Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - 1/16/25

Winter Steelhead

Winter season is always a rollercoaster.  The first part of this "winter", if you can even call it that, brought a tremendous amount of water and moved a bunch of fish.  The bite area wide was pretty encouraging leading up to all the flooding and continued for a while when things dropped back in.  This situation seems to come up often in the winter, but it's time to start hoping for rain again.   Rivers from the coast through the Gorge have been on a long steady drop and it looks like that's going to continue for another week-ish.  There are fish to be had, but they seem to be getting a little sparse for the time being in a lot of places.  Look for the next bump to be productive.  In the mean time, try some brighter sink tip flies on these beautiful sunny days!  

Deschutes Trout

The Lower Deschutes is in great shape.  Easy level to wade and the water temps are notably warmer than they could be at this time of year.  That means there's some great trout fishing to be had!  Nymphing with whatever method you prefer will be the most consistent way to go, but there are other options on the table.  Hatches of BWO's and midges will be fairly consistent.  Especially on cloudy days.  You could even encounter some other bugs on these extra warm days.  

If there is cloud cover, be sure to work a streamer into the program.  Whether you're a Trout Spey person or prefer the single-hander, the streamer bite is not to be overlooked.  It can be just outstanding and produce some of the larger fish in the river.  The fly itself doesn't have to be that big, but your terminal tackle does!  Call this a 1 or 2x fluorocarbon deal.  The initial bite and surge from a big one can easily break lighter tippet.

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  GFS Fly Kits |  Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Friday's Featured Fly

Doesn't it look like it's about to crawl away!?  Here's RIO's take on the Flexo Crab in tan.  Made quietly famous in the Seychelles, this style of crab has caught the attention of Permit and other crab eaters across the globe.  Guides on Christmas Island love this one for triggers.

It's hard to beat a good cheeseburger!  The fly version has all kinds of great crabby characteristics.  Feczko's Cheeseburger is quietly one of the best bugs for Triggers.  Fun trick fly to try for Permit, too.  

Signature tyer of this fly, Jeffrey Feczkko, reached out to us and shared the story of how this fly came to life. We would love to share it with you.  6 or 7 years ago, in the middle of an atol in the middle of the Indian Ocean, he created what would end up being one of the best flies for trigger fish.  Jeffery is very humbled by the popularity of his fly and appreciates RIO for reproducing this fly.  To note Charlie tried bringing this fly in last year but was sold out!  We are excited to now have it in the shop.  

We want to personally thank Jeffrey for reaching out and sharing his story behind the scenes of this incredible fly.

Howell's Signature Intruder - Snowflake.  This little gem is slightly flashier than other Shrimp Patterns, is a great pattern in less-than-ideal conditions for bonefish and redfish. Tied with materials that are subtle yet have a tad of flash, resulting in a highly visible and enticing fly for murky water and low-light conditions

It's dark and rainy here in the PNW.  Some warm Flats Fishing sure sounds good!  Today's Friday Featured Fly is RIO's Smelling Salt.  This one was originally intended for laid-up Tarpon, but works equally well for all things that live in mangroves! 

Big Bonefish in certain destinations love big Flies! These are a few of our favorites for the Bahamas and beyond. Saltwater gear sales have picked up recently.  Weather changes increase the desire to find warm tropical water.  Searching for the big fish that call it home.  If you have not hunted for Bonefish before, you should put this on your bucket list.  Check out Sage's Limited Edition Grand Slam Salt R8 rod paired with a Sage Enforcer limited edition reel.  Our crew has a ton of Saltwater experience.  If you have questions, give us a call. 

No doubt about it.  Some of the best trout spey flies come in natural color schemes.  Aqua Flies' Trout Spey Intruder is a scaled-down, unweighted pattern tied in an intruder-style.  Buggy and wiggly.  This one gets it done!

Cooler fall weather has our minds wandering to the Caribbean. Salt season is upon us! Here’s one of Andros Island’s unofficial official bonefish flies.  The beefy RIO's Gotcha Clouser in size 2.  Simple and deadly!

It's getting deeper into fall, and many of the rivers in the northwest are filling up with coho.  If you're looking for a fly to strip on a single-hander or jig throughout the swing, check out the Starlight Leech Pink.  Heavy eyes to get down and work the twitch that love.

