Grande Ronde River

[Djflyfish]

Looking for suggestions on fly fishing the ronde in November. I usally use a dry line there but what is a couple of good pattterns to swing? are they weighted? dropper flies? sizes? Fish with an indicator? Thanks for your help.

[D3smartie]

line depends on weather and water temp. in Nov I would usually use a type 3 tip.
all the classic steelhead flies in dark colors are a good bet. purple peril, GBS, pick yer pocket, Black bear green butt, Intruders.
Depending on water clarity i have fished anything from a size 8 to 4 inch long intruders.

[Djflyfish]

line depends on weather and water temp. in Nov I would usually use a type 3 tip.
all the classic steelhead flies in dark colors are a good bet. purple peril, GBS, pick yer pocket, Black bear green butt, Intruders.
Depending on water clarity i have fished anything from a size 8 to 4 inch long intruders.


last year I fished the ronde and the river was down around 700cfs but the water was not that cold.

[chromeseeker]

You will be lucky to catch fish in the Ronde in November on the swing, or pretty much any time, for that matter. The Ronde has become a nymph/egg indicator show and appears to be a shell of its former self. If I were you, I'd definitely bring some heavy sink tips and MOAL leeches....just in case.

CS

[D3smartie]

i will respectfully disagree. The fact that people are so intent on numbers and the pressure has increased so much on the G.R. nymphing has become the favored method of many anglers down there. BUT the fish are still very trouty and willing to come take a swung fly. The rivers sets up very well for swinging and IMO it should be a freakin crime to nymph that river.
It is a shell of its former self, but still a river that you can swing with success.

[chromeseeker]

I agree whole-heartedly that it's a crime to catch those fish on anything but a swung fly with dry line as the river has some of the prettiest fly water around. However, after a trip last year in late October under primo conditions with one newbie and two darn good anglers (including one vet of 25 years on that river) and not touching a fish, I was soured on the GR. This trip included one 9 mile float where we encountered several guides who where fishless and several forays to the mouth----nada, nothing, zilcho, zero.

The only fish we heard of that were caught were on nymphs and sink-tips with leeches. Maybe the river will be different this year but I wouldn't hold my breath.

If you want grabby fish, stay local and hit the big "D". I think you'll find your chances to be much higher for a hook-up, especially this year as the "D" is fishing pretty well. Folks on the GR last year were wondering why we'd driven that far east to fish the GR when the "D" is practically in our backyard.

As the end of the trip, I was wondering the same thing.

CS

[rob allen]

"You will be lucky to catch fish in the Ronde in November on the swing, or pretty much any time, for that matter. The Ronde has become a nymph/egg indicator show and appears to be a shell of its former self. If I were you, I'd definitely bring some heavy sink tips and MOAL leeches....just in case."

if the water is 45 degrees or higher you'll have no trouble catching them on a swung fly.. I often go there when the water is below 50 and have no problem getting them to come to the surface..

just say no to indicators! 1 you don't need them and 2 it doesn't take skill to catch fish with lead.

sorry just reacting to being told you cannot catch them on a swung fly absolutely rediculous...

[Slow and Low]

Looking for suggestions on fly fishing the ronde in November. I usally use a dry line there but what is a couple of good pattterns to swing? are they weighted? dropper flies? sizes? Fish with an indicator? Thanks for your help.

This is usually a pretty hot topic. I have only fished it in November and only from Bogans to the mouth. We hook very few fish on swung flies and many on the float under an indicator. Generally we only swing camp water and fish on the float the rest of the time. Hopefully this year it isn't cold or blown out. If given a choice swinging a dry line is prefferd just hasn't been my experience on the GR in November. On a seperate note I never see BOO after day one on that float.

[Steelie Mike]

Looking for suggestions on fly fishing the ronde in November. I usally use a dry line there but what is a couple of good pattterns to swing? are they weighted? dropper flies? sizes? Fish with an indicator? Thanks for your help.

You can and will swing fish in November on the Ronde. My first swung fish on the Ronde came in November on an O. caddis under the surface. That cold weekend I swung several others on leeches and traditional flies. I like natural colored flies on the Ronde and Snake. Burlaps, spades, crystal caddis, undertakers, small stones and even princes when it is slow. Yeah I added a few nymphs there, but I am referring to swinging them and not use the bobber. If the water you are fishing is very slow or if the water temps are around 45 degrees then leeches are a good idea. Do not be surprised if you catch a few smallmouth in the slow pools. Take them home for a shore lunch.

