Looking for Washington Steelhead

angryflyfisher · 06-28-2009, 04:58 PM

I moved here last March from Texas. I spent many years bass fishing tournaments and a bit of guiding with some good success. When I moved here I heard many good things about the steelhead fishing in Washington, but, I haven't been able to hook up with one of these majestic fish. I have only been flyfishing for a few months, but have had enough instruction and hours on the water recently to have at least had a take.

I am fishing the east Fork of the Lewis, Daybreak Park down to the power lines (a few miles of riffs) and the Washougal from Hathaway Park up to the county turn out around mile marker 3. I fished the Lewis this morning from daylight to 10:00am and didn't see anyone with fish.

Any information or hints you could give me would be very helpful to hook up on the fly rod. I could use the worms, jigs and bait, but prefer not to.

Frustrated in Vancouver....

PacificCoastSteel · 06-28-2009, 05:40 PM

welcome to ifish

steelheading ain't bassin' and it never will be... thank god

i can't speak to the run timing on that river, but it is important to know if thats your home river now... i'm sure someone else on here will chime in, but:

if you're just after catching a fish on a flyrod bobber-fishing it can be productive when fish won't follow a swung fly... nymphing just like you would trout fishing - use any ol egg pattern and some split shot

swinging is more fun IMHO, and you get to feel the bite... i believe that the pattern matters the least, but swing it slow - consciously work on your swing to slow the fly down.. if i could only fish one fly for steelhead its a black and purple MOAL leech... but you don't have to fish one fly - steelhead are curious and will bite anything

work on your presentation

angryflyfisher · 06-28-2009, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PacificCoastSteel

welcome to ifish

steelheading ain't bassin' and it never will be... thank god

i can't speak to the run timing on that river, but it is important to know if thats your home river now... i'm sure someone else on here will chime in, but:

if you're just after catching a fish on a flyrod bobber-fishing it can be productive when fish won't follow a swung fly... nymphing just like you would trout fishing - use any ol egg pattern and some split shot

swinging is more fun IMHO, and you get to feel the bite... i believe that the pattern matters the least, but swing it slow - consciously work on your swing to slow the fly down.. if i could only fish one fly for steelhead its a black and purple MOAL leech... but you don't have to fish one fly - steelhead are curious and will bite anything

work on your presentation

angryflyfisher · 06-28-2009, 06:06 PM

Thanks for the reply. I am using the downstream swing with a natural muddler, green butt skunk and a sand shrimp pattern. I tried Jim Teeney's sinking line and a Teeney nymph a few times but the Washougal and Lewis are too shallow for that one.

Anyway, thanks.

AndyK · 06-28-2009, 08:09 PM

In my experience, this is the wrong time to be fishing the East Fork Lewis. Usually this time of year the water is running too warm. Wait until the fall rains.

The Washougal usually runs cooler and is fishable.

Also try the main Lewis and the Kalama if you want to stay in Washington and fish near your home.

cphatts · 06-28-2009, 08:30 PM

Andy's advice is right on. The Washougal and Kalama are better options right now than the East Fork. Both of these rivers are relatively small and offer some decent wading access. While you do need to be concious of private property, if you poke around a little you will find bank access. The Cowlitz also offers good numbers of summers but does not offer much public bank access without the use of a boat.

jeffey · 06-28-2009, 08:52 PM

Fishing on the East Fork is heavily dependent upon flows. Watch the flows on this site http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?14222500. I find that the river fishes best with flies between about 300-800 cfs. As you can see it is well below that, and probably wont come into that range again until the first good fall rain.

There is nothing wrong with the flies that you have been using although I prefer to swing with a sinktip and a black or purple bunny leech. There is a fair amount of good water on the EF and the stretch that you have been fishing is pretty good. Keep your eye on the flows, there are some runs in that stretch that fish great between 500-800 cfs but dont hold any fish when the water gets lower and vice versa.

For now the advice about other rivers is good. The Kalama is another good option until the EF gets some more water in it in the fall. Watch the other fisherman who are successful, you can learn quite a bit from others. Good Luck!

Grantspastor · 06-29-2009, 07:21 AM

Years ago, there was a well known fly fisherman named Bill McMillan who's home water was the Washougal. You might check with a local fly shop and see if they have his book. If I remember right it was called something like Greased Line Fly fishing. Could be helpful for your local water.

In any case it's always the same things that produce fish on the fly. Fish at the right time of day. In my experience fishing (for Summer fish) is much better when the sun is not on the water. Next, fish good holding water. This is more important than fly selection, or techniques employed. There's another thread running right now with information about holding water. This may seem obvious, but fish when the fish are there. It's always a numbers game. The more fish present, the more fish you will hook. Since you're learning, you might start keeping a journal of places and times when you raise or hook a fish. If you hook a fish behind a certain rock, fish behind that rock every time. Over the years, you'll catch many fish in that spot.

