Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - Thanksgiving Edition - November 25th, 2019.

Sunrise is just around the corner, so close but so far away.  Where I took this photo is was 24 degrees! Burrrr!

Hey folks - Happy Thanksgiving!

With Thanksgiving just a few days away I bet there are a few of you that have a little time off and would like to get out and fish before old man winter truly sets in.  We here at the Gorge Fly Shop wish you all the best of the Thanksgiving holiday and hope that we all take a few moments to consider the things that we are thankful for.  We here at the shop are very, very thankful for all our friends, families, and you, our customers and potential customers.  Thank you all for making Gorge Fly Shop possible!  We greatly appreciate every one of you.

REMINDER ALERT:  We are having a toy drive in the shop and between now and Dec 23rd if you bring a toy in to donate to Columbia Gorge Children's Advocacy Center (CGCAC) we will give you a 10% discount for same day purchases on your entire order!

TROUT:

Deschutes Trout: (Nothing new to report except much the same from last report)

Fishing's great and crowds are low. The Deschutes has some great late fall and winter fly fishing. One great thing is there is no need to get up early, the best fishing is between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. From here on out the crowds will be low, leaving lots of great water for the rest of us.

From now on you will see more small mayflies, especially on the cloudy cool days. So stock up on Blue Winged Olive nymphs, dries and emergers. My 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

You will also see very productive fishing with a variety of midge patterns. I prefer Zebra Midges Black, Brown, Tan #20

When nymphing I prefer drop all of my smaller flies below a bigger heavier nymph. Here are my favorite larger nymphs: TJ Hooker #8-10, Jigged PT #14-16, Jigger PT Purple #16, Bead Head PT #12-16. Many others work, but those are my favorites.

Fall is also a great time to break out the Trout Spey and swing some streamers, wet flies or soft hackles. Trout tend to be very active to a swung fly this time of year. Streamer takes a VIOLENT! Here are my favorite streamers: RIO Precious Metal, Kiwi Muddler, Sculpzila #8 (White, Olive/White, Natural) and Beaded Wooly Buggers #8 variety of colors.

LAKES:

You can still get to virtually all of our mountain lakes, although that may change because we have snow in our near future according to the weather forecast. Keep in mind Laurence Lake is now closed.

The best thing about fishing lakes this time of year is that the best fishing is mid day, when it's the warmest. No need to get up early and freeze your tail off.  I used to tell customers when I guided "the fish don't bite until we get there!" In other words have another cup of Jo next to the heater, the fish now winter is coming and they are hungry.

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 under an indicator with a floating line has been lethal to. Dry fly fishing has been good in the mid-morning through the afternoon, but will slow as water temps drop. Favorite dries are Parachute Adams #14-16, Tilt Wing Callibaetis #14-16, Griffiths Gnat #18.

STEELHEAD:

Deschutes:

There are fish throughout the system now, but the lower 20 miles of the river is still the most productive. Remember many of those upper Columbia Steelhead like Clearwater fish will park in the lower river until as late as Christmas. You can still fish dry lines, but it is definitely slower now. I would recommend go right to a sink tip, you will see better results.  We know folks that fish the lower river with streamers for trout through out the winter and do quite well, something to think about.

Klickitat:

I was able to get out on Friday and fish for a few hours and the traffic was very minimal.  There were only a few drift boats and several anglers on foot.  Those who have been fishing the river on a regular basis are doing fair. The air temp when I was out was 24 degree and ice had formed along the bank on the rocks and grass as well as the guides on my rod. The water temp was COLD, in the mid 30's. Go with a sink tip for best results on a swing. Fishing a fly under and indicator from a boat is also very effective and a good choice, since Klickitat steelhead like to be lazy when it's cold and hang in tight seems.Fishing a sink tip with a slow swing is a good idea, even though I scored no love during those few hours I fished, it was still gorgeous out and I had a great time.

Klickitat Super Slammer Kit

REMINDER ALERT: The Klickitat CLOSES the end of November for steelhead fishing.  Get out there before you have to wait six months before it reopens in June.

