Fishing slowed slightly during the past week. Cold clear nights combined with snow falling in the high country dropped water temps into the low 44-39 degree range. Because water temps fell quickly in the upper river fishing was a little slower than we would have liked over the weekend. With that in mind our guides were able to make the adjustment to consistently put our clients into fish. While the fish were a little more reluctant to bite our guide’s knowledge of how the river responds to different water conditions was the key to success. We slowed things down and fished a little more methodical and were handsomely rewarded with large Clearwater B-Run steelhead.
Gear anglers continued to have the most success side drifting bait and back trolling plugs/diver and bait combination. Like I said above the key to success was to slow things down and methodically work the water we knew held fish. When water temps begin to cool down steelhead wont move as far to attack a well presented offering, at this point the skill of the angler or guide really comes into play because putting you bait or lure precisely into the steelhead lair is absolutely essential.
For fly anglers success was limited. With the current water temps anglers swinging with sink tips will produce the most fish. This is not saying that some of the die hard floating line guys wont get a few, but when temps get into the low 40’s its time to bust out the tips. Angles willing to fish their gear slow and low will consistently put more fish on the bank than the guys insisting on fishing the floating line. With that said fishing style is dictated most by what makes the individual angler the happiest and not all fishing methods are for everyone, so do what makes your time on the water the most enjoyable to you, and let the steelhead gods decide the rest.
The weather for next week looks to be quite similar to last week. As the fish get used to the colder water temps fishing should improve this week. The end of the week is calling for some rain which might send a new push of fish up the river and improve fishing even more.
Kyle! What the hell is up? Just came across your blog here. Awesome to see your guiding up on the Clearwater. A buddy and I were just up there last weekend getting our ass handed to us, although we did manage 1 fish. Looks like you might have to show me a few good spey runs, as I am fully obsessed with it now. Ha! Tell your brothers hi for me.
ReplyDelete- Blake Carley