Fish it on the drop: a PNW winter playbook (2026)

“Winter teaches patience the hard way, then pays you back all at once.”

PNW winter playbook (short version)

Winter fishing in the Pacific Northwest is rarely tidy. Rivers spike, drop, spike again, and you can spend more time watching gauges than fishing. Still, there is a pattern that keeps showing up in our reports, and it is worth repeating because it actually helps.

Fish it on the drop.

When a river crests and starts to fall, fish move. The water is still high enough to give them confidence, but it is clearing and settling. That window is where a lot of “it finally happened” days come from. If you only remember one thing from this, remember that.

North Coast winter steelhead

A typical winter setup on the coast is high water that is slowly coming back into shape. When multiple systems are blown out, a couple will often become fishable first. If you are trying to pick your moment, the drop is the moment.

Previous year’s theme in our reports was simple: people are catching fish, but it may take more work than last season. That is not a complaint, it is just the reality some winters. You earn them. Swinging flies and fishing beads under an indicator can both work. Indicators often hook more fish. The grab on the swing still hits different.

The main advice stays boring, and that is why it works. Be persistent. Keep the fly in the zone. Revisit the holds you trust. Move through water with intention instead of rushing to the next “new” spot.

Deschutes River winter trout

The Deschutes can fish surprisingly well in January and February if the clarity is decent. Trout stack into normal winter holding water and they will eat nymphs throughout the day. They are not always charged up like summer fish, but they do not stop feeding.

A standard two-fly nymph rig is a staple. European-style nymphing shows up in our notes for a reason, it keeps the drift clean and the flies in the lane. On the tippet side, the report mentioned a simple approach that has worked: heavier to the lead fly, lighter to the dropper.

One thing I still agree with, even if it sounds dramatic, is that winter trout season gets overlooked. It is quieter. Fish see fewer flies. If you like having water to yourself, winter on the Deschutes can feel like a gift.

A note on Deschutes steelhead in late winter

This matters enough to say plainly. When Deschutes steelhead are heading toward spawning mode, leave them alone. Even if something is technically allowed, that does not automatically make it the right move. Let them do what they need to do so there are future generations to chase.

Hood River winter steelhead

The Hood often has a later rhythm than some other places. When a slow start is present - with a handful of fish showing, then a more consistent push later in the season. That is a normal story line. If you are committed to the Hood, plan on timing and persistence, not instant results.

The year-round reality, in one pass

We have a lot of water around the Gorge, which means there is almost always something to fish. The hard part is choosing the right thing for the conditions and the time of year. 

Quick Read: Steelhead Fishing Tips - Winter

Late winter into early spring is prime time to lean into two lanes: coast steelhead when the rivers are dropping into shape, and Deschutes trout when the clarity cooperates. If you want to keep it simple, do that. You will learn more by committing to a plan than by trying to sample everything in one weekend.

Good luck out there.

Takeaway: When you are stuck between going and waiting, watch the drop, then go. 

Q: What does “fish it on the drop” actually mean?

A: It means focusing your effort after the river peaks and starts to fall. That period often brings improved clarity and better movement, without turning the river into low, spooky water.

Q: In winter, should I fish steelhead under an indicator or swing flies?

A: Both can work. Indicators tend to produce more hookups for many anglers. Swinging can be slower, but the grab is hard to beat. Pick the method you will fish well all day.

Q: Why do you say not to target Deschutes steelhead when they are nearing spawning?

A: Because protecting the spawn protects the future fishery. Even if something is technically allowed, that does not make it a good choice.

Are you ready for Winter?

• Buyers Guide to Waders
• What is Spey Casting
• Buyer's Guide to Spey Rods for Steelhead
• Wading Boots - Find the Right Size 
• Columbia Gorge Fishing Calendar 

  

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  GFS Fly Kits |  Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

BONEFISHING FLATS OF HAWAI'I = EATING CAKE WITHOUT FROSTING.

Hawai'i Sunsets from the house. Who could ever get tired of this?

