Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - March 27, 2026

Winter Steelhead

We're nearing the end of the season with just a few more weeks left.  Time to search out your grand finale!  The first couple weeks of April can produce some excellent fishing, and the crowds will start to thin.  And it's just a wonderful time to be giving it a try.  There are plenty of notable signs of spring throughout steelhead country, but they're especially evident on the coast.  The plants are exploding and a lot of the spring birds are showing up.  The salamanders are filling up pools along the rivers and the water temps are staying in a very favorable range.  The steelhead will be making their last big push here.  Time is no longer on there side and Spring Chinook are not too far behind them.  If you want to get a few more cracks at winter fish, get out there sometime in the next couple weeks while there are still chrome fish to be had.  

Deschutes Trout

Certainly wouldn't call it busy out there and the reports we've been hearing are quite good.  The river is at a very nice spring flow and the water temps are good.  Still a pretty mixed bag of bugs on any given day, but one worth focusing on is the early caddis.  They may not be present in big numbers every day, but the fish have certainly been into them.  If you're nymph fishing, but sure to try a caddis larva behind your standard larger point fly.  Larva patterns with some green in them have been very productive.  Beyond that, the streamer fishing has been periodically off the charts!  If you get to try it on a cloudy day, hope for some surface activity, but push the streamer fishing in between.  This is a great time of year for some amazing streamer fishing if conditions line up.      

"The Gorge"

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Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - 3/16/26

Winter Steelhead

The second major "Atmospheric River" passed recently passed through the Pacific Northwest, and it was a dandy.  Most rivers that see winter fish were at or approaching flood stage.  It seems like we've received about 70% of our winter precipitation in two different rain events this time around.  Things are going to be on the high side for a few more days but we have a fairly dry extended forecast. 

The good news about all the water is that it is sure to move a ton of fish around.  We have approximately one month left of the season and these last few weeks can be the best of the year. The stage is set for a great finale!

From a tactical standpoint, focus your efforts on doing whatever needs to be done to get below the fast surface currents, hold your fly at depth and swing it slowly.  High water is one of the situations where multi-density Skagits truly shine.  Sinking your head below the surface chop dramatically slows your swing.  Some of our favorite options for this are the RIO Pickpocket in F/I/S3, S3/S5/S7, OPST Commando Groove, and on longer rods, the Airflo F.I.S.T.  There are fish to be caught in the high water.  You just need to get your fly down to them and hang it in their face long enough to convince a grab.      

Deschutes Trout

The weather did have an impact on the lower Deschutes, as well.  The White River went from ~370 cfs to ~3700 cfs.  The water from the confluence down to the mouth will definitely be some shade of off-color for a bit.  That said, the Deschutes above the confluence of the White is looking much better.  

A few different things happening in the bug department out there right now.  BWO's, caddis and midges are the most abundant, but be prepared for some "others".  There are a few skwalas and early March Browns out and about, too.  Hope to get lucky and see a little surface activity, but it's predominantly going to be a nymph and streamer program until the flows go down a bit more.  The elevated water is a great time to nymph fish with large/dark stonefly patterns!  Dark leeches work great, too.    

"The Gorge"

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Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - 3/3/26

Winter Steelhead

It feels like we've been waiting for winter to materialize for a few months now, but it doesn't seem to be happening.  Water levels have been up and down, but mostly down!  We've got a little rain in the forecast, which will be great.  We're already getting into winter steelhead crunch time.  Call it approximately six good weeks to go.  The abbreviated timeline certainly helps the angler to some degree.  Many of the fish that haven't ran upriver yet will do so in the next few weeks.  Water temps will likely be good and just getting better.  Warmer water in the back half of the month definitely equates to snappier fish on the swing.  It's easy to fish really hard during the first half of the winter and burn out, but a lot of the best fishing happens in the fourth quarter.  Get out there and give it a try in the beautiful weather!

Deschutes Trout

Trout reports off the Deschutes have been quite good lately.  It's been incredibly mild, and the water temperature is much more favorable than it could be in early March.  The river is in great shape and things are happening!  Kind of a little bit of everything in the bug department.  B.W.O.'s and midges will remain strong contenders for a while, but there's some other activity, too.  These warm days have spurred some early caddis.  There's not a billion skwalas in the Deschutes, but there are definitely enough to carry some just in case.  If nothing else, their nymphs will be getting active.  Indicator fishing with a medium-sized stonefly and a smaller dropper (olive, midge caddis larva, etc) will work well.  Keep the bigger stonefly going and change your dropper until you find the bug du jour.  Stop and watch not and again in the afternoon.  Sometimes the surface activity can be easy to miss if you're not actively looking for it.      

