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…

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

Sink Tip Care

It’s a sink tip mess. And it’s probably one you’ll have too occasionally.

We’re gearing up for Fall Steelheading in Southern Oregon, and it’s crucial to sort out your tips prior to hunting chrome. It’d be a shame to loose a prized fish due to a tip failure, and though it’s rare, it happens. If you’re that guy that dredges and has had a few root wad encounters, this especially applies to you…

Check your tips by:

• Inspecting both loops for cracks/core exposure/cuts/chips. Once the braid shows, its especially vulnerable.

• Run your fingers down from tip to tip and check for damage throughout.

• Hold one end in one hand. With your other hand, pull the length of the tip through your fingers, applying about 5 lbs of pressure. Feel for stretchy, compromised, weird or soft spots.

IF you have a compromised tip, it often breaks in this final test.

I’m probably in the minority of Steelheaders who needs to inspect their gear so regularly but it also applies to lines/tips stashed in the garage which may have moved well past their prime. Synthetic materials do have an expiration date.

Knowing your gear will give you more confidence and more trust in the process of swinging flies for steelhead and as every steelheader worth his green water would say, confidence is key to success.

Tight Lines!

Fall Chinook Salmon see much needed help in Bear Creek →

Locally, Fall Chinook Salmon are ascending the Rogue and it’s tributaries. This year is a very large run, and a barrier to their migration on Bear Creek, an urban stream through the Rogue Valley presents a very real and immediate problem. ODFW is currently working to make a temporary fish ladder to aid their ascent.

http://mailtribune.com/news/top-stories/fixing-for-a-fish

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.

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 Steelheading Under Smokey Skies

Summer Steelhead fishing is very good under smokey skies in the Rogue Valley. Depending on wind direction, the smoke varies between clear, blue skies and the campfire following beauty...

Every run feels fishy right now.

Fishing in Smoke is much like fishing on a cloudy day, if you can bear it. Yesterdays fish came at 12pm and 2pm.

Tight lines,

Brandon Worthington

Rogue River Summer Steelhead Report

Flows continue to be lower then seasonal but water clarity and temps are perfect. Wet wading in the evenings is wonderful, and fish are being caught throughout the day.

Fires surrounding the area are causing smoke in the valley but anglers take note: Smoke reduces sunlight on the water and is essentially CLOUD cover. Fishing is good, come get some!

Drop us a line to set up your guided Steelhead trip on Oregon’s famous  Rogue River.

760.424.9682

Rogue River Summer Steelhead has begun!

My good friend and guide Stuart Warren went out to see what we could find. We were not disappointed. With the strongest Salmon Run in years on the horizon and fresh chrome steelhead in the river, it's go time!

760-424-9682 to Book a trip for Chrome Rockets

Great fishing in the State of Jefferson

Rogue River Fly Only Fishing Report!

September is a magical time where there are few bad options or venues, and the hard part is choosing where to fish!

 I am really looking forward to the Orvis Steelhead School at Morrisons Lodge this week as well as some other trips coming up including a hosted trip with Will Johnson at The Ashland Fly Shop and a few days down on the Klamath at The Scott River Lodge with Craig Neilsen of Shasta Trout. This Fall steelheading at its finest!

As I look into the month of October I am completely booked between the Rogue and Klamath Rivers. For those of you who missed your October opportunity, November is peak on one of my rivers and I still have some openings there. A wild and scenic river canyon, beautiful scenery and eager fish! 760-424-9682 or Worthingtonflyfishing@gmail.com

Rogue River Fly-Only Fishing Report!

Here Will Jonson and I cover the start of Fly Only on the Rogue River

Rogue River Fishing Report @ Ashland Fly Shop

It summer Steelhead time! Here's a fresh report from the other day with Ashland Fly Shop owner Will Johnson!

Rogue River Summer Steelhead

I do my best to keep thing relatively up to date here. But I admit I am not the best. When fishing is good, I find it hard to prioritize a few paragraphs at the screen.

Summer steelhead have been in greater abundance early this year. Usually good fishing is a month or so later. Now, I have a theory as to why Summer fish seem to be arriving a few weeks earlier each of the last five years, but I have no proof. Just my guiding and fishing observations.