The bobber can be effective and not a bad way to go if you are fishing from one spot to the next from a boat. There is only one spot on the river I like to fish this method from the bank. Swinging this run is not effective due to its slow current. If you choose to go this route, remember you do not need to chunk a lot of weight. These fish for the most part are grabby and will move. Keep egg flies in the box for winter.

Also be careful of etiquette here. I have seen people almost get lynched on this river for borderline etiquette. If guys lecture you about methods, i.e. tips vs a dry line. Tell them to stick it! Just be courteous about them and show them by putting fish on the bank. Also try not to float a bobber in a classic swinging run. Not only will you come close to blows with other fishermen, but it is not needed. This river has a lot of classic water and you should take advantage of it.

Good luck

[Mad Mikey]

Rob's got it right.

It is a temperature issue, and no direct light in the fish's eye's.

Fish a floater, in the shade or light behind the fish.

The colder the temps, the less yardage a fish will travel to take your swinging fly.

And, water temps can vary wildly in NEO from year to year, keep that in mind.

45 degrees F is almost sink-tip stuff. BUT, we are talking about a river that will be running 700-800(or much less) cfs in the Fall.

It's all about temps. You can fish a floater/swinging fly in the GR in colder temps because they holding in shallower water.

It's all about temps, distance from fish to fly.

:twocents:

[BarroomHero]

Greg Hesiter and Mark Few and company did pretty well last November. As seen on "Seasons On The Fly".

[Slow and Low]

Greg Hesiter and Mark Few and company did pretty well last November. As seen on "Seasons On The Fly".

A lifter under a strike indicator.

[BarroomHero]

A lifter under a strike indicator.

I thought it was a "Maddie's Special":D

[Djflyfish]

I thought it was a "Maddie's Special":D


sounds like the water temp determines how to fish

[Slow and Low]

sounds like the water temp determines how to fish

Bingo.

[BarroomHero]

Apparently i missed something?:shrug:

[OutdoorBum]

Greg Hesiter and Mark Few and company did pretty well last November. As seen on "Seasons On The Fly".


That was a great episode. The scenery made me want to get out and fish right then and there!

[BarroomHero]

That was a great episode. The scenery made me want to get out and fish right then and there!

No Kidding!! Hey!? Did we just agree on something? Weird.:wink:

[OutdoorBum]

No Kidding!! Hey!? Did we just agree on something? Weird.:wink:


Oh its all in good fun. Except flyfishing, which I take very seriously.:wink:

[Djflyfish]

Oh its all in good fun. Except flyfishing, which I take very seriously.:wink:

so basically 45 degrees and above use dry line with weighted flies or strike indicator with egg pattern and a dropper nymph!

[grsteelies]

Barroom Hero, You are right. The fly beeing used in the Seasons on the Fly GR episode is a "Madison Special." It was the first fly she ever designed all on her own, hence the name. She has been tying them for me and my clients for over two years now. Just this week she received 12 more dozen orders. Her Paypal account has more money in it than mine does. Makes her old man (me) very proud. She has alot of tying to do this weekend because Wednesday next week her special permit Elk hunt opens. Thanks to all for the kind words about Season on the Fly. Heister just called me while I was writing this. I'll let him know about the nice remarks on the show. Keep in eye out for the episode about swinging the GR.

[speydude]

I did the Minam to Troy run a few years back in November and spent a good 9 days fishing the river. I swung a tip the whole time and caught lots of fish. I'm sure that both methods will catch fish and think it just depends on your preference. I just prefer to practice my spey casting and swing. Here some pics of that trip (http://picasaweb.google.com/speyguy/NovGrandeRondeFloat#).

[BarroomHero]

Barroom Hero, You are right. The fly beeing used in the Seasons on the Fly GR episode is a "Madison Special." It was the first fly she ever designed all on her own, hence the name. She has been tying them for me and my clients for over two years now. Just this week she received 12 more dozen orders. Her Paypal account has more money in it than mine does. Makes her old man (me) very proud. She has alot of tying to do this weekend because Wednesday next week her special permit Elk hunt opens. Thanks to all for the kind words about Season on the Fly. Heister just called me while I was writing this. I'll let him know about the nice remarks on the show. Keep in eye out for the episode about swinging the GR.

