Steelhead:
The Hood has had a good run of winter fish when it has had
higher water. The river has been low and clear for over
a month now like most rivers across the Northwest making
for difficult fishing. The outlook for the winter runs has
been for good fish numbers, but we need water to get these
fish moving. So pray for rain.
Steelhead Patterns: Concentrate
on the dark heavily weighted pattern, such as bunny leeches
in purple and black. Also try dropping a small egg pattern
off of the back of your leach, that tandem system works really
well. You want to do the same if you are fishing a dead drift
set up. Fish a larger weighted fly first with a egg dropper. Articulated Leach Black or Purple # 2, Bunny Leach Black
or Purple #1/0, Stone Fly Nymph #4-6, Bead Head Prince #4
or #6, Egg Pattern #6
Area Lakes: Not
much to fish in the lakes this time of year, check back
in the spring
John Day: Steelhead will start spawning now so its time
to leave them alone.
