Eagle Creek Report/Question

[High School Fisherman]

Okay, Ive Got a report and a Question for you all.

I went to eagle creek today from about 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM. After much walking I found a hole where there were around 6-20 steelhead!!! It seemed as though they kept shooting upstream by the minute. anyways I fished hard for 2 hours using eggs. I would cast far upstream from then then I would let them drift right in front of their faces and they wouldnt EVEN BITE!!!! I was extremely upset they didnt bite, but hey that's fishing. I was wondering what might work to catch these fish? I'm pretty new to steelhead fishing and any techniques would be much appreciated. thanks a lot [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

For Love of Fish

Bobber and jig or possibly a plastic worm. Do'nt let the fish see your reflection and position yourself up stream a bit from them. You might also try shrimp. It sounds like you didn't spook them so try different color variations with them or maybe a very small winged type bobber like spin-glo or birdies.
Anyway good luck to you
Stew

[HOGTIDE]

Ya HSF,

We've all seen that situation plenty of times. Low clear water; a pack of fish kegged up and refusing to bite obvious offerings. Give these a try.

1) First light: Frequently getting your bait in the water at barely legal light will illicit a response from clearwater/ spooky steelies.

2) Fastwater Pockets at Head and Tail: Usually if there are a bunch of visible fish, spooked and holding in a pool the frothy water that leads into that pool holds fish that have found surface cover and are more willing biters. Tailout pockets and hydrolic cover will do the same.

3) Stealth matters: The fish see you and They Do Not Like You! Wear drab colors, approach hole with a low profile. If you are looking at them, they are probably looking at you. Know the drift and the lie, so you can cast from a flat angled distance.

4) Top Approach Metal: Wade upstream from the 'stacked hole'( for stealth purposes) and cast spinners or wobblers downstream, letting the blade sweep through the pack. frequently a few flutters of nickel, can out fish a day's worth of shrimp and eggs.

5) Dupont Spinners: That's right, good ol' fashioned dynamite will bring 'em right to the surface.....kidding...I'm just kidding!

Really..try 1-4. Good Luck.

[dogfishboy]

HSF,
The guys offer good tips. Sometimes it doesn't matter what you do, they are just not going to bite. [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] I fish some property on Eagle Creek and have spent my time begging-for-a-bite! [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img] Try fishing other water for awhile and then return later to see if they have changed their minds. Sometimes you just have to wade-on and forget about them...till the next first light. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

David

[Shannon]

In this situation I prefer to come in from the down stream position. Go small. And I mean small. If you are not capable of achieving your stike pull out the flies. Over at Jones Creek on the Wilson I'd have to use flies. After the local know hows spooked out the fish I'd use a sinking line and a ginger Teeny Nymph in size 8.

No fly pole? No problem. Use a clear float. The type you can place water in and score yourself a beadhead nymph, preferably Ostrich hair.

I'm moving to AK in june so if you need some sure fire tips and spots throughout the Willamette Valley give me a buzz. [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

[High School Fisherman]

Thanks a lot guys, that really helps ill go give it a shot at first light tomm. morning! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[Ramstrong]

I second what Hogtide says, especially #2. I went 2 for 3 on friday on eagle creek hitting the fast water. If they're in the hole they're going to be jumpy, and if you can see them, they can see you, the fast stuff gives them a false sense of security. I was using 6lb test and they were playing avoidance in the holes, I give them 1-3 casts and move on. Just watch out fishing on weekdays up there. My window was smashed friday and a spare rod and clothes snatched, and I bet the same wouldn't have happened on a weekend because of the increased traffic.

[ 03-27-2001: Message edited by: Ramstrong ]

[drbfish]

Are there fresh fish moving into Eagle Creek?