I had no idea that was you!! I must say Seasons On The Fly is my favorite show on TV. I DVR every episode. Watching that Episode on the Grande Ronde really made me want to get out on the water. Definately pass on two HUGE thumbs up to Hesiter from me! And always nice to see Mark F. on the show, what a class act he is. Went to his Basketball camp at Gonzaga in high school. As for your daughter, that is too cool! How proud you must be! :applause: -BH

[OutdoorBum]

I did the Minam to Troy run a few years back in November and spent a good 9 days fishing the river. I swung a tip the whole time and caught lots of fish. I'm sure that both methods will catch fish and think it just depends on your preference. I just prefer to practice my spey casting and swing. Here some pics of that trip (http://picasaweb.google.com/speyguy/NovGrandeRondeFloat#).


Those are some great photos!

[Djflyfish]

Barroom Hero, You are right. The fly beeing used in the Seasons on the Fly GR episode is a "Madison Special." It was the first fly she ever designed all on her own, hence the name. She has been tying them for me and my clients for over two years now. Just this week she received 12 more dozen orders. Her Paypal account has more money in it than mine does. Makes her old man (me) very proud. She has alot of tying to do this weekend because Wednesday next week her special permit Elk hunt opens. Thanks to all for the kind words about Season on the Fly. Heister just called me while I was writing this. I'll let him know about the nice remarks on the show. Keep in eye out for the episode about swinging the GR.

thanks for the info. Those madison specials are they weighted?
Thanks for all your help!!

[Djflyfish]

thanks for the info. Those madison specials are they weighted?
Thanks for all your help!!

How proud you must be of your daughter!! My son is 4 and he is starting to tie flies with dad!!

[grsteelies]

Thanks for the kind words. Madison is a very special girl. Her Mom and I are truly blessed. AS for the fly, no weight on the hook. I found it drifts more naturally with weight on the leader, about 18" up. We tie them on 1610 size 6 hook. 5 wraps of med cherise tri lobal chenille, and the wing is half a strand of white glo bug yarn. Cerise flat waxed nylon thread. I get tired of getting bashed here about "nymphing" the GR, but the bottom line to my family and clients is" he who has has the most fun wins." If this means numbers of fish, indicator fishing is a great way to get into numbers and a great way to convert gear chuckers into full time fly guys! My 10 year son Sam caught his first GR steelie nymphing a Madison Special last Feb and that is all I have heard from him this summer. "Are they back yet dad?" On the other hand, if being happy means watching that one and only fish of the day swipe your skater off the top, than that's what we do. As for myself, I admit I do enjoy the tug of a steelie on the swing, and a surface take is nirvana. To me the best part of indicator fishing is the instant takeoff blast from the fish as soon as he feels the steel stick him. This is usually followed by an upstream run with many leaps and cartwheels. Again, sorry to all the purist that we might offend "having fun" on the GR. I'll try to post an updated report every week once I start the full time GR grind after Madison's Elk hunt on the 1st. rick

[speydude]

Those are some great photos!
Thanks OB. I think I've done that float about 17 times, mostly in the summer as a splash and giggle family float, but that Nov trip is my most memorable. Great fishing and no pressure.

[corrirod]

Great pictures speydude. :applause::applause:

I'm jealous! A buddy and I went to do that float many years ago and the flows were too low so we ended up floating from Troy to Boggins instead. Great trip but I've always wanted to get back there and do that Minam to Troy float. Maybe this year? :pray:

[speydude]

Great pictures speydude. :applause::applause:

I'm jealous! A buddy and I went to do that float many years ago and the flows were too low so we ended up floating from Troy to Boggins instead. Great trip but I've always wanted to get back there and do that Minam to Troy float. Maybe this year? :pray:

Thanks Corrirod,

That's a tuff float at that time of year. Very boney. The first 9 miles on the Wallowa is the worst. I think when we did it the river measured about 800 cfs at the Troy gauge. So I'm guessing it was probably about 250-300 cfs on the Wallowa before hitting the confluence. The key is to pack as light as possible. I want to go again!