"The Gorge"

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Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - 2/13/26

Winter Steelhead

Well, it finally rained!  Not enough to blow out many systems, but plenty to motivate some fish movement.  We're back in a little dry spell, but there is more precipitation coming in the near future.  The forecast looks a little more normal for the next couple weeks which will certainly help the fishing.  

Lots of rivers will be trending toward low/clear here for a few days, but that's not the end of the world.  You can always go fishing when the water is low, and it can certainly make the fish a lot easier to find.  They don't mind holding in shallow water when the river is steelhead green, but they definitely don't love to do that when the water is clear.  Deeper buckets show up like a beacon and that's where you can expect to find the biters.  In theoretically ideal conditions, they could be just about anywhere.  Sometimes to the point that it gets in your head!  That is a great thing about low/clear.  The holding water is greatly reduced and it allows the angler to focus primarily on what deeper water with color is out there.  It also reveals the details of spots you've caught fish before in higher water.  

One other thing to keep in mind about winter fishing is that the window isn't that long compared to that of summer fish.  Winters are on a rapid mission to get upriver and spawn.  There isn't a long holding period.  Hard to believe, but we only have a couple months left, give or take, of prime time.  Go when you can and put the advantage of time with fly in the water in your favor.  As things drop and clear, try some brighter flies.  Pinks, reds and oranges can draw some pretty violent grabs in these conditions! 

Deschutes Trout

There's some wintery weather coming soon.  In the trout world, that means B.W.O.'s!  Not sure why those bugs like crummy weather so much, but they really do.  Some of the best B.W.O. fishing happens in the nastiest weather.  Look for them to be rather active this coming week.  Be prepared to imitate all stages of their life cycle.  Nymph fishing will be the best option in the morning.  Try a larger point fly with a small trailing fly to imitate the olive nymph.  Tiny Pheasant Tails are a great choice.  As you slide into the middle of the day, keep your eyes peeled for fish targeting bugs as they emerge.  A few favorite patterns to match this stage are the Film Critic, Sparkle Flag and Sprout B.W.O.  Look for the duns to be on the water sometime between noon and 2:00.  Try a Double Vision or Parachute Extended Body B.W.O for this stage.   

"The Gorge"

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Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - 2/1/26

Winter Steelhead

Well, we need some water.   No way to sugar-coat the situation.  It's been extremely dry for quite some time.  It's definitely go time as we slide into February and there are some fish around, but you're going to have to either get pretty lucky or put in a fair amount of time for a fish.  Coastal rivers will be a solid bet.  Even when conditions are challenging with a relative lack of water, there are always some fish coming in off of the high tides.  Fish movement is definitely slower further up the Columbia.  With as dry as it's been, if we get a little rain and rivers go up even just a little, go fishing!  One important thing to keep in mind with winter fish is that they are on a much more abbreviated timeline than summers.  A little bit of rain can go a long way.  Even if the bump only brings your river to the low side of good.  

Be sure to be well-supplied with lighter sink tips and unweighted flies.  Try some pinks, oranges and reds in the low clear water.  Go before, during and after the next rain.  Just go a lot if you can!  The most successful winter steelheaders go as often as possible and find success through attrition.

Deschutes Trout

It's very abnormal, but you'd be hard-pressed to have more enjoyable weather on the Deschutes at this time of year.  It's not getting very cold overnight, and the daytime highs in the extended forecast are in the 50's.  It's just really nice in the desert country right now.  If you're not a steelhead person or are tired of swinging your heart out with minimal activity, head east and go trout fishing.  Pretty much any technique could be on the table throughout the course of a day.  Look for nymphing and streamer fishing to be the most productive options.  Kind of strange to say, but consider bringing sunscreen!  

"The Gorge"

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Fish it on the drop: a PNW winter playbook (2026)

“Winter teaches patience the hard way, then pays you back all at once.”

PNW winter playbook (short version)

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 

  

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com  |  GFS Fly Kits |  Contact Us

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Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - January 5, 2026

Winter Steelhead

Is there anything better than hooking the first winter fish of the season!?  Even just hearing about a few being caught is enough to pump up the crowd around here.  The back-to-back Atmospheric Rivers certainly did a lot of re-arranging throughout the Pacific Northwest.  New channels formed.  Some shallow spots became deep....and some deep spots shallow.  Lots of trees and rocks moved. It was a real series of events!