I'm not totally a rookie when it comes to fly fishing for bonefish. I've caught a few in Mexico, but it has been a loooong time ago, and only a few. So in my honesty, I consider myself a "Rookie".  Now, fast forward to a couple weeks ago, I'm on a Hawaiian flat and trying to catch a Bonefish.

Wow, what can I say, other than...it's a legit challenge. Anyone who's ever fished the flats of Oahu on their own trying to DIY quickly understands that it's no joke. Considered by many experienced bonefish fisherman, to be some of the spookiest bones on the planet, I can concur! For me, 100% of the time, they saw me before I saw them.

Now, I do like a challenge, that's why I opted the DIY route this time around. That and the fact that I didn't have free reign to fish all day, everyday, while we were in Hawaii. We had family time, my wife ran a marathon with 43,000 of her running friends, we had a Pearl Harbor tour, you get the picture. I set aside at least three times to fish and just had to go regardless of the tides or conditions.

My first encounter of seeing the "Heineken" green color flash, set me up for failure. I was advised when looking for Bonefish that are almost invisible that if you see a "Heineken Green Colored Flash" that that was a Bonefish.  I had been slowly and painstakingly shimmying my way along the flat as to make as little to no noise as possible. At times even just standing in one spot without moving for twenty - thirty minutes. Felt like forever. Just combing the area, and waiting, then waiting some more. Then out of now where I see the flash, coming at me and just to the left side about 10 yards away.

I was prepared for the moment. I had been waiting, had my line stripped off the reel, holding the fly in my off hand, ready to let go, then sweep into my back cast, and with one false cast sending it to the target. For months, every thing I had read or seen on YouTube had taught me to lead these fish a good bit. So I did, I cast about 8 - 10 yards in front of the Heineken green flash and low and behold, I cast right on top of the other 4 to 6 bones that were traveling with that Heineken, single flash that I thought was a single. Ended up being a 6-pack that I never saw and...GONE! I never saw the other fish while combing the area, only that one green flash. I wonder how many fish I actually scared off that I had no clue were there? Probably better off that I don't know.

Those fish were GONE. When I say GONE, I mean GONE!  As they went their separate ways at Mach speed, one of them broke off towards me and swam right broadside in front of me, I could almost have touched him. It seemed like he was swimming in slow motion, looking up at me with that big beaty eye as if to say... "not today, nope...not today!" He was HUGE. Of course he was, why wouldn't he be? I'm sure he gave me the stanky eye as he glided by. I will forever remember the size of him as he stared me down while gliding by.

I was shaking in my Korkers Salt Sneakers, that by the way are awesome, and super comfortable. I highly recommend them. It took me a better part of 30 minutes to calm down. My heart was pounding, I was talking to myself, out loud, nobody cared, I was by myself out in the middle of this flat. Who cares! It was awesome! I had never seen a bonefish that big. My estimation (we will never know if I am right or not, but it's my story) was he was 7 or 8 pounds, maybe even bigger, definitely not smaller.

Hawaii is famous for big bones. Many are caught in the double digit size. My understanding is that the average fish is around 6-7 pounds. The largest bonefish recorded being caught was a stunning 18 pounds 2 ounces back in 1954. Don't cha just wish?! Imagine catching a Bonefish, nearly 20 pounds, that's massive.

So, now I'm keyed on the the Heineken color.  Didn't see another Heineken color flash until the third day of fishing. Again, it was only one flash and again, it was GONE! Not even a chance to make a cast. I believe, due to the tide height, in all my rookieness (sp is horrendous, but I don't care), I was wading too deep and as superb as their eyesight is, I'm sure he/him/her/she/they/them spotted me before I spotted it/them. Anyway, GONE!

I wouldn't know personally, but having a second rod ready to go is essential, things can happen fast on the flats, is the rumor on the streets. So, I was ready!

To pursue these ghost of the flats beast, I was set up about as sweetly as you can get. I took two Winston Air 2 Max rods, one, a 9' 8wt and the other, a 9' 9wt. What an absolute dream it was to cast these rods. I would fish these rods anywhere on the planet in the appropriate application. I do a lot of cycling and there's a feeling you get when your in your groove, you feel like a machine. This is what it was like casting the Air 2 Max. I felt like a machine, just in the rhythm of it all.