Don't get discouraged. Summer Steelhead are suckers for a fly presented at the right time of day in the right kind of holding water. Being a Bass fisherman, you'll appreciate dramatic strike

ling killer · 06-29-2009, 08:32 AM

i'd try using some really light spinning gear, to get as close to fly tackle as possible if ur in it for the fight. then toss some #3 #4 blue fox spinners or drift small baits,

i use bobber and jig 99% of the time, even in 2 foot of water

Wild Chrome · 06-29-2009, 10:07 AM

I'm a "former" bass fisherman too, from the midwest. Keep in mind when you transition from tournament-style bass fishing, where numbers is everything, to flyfishing for steelhead, where many go fishless their first season; you're making a huge leap in philosophy. The quest and the environment are the main attractions in steelhead flyfishing (IMHO); as opposed to the takes and the numbers game in bass fishing.

Personally, I used my bassing skills to transition to gear fishing for steelhead first; then, after I'd had a few suceesful years under my belt, I started bug-flicking for them and had success right away. I feel the gear fishing helped me learn the fish faster than I could have with the fly rod because it allowed me to cover more water under more conditions. I learned some places where the best holding water was shallow and within easy fly-casting/working distance, so the percentages were high when I went back with the bug rod.
Just my opinion. Some prefer to learn "on the fly" and that works too.
Good luck!

ling killer · 06-29-2009, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wild Chrome

I'm a "former" bass fisherman too, from the midwest. Keep in mind when you transition from tournament-style bass fishing, where numbers is everything, to flyfishing for steelhead, where many go fishless their first season; you're making a huge leap in philosophy. The quest and the environment are the main attractions in steelhead flyfishing (IMHO); as opposed to the takes and the numbers game in bass fishing.

Personally, I used my bassing skills to transition to gear fishing for steelhead first; then, after I'd had a few suceesful years under my belt, I started bug-flicking for them and had success right away. I feel the gear fishing helped me learn the fish faster than I could have with the fly rod because it allowed me to cover more water under more conditions. I learned some places where the best holding water was shallow and within easy fly-casting/working distance, so the percentages were high when I went back with the bug rod.
Just my opinion. Some prefer to learn "on the fly" and that works too.
Good luck!

great advice, use tradition steely tactics like i mentiond above and learn the river, learn the holes, then you will get a way better perspective on these elusive fish

i know on my river some holes change every year, summer/winter, erosion and all those make adverse affects on certain fishing holes

PacificCoastSteel · 06-29-2009, 04:48 PM

the only way to catch steelhead on a flyrod is to fish a flyrod....

no ultralight spinning setup even gets close to the challenge of fighting a fish, especially a steelhead, on a fly reel

if you want to catch steelhead on a fly.... fish a fly...

angryflyfisher · 06-29-2009, 05:12 PM

Don't worry about me using spinning tackle or baitcasting equipment. That would defeat the purpose for me. I enjoy everything about fly fishing and since I am in a state that allows me to practice the art I am...

I can use the other tackle if my job sends me back to Texas someday. I want to enjoy what the area has to offer. Though I must admit my ole' Texas pride is taking a beating with these steelies, they are quite as predictable as the largemouth bass are. I am hoping the hookup is everything I have laid awake at night in aticipation of. I've seen a few caught on rod and reel setups and it gets my heart pumping and the adrenalin flowing...my day is coming and I will be hooked for life.

Dan360 · 06-30-2009, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angryflyfisher

Don't worry about me using spinning tackle or baitcasting equipment. That would defeat the purpose for me. I enjoy everything about fly fishing and since I am in a state that allows me to practice the art I am...

I can use the other tackle if my job sends me back to Texas someday. I want to enjoy what the area has to offer. Though I must admit my ole' Texas pride is taking a beating with these steelies, they are quite as predictable as the largemouth bass are. I am hoping the hookup is everything I have laid awake at night in aticipation of. I've seen a few caught on rod and reel setups and it gets my heart pumping and the adrenalin flowing...my day is coming and I will be hooked for life.

Oh, its better than you could ever imagine. If you think you spend unproductive hours at work and sleepless nights thinking of steelhead now, wait til you get into one. It only gets worse.