On to the point....are there fish around?  There sure are!  Consider it go time from here on out.  Go early and go often.  There's rain in the forecast, but not the catastrophic amounts that we've already seen.  One huge positive has been the temps.  It's been on the warmer side which definitely helps keep the water temps up.  This always helps in the winter.  Get your sink tips and flies in order if you haven't already.  This is going to be a great week to give it a try. 

Deschutes Trout

This is such a wonderful time of year to trout fish on the Deschutes.  Keep your eyes on the gauges and try to avoid and big flow spikes or drops.  The trout prefer things to be steady in those two departments, and changes either way can put them off the bite.  Water temps have been in the low-to-mid 40's, which should have fish sitting in softer winter lies.  Call it predominately a nymph and streamer game with the possibility of some afternoon BWO fishing.  The bugs should be present to some degree every day, but surface activity will be variable.  The huge bonus of fishing the Deschutes at this time of year is the solitude.  You can have large stretches of the river all to yourself.....and some really good trout fishing!   

"The Gorge"

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Winter Steelhead Prep List - Are You Ready?

A Quick Gear Check Before Winter Steelhead Season

In some years, the transition from summer to winter steelhead can be almost seamless. This season, a series of Atmospheric Rivers across the PNW has hit the pause button—but it looks like we’re only a week or so away from rivers dropping back into shape.

That makes this the perfect window to go through your gear and make sure everything is dialed for the months ahead. A little preparation now pays off when conditions finally line up.

Here’s a simple checklist to jog your memory.

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Clothing

You fish longer when you’re warm. Take a hard look at the basics: blown-out heels in your favorite socks, gloves full of holes, or rain jackets that have seen better days. Check the status of jacket number one and the backup. It may not cool off next week, but winter is coming—get your layers and rain-gear sorted now.

• Socks and gloves: no holes, good grip

• Rain jacket: primary plus backup

• Wading layers: clean, dry, warm

• Bag extras: hat, neck gaiter, spare layer

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Tippet

This is one area where being proactive really matters. If your heavier spools of Maxima have been through countless wet/dry cycles and plenty of sun exposure, it’s time to start fresh. Tippet is an easy thing to overlook, but it’s a critical link to the fish—and one you don’t want to gamble on.

• Replace old, sun-baked, or cycled tippet

• Check for nicks and stiffness

• Restock your core sizes

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Hooks

Like tippet, this isn’t a category to skimp on. Carry plenty of new hooks and check them after every snag. If it won’t stick in your thumbnail, swap it out. When swinging for winter steelhead, opportunities are limited even on good days. Fishing sharp, fresh hooks simply leads to more solid hook-ups and landed fish.

• Carry fresh hooks you actually use

• Check after snags

• If it will not stick to your thumbnail, swap it

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Backing

You may not see your backing often, but when you do, it matters—a lot. If you’re running Dacron and it’s been on the reel for years, consider replacing it. Dacron holds water and eventually degrades after repeated wet/dry cycles. Even with newer backing, it’s smart to peel some off and check for binding or damage from your last big battle.

Another solid upgrade is switching to gel-spun backing. It absorbs less water, offers far better abrasion resistance, and while it costs a bit more, it’s absolutely worth it.

• Old Dacron: replace if aged

• Pull some off and check for fray or binds

• Check backing knots and connections

• Consider gel-spun for durability

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Sink Tips

Step one: find them all. Some of those heavy winter sink tips may not have seen daylight in a while. Inspect each one for cracks, damaged loops, or wear. And if you’re missing a few you “loaned out” last season, now’s the time to replace them.

• Confirm lengths and grains

• Check loops and coating for damage

• Replace missing tips

• Pack one spare of your primary, go-to tip

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Running Line

Yet another critical link in the system. If you’re fishing a coated running line, check for cracks, worn loops, and loss of slickness. Mono shooting lines should be inspected for kinks or nicks—the kind of small issues that turn into big frustrations on the water.

• Inspect coated running lines for cracks, worn loops, and reduced slickness.

• Check mono shooting lines for kinks, nicks, or other damage.

• Replace or repair any issues now to avoid frustration on the water.

If you’re unsure about the condition of any of your gear, stop by the shop or give us a call. We’re always happy to help you take a quick look and get things dialed before the rivers come back into shape.

