Great Steelheading on the Rogue, Klamath and Umpqua
Brandon Worthington Presents: Guides eye view of the Upper Klamath dam removal to Long Beach Casting Club
February 25, 2021
Brandon Worthington presents: Guides eye view of the Upper Klamath Dam Removal to Long Beach Casting Club. via ZOOM for their monthly meeting.
An informative, interactive slide show brings you up to date on the current status of the removal of four dams on the Upper Klamath River, why the fish in this wild and scenic river are worth it and what it’s like to guide through the largest river restoration project in U.S. history.
First Steelhead & the Trout Thief
Guest Post Written by Stephen Neal
In Wildness is the Preservation of the World - “Henry David Thoreau"
Cy stood crotch deep in the river, his rod cradled in his hand just above the rivers surface, the tip pointed at his fly. The river’s current carried his steelhead fly at that perfect walking pace down into the dangle, he waited. The first tug telegraphed itself up through the line and rod into his hand, he lingered, letting each grab go unanswered, when the reel began to unwind, he raised his rod and set the hook. Cy and Brandon our guide, both sensed that this was a steelhead with possibility. When the steelhead came out of the water in its bid for freedom, the excitement was palatable.
Cy deftly used the flex of the rod to gently manage his attached water citizen, bringing it to Brandon’s net through the fishes’ aerial acrobatics and water antics. Each leap into the world of oxygen was a thing of splendor, as the water slid off the fish’s sides and fell back into the water, each drop and spray reflected Fall’s afternoon light. The fish was a beauty, a wild buck, a nice first Steelhead, a personal meet with this creature of our earth’s rivers. It was a well-earned reward for his time spent learning new casts, knots, fly selection and line control. Cy’s hookup and landing of that Steelhead, will be a memory I will carry with fondness for the rest of my days. A shared memory of the fulness of life.
Cy and I were in Northern California we were spending the day with Brandon Worthington of Worthington Fly Fishing, swinging flies on the Klamath River to wild steelhead. Mid November, fall was in full bloom, with chimney smoke and a taste of winter in the air. The air temperature was hovering around 40 and the water registered 50 degrees. When the sun shone, we were comfy but when it hid behind a hill or cloud, a chilly quiver would creep down our spines. That cold was forgotten each time that familiar tug telegraphed itself to our casting hand.
Fishing with Brandon was like fishing with a respected friend. There was an ease and grace to his every action, his subtle nature belies his knowledge and skill. A gentile but powerful stroke or deft hand movement put the drift boat in position to take advantage of the current and flow of the river. His instructions on casting or fly placement were on point and timely and matched our skill level and improved our performance. His respect for nature, the river and the fish and preserving and protecting them were spot on, he is in a class with Marty Sheppard when it comes to guiding.
Bridget, Brandon’s wife while not on the river with us, was still present, the meal she prepared for us was first rate and Brandon spoke of her with love, respect, and admiration. They make a good team in managing and operating their guide business. If you are looking for a guide for Northern California or Southern Oregon, he would be an excellent choice. I am not alone in making this recommendation Cy, Jeff, Scott, Bob, and Kevin would back this assessment up.
Fifteen years - The six of us were on our annual trip fishing on the upper-Sacramento. Bob always on the lookout for fishing opportunities had followed up a lead and discovered Worthington Fly Fishing, it paid off well. We were all feeling a bit snake bit on the Sac, this year. For years we had heard stories from Dunsmuir locals about trout rising to October caddis in November after the usual seasonal fishermen had returned home. When Kevin told us that his oldest Son was getting married during our usual outing time, we moved our trip
back to try our hand at catching trout on October caddis in November. What we encountered instead were trout disinclined to take what we were offering. We spent a lot of time trying everything we had in our fly boxes and receiving extraordinarily little in return. So, our time spent fishing with Brandon revied our fishing spirits, that is not to say we did not have fun together on the upper-Sac.
Kevin and I were fishing Sweetbrier while Scott and Jeff were fishing with Brandon, and Cy and Bob waggled their Rods above the water around town. I got skunked, but Kevin caught three on the first run we fished then came up zero on the rest of the water. After about three hours of fruitless casting we headed back to the cabin to warm up and re-access our fishing. After a snack we decided to try the water below the cabin and set out to do so. Now things were about to get interesting.
