Report Date: 12/14/11

Fishing over the past few weeks has been fairly consistent.  Our guides have been averaging 5 to 7 opportunities at fish a trip.  This is actually really good fishing considering the Clearwater is flowing low and clear and has been for the last three weeks.  We have been having the most success back trolling diver and shrimp.  This combination lets us work holes at a very slow pace giving fish plenty of time to see the bait.  Fishing slow is the most critical component to success during periods of low, clear, and cold flows.  When conditions are like what we are currently dealing with the skill of the angler or guide really makes the difference during a day’s fishing.   Success hinges on knowing exactly where in a hole fish are holding.  This kind of knowledge only comes from countless days on the water. 

Anglers looking for success during the cold, low water periods on the Clearwater should focus on two particular methods of fishing, float and jig/bait or diver and Bait.  Both of these methods allow anglers to focus on individual holding areas within a particular hole.  These methods also allow anglers to fish extremely slow and methodical; giving fish all the time they need to react to your presentation.   The types of water we look for during these current conditions are the deepest slowest portion of pools.  These are the areas that cold water steelhead most prefer because it affords them the ability to not have to expend much energy to stay in one area.

Success can be had during cold periods by making a few small adjustments to your fishing style and concentrating on the correct holding areas.  Remember to fish you bait slow and low.

Report Date 11/30/11

Fishing over the past week has improved greatly over the previous week or so.  During the past week day and night time temperatures rose and this stabilized the water temperatures in the lower 40’s.  Our guides were consistently putting clients on fish throughout the holiday week.  Most fish were hooked side drifting bait or back trolling plugs/diver and bait combinations.  During this time of year slowing down the presentation via back trolling seems to have the highest success.

We also heard a few reports of fly anglers getting into some fish last week.  Most of the successful anglers are throwing sink tips and winter steelhead type flies.  During the cold weather months many fly anglers think that the prime time to swing a steelhead is over, but for a few of us diehards we realize that by slowing our presentations down and fishing near the bottom we can have some very good days swinging flies throughout the winter months.  A few of our guides are so dedicated to the swing that they choose to fish this way throughout the entire season (even during the indicator tossing spring season).

For next week the weather is calling for some cold clear nights and lower daytime highs.  This kind of weather can sometimes slow the fishing down some, but often some of our best fishing of the year is done during the coldest weather.  Our guides know the places fish hold when the weather gets cold.