“Winter teaches patience the hard way, then pays you back all at once.”
PNW winter playbook (short version)
“Winter teaches patience the hard way, then pays you back all at once.”
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
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