The evening before Scott had a large rainbow roll on his dry fly at the head of the pool, below a frost burned Elephant Ear plant. As Kevin headed upriver to fish beyond the pool, he told me to not leave the water until I had thrown a dry fly to that same spot. It was not to be, I got a bird’s nest in my line on the next cast and headed back to the garage to sort out the mess I gotten myself into. I hollered at him to fish the spot, but he could not hear me over the river. When Kevin returned to the cabin, he had a fish story to tell and a picture to share. He admonished me for not fishing the spot and shared his picture of a nice hefty rainbow trout neatly wrapped up in Kevin’s line. Kevin was feeling pretty proud of himself and thankful that said fish had neatly wrapped himself up so that Kevin could land it on his light tippet. He politely accepted my excuse of my failed cast and subsequent line tangle but I think inside he was thanking God that my cast has failed and that he got to cast to the fish under the Elephant Ear plant. That would have been the end of that story but there are four other people in this group of fishermen who are about to take this fish story to a new realm.
That evening around the dinner table in the glow of the fireplace and under the influence of a little wine and Scotch, Kevin told his fish story; and Jeff was primed and ready. We had all been told Jeff’s story about how Kevin had stolen his fish 15 years ago, Jeff had hooked a monster and fought it for an eon of time and the fish had come undone and Jeff was left with a broken heart and a parted line. And the next day Kevin fished that same hole and not only hooked that same fish, but he had the audacity to land it. Jeff’s world was undone and for 15 years we have heard this tale told about how Kevin is a Fish Thief. Jeff was sure that he could now remake his case that Kevin was a fish thief, and that Scott would back him up. And as per usual Jeff retold his story of failure and betrayal and for the next forty-five minutes we pontificated, we speculated, and hypothesized about said fishing infractions and laughed uproariously. It was agreed that Jeff, first wore the fish out thereby allowing Kevin to catch it, and that Scott left his fish so disappointed in not taking his fly that it was determined to take the next fly it saw, thereby allowing Kevin to catch it.
Ah the loyalty of fishing friends and the deft hands of light-fingered maestros of rods and fly presentations, will present endless possibilities for mirth and accusations of unfair play for years to come. And so, goes our fishing discussions over diner, scotch, fireside chats, and smoke sessions. Each of us becomes the hero or the goat depending upon whom, is telling the stories. Our banter is just as great today as it was 15 years ago when we started this journey. Good fishing friends are worth their weight in gold and tall tales. I cannot close out this article without mentioning Bob Grace owner of Ted Fay’s in Dunsmuir. Bob and his fly shop are an integral part of the Dunsmuir experience. Please drop in and support Bob when you are in the area.
As always, Thank you Cy, Bob, Kevin, Scott, Jeff and Brandon and Bridget Worthington and Bob Grace of Ted Fay’s, for a wonderful and epic fishing journey in Northern California. Each of you add joy and richness to life.
Stephen
The world is out there, the journey starts the minute you leave the door, go outside and truly live.
“When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind – Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
“Many go fishing all their lives, without knowing that it is not fish they are after” - Henry David Thoreau
Fall Steelhead Magic
Fall is a wonderful time to be on the water. The air is crisp, the water cool, the colors bright. The fishing can be pretty darn good too!
Join us for a memorable trip fly fishing the Rogue, Klamath Umpqua and Beyond…
Fishing Headwaters - Following the Klamath River upstream
Fishing small water can be a delightful passtime. I’ve found most known waters worth fly fishing also have many other miles of water worth exploring, offering smaller fish but more intimate experiences. Fishing a river system top to bottom will give you a better understanding of the watershed as a whole and hopefully, a better appreciation for the complex pieces that come together to form our favorite beats. I whole heartedly endorse exploring your favorite waters by following the river upstream as far as it will take you…
Stand Here and Fish
In the not too distant future, we’re going to hit the rivers again. And when we do, you’ll have the best view in the house. Missing sharing our passion with you, we hope to see you soon!
Outstanding riverside lunches you can keep your waders on for!
