By Robbie
Report
Winter steelhead fishing is decent to exceptional right now! With good reports coming from up and down the Oregon Coast there is no reason you should be sitting at home on your days off. Most hatchery runs are reaching their peaks, but will have have fresh fish coming in through March. There a lot of fish in those rivers. The North Umpqua and other rivers with strong wild returns have been steady all season with natural lulls and upticks. Expect those systems to only increase in productivity through the season’s end. It is time to get out there!
We had some serious low water throughout the end of January and early February. I enjoy low water winter steelhead fishing. My Outcast Clearwater loves technical low water boating. Its been a fun tool in the program the last few seasons. It lets me fish and helps me safely navigate waters most people won’t get to in low water. I know not everyone loves low water, but it is when fly fishing for winter steelhead can be most productive. Especially this season because the rivers were not low and that cold; they were just low. Last season I fished water as cold as 36 more than a couple times. This season the lowest I have fished is 40, but it only stayed like that for a few days. Most of the low water fishing has been 43-47 degrees which is ideal biter temps according to my spreadsheet.
Regardless of my love for low water it lowered the morale of some anglers, but those who kept at it found consistent fishing with few anglers around. This consistent fishing signaled a promising return year. There just wasn’t enough water to cause a rush upriver. Optimism remained high because those who went fishing felt when the rains finally return a horde of fish would follow. And optimism has prevailed!
Outlook
A lot of people give up too early in their winter steelhead season. Mid Feb to March/first week of April (depending on river system) is the time to fish. Fresh fish and lingering ones will be around. I would fish wherever you feel like. Or wherever conditions allow. From here on till the season’s end you can count on at least some willing players in your favorite waters. Looks like we might be in for a wetter end of the season as usual with a lot of rain expected over the next few days. It can really on only be wetter than its been so far, right?
Gear
For spey poles I fish a Sage R8 8126 with a 625gr Max Power from Rio because I like to huck. We have gotten in our season’s order of Burkheimers for the more cultured anglers. Maybe treat yourself to a Galvan Swing or a Loop Classic reel. On smaller rivers I swing with a working class Echo SR 8wt. A rod that does what it needs to do: cast heavy stuff, short distances with ease and put the wood to hot fish in close quarters. This season I have been alternating between 500gr or 540gr Struznik Skagit Timberline. A great new fishing Skagit head from RIO. The rod seems to perform fine with either, I’ve been running the 500.
In my straightforward steelheader’s brain weight and profile trump color in fly selection. Your fly just needs to be different than the last guy’s. It needs to be aggravating. Fish different weight flies with different tips. Once you have figured out your local runs you will know which combo fishes it best. We are well stocked on Hoh Bo Speys and Signature Intruders. Two production patterns I have landed winter steelhead on! We also have some awesome Winter Steelhead Flies from local guide and renowned tyer Jim Sens in right now.
Of course it is had to beat “egg patterns”. I have gotten exceptional use out of a set of Echo Ion XLs in 7wt and 8wt models. These rods can plop over whatever amount of weight is required of them. Especially the 8. Not too many manufactures make an 810 anymore. An ION XL 810 offers excellent value, performance and unparalleled cost per fish caught (not guaranteed). Another option is the the Redington Wrangler 710. The 7wt 10′ option is the most budget friendly steelhead rod on the market at $200. Finish either off with a SA Anadro Indicator Line and some egg patterns for a successful end to winter steelhead season.
Thanks for reading and hammer down out there! -Robbie