John Day River:

Has fished well this fall. Fish showed up early this year with the early rains. So there are now fish through out the system. Remember the John Day is a slow moving river so make sure you bring some lighter or short tips. I prefer a RIO iMow7.5’Float/2.5’T8 or T11, or at times even an Airflo Polyleader in various sinking rates depending on water level.  If water is really low, don't be afraid to try summer tactics.  I have used my Scandi line with a slow sinking or even an intermediate sinking polyleader before. Steelhead will congregate in deeper slower pools if it gets really cold and this is a way to target them.  When fishing the John Day it is also a good idea if you find a fish in a run, there is a good chance there could be others.  Don't be afraid to go back through it with a different tip/fly, or even take a coffee break and let the run rest a few minutes before going for it again.

SMALLMOUTH: 

Water temps are cooling now so Smallmouth fishing is pretty much done. The Columbia will still be good for another few weeks and would be your best choice but fish can be hard to find.  Focus on deeper water and slowing down your retrieve.  The fish don't disappear I just think they hunker down to save energy and it takes some work to get them to bite.

REMINDER ALERT:  Free fishing weekend November 29th & 30th, Thanksgiving weekend!
*The FINE PRINT: Area closures, bag limits and all other regulations still apply.

Get out there, be safe and we just might see you out on the water.

"Remember if you can't find it at the Gorge Fly Shop...You don't need it!"

John G.

GORGE FLY SHOP | AROUND THE WORLD!

Our much appreciated customer, Rich Felber of Cedar Springs, MI with a beautiful steelhead that he caught with his new Hardy Marquis Salmon #1 reel on the Rouge River in Michigan!- Great Job Rich! 

Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - November 19th, 2019

Trout: 

Deschutes Trout: 

Fishing has been great and crowds are low. The Deschutes has some great late fall and winter fly fishing. One great thing is there is no need to get up early, the best fishing is between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. From here on out the crowds will be low, leaving lots of great water for the rest of us.

From now on you will see more small mayflies, especially on the cloudy cool days. So stock up on Blue Winged Olive nymphs, dries and emergers. My 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

You will also see very productive fishing with a variety of midge patterns. I prefer Zebra Midges Black, Brown, Tan #20

When nymphing I prefer drop all of my smaller flies below a bigger heavier nymph. Here are my favorite larger nymphs: TJ Hooker #8-10, Jigged PT #14-16, Jigger PT Purple #16, Bead Head PT #12-16. Many others work, but those are my favorites.

Fall is also a great time to break out the Trout Spey and swing some streamers, wet flies or soft hackles. Trout tend to be very active to a swung fly this time of year. Streamer takes a VIOLENT! Here are my favorite streamers: RIO Precious Metal, Kiwi Muddler, Sculpzila #8 (White, Olive/White, Natural) and Beaded Wooly Buggers #8 variety of colors.

Lakes:  

You can still get to virtually all of our mountain lakes. Keep in mind Laurence Lake is now closed.

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 under an indicator with a floating line has been lethal to. Dry fly fishing has been good in the mid-morning through the afternoon, but will slow as water temps drop. Favorite dries are Parachute Adams #14-16, Tilt Wing Callibaetis #14-16, Griffiths Gnat #18.
Stillwater Trout Selection

Steelhead:  

Deschutes:

There are still good numbers of fish in the lower river. There are fish throughout the system now, but the lower 20 miles of the river is still the most productive. Remember many of those upper Columbia Steelhead like Clearwater fish will park in the lower river until as late as Christmas. You can still fish dry lines, but it is definitely slower now. I would recommend go right to a sink tip, you will see better results.

Klickitat:

The Klickitat has been in great shape with few people on it. Those who know the river well are doing great right now. Water temps have cooled so dry line fishing is going to be very limited to none. Go deep with a sink tip for best results on a swing. Fishing a fly under and indicator from a boat is also very effective.
Klickitat Super Slammer Kit

John Day River has also fished well this fall. Fish showed up early this year with the early rains. So there are now fish through out the system. Remember the John Day is a slow moving river so make sure you bring some lighter or short tips. I prefer a RIO iMow7.5’Float/2.5’T8 or T11.