Before you call it ready, give the small stuff a quick once-over. Replace any leader sections that are nicked or curly, and check swivels, rings, clips, and loop-to-loop connections for wear. Top off your winter fly box with sharp, rust-free hooks, and make sure your boxes still latch tight.

Quick “Do This Tonight” Mini List

1. Replace tippet and hooks
2. Inspect running line and sink tips
3. Check drag and backing connections
4. Restock one winter fly box 
5. Charge phone - set alarm(s) 

For safety and comfort, inspect boots and studs, gravel guards, and wading staff essentials. Finally, test your reel drag for smooth start-up, tighten anything loose, and rinse and dry your gear so it is ready when the rivers drop.

"The Gorge"

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Charlie's Review: Rio Skagit Pickpocket Dredger

RIO Skagit Pickpocket Dredger Review – Charlie’s Take

Winter Steelhead on the Brain!

After a lengthy and excellent summer season, my brain is already wandering west. I might be jumping the gun a little, but the reality is that we are just a few storms away from the first winter fish showing up.  It's hard not to be at least a little excited! With this in mind, it's time to find all the winter gear including all the right heads that make things happen.  One particular niche head that immediately came to mind is the extra-heavy Rio Pickpocket in the "Dredger" S3/S5/S7 density.  

Pros

* It's Super Heavy - There are plenty of winter situations where getting the fly down fast is critical.  This is particularly true on smaller rivers with substantial flow.  Sometimes you don't have a lot of time to get the fly in the zone in a smaller spot.  If it's taking too long to sink the bug, you're above the fish, and most of them are not particularly prone to move way up in the column to grab a fly.  This head combined with a heavy tip and fly gets you in the zone immediately.  Perhaps more importantly, it's heavy enough to hold the fly at depth through the course of the swing.  This can be really hard to do with lighter heads in certain situations.  In heavy current, sometimes it doesn't matter if you buried your head 5' down before putting the fly under tension.  As soon as you do, you can see it raising up in the water through the swing.  Not ideal when you're trying to keep the fly at the level of the fish.  The Dredger is heavy enough to get down and stay down in most spots.

* Slow Swings - Considering how deep this one fishes, you're way below the faster surface current.  It helps you swing the fly about as slowly as you can maximizing the time a fish has to pursue it.

* Casts Shockingly Well - The Dredger is so heavy it probably scares people from buying it!  In spite of its weight, it's short enough that it's not difficult to pull out of the water when setting your anchor.  You can't let your anchor settle very long as the entire system is plummeting, but it casts incredibly well with a little adjustment to your timing.  Because of the 20' length, it's rather punchy for a head that's so heavy.  

* Great for a Second Pass - So you made it through the run with a floating Skagit or a lighter multi-density sinker and nothing happened.  If you're confident in that run, making a second much deeper pass with the Dredger is definitely worth a shot.  I had some success last winter hooking fish on a second pass with this head......and the same fly!  It can truly be a game of inches with cold winter fish.  Sometimes getting the fly just a little closer to them changes their mind entirely.  

“Of course, no specialty tool is perfect…”

Cons

* It's Really Short - This is more of a Pro/Con.  At 20', this one works best on rods 13' and under.  You can get away with it on slightly longer rods by leaving extra overhang, but it's intended use is with shorter sticks.  If an 8134 or 8136 is your go-to winter rod, this line is not the right one.

* Limited Offering of Grain Weights - You've got a 525 grain and a 600 grain to chose from.  Though this covers most shorter 7's and 8's, it would be nice if there were a few other sizes to chose from to accommodate a broader range of rods.    

“When winter fish are glued to the couch, this is the head that knocks on the door.”

In Summary

This head has become a great tool in the arsenal for winter fishing.  When the water is up but in and you need to get way down there, this is the head for the job.  Winter steelhead are moody and options are good!  Mixing this head into your program when the conditions call for it will certainly open the door to a few extra grabs this season.    

"The Gorge"

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Steelhead Fishing Tips - Winter - Updated 2025

Cold-Water Steelhead: Tips for Winter Success

As the seasons shift and water temperatures drop, steelhead behavior changes significantly. Fish become less inclined to chase flies high in the water column, and your presentation must evolve with the conditions. While steelhead are known for their unpredictability, and may still surprise you by rising to a dry or skating pattern, winter fishing generally calls for a slower, deeper, more deliberate approach.

