This upcoming week will most likely see a lot of changing in
the fishing conditions. I often say conditions can and do change quickly, right
now the way things look some one may have just lit the fuse on the steelhead
bomb. Water temperatures are right on the edge of triggering spawning activity.
As of now oak Orchard River is in ideal fishing condition, high water flows and
heavy stain to the water. This can make looking for fish a bit difficult, however
the stain conditions will give steelhead the security they need to remain
active throughout the day. In These conditions, all we need to do is take our
time and search carefully. Eventually the fish will show them selves. When
fishing the Oak, use larger flies. I like to say it’s time to break out the fun
stuff. In the dirty water of Oak Orchard River the larger brighter flies are
always going to be more effective.
The Salmon River, water flows have been steadily increasing
as of now the release at the damn is 1500 CFS. Please keep in mind at this time
of year water flows can change quickly. You will need to keep an eye on the
flows daily and just your fishing plans accordingly. I do anticipate water
flows increasing in the short term. Water temperature has been in the mid to upper
30 degree range. Close to spawning temperature but not there yet. As result, the
fish have been a bit crabby. Ones the water temperature comes up to spawning
temperature the fish behavior will change dramatically. Until then, a bit of
persistence is your best approach. We have been getting Fish to eat a variety
flies from egg patterns to nymphs, our best producing pattern has been large
stonefly nymphs with rubber legs. We are at the very beginning of the spawning
activity, As a result the bulk of the fishing activity will be focused at the
upper portion of the river. There will still be a trickle of fish coming
through the lower of the mid portion of the river but these fish will be spread
out in moving fast. As a result we will need it cover as much water as possible
to find these new fish.
As we all know, trout
season has officially opened. For now my concentration is still going to be
with the steelhead fishing. However I will make note of the trout fishing
conditions while the steelhead season continues. For now there is not much
going on in the trout streams, other than water flows are high. We do need a
few weeks and some warm water temperatures before we see the first big bug
hatches.
Note;
We still have plenty of time available for early to mid May.
Please keep in mind steelhead fishing early to mid May is what we refer to as
swing season, the best times of the year to fish for steelhead with a swinging
fly. Please feel free to give me a call so we can discuss your options cell
585-233-0436
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