Smallmouth:  

Water temps are cooling now so Smallmouth fishing starts to slow down now. The Columbia will still be good for another few weeks and would be your best choice.

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  Join our Team |  Contact Us

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Oregon Free Fishing Weekend - November 29th & 30th

Oregon Free Fishing Weekends

While assembly this info from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife I came across and pretty cool page of info. It's called 50 Places to go Fishing within 60 Minutes of Portland. Tons of great info here to help one get out and have some weekend fun.

Introduce a friend, child, co-worker or family member to fishing during Oregon's free fishing days. ODFW offers Oregon residents and visitors the opportunity to explore and experience fishing, crabbing, clamming without the need for a license.
On Free Fishing Weekends, you don’t need a license to fish, crab or clam anywhere in Oregon. That’s no license, no tag, no endorsement needed.

Enjoy the fun of fishing for free anywhere in the State of Oregon! Fishing regulation and bag limits still apply.

Free Fishing Dates for 2018:

• Feb 16-17
• June 1-2
• August 17-18
• Nov 29-30

Time - legal fishing hours
Location - Statewide
Fee - Free
Registration deadline - No registration

For more information visit ODFW website, www.myodfw.com

Washington Free Fishing Weekend

2019 WA State Free Fishing Weekend is June 8th and 9th, when fishing licenses are not required of anyone to fish in Washington.
Free Fishing Weekend in Washington is always the first weekend after the first Monday in June.

Also NOT required on Free Fishing Weekend:

• Vehicle Access Pass (which comes with a fishing license) 
• A Discover Pass will not be required on WDFW or Washington State Park lands throughout the weekend, but will be required on DNR lands both days. 
• Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement 
• Two-Pole Endorsement 

Remember - all other rules still apply. While no licenses are required on Free Fishing Weekend, it's still important to check the regulations for other rules such as size limits, bag limits, catch record card requirements and area closures that will still be in effect.

Please see the Fishing Regulation Pamphlet for all rules and restrictions.
WDFW Website: https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/free/

"The Gorge"

The Gorge Fly Shop Team

541.386.6977

info@gorgeflyshop.com

www.gorgeflyshop.com
Join our Team

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Gorge Fly Shop Toy Drive

Toy Drop Off at the new Gorge Fly Shop: 3200 Lower Mill Dr

Gorge Fly Shop has partnered with The Columbia Gorge Children's Advocacy Center (CGCAC) during the 2019 holiday season for a great opportunity to not only give back but to support a great non-profit organization.

SAVE 10% ON YOUR NEXT PURCHASE!

We are honored to bring awareness to CGCAC and the great things they do for children in our community. Their Mission is “To reduce trauma to children through effective advocacy in a secure and healing environment.” We are asking for your help and support by sharing or making a toy, blanket or stuffed animal donation at Gorge Fly Shop this season. You can do so by bringing in new, unwrapped toys,  blankets or stuffed animals (value greater than $20) anytime during regular business hours starting now and till the end of business day December 23rd, 2019.

Wait we have more! By doing so you will also receive a same day 10% discount in store on your entire purchase here at Gorge Fly Shop just in time for your holiday season.

Thank you,
The Gorge Fly Shop Family 

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  Join our Team |  Contact Us

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Sage Spey Reels and Why You NEED One in Your Life

Sage's Trout Spey (left) and Spey (right) reels are just exactly what a discriminating spey fisherman, like myself, needed in his life...Why? because they filled all the needs I had for a spey reel!

PRODUCT REVIEW | SAGE TROUT SPEY & SPEY REELS - WHY YOU NEED ONE IN YOUR LIFE!
by John Garrett

Let me start out by saying, thank you for taking the time to read this.  My goal in writing this is to hopefully share solid information on product that I truly believe in and use on a regular basis.  With all of the options out there for spey/trout spey reels to choose from I understand that it can be confusing and not always easy to make a choice.  Everyone is looking for something that's durable, fun to fish, looks great, and serves them well for years to come but do it without taking a personal loan out at your local bank.