If you're heading out in colder conditions, here are a few proven strategies to increase your odds
.

1. Target Slower Water

In cold water, steelhead conserve energy. Their metabolism slows, and they tend to hold in slower current where they can rest comfortably. You’re less likely to find them in fast riffles unless there’s a clear current break like a boulder or bottom depression.

Focus your attention downstream from the head of the run, where the riffle smooths into a gentle glide. These sweet spots can continue all the way into the tail-out depending on flow and depth. Think “slow walking pace” or even slower. Scan for seams, softer pockets, and deeper water with a subtle change in color.

This is the kind of water that’s most productive in the winter months. While every river is different, using current speed and bottom structure as your guide will keep you in the zone.

---

Callum - "Steelheadbum"

2. Fish Deeper

Getting your fly down to the fish is crucial in cold conditions. Use sink tips (like T-11 or T-14) paired with Skagit heads to achieve depth. The key is matching your sink tip to the specific water you’re fishing—deeper slots and trenches call for heavier tips, while shallower water requires lighter setups to avoid hanging up.

Remember: presentation matters just as much as the gear. Small adjustments to casting angle, mend size, and line control will drastically impact how deep and how effectively your fly fishes. In general:

• More upstream angle = deeper swing

• Longer cast = less control over depth

• Larger mend = more slack = more sink time

One essential winter skill is learning to "set up" your fly. Add slack to let it sink before it starts to swing. This means mending upstream, dropping your rod tip, and giving the fly time to settle before tension builds. It's not about immediate action—it's about getting that fly to depth and into the strike zone before it starts swimming.

If you’re bumping bottom too much, reduce your angle or mend size. If you’re never touching bottom and not getting grabs, you may need to add weight or adjust your presentation for more depth.

On Water Color

If the river is off-color, steelhead may hold closer to shore, even in very shallow water. In these cases, lighten up—use shorter casts, lighter tips, and avoid long slack setups that send your fly too deep, too soon. Shallow tail-outs can surprise you.

Fly Weight Matters

Lead-eyed flies can sink faster than your tip alone. If you're trying to reach a deep slot quickly, consider extending your leader length. Just note that casting long leaders with heavy flies requires technique—and some practice.

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3. Slow Your Swing

Winter steelheading is all about tempo. Fish aren’t going to rocket across the river to chase down a fast-moving fly. Instead, you want to slow things down, maximize time in the strike zone, and give them a long look.

Fly speed is influenced by:

• How much you lead the fly with your rod tip

• The belly (or shape) of your fly line in the current

• Your casting angle and mend

• Fly depth

Leading the fly creates speed and presents it broadside. A little downstream belly enhances profile but speeds things up. A neutral or upstream angle allows for a slower, more subtle swing—especially important when fishing bigger winter flies like leeches, intruders, and prawn-style patterns.

Depth also naturally slows the fly. A deeply sunk fly takes longer to come under full swing tension, which gives it a more seductive movement—just the thing to entice a sluggish winter steelhead.

In short:

• Lead the fly slightly for profile

• Let it sink for speed control

• Don’t over-mend unless you're trying to gain depth

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Final Thoughts

Steelhead in winter demand patience and intentional presentation. They won’t forgive a sloppy swing or a fly that’s out of the strike zone. But if you fish the right water, at the right depth, with the right speed and you’ll find yourself in the game.

Cold water doesn’t mean no fish. It just means smarter fishing. Adjust your tactics, dial in your presentations, and keep stepping down. Somewhere out there, a winter steelhead is holding in soft water, waiting for just the right fly to drift by.

Steelheadbum.com - 541.386.6977

North Coast Steelhead with Charlie Piette of Harris Anglers

It’s that time of year again, folks. Winter steelhead season is here! The heavy January rains have settled

in and fish are on the move. With the peak of the run yet to come, now is a great time to book a guide

trip and secure some prime dates.

Many of you have met Charlie Piette at the shop, or talked to him on the phone. He is a traveling fishing guide from Wisconsin and joined the Gorge Fly Shop Team this past fall. His steelhead affliction lured him to the Northwest in his early twenties, which eventually transpired into an additional guide season. Charlie now spends his winters working with longtime friend, Todd Harris, of Harris Anglers, out on the Oregon’s North Coast. Here’s what he has to say about the fishery:

“Steelhead fishing on the coast is one of the greatest fishing opportunities the Northwest has to offer.

