 |
 |
|
Your search returned 5 items. Now showing items: 1 - 5.
|
|
|
Wallowa River - August 28th, 2010 |
RECORDED: 
50 °
FISHING: Good
8-28-10 Rain and cold weather is going to make the fishing a bit tougher for the next couple days. Once the dust settles though we should see better fishing than we have had over the hot middle and late weeks of August. Nymphing should still be effective using our standard stone/ caddis nymph patterns and a lightning bug or copper john dropper. Also try using muddler minnows stripped up stream through good holding water, that was working to elicit some good strikes for us a few night ago. The cool weather and fresh water should make the big fish a little more active too.
8/22/10- The Wallowa just keeps fishing well. The river level has been pretty stable and success can be had on the surface and with nymphs. If trying the surface hoppers, stimulators, and a variety of should be effective, be on the look out for early October caddis as well.
Below the surface the best success has been found using a dropper system. Using a larger stone nymph pattern such as a prince, bh hares ear, squirrel nymph, or hothead prince as the top fly and dropping a sz 16 lightning bug, copper john, or soft hackle as the trailing fly. The bigger fish will hang in the head of a riffle or pool so be sure to get your fly down fast, a couple split shot 1-2 ft from the head of the fly can get you down if needed.
8/11/10 -Trout fishing on the Wallowa River in the Canyon has been very good the past few days. Recent rains have cooled and raised the river slightly. A flyfisher on a guided trip did very well on a muddler minow - catching 12 - 15 fish, the largest a fat 13' native rainbow. Two other accomplished nymph flyfishers (strike indicator 5' above fairly good size split shot followed by two flies -- in other words fishing on the bottom of fairly fast, structured water) used a size 8 possie bugger with a size 16 lightning bug dropper to catch 30 fish between 8AM and noon -- the largest a 20"+ hog. They also caught fish on hoppers and large white fish on nymphs. Another local fly fisher caught "a ton" (you would not believe the number if I told you) of trout in a 300 yd stretch using a stimulator. He said the fish wanted to see some movement on the fly as opposed to a dead -drifted fly.
8-1-2010 After some thunder storms this week with high water the water has dropped down again, cleared, and is fishing well. May fly patterns have been working well in sz 14-16 (purple para adams is a good bet). Some hoppers are coming out too. The bigger fish will be hiding along deep bouldery banks, WEAR CLEATED BOOTS the rocks are slimy!
7/23 -The river has dropped quickly this past week and water temperatures have started to rise. You can wade the river in many locations, but there is still enough water to sneak a raft down -- or better yet use a pontoon boat or just wade. The stonefly hatch has suddenly slowed and we are starting to see our typical mix of caddis, may flies and hoppers. Fish that were hanging on the bank for the last three or four weeks have moved out into the deeper and faster water. Use stonefly nymphs such as a sz 8 prince nymph, possie bugger, or hare’s ear with a smaller sz 14 or 16 copper john, lightning bug or one of the colorful prince nymph patterns. In the evening it is hard to beat a sz 12 stimulator, tan or orange, but be willing to switch flies until you connect – 14 red humpies, fluttering caddis, low profile mayflies, hoppers, or even soft hackles. We will try to report over the next few days as we get information from the guides and other fishers
7/17 - So I told a guy two days ago the Wallowa was fishing "great." He came in the shop yesterday and said "the river was fishing better than you told me!" For your dry fly -- can you spell Kaufman foamulator -- big orange or golden and ugly. Cast it on a 3X tippet so you can put it within a foot (8" better yet) of the bank -- the fish are looking up for a big meal and paying no attention to the leader. One report said you could fish up along any relatively deep bank or "soft water" and continue catching fish long after the so called "hole" was finished. One guy said "a fish every five casts while fishing mid day - on dries." Anothe said "after 6:30 a fish EVERY cast." Even though a few hardy soles with cleats are occasionally crossing the river, -- do not stand a few feet off the bank and cast to the big rocks in the middle - you will be stepping on the fish. And you do not need to nymph - I repeat you do not need to nymph. Work the bank with a big dry stone - period! The golden stone hatch is in full swing and the river is dropping, so we will see how long this lasts.