Since becoming an employee here at the Gorge Fly Shop nearly 10 years ago, I have had countless conversations with fine folks who are having a heck of a time making a decision when purchasing a reel for their new trout spey or spey rod.  They seek solid advice and some have done their research on the web, they've called numerous fly shops and with all that Intel, all it has done for them is made it even harder to make a choice.  This is where personal passion for the product comes through over the phone and though our conversation.  When you have a product where all the "stars line up" so to speak, it is hard not to want to share that passion for the product.  This is where the Sage Trout Spey and Sage Spey reels come in.  I can honestly say, without reservation or hesitation, that I absolutely love these reels!

WHY DO I LOVE THEM?

1. They sound GREAT!  I love a buttery smooth clicking sound on my reels and these purr.
2. They look GREAT! With that CLASSIC look but with modern upgrades that older classic reels don't have.
3. They have a one revolution drag setting which I really like because I can adjust accordingly as needed.  Other reels have as little as a quarter or half a turn to go from zero to full on drag and yet others have multiple turns from zero to full on drag and often times that can be a hassle. Most of the time, I am never really full on drag mode anyways, but if you ever need it it's there.  The reel has lots of torque and actually has the same powerful drag system that Sage has in their Spectrum Max reel with a fully sealed drag.  You will have no issues with the drag system!
4. The Full Frame Construction design contains my thinner mono running/shooting lines and eliminates any issues of smaller diameter mono running lines slipping between the spool and the frame.  This can be a very annoying thing when it happens as anyone who has ever had it happen will agree.  A full frame cage design is a major point to consider when purchasing a spey reel, especially anyone who is using thinner running lines.  Not many manufactures out there are making a full cage frame.  There are a few but not many.
5. In addition to the frame being full cage the spool is still exposed on the outside which makes it really easy to palm if you like to do that.  I love the ability to put a slight amount of pressure on the spool of my reel to help slow that big fish down when needed.
6. I love the big handle.  I have big hands and I struggle at times with reels with small handles, but the Sage Spey reel handles are the right size.  I have no problem going right to the reel and grabbing the handle without stumbling or searching for it.
7. The reel has a mid/large arbor spool for quicker line pickup.  It also has a wider spool in comparison to a narrower spool as on some reels and the beauty of this is that when you reel is wider instead of deeper you will have less chances of your loops getting caught on the reel when spey casting.
8. The Price is RIGHT - Sage's Spey Reels (starting at $475.00) come in two great sizes. One is the 6/7/8 which is perfect for your 7wt spey rod up to 13'6" or your lighter switch rods.  The second is the 7/8/9 which works great for your 13' + rods.  For your Trout Spey reels ($400.00) you also have two great choices.  One is the 1/2/3 and the other is the 3/4/5.  Both models come in two great color options in Bronze or Stealth/Silver.
9. Last and certainly not least is the fact that you would buy the reel to match your rod size.  In other words if you have a 13' 7 wt spey rod, you would purchase the Sage Spey 6/7/8.  No need to size up your reel to balance out that 13' rod and make room for the thicker Skagit and Scandi heads.  Sage has already done that and built the reels just the right size!

Their Full Frame Cage design, see #4 above - Eliminates thin mono running line "jump through" when casting and as a bonus, makes the reel more durable!

WHY DO YOU NEED ONE IN YOUR LIFE?

1. See list above.
2. Repeat reading list above as needed.

If you are in the market for a Trout Spey or Spey reel, and you love the looks of a "Classic" reel and you use mono running lines or not, do yourself a solid and take a hard look and seriously consider the Sage family of Trout Spey/Spey reels.  Totally worth the money in my opinion, and I am confident that you will fall in love with them just as I have.

The Drag Knob is just the right size and easy to adjust.

If you have any questions or maybe you're curious about the reels, feel free to give me a call at the Gorge Fly Shop (541) 386-6977 and I would love to chat with you.  As I said earlier, it's easy to talk about something that you love.

Gorge Fly Shop Team

John G.

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  Join our Team |  Contact Us

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Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - November, 11, 2019

Trout: 

Deschutes Trout: 

The Deschutes has some great late fall and winter fly fishing. One great thing is there is no need to get up early, the best fishing is between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. From here on out the crowds will be low, leaving lots of great water for the rest of us.