Thanks to the diversity of river systems, there’s a little something for everyone. Though the coast is

known as the place to be for dedicated swing anglers, it’s also ideal for those just getting into the sport

and interested in learning a variety of techniques. Whether you are an experienced steelheader, or

hoping to catch a glimpse of one for the first time, I will plan our day accordingly to put you in position

for success.”

If you’d like to get in a boat this winter, reach out to Charlie at email or phone listed below.

Email: charliepiette@gmail.com

Mobile: 920-379-8517

Web: www.harrisanglers.com

"The Gorge"

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Winter Steelhead Plan D Fly Selection

Includes:

• Plan D Pack Max Articulated Plus fly box loaded with 2 each of the following flies...
• Signature Intruder Pink/Orange
• Signature Intruder Purple/Pink
• Signature Intruder Black/Blue
• Loop Leech Pink
• Loop Egg Sucking Leech Purple
• Senyo's OCD Pink
• Senyo's OCD Black
• Hobo Spey Orange/Pink
• Hobo Spey Orange Butt/Purple
• Hobo Spey Cerise/Black
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Umpqua Basecamp, Oregon (New Destination)

New location added to our travel section. Umpqua Basecamp

Umpqua River, Oregon (near Roseburg)

The river truly has a soul. A soul that is fueled by the legends that have waded her jade water, and cast a fly to her lovely steelhead. Many of these legends are gone now, though a few still test themselves against one of the most challenging fisheries in existence.

Location:
The Umpqua Basecamp is located approximately 30 miles east of Roseburg, OR

Season:
Summer and Winter Steelhead

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Columbia Gorge Fishing Report (4/8/2017)

Beautiful day to get skunked!

“Look to the seasons when choosing your cures” –Hippocrates 

Indeed, seasons are changing and excitement is in the air!

On the winter steelhead front, Wednesday I was able to get my boat out to the Clackamas for a nice “springy” day. We spotted a few fish but no tugs to report. We did come across a sea lion that pulled out a nice fish out of our run, which was only slightly disenchanting. As we creep into spring it’s important to remain mindful of spawning fish and to stay clear of redds. If your favorite river is about done for the season, venturing out as a simple spectator can provide great entertainment- polarized binoculars can also work wonders!

If you’re still keen on fishing for winter-run fish there have been a couple reports of a late push of wilds on the coast, however I would probably target rivers more inland and/or northern. A report also just came in of the first summer-run steelhead caught on the Clackamas. This run begins to trickle in this month on the Clackamas and Sandy, but May is generally when the push comes. Spring Chinook should also provide a little action soon too, but with low numbers projected, and their typical  unwillingness to bite a fly, they’ll definitely make you work for it.

Chelsey enjoying a nice day swinging flies on the Clackamas.

Trout reports have been few and far between, but some insects have been waking up! The Deschutes has come down some to 9,100cfs, although it has been a little warm/wet up on Mt. Hood so fishing above White River may provide some better clarity.  Nymphing will be your best bet and I would be sure to pack some stonefly nymphs, pheasant tails, and maybe some San Juan worms as well.  We have had some excellent reports from the lake fishing locals.  If you can get to the a lake that has trout in it and the season is open, you will likely be treated to some stellar fishing!

The Columbia is still high but finally dropping and clearing up quite a bit.  For the fly angler, April and May on the Columbia are definitely the best times to access smallmouth.  Clouser’s and other baitfish flies, as well as heavy crayfish flies work well early in the spring.  Fish them on a full sinking, intermediate or floating line based on where the fish seem to be staged.  As mentioned last week, carp fishing can be great in high water when they are less skittish. If you’ve never caught one on the fly, they are quite fun!

**Friendly reminder** WA fishing licenses expired on 3/31, so make sure you get a new one if you are headed out!

Flows:  The USGS sites give us real-time flows, while the NOAA site shows us predictions based on weather patterns.  Both are invaluable tools.

Hood River:

USGS

NOAA

Klickitat

USGS

NOAA

Clackamas:

USGS

NOAA

Deschutes near Madras:

USGS

Deschutes at the mouth:

USGS

NOAA

Columbia River

Bonneville Dam Water Temps

Columbia @ Hood River (The mouth of the Hood backs up at 75 feet)

As always, we are happy to talk fishing anytime.  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. 541.386.6977 

The Gorge Fly Shop Team

541.386.6977

info@gorgeflyshop.com

www.gorgeflyshop.com

"Fly Fish the World with Us"