7/11- Although still a bit high the water is coming down quickly and the river has been fishing well, improving everyday. Stoneflies are out and a large dark brown caddis hatch has been prolific in the evenings. Best bet will still be nymphing close to the banks (1-5ft from shore). Wets: sz 4-8 prince nymphs, 8-12 bead head rbr leg hares ears, 8-12 rbr leg squirrel nymphs. Dries: sz 4-6 orange/golden fomulators, large stimulators, sz 12 drk brown caddis.
7/7 - It appears the hot weather this week will not produce much additional snow melt. Area streams are now running at average levels for this time of year. The Wallowa is too high to wade, but is fishing well with salmon fly dries and nymphs -- tight to the bank.
7/5/10 - A group of three floated the river yesterday and each caught 15 - 20 trout, plus some white fish. Salmon flies came off about 4:00 and the fish were active on the surface -- including a 20 1/2 " hog that came completely out of the water for a waking Kaufman fomulator. Most fish were caught within 12" of the bank. The Wallowa is dropping and is a good green color - but way too high to wade. Spring chinook are showing up in pretty good numbers. As the weather warms the salmon flies will start comming off mid day.
7/3/10 - see 7/1 report. Chinnok fishing slow, but a very limited number of good fly fishers picking up nice rainboe along the banks. Don't expect to wade the Wallowa any time soon.
07/01/2010 - Stone flies have arrived on the Wallowa -- but the river is still runnin very high and we may get more rain tonight. At these water levels the fishing is not for the faint of heart, but if the river begins to drop, some of the big trout will throw caution to the wind to feed on the salmon flies.
Note: in this hot weather being extremely careful when releasing fish is important. Handing of the fish should be as minimal as possible and they should not be removed from the water. After a good fight you might need to hold them in the water for as long as 2-3 minutes before they are strong enough to swim away. As always we recommend using barb-less hooks and a net to aid in the healthy release of fish.
photos
current conditions
|
|
Grande Ronde River - August 28th, 2010 |
RECORDED:
60 °
FISHING: Good
8-28-10 - A big cold front and rain has moved in on us. Pretty significant rain this morning with much much cooler temps ( in the 40's in Joseph today).... all that translates to some good news for getting steelies moving up the river! Trout and smallies can still be had below troy but with a real drop in water temps the smallies will be headed to warmer water. Trout can be had with nypmhs similar to the Wallowa River, stripping muddlers and putting action on hoppers will work too. Steelhead season opens Sep 1, we can't wait!!
8/22/10 - Same as previous report, though each week as we head into fall should see more steelhead pulling into the Grande Ronde from the Snake.
8/15/10 - More reports have come in confirming that the steelhead are here! A good spey fisherman reported catching two chrome bright wild fish raising the confirmed catches on the Oregon side to 5. Bass fishing is good in the Troy area as well, and we had a report of decent trout fishing in cooler water (where side creeks dump into the main river) using stimulators and october caddis. All in all sounds like now is a great time to venture down to the 'Ronde!
8/11/10 - We have our first confirmed steelhead caught in the Troy area yesterday - plus two more were caught in Washington (see steelhead report below). Bass fishing remains good in the lower river.
8-3-2010 The STEELHEAD ARE COMING!! THE STEELHEAD ARE COMING!! The counts over the dams are really strong this year. The counts are 222% of last year for this time of year. I would start planning your trip and tying flies now! Check out the link on our homepage for plenty more up to date data.
8-1-2010 In this weather the bass should be coming on strong below Troy, while trout will be seeking cooler faster water. Hoppers will be out, and watch for mayflies in the evening if gunning for trout. Sub-surface nymphs and streamers should get bass and trout to hit in the right water, and throwing big gnarly bugs like chernobyl ants, fomulators, and Turk's tarantulas should produce surface action for bass.
7/23 - Catch a nice mix of trout and bass at Troy and downstream. Green woolly buggers and hoppers should do the trick.
7/11/2010 - No trout reports yet, but the golden stoneflies should be plentiful. Water level at Troy is near 3000 cfs, great for a Minam to Troy float!
7/3/10 - Very good bass fishing in Washington section - no reports in Troy area.
7/1/10 - unchaned from 6/21 report below
06-21-2010 - The GR has offered some great rafting this spring/summer, but so far has been too high and off-color to fish. We expect in to start dropping over the next few weeks. Stone flies are out at Troy. We got one report of some great bass fishing in the lower river below Bogans -- when the river was not muddy
11-12-09 - Still lots of steelhead being caught. A typical comment is "the gear guys are catching big numbers -- the fly guys are working for their fish tthis time of year." Crowds have tended to be reasonable as some of the fly guides have packed it up for the season. Watch stream flows for heavy rain or quick snow melts this time of year. Later, icing can come into play, so watch weather reports. Bottom line -- still the biggest steelhead numbers we have seen in years.