When fishing with Worthington Fly Fishing, we provide exceptional guiding and outstanding days on the water. We are honored to not only make sure your getting the best action of the season but also a healthy, gourmet lunch! Try not to drool over today’s Mushroom and Tri Tip sandwiches on Bridget’s Grandma’s French Roll recipe!
Brandon Worthington presents @ Diablo Valley Fly Fisherman
Brandon Worthington presents “Fishing the seasons in the Mythical State of Jefferson" at Diablo Valley Fly Casters
Diablo Valley Fly Fisherman, Tuesday November 19th
The Gardens at Heather Farm, Camelia Room
1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek
Join Brandon Worthington of Worthington Fly Fishing for a multimedia presentation to explore and learn about their seasonal approach to the best fly fishing opportunities in Far Northern California and Southern Oregon. He’ll emphasize strategies, tactics and timing for Summer and Winter Steelhead as well as endemic Redband Rainbows on the Rogue, Klamath, Umpqua and beyond.
Simple Steelhead Muddler
I think the more fishing we do, the more we learn the specifics matter less, and the general idea often gets the job done. That’s the deal with the classic Muddler minnow, especially for steelhead. It’s simple, impressionistic, and can be fished and tied in a variety of ways to best suit your local waters. Here’s how to tie a varient I use on my local Steelhead waters, fished up top or with a tip on the swing.
Have fun!
Brandon
Step 1: Gather materials
-Dark Deer Hair, Diamond Braid, thread wax, maribou (any color, this one uses burnt orange) Steelhead hook. Note: If you plan to fish this on the surface, consider a lighter guage hook. Use heavy thread for this tie, I like Veevus 140.
Step 2: Snip a small clump of hair for the tail and tie in at the point of the hook below, allow it to extend past the bend of the hook a bit. Tie in several inches of Diamond braid. You will palmer this towards the eye to make the body next…
Step 3: Palmer the diamond braid up the body to the return of the eye and tie off.
Step 4: Tie in a small clump of Maribou even with the tail, then tie in a small clump of deer hair over the top of the bou’ for an over wing. Less is more here …
Step 5: Leave enough room here for a generous amount of spun deer hair for the collar and head.
Grab a liberal hank of deer hair…
Step 6: Spin the deer hair. Wrap lightly around the shank and hair once, softly, then continue a second wrap, slightly more pressure. Third wrap, harder still allowing the hair to spin around the shank of the hook and the thread to tighten up. Continue tension for a 4th wrap through the hair until the thread is clear of the hair.
Step 7: Trim hair. This is where you decide how you want the head to look. Leave a lot of hair and this thing will push a ton of water, but a tighter trimmed head casts easier. Either way, trim up the butts with your scissors and admire the result. Then, tie one on and let er’ rip!
Happy tying,
Brandon
Take your grandkids fishing
Southern Oregon Steelheading is heating up and this week Spencer experienced what it’s all about on his first fishing trip to the Rogue River with his Grandpa Gordon. Fly Fishing creates memories that last a life time, and Spencer’s first Steelhead is one he’ll never forget!
Summer Steelhead on the Rogue River run July-December with famous Fly-Only Regulations September 1st-October 31st.
The Upper Rogue River offers a wide variety of enticing Steelhead water that lends it’s-self to a variety of fishing tactics and the steelhead here can be taken with both dead drifted and swung fly approaches. We love swinging for these fish with two handed rods while wading, though drift fishing from a driftboat is also extremely effective.
Drop us a line to experience one of the West’s best steelhead fly fishing destinations!
A River Trip Away
I find excitement in exploring what’s around the next bend; be it following the hatch on my local streams up river, the upcoming Steelhead season (spoiler alert: Steelhead are already here!) or floating a new Wild and Scenic River to celebrate one year of marriage with my amazing wife, Bridget.
In 1968, the Wild and Scenic Rivers act was passed into law in the same time period as other hallmark environmental works like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act. These laws help preserve the wild places we enjoy, and so many other ecosystem goods and services we often take for granted. Oregon alone has a plethora of protected waters worth experiencing, and while I am fortunate to guide several designated Wild and Scenic Rivers locally, there is something so exciting about floating a new one together.
