Fishing Report: December 26, 2008

We managed to get out before the heavy rains brought the river levels up and again found the water in perfect condition for flyfishing. This month has been spectacular, not only in the numbers of steelhead in the rivers, but also in the water level and clarity. Fishing under indicators has been our primary method, though with recent conditions, swinging would have been a viable option as well. We hooked more native fish than hatchery, which is nice since they seem to contain more explosiveness and a willingness to leave their watery confines, taking to the air in acrobatic expletives. The day was filled with consistent action, sometimes taking two fish from a spot before floating on. Citing numbers is pointless, but it might help to add that at the end of the day all involved said that the fishing was phenomenal. This outstanding December is hopefully an excellent introduction to a prolific winter steelhead season. As the rivers drop back into shape look for fishing quality fishing to continue and consider North Coast Angling when planning a trip to sample this amazing fish.

Fishing Report: December 24, 2008

After the freezing temperatures and snow of last week, the rain we had today was very welcome. The emerald colored water begged to be fished with a fly and we were all willing to oblige. Being the only boat on the water we enjoyed exclusivity of choice water, though today the fish we hooked, and there were plenty of those, were in spots indicative of moving fish, which makes me hopeful that there are more on the way. We had an almost fifty-fifty mix of native and hatchery fish, the natives providing some explosiveness and acrobatics, while the hatchery fish filled the freezer. If December is any indication of what remains of our steelhead season, then we are up against some great fishing.

Fishing Report: December 23, 2008

After some heavy rains on the coast the Siletz jumped up a few feet, but didn't take long to start dropping and clearing. Today the river was in perfect shape and there were plenty of steelhead laying in wait. Using flies and pulling plugs in a few choice spots we managed to hook into a fair number of fish and put three in the box. There were a couple other boats in our section of water and each was sharing in the success. The Siletz will continue to produce good numbers of fish in the months ahead so give me a call to reserve your prime dates.

Fishing Report: December 20, 2008

Getting to the river was a little interesting this morning with a good covering of snow making driving and launching the boat somewhat difficult, but it was worth the effort as water conditions remain ideal for flyfishing. Being the only boat on the water made for a quiet day of floating down the river and hooking a few steelhead. Our best tactics continue to be fishing under an indicator, locating fish in a variety of water. These high winter tides and a steady water level have created a constant flow of fish, so fish deep into the tailouts and poke around in the pocket-water. By the time the dipping temperatures wore down our common sense and convinced us it was time to hit the take-out we had put four fish to the boat including a very nice hatchery hen. With colder temperatures in the mountains most of the precipitation will fall as snow keeping the rivers in good shape. If you are interested in experiencing some of Oregon's finest winter steelheading give me a call at 541-961-7749.

Fishing Report: December 14, 2008

Water level is on the low side, but the recent rains have put a little color in the rivers helping the fish feel safe. Despite the snow and ice, we made it to the river and found only two other boats launching. Right off the bat we were into the steelhead, landing a nice hatchery buck on a jig. We had a mixed day, fishing jigs and flies, and found flies to be the most successful. By the time we put the last hatchery fish in the box we had landed eight steelhead, four chrome natives and four hatchery fish. Don't discount December as a prime steelhead month. The pressure is light and the fish are plentiful, pouring into the rivers on those massive winter tides. Space is available for the remainder of December so give me a call at 541-961-7749 to book your trip.