One the first day of fishing the tide was higher than I would have liked and I mostly blind casted. Meaning, I didn't physically see any Bonefish, but covered lots of water by casting and retrieving. My strategy while blind casting was to send the cast as far as possible, strip the fly back in and send it again. Covering as much water as possible. I didn't count how many cast I'd made that day but it was hundreds. I may be under exaggerating. 

A Needle Fish attacked my shrimp pattern, what a weird catch. Although I was intrigued by him and looked him over well, those teeth (which you can't see in this photo) are no joke!

My blind casting strategy lacked in results of bonefish, however I was able to catch a couple of fish pictured above and below. I've seen photos of Needlefish, but to actually catch one was kind of crazy. They like to spastically jump around and you have to be careful, their teeth are for real, and you don't want to get cut by their teeth and start bleeding. I mean, you're in the ocean, blood in the ocean is no bueno. Holding that fish felt like I was holding...an alien!

Then this cute little fella, a baby Blue Fin Trevally. Would have loved to catch his great grand dad.

I actually had tons of little fish follow my shrimp patterns to my feet as I stripped them in.  Looked like lots of baby bonefish and baby Blue Fin Trevally. They weren't scared or spooked from me to say the least.  I imagine they felt pretty safe around me because anything of any size that would eat them would be pretty spooked by me. So I was their "safe space" haha. Plus, as I shuffled my feet, I'm sure I was kicking up things they like to eat.

Bauer SLT 9/11 Reel and the one and only Winston Air2 Max 990-4. A sweet combo!

The combo of the Winston Air 2 Max and the Bauer SLT 9/11 reel was a match made for success. Even though on this trip I didn't hook any bones, I know for sure, had I did, I would've been in control. I have absolutely no complaints about this set up. Wait, I guess if you want me to complain about something that is so excellent, it would be that the Bauer SLT reel would have been slightly sweeter on the rod if it was Green. Green, would have matched the "Winston Green" beautifully. That's it. That's my only complaint. In even saying that, I do love the Blue/Silver color too.

As you can see in the photo above, I'm already about knee deep and only a few yards off the beach.

Pictured above was a massive flat that I fished on the second day. Although it was nice to have a calm flat with some sunshine, I felt that I was wading too deep to easily see the fish. I would have liked to fish this flat as the tide just started to come in. There are a few channels that I feel the fish would have come up through as they scattered over the flat. On this day, I had four separate encounters with Bones. But as I stated earlier, they were on their way and not slowing down by the time I saw them. This specific flat was recommended by my friend Jeremiah, our Scientific Anglers rep, who had fish this flat and had encounters with bonefish before. I could see why. It's an awesome flat with a huge area to fish.

Another view of the flat just yards off the beach, again, I would have loved to had fished it at the start of the tide coming in after the low tide.

I worked my way to the edge of the flat which took me about 3-4 hours due to fishing so slowly. Pictured below is the "Edge" which was pretty cool. Deep water and just a straight drop off. I combed the edge for awhile hoping to see some Blue Fin Trevally, but I never saw anything other than little reef fish. I made a fair number of blind cast to try and get lucky, but came up short.

Worked my way to the edge of the flats. Kind of freaky standing at the edge and then it just drops off! I fished the edge for anything that would eat, but I had no takers. They must of been on diets.

MY GEAR DUMP LIST:

RODS

• Winston Air 2 Max: 890-4 and 990-4 - In my humble opinion, probably the best casting, performing, saltwater rod on the market today. Not that there aren't other top notch rods on the list because there are, these just marry with my casting style and paired with the right lines, was an absolute pleasure to fish with. I'm not a super techy guy, in the sense of the science behind the rod. I am very thankful for those designers who are though. Without their skillset, I wouldn't have enjoyed the rod nearly as much. If it feels right, I fish right. In other words, I'm in the right frame of mind when my cast and presentation are right...and with these rods, their right as rain!

