Deschutes Spring Chinook

[rjs]

Looking for advice on fly fishing the lower Deschutes for spring chinook. Thanks

[bauer buoy]

Originally Posted by rjs

Looking for advice on fly fishing the lower Deschutes for spring chinook. Thanks

Yesterday I heard that the river was flowing pretty fast and the fishng has been very slow. Good luck!

[Mad Mikey]

Originally Posted by rjs

Looking for advice on fly fishing the lower Deschutes for spring chinook. Thanks

There was some good info on this thread a while back(gear forum), check it out with respect to what kind of water to look for:

http://www.ifish.net/board/showthrea...05#post1989105

I'd fish down and dirty, in steelheady water with a 200-300gr sink tip, large bunny style flies. I think AndyK is the local dead drift(nymphing technique) wizard in here, maybe he'll chime in?

The Teeny300 is a bottom dragger though, I had to clip some of it off because it hung up TOO much in steelhead drifts. I also used a 20foot Cortland typeVI on my 9wt. with better results.

A salmon bite on the swing won't be a smash and grab like steelhead. It's more of a subtle *thump*, no need for a shock loop either. Feel that and cross their eyes on the hook set(well, at least do it with some authority anyways. )

Also, sink tipping, short leader/tippet, probably no more than 3 ft. total. You're not going to be worried about roll over on backcasts too much. I think my old set-up was 20-25lb Maxima chameleon butt section(12-18") and 15-20lb Ultragreen for tippet(for a total length of 3ft, butt/tippet).

You can go heavier but IMO, not necessary even though the salmon aren't leader shy.

Good luck!

[AndyK]

I haven't fished for Springers in the Deschutes. Mark Bachman (Fly Fishing Shop, Welches) has fished the Deschutes for Springers and may be a good person to ask advice.

Springers (as with most chinook) hug the bottom and usually won't move far to take a fly. There are exceptions (based on conditions) when chinook will even take a fly just swinging under the surface, but that is unusual. For that reason, you will need to use your winter steelheading techniques and get the fly down to the fish.

Heavy sink tip lines are necessary to get down. The weight will depend on water conditions. Nymphing for chinook can be productive because it is easier to get the fly down deep enough with that technique.

The takes by a chinook can be soft and at other times like a steelhead. You just need to be ready for either take.

[Mad Mikey]

Thanks Andy.

[rjs]

Thanks guys.