The week before our trip, it became clear we were racing the unrelenting clock of diminishing river flows as the tail end of a healthy snowpack year descended off the high Wallowa Mountains, lowering river levels inches per day. Our scheduled launch date was just in the nick of time. Pushing off, the river was barley floatable. But once we were around the first bend and looking forward to four days and three nights ahead in a remote river canyon, our concerns of low water were swept away as our horizons filled with enchanting views and dancing water…
Fishing was of course part of the menu for this trip, but only an appetizer to the main course of solitude, scenery, quality camping, boating and wildlife viewing.
The river lent itself to classic freestone fishing approaches and after a few tinkerings of tactics and a few rods rigged, I settled for a dry dropper rig, finding the fish and water required little more than a good drift and being mindful of my shadows. Mornings were best and the river holds beautiful, wild Rainbow Trout, a few Bull Trout and abundant, large Whitefish. In fact, the Whitefish were the largest I have ever encountered, often pushing 18-20 inches.
Aiming to cover 40 some odd miles in 4 days, and at such a low flow meant covering long distances in technical, boulder strewn waters. The boating was demanding, but the miles melted away, and time, as it does in timeless places like the Wallowa-Grand Ronde, was replaced with the suns position in the sky, growing shadows on the water, and evening needs to find suitable camps, of which there were many.
Our first wildlife encounter was stunning, a Golden Eagle swooping to the right bank, talons extended, it’s prey squealing for life. The eagle soon flew off to a near cliff, perhaps disturbed by our presence, then to our astonishment, the large weasel that had just been screaming bloody murder picked itself up and slinked into the bushes, gravely wounded or hardly hurt, we couldn’t tell…
Later, bright white shapes along the right side of the river piqued our interest, until the Mountain Goats came into focus and our jaws dropped. We floated right upon a family group of 7, working their way downriver at a clip much faster than I would have imagined. Their powerful hind quarters and sure footed hooves propelled them over the uneven rocks, muscles rippling. Disinterested in our presence, they ate, drank, played and cooled off in the sand while we floated by.
Not long after, but on the opposite bank, a group of Big Horn sheep escaped the afternoon heat on the rivers edge and allowed us another great opportunity to observe more of the canyon’s permanent residents. Like the goats before, they seemed disinterested in us, as if they knew we were transient and would soon be on our way to leave them to go about their lives as they did yesterday and will continue tomorrow.
Four days and three nights, even in a place like this, still goes by too fast. I feel you could spend a life time in places like this and still only partially grasp its entirety. We had a great trip, and I’ll mark this as one of my favorites. It’s one Bridget and I plan to repeat, perhaps a little earlier in the season with more water in the river to aid our progress, and perhaps a few days extra to forget time, enjoy more fishing and enjoy a river trip away.
Fly Fishing Southern Oregon Winter Steelhead
From December - April the rivers and streams of Southern Oregon see noteworthy runs of Winter Steelhead. The wide variety of river types across the region allow anglers the ability to stay in good fishing conditions in all but the worst winter storms.
Most Southern Oregon Steelhead gradually make their way upstream over the season, but all rivers in our area feature a few fast running fish that make it into their spawning areas in a flash. It’s never a bad idea to target these fish early and high in the system as these can often be the largest, meanest and most memorable of the season.
When’s the best time to go?
Any time you can!
By February, nearly all of the Southern Oregon streams we guide have fishable numbers of Steelhead, and we simply target these fish based on which of our 7 area steelhead rivers provide the best conditions for the trip. We run our trips out of Ashland, OR and the greater Rogue River Valley, allowing easy day trips to all but the Coast and North Umpqua River.
Later in the season, including March and April the upper reaches of our rivers are typically fishing the best and have high concentrations of steelhead. We love fishing the spring months as water temperatures are often a bit warmer, the days are longer and the stream side vegetation is bursting to life. The Upper Rogue is a great, spring, steelhead river.
Winter Steelhead fly fishing in its truest form is actually quite simple. Most of the challenge to catching these fish on a regular basis can be boiled down to two main factors: Conditions, and location. I have found steelhead will eat a bottle cap in the right mood, and when fishing is tough, but conditions are good, I’d bet you that X-Ray river goggles would show that all the great water you were fishing didn’t have any fish in it after all. This is where the river knowledge of a local guide can come into play and help you find the fish of a thousand casts with more predictability.
