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| Decent Bow Bow from the Deschutes caught using a streamer and my G.Loomis IMX PRO 41111 |
Columbia Gorge Fishing Report | 2/20/20
Trout: Deschutes
With the nice winter weather we have had lately, you might be itching to get out on the water. Well winter trout fishing has been really goo on the Deschutes. Very consistent according to a local customer who has been fishing it quite regularly this winter and he had a big smile on his face as he described the fishing as worth it to go. He stated that he has been fishing small soft hackles and mostly nymph fishing and when I asked him if he had thrown any streamers, he said no, and that he really didn't know how to fish them.
So I gave him a quick rundown on how to fish them and hopefully he will come back with some updated info with the streamers. This time of year, streamers are a favorite of ours. They will smash them and the eat is pretty exciting. The water should be nice and clear with the colder nights we have had. No need to get there right at sunrise and freeze you tail off, the best fishing is between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. Sleep in and head out and fish the warmer part of the day. If by chance you get there and there is a bit color to the water and you are struggling, just put on a San Juan Worm or small egg pattern and hang one. From here on out the crowds will be low, leaving lots of great water for the rest of us.
There have been the usual good Blue Winged Olive hatches on the cloudy cooler days. Keep in mind that the colder and nastier the day the more concentrated the BWO hatch is. So stock up on Blue Winged Olive nymphs, dries and emergers.
Our favorite flies are: Dries: Sparkle Flag BWO #18-20, Extended Body BWO #20, Parachute Extended Body BWO #20, Parachute Adams #18-20 Emergers: Sprout BWO #18-20, Challenged PT #18 Nymphs: Bead Head Flashback PT #18-20, Pheasant Tail #18-20, Flashback Pheasant Tail #18-20, WD40 #18-20. And don't forget a few streamers such as the Sculpin, the "ONE" Sculpin, Rio Precious Metal, Sculpzilla to name a couple. The key to streamer fishing when it's cold is to slow down and give the fish a bit more time to get to it.
Click here for an effective trout fly selection: Trout Flies
Lakes:
The most accessible lakes in the winter this time of year are down near the Columbia River. Lakes like Taylor Lake on the Oregon side. Roland Lake and Spear Fish Lake on the Washington side.
The best thing about fishing lakes this time of year is that the best fishing is mid day. No need to get up early.
Best results have been fishing an intermediate or slow sinking line with a variety of #8-10 leach patters in Black or Brown. Suspending a Balance Leach or Chironomids under an indicator with a floating works well to. The biggest thing in the winter is fish your flies very slow.
Click here for an effective Stillwater Trout Fly Selection:
Stillwater Trout Selection
Other Great Winter Trout Fisheries:
Here are some other great winter trout fisheries across Oregon and Washington to think about. Oregon: Crooked River, Donner Blitzen River, Malhuer River and Owyhee River. Washington: Rocky Ford Creek and Yakima River All of these are great fishing during the winter and can be fun to go explore.
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| A nice winter from the Kalama River, WA caught while fishing with local guide Travis Wallace. |
Steelhead:
The Northwest has seen a good amount of rain over the last few weeks and steelhead have moved into the rivers. Although not in huge numbers we have gotten some nice fish it. A local customer told us that he has done pretty well this winter under the conditions. He also fishes a lot and he said that this winter he has landed 8 winter steelhead. Which may not sound that great, however, when numbers are down and conditions are less than ideal, that is an acceptable number.
Most of rivers have been a little high as a few days ago, but with colder nights and no rain for at least the last five days, the rivers should drop quick and be in great shape. Best fishing should be on the North Coast Rivers, Sandy River, Kalama River, Hood River and Clackamas, or further west to the coast and Tillamook area.
Click here for an effective Steelhead Fly selection: Steelhead Flies
Smallmouth:
Water temps are still cold enough to the point that smallmouth are not very active now and won’t be until spring.
Click here for an effective smallmouth fly selection: Smallmouth Flies
If you have the time and need to get out, Stay warm and comfortable and be safe!
Gorge Fly Shop Team
John G