REELS

• Bauer SLT 9/11 - Outstanding reel, built very well, with super smooth drag system.
• Galvan Grip 8 - Honestly, for a sealed saltwater reel and for the money you can't go wrong with this gem.
• Tibor Signature 9/10 - (I love this real, but almost impossible to get)

FLY LINES

• Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth Grand Slam WF8F
• Casted like a dream on the Winston Air 2 Max. Loaded easily, turned over the larger shrimp flies with ease! Great match for the rod.
• RIO Elite Bonefish WF8F
• Cast extremely well on the Air 2 Max, especially for the smaller shrimp patterns.
• RIO Bonefish Quickshooter WF8F
• A little heavier than the standard RIO Bonefish line, but was very nice when trying to cast in the windier conditions with the larger flies.
• RIO Elite Flats Pro WF9F
• The perfect line match up for the 9wt Air 2 Max and throwing baitfish patterns on the edge of the flat. Even though I didn't catch anything, the line loaded the rod right and delivered the flies at distance.

LEADERS & TIPPET

• Scientific Anglers Absolute Fluorocarbon Saltwater Leaders: 9' 12,16 & 20 pound
• Scientific Anglers Absolute Fluorocarbon Saltwater Tippet: 12,16 & 20 pound
• RIO Fluoroflex Bonefish/Saltwater Leaders: 9' 12, 16 & 20 pound
• RIO Fluoroflex Saltwater Tippet: 12,16 & 20 pound
• RIO Hard Mono Saltwater Tippet: 60#

FOOTWEAR:

• Korkers Salt Sneaker Wading Boots - I have foot issues, and these sneakers were amazing. As I mentioned earlier they are Super Comfortable and super light. Never had a single issue with the boots nor my feet hurting after all day of fishing. I fished in and around some pretty gnarly coral and the boots only had a few scratches. Super happy with them. If I still played hoops, I'd consider wearing them no joke!

**Note on Salt Sneaker Sizing:  These run bigger than you think. I am a true 13.5 foot and had to order size 13 and they fit PERFECT.

• Korkers 2.5mm I-Drain Wading Socks - The perfect size for flats fishing in almost 80 degree water. Comfortable and kept nearly all the sand out of my boots.

GEAR BAGS:

• Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack - This was the perfect pack for several reasons. I was able to get most of my Hawaii clothes in this backpack (in case my luggage was lost), my laptop, snacks, chargers and a few other small items. It fit nicely under the seat in front of me.
• Fishpond 31" Dakota Carry-On Rod & Reel Case - Admittedly, I was nervous that I wouldn't actually be able to carry this thing on the plane. It had the essentials for fishing the flats and I didn't want it to lose it as a "check in item."  But, I was happy that I did. No one questioned the size or the ability to carry it on. I put two nine foot rods, could've held more, three reels,  three spare fly lines, sunglasses, Fishpond Rod Holster, leaders & tippet and more in this case with ease. Anything that had to do with fishing that wasn't considered "hazardous" was in this carry on. All of my "hazardous" gear, pliers, nippers, flies, knife, etc, was in our one family check in bag.

Key Take Away:
If you DIY Oahu bonefishing, expect to get humbled and enjoy the moments anyway.

• Pearl Harbor tour of the USS Arizona - A personal highlight for my trip. Having served in the Navy, I got emotional as I stood over the U.S.S. Arizona, realizing that it still holds the remains of 900-1100 Sailors and Marines. In addition, there is still oil seeping out from the ship which sank December of 1941. Eighty Four years later and still leaking oil. I was a wreck. In the museum there is a quote on the wall that reads and is so true.

"Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them."- President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Bill of Rights Day, November 27, 1941.

• Guide or No Guide? - Definitely hire a local guide.  Although I had a blast fishing the flats on my own unsuccessfully. I will definitely hire a local guide the next time I'm in Oahu. For obvious reasons I listed above but also for the sake of supporting someone trying to make a living by doing something they love. Hearing their stories. Getting to know them, and in the future, recommending them to others.

• Gear wise, I wouldn't change a thing. My gear was dialed.

• Clothes wise, I could have left behind half the clothes I brought, especially with access to a washing machine. Literally brought clothes I never touched.

Though I was able to have five encounters with these huge bonefish during the time I fished, I never caught nor even hooked one. Yet, I was an emotional mess. Heart pounding, nervous, excited, heart sinking, disappointed and beaten, yet ready to do it all over again.