[BarroomHero]

Thanks for the kind words. Madison is a very special girl. Her Mom and I are truly blessed. AS for the fly, no weight on the hook. I found it drifts more naturally with weight on the leader, about 18" up. We tie them on 1610 size 6 hook. 5 wraps of med cherise tri lobal chenille, and the wing is half a strand of white glo bug yarn. Cerise flat waxed nylon thread. I get tired of getting bashed here about "nymphing" the GR, but the bottom line to my family and clients is" he who has has the most fun wins." If this means numbers of fish, indicator fishing is a great way to get into numbers and a great way to convert gear chuckers into full time fly guys! My 10 year son Sam caught his first GR steelie nymphing a Madison Special last Feb and that is all I have heard from him this summer. "Are they back yet dad?" On the other hand, if being happy means watching that one and only fish of the day swipe your skater off the top, than that's what we do. As for myself, I admit I do enjoy the tug of a steelie on the swing, and a surface take is nirvana. To me the best part of indicator fishing is the instant takeoff blast from the fish as soon as he feels the steel stick him. This is usually followed by an upstream run with many leaps and cartwheels. Again, sorry to all the purist that we might offend "having fun" on the GR. I'll try to post an updated report every week once I start the full time GR grind after Madison's Elk hunt on the 1st. rick

Whatever floats your boat. Purist-Schmurist!:wink:

[Djflyfish]

Whatever floats your boat. Purist-Schmurist!:wink:


thanks for the info grsteelies..maybe we can meet up for a fish in november?

[grsteelies]

Let me know when your coming over. Cold beer and steelhead available.

[Djflyfish]

[quote=grsteelies;2194112]Let me know when your coming over. Cold beer and steelhead available.[/quote

I will. I am thinking around November? Sounds like a great time!!!

[Nicechromer]

Mark Few, Who's that??? Just kidding. I enjoy that show to and watch it every Sunday. They do a great job.
DJFlyfish, you better get this figured out, because I don't want you to get beat like this next year!!!!!!!!!!

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd85/cnighswonger/Ronde2007015.jpg

[Djflyfish]

Mark Few, Who's that??? Just kidding. I enjoy that show to and watch it every Sunday. They do a great job.
DJFlyfish, you better get this figured out, because I don't want you to get beat like this next year!!!!!!!!!!

It's on like donkey kong!!!
http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd85/cnighswonger/Ronde2007015.jpg

[grsteelies]

River report Update 10/4/08. Water 7:15 am 59 degrees between Boggans and state line. I fished with friends from McCall this morning and good news to all. There are stellhead in the Grande Ronde right now and good numbers. They hooked six steelies, numerous trout, and a few smallies. Paul landed his first steelhead on the fly, A dry fly at that! Wouldn't you know it, a rookie, fly rod steelhead newb come through with a size 6 steelhead muddler. The time is now, hope to see some of you guys soon.http://www.ifish.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/87112/ppuser/5382

[Djflyfish]

River report Update 10/4/08. Water 7:15 am 59 degrees between Boggans and state line. I fished with friends from McCall this morning and good news to all. There are stellhead in the Grande Ronde right now and good numbers. They hooked six steelies, numerous trout, and a few smallies. Paul landed his first steelhead on the fly, A dry fly at that! Wouldn't you know it, a rookie, fly rod steelhead newb come through with a size 6 steelhead muddler. The time is now, hope to see some of you guys soon.http://www.ifish.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/87112/ppuser/5382


that's good to hear...are you guys using dry lines with indicators or sinktips? I would like to head up this weekend?

[grsteelies]

that's good to hear...are you guys using dry lines with indicators or sinktips? I would like to head up this weekend?

Fished yesterday, water temp dropped to 55 degrees. Like alot above have posted in this thread, when the water temps are 50-60, use a floating line and swing,baby, swing. Soon enough the water temps will fall below 50 and then the indicator action will happen. Good luck next weekend. Rick

[Djflyfish]

Fished yesterday, water temp dropped to 55 degrees. Like alot above have posted in this thread, when the water temps are 50-60, use a floating line and swing,baby, swing. Soon enough the water temps will fall below 50 and then the indicator action will happen. Good luck next weekend. Rick


sounds good...you swinging streamers? buggers? weighted streamers?
thanks for the help

[moefish]

To the top we go, any takers.

[JRV]

My dad was down thier Saturday fight'n the winds, he hooked and landed 9. He was not fly fishing though. :passout:

[Djflyfish]

My dad was down thier Saturday fight'n the winds, he hooked and landed 9. He was not fly fishing though. :passout:

was he fishing a bobber and jig. Was he down by boggans or the mouth?