11/05/09 - Coffee shop talk at Bogan's is that the guides are saying the last four days have been "phenomenal."
11/03/09 - Odfw reported an aveerage of 3.0 hrs/fish in Ore. and 13.9 hrs per fish in Wa. for Oct 27/28. That begs the question: "Do they grow better anglers in Ore. or does Ore. have friendlier fish ?"
11/1/09 - Steelhead fishing has been good and the crowds reasonable. One guide reported having both thirteen fish, and one fish, days this past week -- which he attributed to the barometric pressure. You have to be "on the river" to catch those good days.
10/28/2009 - Steelhead fishing continues to be “hot or cold” --- depending on the day and the angler. There are lots of fish in the rivers. Steelhead are spread out throughout the Grande Ronde , and fair numbers have already been caught in the Wallowa River above Minam. The same is true of the Imnaha River where fish are being caught upstream near the town of Imnaha. When steelhead are “on the bite” big numbers are being caught on any given day. Two of us recently had some 7 – 10 fish days, interspersed with days where it was difficult to hook-up at all. Some of the best days over the past two weeks were during rain storms. One of our best flies this year has been a hot bead woolly bugger (orange bead head/black woolly bugger). Nymphing the deep slots and runs, on the bottom, with a combination of stone flies and egg patterns can also be productive. Fish are still being caught on intermediate sink lines, as well as single-hand and spey heavy sink tip lines. Other productive flies have been gold or orange bead prince nymphs (swung or nymphed), green butt skunks, purple spey patterns, and black or purple leeches. The fishing pressure near Troy, and on the Imnaha, has not been as heavy this past week as one might expect. The last ODFW Creel Checker counts for Oct 24 – 25were 7.4 hrs/fish in Ore. and 9.1 hrs/fish in Wash.
Joseph Fly Shoppe personnel will be on the river from 10/21 – 10/26. There will be no reports posted online or available at the shop during this time period. Thanks.
10/19/09 – Steelhead fishing remains spotty – depending on the day, the river, and the angler you talk to. The ODFW Creel Checker report for the Grande Ronde for Oct 14 – 15 found 42 anglers averaged 6.7 hours per fish in the Troy area, and 14.7 hours per fish the Washington section. Most flyfishers near Troy said they were “working for their fish” last week. Water temperatures (near 50 degrees), water flows (850 cfs), and water color are all good. Fish continue to move up the Grand Ronde as indicated by the steelhead starting to show up in the Wallowa River. Rains this week should only help.
9/15/09 – OK – now – perfect, perfect, perfect. Lots of steelhead in the river – even more coming (the limit for adipose fin-clipped steelhead in OR will increase Sun 9/18 from 3 to 5 fish per day). Rains the last couple of days took water levels at Troy from 770 cfs to 920 cfs. As of today water levels are stabilized and are starting down again -- until perhaps more rain later this week. But perhaps more importantly, water temps have come up – from 40 degrees to the mid 40 degree range – perhaps higher. Fish are apparently moving and back on the bite. We just had a report from Bogan’s of a fisher hooking two on the surface this morning. Lots of fishers, however, so bring your own rock.
Now some general info. The Ronde is fished with both single hand (say a 7 or 8 wt – 9’6”)and spey rods (say a 6 or 7 wt – 12’ 6” or 13’ – or switch rod) -- swinging flies and nymphing. A typical setup this time of year might include swinging a fast sink tip line with one or two leech patterns – perhaps black, purple or pink marabou or bunny fur – sz #4 - #8. Use 3’ to 5’ -- 8 lb to 12lb leaders behind sink tips. Some prefer to swing patterns like the purple or orange spey, green butt skunk (at low light), muddler minnow, or purple peril. If nymphing use stone fly patterns, size # 4 – #10, or consider a #8 black beadhead woolly bugger or an egg pattern as your top nymph. If spey fishing use Scandinavian heads in warmer water, then switch to a Skagit head with a fast sink tip in colder water – or nymph with your spey rod.
