Nov 4, 2019

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?

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