PS: If you're into experiencing what Washington has to offer, try not to miss the pinks later in July and August. Pink Salmon on a fly rod are a hoot and more numbers are possible. Its supposed to be a strong run this year. I caught the first 2009 pink last Sunday on the salt. A 4 pound rocket on a 5wt fly rod!

angryflyfisher · 06-30-2009, 08:26 AM

Can you catch the "Pinks" in the same rivers? Where do I go to have a chance at hooking up with the salmon?

ling killer · 06-30-2009, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PacificCoastSteel

the only way to catch steelhead on a flyrod is to fish a flyrod....

no ultralight spinning setup even gets close to the challenge of fighting a fish, especially a steelhead, on a fly reel

if you want to catch steelhead on a fly.... fish a fly...

not even an ultralight with 2-4 lb test?

PacificCoastSteel · 06-30-2009, 04:36 PM

no, because on a spinning reel the reel will still spin when you reel past "stop" on a fly reel...

not to mention that fishing 2-4lb test for steelhead is unethical... the time it takes to land a fish that big on line that light will kill a steelhead - especially in warm water temps like we're dealing with right now in the low and clear....

checked the water temp yesterday and it was 64!!!

anyway - not trying to disrespect fishing with spinning gear - i fish gear for nooks and sometimes winters when i'm just getting frustrated and wanna bonk one.... but there's no question a steelhead on a fly just counts more....

they're harder to land on a 1:1 reel, with line you may have to manage by hand, and it takes time and patience to learn how to cast a fly rod... its just harder....

some people are up for the challenge, and want to catch these amazing fish the coolest way there is... and until you've caught one on a fly and experienced it yourself there's no way to explain it anymore than i just tried to...

ling killer · 06-30-2009, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PacificCoastSteel

no, because on a spinning reel the reel will still spin when you reel past "stop" on a fly reel...

not to mention that fishing 2-4lb test for steelhead is unethical... the time it takes to land a fish that big on line that light will kill a steelhead - especially in warm water temps like we're dealing with right now in the low and clear....

checked the water temp yesterday and it was 64!!!

anyway - not trying to disrespect fishing with spinning gear - i fish gear for nooks and sometimes winters when i'm just getting frustrated and wanna bonk one.... but there's no question a steelhead on a fly just counts more....

they're harder to land on a 1:1 reel, with line you may have to manage by hand, and it takes time and patience to learn how to cast a fly rod... its just harder....

some people are up for the challenge, and want to catch these amazing fish the coolest way there is... and until you've caught one on a fly and experienced it yourself there's no way to explain it anymore than i just tried to...

No. i totaly understand the thrill of being a fly fisherman, i was just saying that if your in it for the fight.

i tie my own steelhead stuff and use 8lb and have never had a steely break my line yet(knock on wood) i could go heavier but i like the thrill and satisfaction i get form my own stuff, i would imagine fly fisherman that tie their own flys get a great deal of self confidence with this as well.

fly fishing is something ive forgoten and need to get back into. never done it for steelhead but id love to try it someday soon

PacificCoastSteel · 06-30-2009, 05:12 PM

8lb isn't unethical at all... with the water like it is right now 8lb fluoro should be the go-to for a dead-drift presentation (jigs)

when you're swinging (or chuckin a spinner or spoon) i dont think theyre really leader shy at all...

i wouldnt even fish 2lb for trout - but thats just me

PM sent re:flyfishn!!

FLGator · 06-30-2009, 05:36 PM

Please join the Wild Steelhead Coalition or The Native Fish Society in order to contribute to the protection of our resources.

Wild Chrome · 06-30-2009, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PacificCoastSteel

i wouldnt even fish 2lb for trout - but thats just me

You wouldn't fish 5x tippet if the conditions called for it?

Back to the point of the thread, Angry, I hope you get your fly rod fish really soon. I also hope it's a hot one. I'll just say that for myself, the best fish is not the one that takes the prettiest fly or the one I land on the coolest or most challenging equipment. It's the one that slams my fly or lure, cartwheels 7 times, makes a couple 50 yard runs, and leaves me wet and giggling like a schoolgirl! (Hense my signature)
Cheers!

PacificCoastSteel · 06-30-2009, 08:19 PM

i would, but most 5x is 5 or 4lb

6x is as low as i have ever felt the need to fish and i do ok on the fall, metolious, and deschutes....thats just me tho

2lb test for steelhead (even 4lb if you ask me) isn't cool - or needed

Wild Chrome · 06-30-2009, 09:06 PM

I guess it depends who you talk to.

Leaders and Knots: Tippets and Knots

The Orvis Fly-Fishing Guide

The tippet is the most important tool for deception in a fly-fisherman's bag of tricks. At least when trout fishing, a .001-inch difference in the diameter of your tippet can make a marked difference in your success.