From now on you will see more small mayflies, especially on the cloudy cool days. So stock up on Blue Winged Olive nymphs, dries and emergers. My 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

You will also see very productive fishing with a variety of midge patterns. I prefer Zebra Midges Black, Brown, Tan #20

When nymphing I prefer drop all of my smaller flies below a bigger heavier nymph. Here are my favorite larger nymphs: TJ Hooker #8-10, Jigged PT #14-16, Jigger PT Purple #16, Bead Head PT #12-16. Many others work, but those are my favorites.

Fall is also a great time to break out the Trout Spey and swing some streamers, wet flies or soft hackles. Trout tend to be very active to a swung fly this time of year. Streamer takes a VIOLENT! Here are my favorite streamers: RIO Precious Metal, Kiwi Muddler, Sculpzila #8 (White, Olive/White, Natural) and Beaded Wooly Buggers #8 variety of colors.

Lakes:  

You can still get to virtually all of our mountain lakes. Best fishing will be mid day. Keep in mind Laurence Lake is now closed.

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 under an indicator with a floating line has been lethal to. Dry fly fishing has been good in the mid-morning through the afternoon, but will slow as water temps drop. Favorite dries are Parachute Adams #14-16, Tilt Wing Callibaetis #14-16, Griffiths Gnat #18. Stillwater Trout Selection

Steelhead:  

Fishing on the lower Deschutes continues to stay really consistent. There are fish throughout the system now, but the lower 20 miles of the river is still the most productive. Remember many of those upper Columbia Steelhead like Clearwater fish will park in the lower river until as late as Christmas. There is still some dry line fishing to be had, but it will slow as the water temps drop. Put on the sink tip and go deep once the sun hits the water.

The Klickitat has been in great shape with few people on it. Those who know the river well are doing great right now. Water temps have cooled so dry line fishing is going to be very limited to none. Go deep with a sink tip for best results on a swing. Fishing a fly under and indicator from a boat is also very effective.
Klickitat Super Slammer Kit

John Day River has also fished well this fall. Fish showed up early this year with the early rains. So there are now fish through out the system. Remember the John Day is a slow moving river so make sure you bring some lighter or short tips. I prefer a RIO iMow7.5’Float/2.5’T8 or T11.

Smallmouth:  

Water temps are cooling now so Smallmouth fishing starts to slow down now. The Columbia will still be good for another few weeks and would be your best choice.

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  Join our Team |  Contact Us

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NEW Product Review: The NEW Winston Air TH 6133-4 Spey Rod

The NEW Winston Air TH 6133-4 Spey rod won't disappoint you - I am confident of that!

by - John Garrett

This may seem a tad late for a review on the AIR TH rod family, but we have a very good reason why?  Eric Neufeld, our Winston Rep, showed up on location (Gorge Fly Shop) for us to test and give them a go, but just prior to coming somehow his spey rod tips were accidentally closed in the tailgate of the truck, so we never got our hands on them until just now.  E, as we call him, was generous enough to ship his 6133-4 over to me to try out when I fish the Deschutes this coming Monday, cause I have the day off and well, that's what we do when we have a day off...we fish!

And although I received no love on the river Monday other than a quick short jab to let me know there was a fish out there, I had an absolute blast casting and fishing the NEW Winston Air TH 13'3" 6wt spey rod!  I fished a RIO InTouch GameChanger 425gr F/H/I/S3 line and a 10' InTouch MOW Light T-8 sink tip with a variety of flies and it cast and loaded spectacularly.  I also fished the Airflo Rage Compact 390 grain head with an Airflo 10' Intermediate Polyleader or a RIO 10' Intermediate Versileader with a variety of wet flies and the rod flex and feel was so comfortable and natural that I didn't really want to swap to a Skagit head, even though the water temps called for a Skagit.

What I Noticed right off the bat: One: that it felt really, really light in the hand (I know that often this may sound redundant because most high end rods today are lighter than ever before) but how else can you describe it.  It's REALLY LIGHT, kind of like, well AIR.  Hmmmm, I wonder if that had any influence on the naming of the rod? The lightness is mainly due to the new SuperSilica resin system and Boron technology that they are incorporating into the rod.  This is a light glue, but stronger so they are able to use less of it with wonderful results and perfect balance. The Winston AIR TH has a classic medium-fast action with a deep flex and silky smooth performance.

