Winter Steelhead

Hi All!  Fishing has been good locally and semi-locally.  Timing has been great and the fishing gods have blessed us on all but one outing. The last two weeks have been solid and we have been performing the wood shampoo.  Swinging the Sandy and nymphing the Hood have been productive.  Look for fishing to improve over the next couple of months.  Traditionally we like to fish the drop...that said we have been fishing the river on the rise with great results.  With the higher water don't overlook the areas normally too low to swing.  Type 11 to 8 have been go too tips with lighter more sparsely tied maribou spiders.  We have some limited opening over the next couple of months.  Look forward to seeing you out there.

Sam

Winter Steelhead

The chill in the air, a freezing east wind, breaking ice off your guides after every cast, everybody and their dog out trying to catch a fish. There is nothing like chasing winter chrome.  That's been winter fishing late December through the first week in January.  With the last push of water and air temperatures hovering around 40 degrees the fishing has really turned on.  I have been fishing non stop since Chrstmas in my local haunts and it's been poor to very good.  In my 20 years of chasing winter steel I have never seen so many early natives.  I turned back a 15 pound buck last week, and as of Sunday I have seen many fish.  I hope this trend continues. Most of my winter fishing is local but I know of a couple guys that have been putting the crush on them on the coast.  My openings are limited this year, and as always the river condition is critical as well as fragile, but hey, so far so good.  I look forward to hearing from you this season for winter steel or to talk about Trout and Steelhead trips in the spring. Regards, Sam 541-400-9602

Crooked River Fly Fishing Report

11/21/09

Don't call it a come back, or... maybe you should for the Crooked is fishing well!

After a high water event a few years ago caused rampant gas bubble disease, and a major fish kill, the population of wild Redband trout has rebounded quiet successfully.

The whitefish population seems to be in check, (which was not the case over the last few years) with the catch being more trout than whities. The whitefish are spawning right now so look to fish small egg patterns, or even orange scuds, with a micro mayfly or midge dropper.  Fish can be taken on top with small (18-20) Blue Wing Olive and midge patterns.

River Borne Outfitters has recently acquired a permit to guide on the Crooked, and we are now offering half and full day walk in trips on the Crooked River all year round!

For more information feel free to give us a call at 541-647-2584

or check us out online @

www.riverborneoutfitters.com

Deschutes Steelhead Report 10/29/09

Warm Springs-Trout Creek

Every year I try and get in a float on the day stretch before they close the Indian side (closes October 31st) We usually get a fish or two, enjoy the day and say goodbye to some of our favorite runs until next year. Well this year was no exception, except that the fishing was off the hook! It was the best day I have every had on this stretch. Fitting climax for an unbelievable season. We hooked 15 steelhead, and one Jack chinook (which was the surprise of the day), between two of us! This section of river has seen a recent push of 1 salt fish into the area. As most of the fish caught were 24" cookie cutters, all were fairly bright for this time of year. We did catch a couple of 2 salt fish that were darker and looked like they had been there for awhile. Another note on the day that added to the perfection was the lack of crowds, we were one of two drifters, and one pontoon guy. We had every run to ourselves that we wanted to fish! This was a far cry to the week prior, fished this stretch during the same day of the week, and you needed to bring your own rock to find a spot. You just never know, but that's the beauty of steelheading, you just gotta keep at it and eventually the stars align, and you hit just right and then it's on!

Tight lines, and I hope to see you on the water
(just not in one of my favorite runs!)
-V

Deschutes River Steelhead Report 10/24/09

Warm Springs-Maupin

Fishing has improved since the water level increase a week ago put the fish off the bite. Water temps are still above 50 degrees. The river was very busy though, especially for the mid week. Trips earlier were less busy with better fishing, you never know though. Its seems that some days everybody calls in sick at the same time! Look for fishing to stay good through the Month and in to November.  Remember that the reservation side of the river between Warm Springs and Trout Creek closes October 31st, and the whole section of the river bordering the reservation closes for trout on the 31st. We will be offering guided drift and jet boat trips through November so if you haven't got your steelhead fix yet give us a call!


To Book a Trip Call
541-647-2584
or email info@riverborneoutfitters.com
For more details on trip options and pricing check us out online at
www.riverborneoutfitters.com

Macks to the Mouth 15-18 October

Higher water levels in October are par for the course on the Deschutes.  Clarity is good and water temps are in the low 50's.  We have been catching fish dispite the change in river flow.  We ended up with 8 fish in 3 days with the highest production day being yesterday afternoon.  The good news is the fish we have been catching are quality natives.  The landing rate is about 30% for this trip and out of the 8 only one was a hatchery.  We get a big push of large steelhead in the lower river each October.  Fishing by sled from Mack's Canyon can put you all by yourself in a matter of minutes.  Look forward to seeing you!

SS

Deschutes River Steelhead Report 10/11/09

Trout Creek- Maupin

Fishing is excellent in this stretch of river right now. The bulk of the run seems to be above Maupin now, though there still is some good fishing to be had lower. We were seeing  more two salt fish on this trip, with more than a few fish caught between 28-30 inches. Water temps are starting to drop a bit, last temp I took was about 52 degrees +/-, fish are still being taken on top with quite a bit of regularity. If you have been wanting to catch a steelhead on a skater, this is the time to try! When the temps get below fifty degrees sink tips and leaches are best.