Tippet

The tippet is the most important tool for deception in a fly-fisherman's bag of tricks. At least when trout fishing, a .001-inch difference in the diameter of your tippet can make a marked difference in your success. Diameter increases the relative flexibility or stiffness of your final connection to the fly, and thus the fly's credibility as an unattached morsel of food.
Leaders are described by their length and tippet size. Though tippets may be identified by their diameter in inches, in the finer sizes a more common system is to assign "X" numbers to specific diameters.
The system, which is universal regardless of the manufacturer of the leader material, is as follows:
BALANCES WITH APPROXIMATE
TIPPET SIZE DIAMETER FLY SIZES POUND TEST
OX .011" 2, 1/0 6.5
1X .010" 4-6-8 5.5
2X .009" 6-8-10 4.5
3X .008" 10-12-14 3.8
4X .007" 12-14-16 3.1
5X .006" 14-16-18 2.4
6X .005" 16-18-20-22 1.4
7X .004" 18-20-22-24 1.1
8X .003" 22-24-26-28 .75

PacificCoastSteel · 06-30-2009, 09:21 PM

orvis is garbage

http://www.rioproducts.com/product.php?recKey=55

http://www.froghairfishing.com/fly-f...m?product=1001

http://www.cabelas.com/spodw-1/0043722.shtml

oh yea... here's orifice with 4.75lb 5x, and 3.5lb 6x

http://www.orvis.com/intro.aspx?subject=2202

not sure what that crazy chart ya got there is..... 0x is only 6.5lbs??? whats that a catgut leader??

sothereiwas · 06-30-2009, 09:41 PM

8lb Maxima is 0X and we all know its breaking strength is under rated.

angryflyfisher · 07-01-2009, 10:40 AM

I know I'm new to flyfishing but the way I understand it line diameters and lb test vary, sometimes quite a bit from manufacturer to manufacturer. I believe that is why each one publishes a chart showing what lb test there diameters yeild...

Still haven't hooked up with the steelie yet. Does anyone know much about the Kalama? Want to try up there Thu or Fri morning and would like to know some areas to swing a bug.

Wild Chrome · 07-01-2009, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angryflyfisher

I know I'm new to flyfishing but the way I understand it line diameters and lb test vary, sometimes quite a bit from manufacturer to manufacturer. I believe that is why each one publishes a chart showing what lb test there diameters yeild...

Still haven't hooked up with the steelie yet. Does anyone know much about the Kalama? Want to try up there Thu or Fri morning and would like to know some areas to swing a bug.

Stop in at Pritchards, river mile 5, and talk to Wayne.

Dan360 · 07-03-2009, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angryflyfisher

Can you catch the "Pinks" in the same rivers? Where do I go to have a chance at hooking up with the salmon?

There are many rivers around Puget Sound that have a run of pink salmon. The fish should be available in Puget Sound around the end of July. There are many places that you can flyfish for them from shore when they begin to stage. Once in the rivers, they are strictly a catch and release proposition for me. They aren't known for being one of the better eating salmon and they seem to spoil quickly if you don't get them bled and iced. They average 3 to maybe 10 pounds.

ling killer · 07-03-2009, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wild Chrome

You wouldn't fish 5x tippet if the conditions called for it?

Back to the point of the thread, Angry, I hope you get your fly rod fish really soon. I also hope it's a hot one. I'll just say that for myself, the best fish is not the one that takes the prettiest fly or the one I land on the coolest or most challenging equipment. It's the one that slams my fly or lure, cartwheels 7 times, makes a couple 50 yard runs, and leaves me wet and giggling like a schoolgirl! (Hense my signature)
Cheers!

yeah baby, thats the kinda fish were looking for!!!

those acrobatical steely's are an awesome fun fight, and ive never had a fish break my 8lb mono, all i've ever used and even lands the hogs

MattK · 07-13-2009, 08:24 AM

Based on my steelheading experience, I would recommend going with a guide - you will learn so much about holding water and gear. It will reduce your learning curve by years. Granted, guide trips are usually several hundred dollars, but when you factor-in how much your time is worth to you (not to mention gas, gear, etc.) you are going to waste a lot of time/money trying to figure these fish out. You can save a whole lot of time by just going with a guide who will show you holding water and sort your gear out for you.

....my .02

kilchisfisher · 07-13-2009, 09:45 AM

sothereiwas · 07-13-2009, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattK

Based on my steelheading experience, I would recommend going with a guide - you will learn so much about holding water and gear. It will reduce your learning curve by years. Granted, guide trips are usually several hundred dollars, but when you factor-in how much your time is worth to you (not to mention gas, gear, etc.) you are going to waste a lot of time/money trying to figure these fish out. You can save a whole lot of time by just going with a guide who will show you holding water and sort your gear out for you.

....my .02

This is great advise. I would add only one thing. Be very clear with the guide how it is that you would like to fish. There are a lot of guides that dont swing flies and prefer you to nymph. If you would prefer to swing find a guide that uses that technique most of the time.