Columbia Gorge Fishing Report 2 16 16

Jeff and my dog Hendrix on a coastal stream

Fishing Report

Local rivers are on their way back up, and we will have another good opportunity for anglers to hit winter steelheadas the flows drop.  All of the local rivers should see an influx of fish when the levels peak.  Our favorites within an hour drive are the Sandy, Clackamas, Washougal, and the Hood.  Within two hours, we can hit the Kalama, Cowlitz, East Fork Lewis and the Santiam.  Portlanders have a nice location as all of the coastal rivers are within a reasonable drive. 

Jeff forgot his wading boots.  Gorilla tape is key

Rainbow Trout fishing has been great on the Deschutes.  If you are looking for a nice change of pace and are overwhelmed with the number of steelhead anglers on seemingly every river, take a day to go trout fishing on the Deschutes.  It is open all the way up to Pelton Dam now and there has been very little pressure. 

Trout are eating Skwala nymphs, March Browns in both nymph and adult stage, along with Blue Wing Olives.  The Skwala nymph should be a go-to for most of the day because of the large size and easy target; they provide a ton of calories quickly.  Fish a Skwala nymph doubled with a smaller mayfly nymph to be doubly effective.  The March Browns and Blue Wings are not entirely consistent as far as hatches go, so they may or may not provide any dry fly fishing on any particular day.  March Browns tend to hatch when it’s warm and sunny, while the Blue Wings tend to hatch on cloudy days.  Blue Wings also often hatch in back eddies and in soft water near the side of the river, where March Browns are more of a typical mayfly and hatch in and near riffles. 

Swinging and twitching streamers can also produce some nice fish this time of year.  Sculpins and leeches are good food for trout, and presented slowly their imitations can be very productive. 

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.  

Andrew Perrault
Gorge Fly Shop | Product Specialist
541.386.6977

"Fly Fishing Report"

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