What conditions to look for?
In general we look for a dropping or somewhat stable river in winter and spring. As each system in our region reacts differently to storms, rain, snow, melt and erosion, we rely on the experience hundreds of days a year on the water to help us stay on the fish and give our guests the highest chance of success.
Both swing fishing with spey rods and indicator fishing are effective ways to take Winter Steelhead. Higher water and heavy currents are the norm, as well as cold water that slows fish metabolism. Deep water nymphing is by far the most productive method, but there is no higher challenge than swinging up steelhead in the winter. Patience and persistence can benefit you greatly.
How to catch them?
To catch winter steelhead, a good place to start is with a 7 or 8 wt rod for both swing fishing and indicator fishing. Remember, spey and single hand setups are different!
For swinging winter steelhead, try a short Skagit style shooting head, a 10ft sink tip of T-11 or 14 and a large fly that will stand out against the often faster and colored water of winter. Look for water with a walking pace. Think low, and think slow. Swinging up these fish is a matter of patience, determination and efficiency.
To be in the zone nymphing, adjust the depth of your (heavy!) fly to be 1.5 times the depth of the water you intend to fish and focus on a long dead drift. Remember when nymphing deep it takes a few seconds longer for your flies to hit the fish zone. Cast further upstream in the lane with a longer cast to compensate and then get good at stack mending to continue the drift down stream.
Worthington Fly Fishing has learned the intricacies of successfully catching Southern Oregon Steelhead on the fly and we love connecting our guests with the Northwest’s most fabled fish. If you’re looking to learn more about Winter Steelheading in Southern Oregon and having a great day on the water consider booking a trip with once of our local guides to unlock the mystery of these these amazing fish.
Tight lines!
A Few Favorites from 2018
What a year!
We had memorable fish, the best company and great river conditions as a daily theme. As we turn the page on 2018 and into 2019 we’re looking back on some of our favorite shots and moments from another year on the river.
It was and will continue to be simply amazing out there. Thank you and cheers to 2019!
Rogue and Klamath River Fishing Report
Rogue River Fly Fishing Report
Early November fly fishing been a continuation of late October conditions with high pressure, perfect blue skies and low and clear water. Steelhead a spread out throughout the upper and middle river with more trickling in. Most days we have seen several opportunities per person in our boats with several fish being sizable! We could use some rain, and a mix up of the high pressure would be great. We are hopeful for the storm we see in the extended forecast.
Our fly fishing guests have been enjoying the river with both nymphing and spey/swung fly tactics, finding the bite to improve over the afternoon as temperatures rise.
Fly Fishing on the Klamath river has been good to great with our fly fishing guests being presented with many opportunities at adult and half pounder steelhead each day. Nymphing continues to be most productive, but then, when is it not? Colder nights have begun to drop water temps and we are beginning to find more steelhead in what I would call “traditional” steelhead water.
Flows are near average seasonal lows and fish are responding well to egg patterns as we approach the tail end of Salmon spawning season. The fall colors are excellent, bright oranges, yellow and reds. November and December are some of our favorite months on the Klamath River.
The Klamath Provides
Climbing the grade of Siskiyou Pass from Ashland, OR headed for the Wild and Scenic Klamath River, we emerged out of the Rogue Valley fog and into the brilliance of Mt Shasta, bright with the alpenglow, south of a cloudless sunrise.
At the bottom of the draw between the two mountain ranges and states, the river is visible only briefly as an alluring ribbon of tea colored water and swaying chartreuse weed beds before it disappears west around a volcanic corner and through the gates of the Klamath Mountains.
Following the river and looking forward to a wonderful day fly fishing for chrome, bright steelhead and half-pounders our building anticipation was aided by the morning buzz delivered by steaming mugs of French pressed coffee.