More gen info. At the time of this report, you can buy Washington fishing licenses at Bogans, but Oregon licenses are available at Troy only when the restaurant is open Wed – Sun, noon – dinner time.
10/13/09 – The ODFW Grande Ronde Angler Survey for Oct 8-11 was 11.3 hours per fish in Ore. And 16.8 in Wa. This was up from the Oct 2-3 check which showed 5.5 in Ore and 9.0 in Wa. For the Oct 8-11 period there were twice as many anglers checked in Wa (123) vs Ore (64). The spike in water levels last week should have brought more fish into the Ronde, but rapidly cooling water temps (now 40 degrees – still not bad) apparently put fish off the bite while fish acclimated to the new water conditions.
10/12/09 - An angler reported fishing was a bit slow at Troy yesterday (Sun). He said the ODFW checker had counted 8 steelhead among the 34 anglers checked (probably two anglers each caught four?). He reported conditions were cold in the AM with some ice.
10/11/09 – Lots of fish, but steelhead fishing remains a bit spotty – it depends on” where you are, who you are and when you were.”
I just spoke with a good flyfisher who spent ten days fishing the mouth near the Snake. He reported one “tough day” when he only landed four fish – otherwise the fishing was “incredible.” One day last week (prior to water temperatures cooling) he and a friend each landed three fish on the surface from the same hole – fishing on opposite banks. He reported these fish repeatedly came to the surface chasing the fly before finally taking it. One fish came out of the water over the fly then swirled on it and swatted it before taking the fly on the fourth or fifth pass. He also reported the river was somewhat crowded. The line waiting to fish the “turkey run” was five deep – in the dark. On the other hand, the first two people down the run one morning landed fifteen and twelve fish respectably. He reported water temperatures in the mid forties. Like other reports this season he said there are some very large steelies being caught.
At Troy we are getting varied reports. One fisherman, who fished on Saturday, reported that at daybreak the water temp was 40 degrees and the air temp was 20 degrees (with some icing of the guides). Temperatures will be warming this week. He fished under the bridge at Troy and landed one fish, although he said at one point he counted eighteen fishers . He only saw one other fish landed while he was there. He reported 75% of the fishers were flyfishers.
10/08/09 - We just confirmed that the steelhead are back on the bite and that today was a good day on the Ronde.
10/08/09 - Apparently the steelhead fishing slowed a bit this past week despite good water levels/color and lots of fish in the river. The fish were apparently acclimating to the new/cooler water conditions. I did have one report of better fishing today after a couple of tough days. Some bigger than normal steelies being caught this year - some true 7 - 10 lb natives.
10/6/09 – Perfect. Perfect. Perfect. River levels on the Grand Ronde peaked at 900 cfs last Sun/Mon and are now at 826 (vs 761 mean stream flow for this date). Lots of steelhead were caught from Troy to the Snake this past week (one guide boat in Washington reported a 24 fish day for three anglers). Tom, the Winding Waters guide at Troy, had pictures of a couple of fish pushing 8lb to 10lb included in their catch. Since June 1, 200,000 steelhead have crossed Lower Granite Dam – twice the 10 year average. Approx. 25% are wild fish – and rumor has it that ODFW is considering – I said considering – bumping the daily limit for hatchery steelhead from 3 to 5 fish. 2009 is “THE YEAR OF THE STEELHEAD.” The rivers will be crowded, but there should be enough fish to go around.
10/3/09 – Perfect! We have had a steady wet snow most of the day here in Joseph. We may accumulate 5” – 10” in the next 24 hours. In any event the Grande Ronde and Imnaha Rivers will see a nice surge of water over the next few days. This will bring a bunch of new steelhead up from the Snake. Keep an eye on water levels over the next week. The rivers may be so low that they won’t “blow-out” (or not), but sometimes fish will go off the bite on rising water levels. The forecast is for clear weather and mid 60 degree temps by mid week – in Joseph . The Ronde and Imnaha should be perfect next week.
9/29/09 – We are getting more and more reports of good steelhead fishing on the lower Ronde – even more fish moving into Troy the last few days. The cool weather and possible rain this week will bring even more fish. Things are changing fast. October WILL BE the best Ronde steelhead fishing in years. It’s time to “bring it on.” PS Muddlers are good flies this time of year – and a few B runs are starting to show up.
