Columbia Gorge Fishing Report (September 29th)

Fishing Report

Andrew's first fish on his new Burkheimer 7134

#Fishtember

Fishing is most likely fabulous wherever you happen to be, I mean it is Fishtember…

Chinook Salmon are really thick everywhere right now and crowds reflect that.  Most of the rivers are full of people as well as fish, but putting a few miles on your wading boots will get you into some good water with relative solitude.  The bite has been good, but catching them on a fly rod is still a frustrating proposition.  It’s not that it cant be done, but the bite is so inconsistent that targeting them is not something that everyone wants to put that much effort into. 

Rob fishing at Harris (the rock wall)

Summer Steelhead are in the rivers in good numbers now.  The Chinook are pushing them around and fishing can be tough some days, but overall, fishing has been great.  Dry line fishing is the prime technique on the Deschutes, while fishermen on the Klickitat tend to fish more with sink tips.  The clarity on the Deschutes is great.   

The Hood River is still awfully low and colored up.  Very little to no pressure lately and not much in terms of action from the few locals that hit it up.  Remember, targeting Chinook Salmon is not allowed on the Hood this time of year.  Wait for some steady rains to bring the level up and some cold weather to clear it up and it might fish well later this fall. 

Lost Lake, Trillium Lake and Timothy Lake have all been fishing really well.  Trout are up in the water column and eating dries when hatches are prevalent.  The big trout are always eating an olive woolly bugger. 

                                                                                          

Smallmouth Bass fishing has been good.  Fish are really active and eating a variety of lures, flies and baits.  Finding good numbers of fish without a boat is tough.  Make friends with people that own bass boats.    

Rob swinging Fall Canyon on the Deschutes

As always, we are happy to talk fishing any time.  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.  

"Fly Fish the World with Us"