To me, I was having cake everyday, just without frosting.

Takeaway: 

Thanks for reading.

GFS Team

John G.

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  GFS Fly Kits |  Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - January 5, 2026

Winter Steelhead

Is there anything better than hooking the first winter fish of the season!?  Even just hearing about a few being caught is enough to pump up the crowd around here.  The back-to-back Atmospheric Rivers certainly did a lot of re-arranging throughout the Pacific Northwest.  New channels formed.  Some shallow spots became deep....and some deep spots shallow.  Lots of trees and rocks moved. It was a real series of events!

On to the point....are there fish around?  There sure are!  Consider it go time from here on out.  Go early and go often.  There's rain in the forecast, but not the catastrophic amounts that we've already seen.  One huge positive has been the temps.  It's been on the warmer side which definitely helps keep the water temps up.  This always helps in the winter.  Get your sink tips and flies in order if you haven't already.  This is going to be a great week to give it a try. 

Deschutes Trout

This is such a wonderful time of year to trout fish on the Deschutes.  Keep your eyes on the gauges and try to avoid and big flow spikes or drops.  The trout prefer things to be steady in those two departments, and changes either way can put them off the bite.  Water temps have been in the low-to-mid 40's, which should have fish sitting in softer winter lies.  Call it predominately a nymph and streamer game with the possibility of some afternoon BWO fishing.  The bugs should be present to some degree every day, but surface activity will be variable.  The huge bonus of fishing the Deschutes at this time of year is the solitude.  You can have large stretches of the river all to yourself.....and some really good trout fishing!   

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  GFS Fly Kits |  Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Holiday Hours & A Thank-You From Gorge Fly Shop

As the year winds down and the days get shorter, we just want to take a moment to say thank you.

Whether you stopped by the shop, placed an online order, called with a “quick question” that turned into a full rigging session, or simply followed along with our gear updates and seasonal reports... your support keeps this place moving. We’re grateful for every conversation at the counter, every river story shared, and every opportunity to help you get outfitted for the next day on the water.

The holidays are also a time for us to reset, spend time with family, and come back ready for the next season. If you’re planning a last-minute pickup, need help dialing in a gift, or want to sneak in one more order before the celebrations, here are our holiday shop hours:

Holiday Hours
Dec 24: 9:30–2
Dec 25: Closed
Dec 31: 9:30–4
Jan 1: Closed
Online Shopping: 24/7 

If you reach out while we’re closed, no worries we’ll get back to you as soon as we’re back in the shop.

From all of us at Gorge Fly Shop, thank you for choosing our small, independent fly shop to be part of your fishing life. We truly appreciate your trust, your business, and your continued support.

Wishing you a safe, warm holiday season and a fresh start to the New Year. May your knots hold, your drifts be clean, and your next fish be the one you remember.

From our family to yours,
The entire Gorge Fly Shop Team

 

 

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  GFS Fly Kits |  Contact Us

Holiday Hours: Dec 24 9:30–4 | Dec 25 Closed | Dec 31 9:30–4 | Jan 1 Closed

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Winter Steelhead Prep List - Are You Ready?

A Quick Gear Check Before Winter Steelhead Season

In some years, the transition from summer to winter steelhead can be almost seamless. This season, a series of Atmospheric Rivers across the PNW has hit the pause button—but it looks like we’re only a week or so away from rivers dropping back into shape.

That makes this the perfect window to go through your gear and make sure everything is dialed for the months ahead. A little preparation now pays off when conditions finally line up.

Here’s a simple checklist to jog your memory.

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Clothing

You fish longer when you’re warm. Take a hard look at the basics: blown-out heels in your favorite socks, gloves full of holes, or rain jackets that have seen better days. Check the status of jacket number one and the backup. It may not cool off next week, but winter is coming—get your layers and rain-gear sorted now.

• Socks and gloves: no holes, good grip

• Rain jacket: primary plus backup

• Wading layers: clean, dry, warm

• Bag extras: hat, neck gaiter, spare layer

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Tippet

This is one area where being proactive really matters. If your heavier spools of Maxima have been through countless wet/dry cycles and plenty of sun exposure, it’s time to start fresh. Tippet is an easy thing to overlook, but it’s a critical link to the fish—and one you don’t want to gamble on.

