Water, water, everywhere, nor any drop to drink!
The first spring flowers are budding and the rivers are still full!
The tail end of the winter steelheading season is still kicking. I have had decent reports from all of the Gorge and the coast. I think the high water is helping some anglers access fish that would normally be deep in the center of runs when the water is low and clear. The warmer air temps and fresh flows are keeping the fish that are around pretty happy.
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| Skwala are stilling hatching! |
The high and muddy water is still impairing much of the main Columbia fishing as well. Bass fishing has been difficult with the cold muddy water. The carp fishing should improve as the water clears a bit and the dark bottomed muddy backwaters warm up.
Lake fishing for trout is a very viable option this time of year and a lot of fun to boot! Just make sure you check the regulations on the body of water you want to fish. Some lakes in Oregon and Washington are open all year, but many open on the 4th Saturday in April, which is the 22nd this year. Pulling a woolly bugger or leech around this time of year is just about as productive as anything, but get you supply of Chironomids ready as that can be a stellar way to catch wary lake fish in the spring, and all year really. Callibaetis mayfly hatches are also a possibility, and the nymphs can be very actively swimming before a hatch. Make sure you have some nymphs and dries in your box, as this hatch can be spectacular if you are there on the right day!
Lake fishing for trout is a very viable option this time of year and a lot of fun to boot! Just make sure you check the regulations on the body of water you want to fish. Some lakes in Oregon and Washington are open all year, but many open on the 4th Saturday in April, which is the 22nd this year. Pulling a woolly bugger or leech around this time of year is just about as productive as anything, but get you supply of Chironomids ready as that can be a stellar way to catch wary lake fish in the spring, and all year really. Callibaetis mayfly hatches are also a possibility, and the nymphs can be very actively swimming before a hatch. Make sure you have some nymphs and dries in your box, as this hatch can be spectacular if you are there on the right day!
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| Adventure awaits in the PNW if you are willing to look, so get out there! |
ODFW Fishing Regulations 2017
**Friendly reminder** WA fishing licenses expired on 3/31, so make sure you get a new one if you are headed out!
**Friendly reminder** WA fishing licenses expired on 3/31, so make sure you get a new one if you are headed out!
Flows: The USGS sites give us real-time flows, while the NOAA site shows us predictions based on weather patterns. Both are invaluable tools.
Hood River:
Clackamas:
Deschutes near Madras:
Deschutes at the mouth:
Columbia River
As always, we are happy to talk fishing anytime. Give us a call if you have any specific questions on local rivers, gear, and tactics, or if you just want some encouragement to get out of the office. 541.386.6977
Ryan Van Duzor
Gorge Fly Shop | Product Specialist
541.386.6977
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