The canyon walls steepened and the presence of Autumn was everywhere. Salmon anglers sat in drift boats, bouncing roe in their favorite haunts. Furthur Oak trees just touched by the oranges and yellows of autumn mixed with the emeralds and reds of the pines. Rugged peaks rose above it all, some still showing scars of recent fires and the patchwork of renewal fire brings. The river was glorious, reaching out as if to say “My fish are here, my fish are back”
Stepping into the Klamath for me is like stepping back in time where life is simple, the river provides and fishing is what it should be. But Impacted by dams, drought and poor water management, the Klamath steelhead and salmon numbers suffered have suffered historically, especially in 2016 and & 2017. But all indications now are pointing to a strong return in 2018 and 19 - Mostly thanks to better water management that flushed out disease and favorable ocean conditions.
As I stepped into my first run of the day, I couldn’t help but be filled to the brim with optimism. Could this legendary river in the mythical state of Jefferson finally be back?
I began my first cast with a snap T. It was my first whirl with a new stick, a Jefferson Rod Company 12’6” 5wt Spey rod, and this standard snap-T cast seemed like the best way to put it through the paces. Then not five swings into the run and my mind already pondering other casts to try, I was rudely interrupted by a fierce yank and deep head shakes. I was not expecting a fish here but the growls of my reel and deep bend of the rod told otherwise, a reminder to not throw it in there until your ready…
The Chinook that came to hand was a beautiful wild hen. Bridget masterfully tailed her. My wife has probably handled more fish in her fisheries career then I ever will. We kept the fish wet and snapped a few pictures. Bridget estimated it was 800-900 mm, or 30 + inches for us non-metric folks, and her belly was softening, indicating she was soon to spawn. Not what we were after, but it’s rad when a nookie cranks on a swung wet fly just under the surface!
It didn’t take long for the river’s renewed life to become apparent after that first run.
We floated over our first tailout and like little kids, we exclaimed “there’s one, there’s another!” The Salmon were podded in groups of several dozen fish and clearly visible, especially to Bridget’s keen eyes. We saw hundereds upon hundreds darting to and fro, mostly uprover.
After such an entrance, fishing was an after thought, we floated through the first mile of river marveling in the unmistakable Salmon scattering in all directions, musing about the amazing life cycle of these fish and taking in the beauty and abundance the river showed.
Wild and Scenic Klamath Fly Fishing Trips
Stopping at one of my favorite runs, a piece of water about 200 yards long and with consistent depth and speed to hold steelhead year-round, my second cast came tight to a fish that erupted out of the water, leaping to eye level before throwing the fly as fiercely as it had taken it. I estimate it was in the mid-20’s, very large for a Klamath Steelhead and hotter then hell.
Our next stop was a run named Holy Cow, fished often and affectionately by a few local guides. Perhaps you know of it too? Just a few little grabs here but a nice run to air out my new Jefferson Rod and decide what the right balance is for a skagity/scandi line. Look for a full rod review in the coming weeks on this awesome, locally built, light spey rod!
Klamath River Spey Fishing
Lunch on the river was a casual affair and right on another of my favorite pieces of water. We enjoyed homemade chili and cornbread by Bridget with a good NW beer. Sometimes it’s the simple things in life that are the best. Confined to the boat, Tucker was anxious to stretch his legs on land, so after eyeing what must have looked like a patch of river side grass, he plunged head first off the boat and unsuspectedly into a mat of river slime. You should have seen the look on his face when he popped up!
After lunch we continued to fish. At the end of the lunch run my fly came across a juicy rock where I hoped the take would happen. But It just continued swimming, unmolested and untouched. How many hopeful moments like this in steelheading have ended this way!
I began to step down, stripping my fly in just with just a few casts to go, when the hammer came down and the loops I had collected raced back through my fingers, out the guides and on to the reel with a loud “ZZZZEEEEEE!”
FISH ON!
It doesn’t happen all that often but steelhead do take on the strip from time to time.
The vistas and fine fishing on the Wild and Scenic Klamath continued, seductive water around each bend taking us deeper into the canyon and the mythical state of Jefferson. It’s not the steepest and it’s not the deepest but it is one of the most magical places to fish in California.
Working water and in no particular hurry we continued to sample some of the rivers best holding lies. This section we floated holds everything from deep and bouldery runs to shallow spawning gravel and everything in between. We fished half-assed and joyfully sometimes serious, sometimes not. In most runs we fished we were rewarded with hard-pulling, adult, wild steelhead and a few half pounders. Doing my due diligence on this scouting trip I even lobbed a bob in a few buckets and was delighted to experience a couple of incredibly hot steelhead peel line and go totally nuts. It’s beginning to feel a whole lot like the Klamath is back.