Two: The flex/feel & load on the rod was genuine.  With the lines I was using, I didn't have to push the rod to do what it was designed to do, but that being said I also was pleasantly surprised when the winds kicked up a bit that when I did push it, it was able to handle it with out skipping a beat. The rod felt forgiving and this means a great deal to a number of folks out there who maybe prefer a rod with more flex and where their timing doesn't have to be so spot on like other fast to ultra-fast action rods.

I love the length of this rod, it's better for a couple of reasons in that mending was super easy and I could hold the rod tip up over the center of the river and slow my swing way down when needed.  I think this is very helpful under cold water conditions when the fish don't want to move too far or too fast for a swung fly.  It also cast long Scandi lines with ease.  Touch and go cast were fun and powerful and I prefer using intermediate RIO Versileaders or Airflo Polyleaders over just mono leaders because they tend to "stick" to the surface of the water much better and load the rod easier.  This is especially true if you have an aggressive/fast casting stroke.  Regular mono tapered leaders slide on the surface too much and you can blow your anchor much easier than when you use the versileaders/polyleaders.  And, even though I love the intermediate version of these tips, I can still skate a fly on the surface if I swing the fly with tension on it!

Cosmetically, fit-n-finish, I think Winston has one of the most beautiful rods that are not custom built.  The Winston green is undeniably beautiful and I don't know who does the handwriting on the rods but I guarantee that they could get a job at any middle school USA and teach proper handwriting skills to kids who don't know how to hand write their own names.  Sorry but I teach my son how to hand write his name because they don't teach it in our school.  Sorry for that little rabbit trail but the person working at Winston does a beautiful job? As you can see in the photo just below, in the sun, the rod has an almost tiger stripe hue to it, it looks pretty sweet and I am sure the fish will notice it and be drawn to it, at least we can hope so!

In the sun, the rod is Gorgeous!

Line recommendations per Winston:

• Skagit - 420-450 grains
• Scandi - 390-420 grains

My preferences for line match: Skagit 420 grain. / Scandi 390 grain, this however is somewhat personal and depending on your casting style you may want to go on the heavier side of my choices.

Tip recommendations: 10' of T8 or T10 and  10’ Polyleaders OR Versileaders, if you go on the heavier side of the Skagit line recommendations it does make it a tad easier to throw the heavier sink tips.

Final thought:  If you are a Winston fan and you loved the Boron III TH spey rods, then you will LOVE the newer updated version, the AIR TH.  It's silky smooth performance and balance with feel from the tip to the butt will make this rod a favorite!  It's just as powerful and fun to cast yet lighter in your hand with virtually no swing weight.  The 6133-4 AIR TH is a solid choice for someone looking for a great summer steelhead Scandi rod or even light Winter duty.

Thanks for taking the time to read...and remember if you can't find it at the Gorge Fly Shop, you don't need it!

John G.

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  Join our Team |  Contact Us

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Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - November 4th, 2019

Throw back to a couple of years ago, when I caught this Mint Coho on the swing!

FALL COHO:  Coho continue to move into the Hood River (which if you catch a Coho downstream of the Hood River Bridge you must release it), the Deschutes and Klickitat Rivers.  Most folks you see on the river, especially the Klickitat will be chasing them with gear/bait but they can be caught on a fly.  Most fly fisherman are trying to actually catch steelhead and a coho is a by catch.

As I stated in the last fishing report try a twitch or two on the slower steelhead type of swing, twitching has become super popular and productive with gear fisherman fishing jigs under a bobber, and I know a few fly fisherman who like to swing for steelhead who have incorporated this type of technique into their swing and it has produced.  I don't typically like to twitch my rod on a typical steelhead swing BUT when Coho are around sometimes it can mean the difference between catching and not catching a Coho.