• Replace old, sun-baked, or cycled tippet

• Check for nicks and stiffness

• Restock your core sizes

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Hooks

Like tippet, this isn’t a category to skimp on. Carry plenty of new hooks and check them after every snag. If it won’t stick in your thumbnail, swap it out. When swinging for winter steelhead, opportunities are limited even on good days. Fishing sharp, fresh hooks simply leads to more solid hook-ups and landed fish.

• Carry fresh hooks you actually use

• Check after snags

• If it will not stick to your thumbnail, swap it

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Backing

You may not see your backing often, but when you do, it matters—a lot. If you’re running Dacron and it’s been on the reel for years, consider replacing it. Dacron holds water and eventually degrades after repeated wet/dry cycles. Even with newer backing, it’s smart to peel some off and check for binding or damage from your last big battle.

Another solid upgrade is switching to gel-spun backing. It absorbs less water, offers far better abrasion resistance, and while it costs a bit more, it’s absolutely worth it.

• Old Dacron: replace if aged

• Pull some off and check for fray or binds

• Check backing knots and connections

• Consider gel-spun for durability

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Sink Tips

Step one: find them all. Some of those heavy winter sink tips may not have seen daylight in a while. Inspect each one for cracks, damaged loops, or wear. And if you’re missing a few you “loaned out” last season, now’s the time to replace them.

• Confirm lengths and grains

• Check loops and coating for damage

• Replace missing tips

• Pack one spare of your primary, go-to tip

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Running Line

Yet another critical link in the system. If you’re fishing a coated running line, check for cracks, worn loops, and loss of slickness. Mono shooting lines should be inspected for kinks or nicks—the kind of small issues that turn into big frustrations on the water.

• Inspect coated running lines for cracks, worn loops, and reduced slickness.

• Check mono shooting lines for kinks, nicks, or other damage.

• Replace or repair any issues now to avoid frustration on the water.

If you’re unsure about the condition of any of your gear, stop by the shop or give us a call. We’re always happy to help you take a quick look and get things dialed before the rivers come back into shape.

Before you call it ready, give the small stuff a quick once-over. Replace any leader sections that are nicked or curly, and check swivels, rings, clips, and loop-to-loop connections for wear. Top off your winter fly box with sharp, rust-free hooks, and make sure your boxes still latch tight.

Quick “Do This Tonight” Mini List

1. Replace tippet and hooks
2. Inspect running line and sink tips
3. Check drag and backing connections
4. Restock one winter fly box 
5. Charge phone - set alarm(s) 

For safety and comfort, inspect boots and studs, gravel guards, and wading staff essentials. Finally, test your reel drag for smooth start-up, tighten anything loose, and rinse and dry your gear so it is ready when the rivers drop.

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  GFS Fly Kits |  Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - December 16, 2025

Winter Steelhead

Well, this pretty much sums up the current situation!  The die-hards are super itchy to hunt for the first winter fish of the season, but aside from a few very brief windows, rivers have been out.  Locally, we're predicted to see another 1-2" of rain tonight and more on the way later in the week.  It's going to be pretty difficult to find any fishable water from the coast out to the eastern edge of the range of winter fish.  All the high water will definitely move some fish around and it should be good when things finally drop.....but it may be a bit!  It's going to be a good week to prep gear for the season ahead.  Check your backing, sink tips, hooks, etc.  Patch up your leaky waders.  Replace your warm socks with the heels blown out.   It's hard for steeheaders to sit on their hands at this time of year, but the prep work is never regretted when it's go time.    

Deschutes Trout

Wish I could say there was a sunnier outlook on the Deschutes for this coming week, but if the predictions hold, it's going to get pretty big.  Sometimes these giant systems coming in off the ocean lose most of their moisture before getting to the east side of the Cascades, but this one is giant.  It's going to rain quite a bit out east, too.  It takes a lot of water to make the Deschutes go up 5k+ in a short period of time, and it looks like we're going to get it.  Look for the river to drop back down toward average flows before you give it a try again.  

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  GFS Fly Kits |  Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"