the new thing but come on.
Other fishing reports around the state include
Bright Spring Steelhead have been caught at Dexter Dam and Leaburg Dam. Amazing since there are only about 600 fish over Willamette falls but believable because in high water they make a serious be line for home.
I heard a rumor that the Crooked River was fishing well. Great news as the past few years have been dismal.
Lower Deschutes near Maupin continues to fish well. Blue Winged Olive hatches have been good. Fishing tiny Blue Wings in back eddies out of the wind has been the best bet. March Browns have been spotted and will be emerging with more regularity as the days warm.
Great weather is on the way for the weekend. State wide water conditions will be very good. –CD
One odd thought that comes to mind regarding sucker grabs: Hughes and Hafele reported a markedly low bug count on a recent recon of the lower McKenzie. They said it was the fewest nymphs in the gravel they have ever seen, with no explanation. Maybe the suckers are extra hungry?
Or maybe you’re just THAT good! Suckers are by far a higher prize than a silly trout. Trout are cute, but dim witted. Suckers are comparatively brilliant, but their beauty is not widely appreciated.
I, for one, think they are gorgeous. Hail to “the bronze!”
Not sure why they’re after the flies now either, but I dredged up a monster sucker on a pt nymph on the lower Deschutes in Dececmber. Thought maybe I had drifted it right into its mouth until reading your post….not as exciting as you might expect from a 24+ inch fish, more like a boot with scales.
We got a beast on the lower Mack the other day too! Ate a little March Brown nymph.
I was kinda thinking along Rob’s lines, that they are hungrier than usual.
Oh and thinking along Rob’s lines only with regard to the hungriness issue. Trout dimwitted? Coming from a salmon and steelhead guy? Btw, what exactly does that Intruder imitate?
People should really start using common sense these suckers should not be treated any different then any other trout. If you think that suckers are eating trout eggs they aren’t suckers and trout have been living together for millions of years. Catching a 24 inch sucker would be the highlight of my year. I flyfish for suckers, trout, bass, pike, and panfish its awesome