Five years ago, Gold Ray dam near gold hill was removed. It was a major obstacle, with poor fish passage and which also created a thermal barrier down stream. With the dam removed, there is no thermal barrier allowing early summer steelhead to quickly ascend to the upper most river and mill around.

Personal fishing and other reports have the River producing good fishing and good fish. I have been fishing a variety of techniques and all have gotten attention. More grabs than gook ups over all, but a few to the dry as well.

Early Rogue Steelheading consists of warm weather, pleasant evenings and mornings where  we employ all methods of Spey and swing angling. There is a place for a popped skater to a dredged dumbbell eye fly in each day. July only gets better.

Spey Weekend with Jon Hazlett September 9-13, 2016 @ Rogue Steelhead Lodge

Join Brandon Worthington, Jon Hazlett and Steve Eadie for three days guided steelhead fishing on the Upper Rogue River, Oregon.

This trip will focus on all things steelhead and Spey with an evening presentation and a full immersion of spey knowledge. Come learn from the Pros!

Spey Weekend @ Rogue Steelhead Lodge with Jon Hazlett

Salmonfly Update, Rogue River Report

Rogue River fly fishing report

With the warmer weather this week in the valley we have seen the Upper Rogue River turn on and the fishing is great! Numerous "smolt" keep the action going and the larger native Cutties are punctuating the daily catch.

The one's that keep you in the game

Scoop!

Leopard Cuttroat trout

Working a riser on the Rogue River

Still a few weeks of good fishing if you want to get out with the dry fly. Shoot me an e-mail or call to schedule your shot.

Worthingtonflyfishing@gmail.com

760-424-9682

Trout on the Mind

There is a time each season to turn the page. But at least for me it's just a few pages. Fresh Summer Steelhead will be back in two months on the Rogue, and I can't wait!

Trout season is vamping up in the state of Jefferson with many options for fishing. Locally, the Salmon flies and Golden Stones are working their way up river on the Rogue. While the main stem is still closed for another week, the Holy Water is open and fishing well. Farther south, folks are getting in their casts on rivers like Hat Creek, and Sacramento among others.

Recently I headed north to fish a river I had only wet a line in many years ago. The Mckenzie is what all the guide books say it is. Beautiful, clear, cold and productive. The native Redband trout here are as pretty as anywhere I've seen. They're also incredibly strong for their size.

Mckenzie Redband Trout

Craig Nielsen with one of dozens

But even with the all the Trout fishing to be done, never discount the Klamath for a nice day out swinging flies for steelhead. Bevan, all the way from Tasmania wanted to swing flies and is pretty darn accomplished for not having any native salmonids to target! We had a really productive day with four good fish hooked and several other yanks. The Klamath never ceases to amaze.

Bevin from Australia for some late spring chrome on the Klamath

Bevin BENT with some late Spring Chrome!

Third Sunday Spey put on by The Ashland Fly Shop

Third Sunday Spey, put on by the Ashland Fly Shop this Sunday was a success too. A few guys showed up and got tuned up. This is really one of the coolest things a shop can do to keep people stoked on getting out on the river with the long rod. 

Ashland Fly Shop Delivery Service

Rogue River Salmonfly Hatch

Just around the corner, the upper Rogue River opens for general trout fishing. I'm booked opening weekend but have some dates scattered through out the last of May and early June if you are interested in a float trip. Awesome fun!

760-424-9682

Sage Pulse Fly Rod Review

Guides Perspective

For a short window each year, I put chasing Steelhead on the back burner and search out the best Trout fishing I can find.

Having started out as a trout guide on rivers like the Williamson, Wood, and multiple sections of the Oregon Klamath, my backdrop of rivers required rods from the dainty 3wt to the powerful 8wt. But my work horse is the 9' 5wt, the quintessential trout rod.

For me, a 9' 5wt needs to be able to perform the three major techniques of trout fishing. It must cast tightly and accurately with the dry; It must lift, look and lob the bob; and lastly, it must handle the deep load of a double sculpin rig without you needing to duck (flinching is okay).

I recently picked up a new rod that I hoped would be capable of the tasks. Here's my review. Enter the Sage Pulse 590-4.

