D break from steel

PTS · 03-03-2010, 08:02 AM

Since November my fishing days have all been swinging for steel. EFL was ok with decent success but since January the Sandy and Clack have required a lot of casts per fish landed with only two steelhead each on those rivers.

So, I felt the need for some serious catching so headed to the Deschutes on Tuesday. Hit my first spot at 9:00 and it always produces often on the first cast. Nothing! Action was slow until I finally hooked up in a fast slot. Wouldn't you know it, steelhead! Healthy summer hatchery brought to hand after a nice battle with a #18 pheasant tail in the top tip of its nose.

I have switched in recent years to use my Sage spey 6126 when nymphing the D. I also never use less than 2X tippet. I am positive that a smaller tippet would not increase my D catching success nymphing and it aids greatly in quickly landing incidentily hooked steel and big redsides. I wish I could convince others to make that move. I also pull free from snags without losing my flies.

Action picked up as the day progressed but there were only a few caddis around and I didn't see a rise all day although I was looking for some. I carry a lot of nymph patterns with me but tend to start with a combo of bh pheasant tail and bh gold ribbed hares ear. I seldom need to change and yesterday was one of those days. I got into a run that is not fished that often (tricky access) and it was hot action 12:00 to 1:00 with a redside about every three casts. I ended the day with one steelhead , one whitefish and lost count on redsides (some very nice size most from the middle of the river. That's why I use a spey).

There is always more to being on the Deschutes than the fishing. My favorite yesterday was two covey of chukars calling to each other from opposite sides of the river. The one on my side kept coming closer and closer to me. I was in the river with a steep bank above me. When the chukar arrived at the edge of the bank they were startled to see me and took off just a couple feet above my head. Even I could have hit those shots!

Just a great day! Back to swinging for steel today. Probably fish the Clack this evening and Oxbow tomorrow. Sure hope March is the hot month.

stillwater97 · 03-03-2010, 11:54 AM

Phil,

Sounds like you had a typical Deschutes trip (for you).. I'm gonna send you franks fish counter so you can keep track of your fish in TPH.

You sure you aren't using tungsten forged spoons on that spey?

PTS · 03-03-2010, 02:33 PM

Hi Mark, no way I can keep up with "Frank". Thanks for the laugh.

Do you know anyone with a boat who would show an old guy around some CO lakes this summer?

ifisherman · 03-03-2010, 03:15 PM

I am familiar with The D from Maupin down to Macks. Mainly the float from Pine Tree to Macks. I float it with a couple friends with rafts in the fall but that is my only D fishing experience. I am with you on the steel, no action for me this winter and I am itching to get out and feel the pull of anything. Since the road follows that stretch of the D is that all good redside water? I have my nymphing rod all ready to go and I know all about two fly rigs and a strike indicator. I just do not know if the area near Maupin is the best place to go. Any advice would be awesome and thanks for the post. I am stoked to read anything about redside fishing the D.

tnetz · 03-03-2010, 06:03 PM

Great stuff Phil. Gotta love the D...

Dom C · 03-03-2010, 08:25 PM

Great report Phil... Can't wait to get over there this weekend.

Patrick · 03-03-2010, 10:14 PM

Hi Phil. Hi Mark.

PTS · 03-04-2010, 08:45 AM

Ifisherman, There are a lot of excellent spots to fish the D for redsides between Maupin and Macks. However, you have to pay your dues. I started to fish the D in 1985. Although the fishing was way better then than it is now it took awhile for me to be successful and I had been fishing other waters for 35 years before that. When I first started to fish the D one thing I did on every trip was to always fish a new part of the river. Over the years I have probably walked along all of its banks. That's how you find the areas that fish better than some of the others.

Truth is though, there are fish everywhere. Convincing them to take your fly is another matter. Success depends upon three things, presentation, presentation, presentation. Presentation means a drag free drift whether you are fishing dries or nymphs. How do you accomplish that? Well, that's a long story. Experience is the key with time on the water with the desire to learn and experiment. There are more than one way to make a good presentation but the result must be a fly drifting naturally the same as the real thing. Deschutes redsides are a fun challenge.

stillwater97 · 03-04-2010, 10:22 AM

Phil,

It just so happens that I know a guy who would love to take a fella out on the high lakes this spring/summer

In fact, the Slayer is currently in dry dock getting some much needed enhancements at the moment. When the lakes open we should be floating in style.

MB

stillwater97 · 03-04-2010, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patrick

Hi Phil. Hi Mark.

Hi Patrick! Hi Dom!

Dom C · 03-04-2010, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stillwater97

Hi Patrick! Hi Dom!

Hi Mark.. Hi Patrick.. Hi Phil. You boys take it easy

ifisherman · 03-07-2010, 05:01 PM

PTS, what weight it your spey rod? I have looked into a switch or light spey for trout fishing and I am interested to hear what weight you use. Thanks.

PTS · 03-08-2010, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ifisherman

PTS, what weight it your spey rod? I have looked into a switch or light spey for trout fishing and I am interested to hear what weight you use. Thanks.

I have a Sage 12' 6" 6 weight (6126) I think a 5 weight would also be ok. I am past wanting long battles with fish and want them landed and released as soon as possible. However, Deschutes redsides give me a tough time to bring to hand even with the spey. I also have no problem fishing dries with the spey. It's especially great for the salmon fly hatch. Ever notice how big those fish are rising in the middle of the river?