KLICKITAT RIVER STEELHEAD:  Quick reminder that the Klickitat River closes the end of November to steelhead fishing.  Continue to swing for steelhead and or Coho as the month progresses and if temperatures drop and it gets really cold, focus on slower water flow and also if swinging slow your fly down. I am going to leave the following hint in this report from last week because it is a good one... Hint: When swinging your fly like you typically would for steelhead, if action is a bit slow, try twitching the fly a few times of a few swings in likely looking water and you may be rewarded with a nice coho. The colder nights and days have the water in perfect shape to fish. If looking for a guided trip here are a couple solid choices that we highly recommend...

For Fall Steelhead/Coho trips on the Klickitat give Sam or Travis a call...

Sam Sickles
541-400-0855
www.steelheadoutfitters.com


Travis Wallace
Western Waters Guide Service
509-850-5125
www.westernwatersguides.com

DESCHUTES RIVER STEELHEAD:  It has been pretty cold the last week with air temperatures in the mid 20's causing the water temps to drop as well.  Sticking with Skagit lines and sink tips is a best bet for success.  Word is that air temps are to get a bit warmer and some rain in the forecast, could make for good fishing if it wakes them up and we don't get enough rain to make the river blow out.  Steelhead and a few Coho have been caught for those making it out.

Less crowds can also give you the feeling of having the river to yourself.  Most gear guides are gone and there are lots of runs that are not getting fished to hard.  To me that is inviting and worth the trip out.

For Fall Steelhead guided trips on the Deschutes give Sam a call.

Sam Sickles
541-400-0855
www.steelheadoutfitters.com

DESCHUTES RIVER TROUT:  Water temps have been cool this past week and look for it to warm up a bit with the warmer air temps and we are supposed to get a bit of rain, this could make the trout are happy and hungry.  Now is the time to get the streamer game going.  The grab from a nice trout on a streamer is pretty exhilarating and worth the trip over.

As we get deeper into the Fall and Winter season you should see more small mayflies, especially on the cloudy cooler days. So stalk up on Blue Winged Olive nymphs, dries and Emergers. Some favorites are for 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 Streamers: Skulpzilla, Sculpin "The One", Craven's Dirty Hippie Platte are a few of our favorites.

LAKES:  (CORRECTION NOTE: LOST LAKE Resort has recently closed but the lake is still open to foot traffic. The lake itself is open year round!) If you want a lake to yourself, it you can get up to the lake you most likely would have it to yourself!  The best fishing is over the next month. Fish are active all day this time of year hungry before winter sets in. 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 under an indicator with a floating line has been lethal to. Dry fly fishing has been good in the mid-morning through the evening. Favorite dries are Parachute Adams #14-16, Tilt Wing Callibaetis #14-16, Griffiths Gnat #18.

LAWRENCE LAKE: Is closed as of 10/31/19 along with all other Oregon Streams for trout fishing except for the ones that are listed as open in the regulations, such as the Deschutes river.  In other words if the spot you are interested in fishing doesn't say it is open, then it is closed.

REMINDER - Oregon Free Fishing Weekend coming up!
While putting this information together we came across a pretty cool page of info on the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website.  It's called 50 Places to go Fishing within 60 Minutes of Portland. Tons of great info here to help one get out and have some weekend fun.

Introduce a friend, child, co-worker or family member to fishing during Oregon's free fishing days. ODFW offers Oregon residents and visitors the opportunity to explore and experience fishing, crabbing, clamming without the need for a license.

On Free Fishing Weekends, you don’t need a license to fish, crab or clam anywhere in Oregon. That’s no license, no tag, no endorsement needed.

Enjoy the fun of fishing for free anywhere in the State of Oregon! Fishing regulation and bag limits still apply.

Free Fishing Dates for 2018:
Nov 29-30
Time - legal fishing hours
Location - Statewide
Fee - Free
Registration deadline - No registration

For more information visit ODFW website, www.myodfw.com

Have fun out there and be safe...Remember if you can't find it at the Gorge Fly Shop...You don't need it!

John G.

GFS | AROUND THE WORLD:

Local Gorge Fly Shop Friend and customer Matt Botti, scored on multiple species on a recent trip to Florida.  He loved it so much that he threatened not to come home!  Have any of you ever made that threat?