Putting the Pulse through the paces

Impressions

This rod looks pretty cool. With interesting olive oil green blanks, it's not too flashy in the sun, but it's still a head turner. It has a simple look which I like, but my favorite feature is the full wells grip. I just love a little extra purchase for my thumb when I'm really cranking into a cast.

I put pressure on this rod right away. The particular river I fished for two days requires diverse tactics. I made this rod do it all. It hucked streamers, gracefully grunted through tandem streamer duty, lobbed the bob and swung soft hackles.

Action and Power

I like fast action rods. But I also have lost too many fish on stiff rods when a big fish bounces on the line and there isn't enough flex in the blank to absorb it. I would definitely put the Pulse in a fast action rod category, but it's more crisp than stiff and has a smooth flex you can feel all the way down to the cork.

It's really smooth with a small fly like a soft hackle or dry. When you start to load it up though, It didn't strike me as a rod with the most reserve power. I have fished other five weights with the same rigs and a few rods come to mind that handled the upper end of what you should do with a 5wt better. (Orvis H2, Sage One) Even though it flagged under a really heavy package, I really appreciated the flex for more normal fishing situations.

Crisp. Responsive. Twangy. Quick. Agile.

Lines for the Sage Pulse

I have fished three different lines on this model; The Scientific Anglers GPX Sharkskin, an Orvis Hydros Textured trout line and the new Rio Single Hand Spey Line. (I love textured fly lines.) The only real difference between the first two lines is that the GPX taper is a half-line size heavy, so it will load a rod a little more.

As I mentioned before, I found this rod to be more crisp than stiff, so I ended up liking the hydros textured line over the GPX. This rods has a nice personality, so I didn't need to bog it down too much with a heavier line. And the Single Hand Spey line? Well, thats just fun. . .

Conclusion

I like it. The rod has grown on me, and if you fish it in it sweet spot with a single dry fly or soft hackle, a moderate nymph rig or a single streamer, it's sweet. Really, thats a pretty diverse set of fishing scenarios, so it passes the test for me. This rod gets it done.  And, it's also only $450.

A hefty Redband bent the Pulse to the cork

P.S. Trout fishing in Southern Oregon is a blast. If you're interested the waters this rod was tested, learn more.

Tight Lines

Klamath River Recap

Here's a brief slideshow of my last month, spent mostly on The Klamath River. I have to admit, I was a little spoiled. Being run out of the Scott River Lodge, a five-star accommodation with Chef's cooking allowed me to focus on the best parts of being a Steelhead Guide. Thanks to all the fine folks I had the pleasure of fishing with, Tailwalker Fly Fishing,  Mike Folden of Freedom on the Fly, and Craig Nielsen of Shasta Trout.

The more time I spend on a river, the more it seeps into my core. Like when it rains on a cotton sweater, at first the drops bead up, temporarily warded. But as the mist continues, the drops coalesce and become larger before sinking into the fabric leaving a dark trace of where they had rested, just above the surface.

The more time I wade a river and feel its tug behind and around my legs, the more memories and fondness I have for it. After these last four weeks on the Klamath River, I am more drawn there than ever before.

Georgeous Klamath River Hen. I got a kiss on the Cheek for this one.

Rivers have many sides, as complex as any personality. At times, the river had a predictable steady mood. In others, secretive, key thrown out of reach and lost.

Though I'm more inclined to think it was this family of otters...

Art's First Steelhead on the Swing

Deep Breath

Who says you can't swing flies from the boat?

Hey Derek, I think the term is "Corked!"

Mike Folden with a Freedom on the Fly Klamath Buck. Check out his awesome lodge on the Scott River, The Fin & Horn Lodge.

It was this big!

Well, maybe this big

When you seek Steelhead, no matter the river, there is always an element of variability. I have come to expect and look forward to it. It's what makes Steelhead angling so satisfying. That you can't walk up to a piece of water and say, "there's a big one here, eating zebra midges that lives behind that rock," may not be for everyone. But for those that like surprise encounters with something new, because each Steelhead we find is almost always a new face, it's the promise your fishing will never be stale, and each opportunity you get with these magical creatures will be memorable.