Good Friend and former guide Craig Nielsen writes a great read about choosing flies for fall fishing in the North State.
http://www.shastatrout.com/five-favorite-flies-for-fall-in-northern-california-2
Three reasons to fly fish the Fall in Southern Oregon
1) Fish like this
2) Fish like this
3) And fish like this
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.
Maybe she’s born with it, maybe it’s Maybelline
Halleluaja
It’s finally rained, after what has seemed like far to long for such a mundane fact of life like weather.
The clouds reared up against the Klamath mountains and at long last, have quenched for a time the dust and ash, fire and smoke that’s plagued the State of Jefferson for months.
The smell of the coming rain was palpable as I approached the mountains’ southern flanks, driving north and home from the Shadow of Shasta after a fun day introducing fly fisherman to the Upper Sacramento’s Wild Trout.
It’s a good sign for Fall fishing in Southern Oregon and Northern California and after such a hot and smokey summer. I hope it’s welcome relief for more then just a fly fishing guide.
This first rain for many is the unofficial kickoff of steelhead season; a time of high hopes for fresh chrome and magical days in their pursuit. For all fisherman though, including trout anglers, the changing of seasons is always a great time to be out on the water. Sometimes fish feel the relief too.
As Shasta faded into the rearview mirror, the patter increased with each upward bend of the road, over the Klamath River’s tea colored waters, finally through the fresh scar left by the Hornbrook fire. Kind of like me, it looks better after a shower.
I’m Looking forward to a Fall season of tight lines, leaping fish and many fond memories. Hopefully a few will have a dripping hat brim and rain jacket somewhere along in the story.
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.
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
Rogue Steelheading, Fly Only 9 days away
With the Increase is flows to aid incoming Fall Chinook salmon up the Rogue River canyon, steelhead fishing continues to be excellent as fresh fish arrive. The peak of the Steelhead season on the Rogue is August - November with Fly only regulations taking place September 1 - October 31.
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,
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
Fly-Only on the Rogue River is just 48 days away!
But who's counting anyways.
Pinch Your Barbs
I plan to hook them again tomorrow, so I like to make sure their chances are as good as possible. Keep your tip up and keep your tension, but pinch your barbs!
Dry Fly Steelhead Fishing
One of the most exciting times in fly fishing is nearly upon us on the beautiful rivers of Southern Oregon and Northern California. Near the end of May and certainly in the first
few weeks of June huge Salmonfly (Pteronarcys californica) and Golden Stone Fly (Hesperoperla pacifica) will make their way across the river bottoms and up stream-side vegetation to molt, mate, fly and lay their eggs on the water’s surface.
All stages of this hatch are of interest to trout and trout anglers alike, but for die-hard steelheaders there is an additional angling opportunity to practice our spey casts while skating big dries to half pounders and spring steelhead on the Klamath River.
If you have been fortunate enough to observe a salmonfly or golden stone hatch (they both typically happen at the same time) the observant angler notices these bugs have distinct preferences for when they fly or when they stay glued to the bank. Further observations illustrate that while one evening there may be thousands and thousands of the these clumsy fliers in the air, it’s when they fly low, quivering their wings just over the surface and touching their egg laden abdomens to the water that we often have our most memorable fishing sessions.
This action can be imitated in a number of ways with both single and double handed rods and is a combination of trying to mimic these natural movements while at the same time breaking one of our most important dry-fly rules: The drag free drift. For single hand anglers try raising your rod tip high, allowing a little downstream belly to form in your line and quiver your rod tip. For spey anglers, the tantalizing action of a salmonfly dancing across the water surface makes a subtle “v” wake which fortunately, is the same presentation made when skating a dry fly, down and across. I’ll also angle my cast slightly upstream and get a few feet of dead drift before allowing my fly to come under tension and begin it’s skittering swing.
On the few rivers where strong salmonfly hatches and spring steelhead coincide, skittered and skated salmonfly drys can be very effective and fun at bringing fish to the surface. The Klamath River in Northern California is one such venue with the added bonus of eager half-pounders and trout ensuring action throughout the day.
Best fishing is during the last week of May and first few weeks of June before the weather and water get too warm for ethical fishing. In the mean time, fishing is good and the weather is pleasant! Please drop us a line to learn more or book a day of dry fly steelheading.
Spring Fly Fishing in Southern Oregon
Southern Oregon + Northern California Fly Fishing Report
As the rivers in our area continue to fish well for winter steelhead, warmer, brighter days signal that the end of the season is in sight. Between storms and as waters clear, the observant angler can look in shallow tail-outs and see the occasional fish digging redds and dropping eggs. It's a special dance to witness and one I hope goes well for the fish who are ensuring their legacy and our continued opportunity to fish.
As waters warm through the spring months, wild trout in the Klamath and Rogue become much more active and feed on the bounty of aquatic insects and baitfish.
Both the Rogue and Klamath Rivers see strong hatches of golden stoneflies and salmonflies early in the season. On the Rogue, most fish are small but Cutthroat to 20 inches or more can show themselves from the deep over hanging branches of the upper river in May. Dry fly fishing in the early mornings and evenings can be non-stop action and trips are a perfect addition to a spring weekend in Ashland, OR.
Meanwhile, on the Klamath River, swarms of stoneflies, caddis, and damsel choke the reeds and air, but the fish seldom feel the need to surface for them. Turbid waters, bouldery chutes and heavy water require skilled subsurface presentations. Serious anglers love this fishery and are often rewarded with high quality Redband Trout. We fish out of framed fishing rafts and the whitewater between fishing ensures a high adventure fishing trip.
Worthington Fly Fishing guides both the Rogue and Klamath rivers in Southern Oregon and takes pride in sharing exceptional guiding and outstanding days on the water. Join us in 2018 to kick off your trout season!
760-424-9682
WorthingtonFlyFishing@gmail.com
Source: worthingtonflyfishing.com
Wild Steelhead, Oregon
A beautiful fish release on the southern oregon coast