The last run of the day and one of my favorites on the whole river is split by an island with a smooth surface and a perfect speed. Enough depth forms just in the middle to consistently hold fish and they feel comfortable in the shade made by the old growth trees on the banks.
I cast my waking fly across for a quick skittering swing, the fly waking a subtle vee and as it approached the sweet spot a perfect buck erupted on the fly, ripping 40 yards off quickly and assertively. Another line-peeling run and a few more eye level jumps brought the fish to hand. Admiring it’s perfect proportions, the buck had just a touch of blush on his cheek and the beginnings of a red stripe but still dark on the top and chrome underneath. This fish had traveled over 100 miles from the ocean and would remain in the river for months before spawning. Fresh steelhead like him will arrive in the Klamath throughout the Fall, Winter and Spring.
Reeling up and walking back to the boat I couldn’t help but smile as a sense of contentment and satisfaction washed over me. It was a good day and the fishing was as it should be. The cares of every day melt away, the company is good and the river provides.
Who needs a lucky fishing Hat?
A full day Steelheading in September requires a good set of sunglasses and, for most, a lucky fishing hat.
But for Galen, maybe not! He seemed to buck the trend that luck is attached to a hat, or indeed, a necessary part of the equation at all.
What a beauty from the Rogue River during Fly-Only regulations.
Fly-Only Regulations begin on the Upper Rogue River: A few tips to ensure your fish swims away.
Signaling one of fly anglers favorite times in Southern Oregon, September 1st brings Fly-Only regulations (pg. 36) to the Upper Rogue River, Oregon.
During this time period Fall Chinook and Summer Steelhead surge into the upper river where water and weather conditions are perfect for fly anglers seeking a quality and fun angling experience. This year the Rogue is forecast to host and is beginning to see an epic, large return of both Chinook and Steelhead.
Many tactics are used on the Upper Rogue River including Spey casting with two handed rods (a local favorite), indicator nymphing from drift boats and the time tested "Rogue River twitch."
Which ever angling method you choose to utilize while fly fishing on the Upper Rogue River, take note many of these prized fish are wild and the utmost care should be taken when fighting, handling, photographing and releasing them. A study by Trout Unlimited shows mortality is much higher when fish are exposed to over 30 seconds of air (Do better then that, PLEASE) and that barbless hooks also increase survival rate. As local guides, we do our best to follow TU's recommendations and because we are on the water most days during the Fall, we tend to encounter quite a few fish.
To ensure your fish swim away strong, I recommend using a rubber net bag that is much larger then the anticipated fish to be caught such as PNW landing nets. If you plan to take a Grip N Grin, prep your shot so when it's picture time, you can count the seconds of air exposure to the fish. I aim for 3 seconds or less out of the water. Better still, if the angler and conditions allow, try for a shot that keeps the fish mostly submerged. Your fish will thank you when it sprays your face with a fan of cool water after it darts back to the depths.
Tight Lines,
Brandon Worthington
Half-Pounders on the Upper Rogue River!
The Rogue River has an epic Steelhead run each fall. But this year we are also seeing many half-pounder to the net too! So great, keeping the rods bent.
Keep em wet, these fish will return to the ocean to grow larger and return next year. Double fun!
Rogue Nightmare. Steelhead Beware.
With a Saturday morning off and fly-only regulations in just three short weeks I sat down at the vice to bang out a few choice patterns.
The Rogue Nightmare is a fly that can be both swung and dropped under a bobber.
Steelhead beware ...
Check out Ashland, OR for your next fly fishing trip
Ashland, Oregon has it all - Food and Wine, accomodation, entertainment and a plethora of outdoor recreation opportunities, including outstanding regional fly fishing destinations such as the Rogue and Klamath Rivers.
At Worthington Fly Fishing we have you covered on the water and ensure your fly fishing experience is everything you could have hoped for. But to see why Ashland is such a stand out for your next getaway, check out Vogue Magazines recent article about where to eat, drink and stay and play while you are here.
Tight Lines,