9/19/09 - Steelhead. No news is not necessarily good news. We have not received many reports from the Grande Ronde recently. One person who was at the mouth this past week reported that “there were more fishers” camped at the park then there was holding water for them all to fish.” He reported water temps were around 67 degrees. Water flows are low and clear at 675 cfs, down 10% from mean stream flows for this time of year. However, the good news is that steelhead continue to pour over Lower Granite Dam, 87,000 since 6/1 vs 32,000 for the ten year average. The forcast is for showers this evening, then warm and dry again – we’ll see. Your best steelhead report for the next few weeks will be the water flows report (see out Homepage link). I do not have reports from Bogans or Shomacher. There have been a few steelies caught at Troy, but action is slow and fishing pressure still light. Remember, 2009 still is “THE YEAR OF THE STEELHEAD,” so stay tuned.
9/10/09 – We all know about the record steelhead counts over Bonneville, but check this out: 30,000 have moved over Lower Granite in the last 5 days! Since 6/1, 50,000 have crossed Lower Granite Dam (the last dam on the Snake before steelhead move into the Clearwater, the Grande Ronde, the Imnaha or the Salmon rivers) versus 17,000 for the 10 year average. In addition, flows from Dworshak dam are being reduced this time of year, resulting in less cool water being flushed into the Clearwater – something that tends to hold Grande Ronde/Imnaha/Salmon River fish near the confluence of the Clearwater and the Snake. ------ However, flows in the Ronde are currently only 652 cfs, down from a seasonal average of 720. We need some rain. I did have four separate reports of steelhead landed on fly near Troy in the past few days, but most good flyfishers were still coming up empty. The upper river is still not crowded. Look for fish in the tailouts and heads of pools/runs, fish will use the fast water as cover. Nights have been cool (we had a hard frost in Joseph a few days ago) so fall is in the air. Steelhead will force their way upstream at some point so try to land a steelhead using a surface fly. ----- I do not have a current report on fishing at the mouth of the Ronde in Washington.
9/04/09 -- Like the rest of the world, we are all anticipating the record setting run of steelhead moving up the Columbia this year. The Grand Ronde is still very low and warm this September (70 – 72 degrees) and only a few fish are being caught from Troy to the mouth. Fish are holding in the Snake. We will try to report any news from the lower Ronde. Keep an eye on the stream flows -- more water will be the key.
8/18/09…… And – the big news this week is that we also have some crazy good numbers of steelhead moving up the Columbia and Snake Rivers, headed our way. In the last seven days over 100,000 steelhead moved over Bonneville Dam (32,000 in one day alone!). That brings the total year to date number to 323,155 versus a ten year average of 192,717. Numbers over Lower Granite Dam, the last dam before the Grande Ronde and Imnaha Rivers, is now over 19,000 – a forty percent increase over the ten year average. We will need more rains to keep the steelies coming, but one thirty inch hen was reportedly caught at Troy last week.
8/1/09 We are anticipating a good steelhead run this year, over 4000 fish have already come over Lower Granit Dam (well above the 10 yr average). Hopefully we will get some cooler temperatures and rain in August to coax them into the river for the start of the season on September First.
Small mouth Bass fishing has been good on the Ronde below Troy, green and black Wooly Buggers being the most effective fly. You should be able to get a few on the surface too with poppers. The trout will be a harder target, although many of them head for cooler water this time of year in the tributaries like the Wenaha. So you might find some good trout fishing hiking up the Wenaha from Troy, this river is a beautiful Wild and Senic wilderness stream which is home to native trout and protected Bull trout so we strongly encourage using only barbless tackle and practicing catch and release (there can also be a lot of rattlesnakes in this area so look out!). 7/18/09 Fishing near Troy is producing some nice trout in the white water and bass in the slow water. Try a muddler or green woolly bugger. The nearby Wenaha River is producing some nice bulls upstream.
7/8/09 You can now attempt a hat trick down near Troy, we have had reports of really good small mouth bass fishing on the Grande Ronde. The trout will be there too, so you can fish small mouth in the heat of the day and tie a large stone fly pattern on for a native rainbow in the late afternoon evening, and nymph deep on the large holes and pick up a bull trout!! Lots of options right now on this great river. Try brown, black, and green wooly buggers for the bass! Don't forget to stop off at Bogan's Oasis for a delicious Rhubarb milkshake if you get to hot!!
6/27/09 Stoneflies are taking over the Grande Ronde canyon! I was on the river last week, and the stoneflies were thick. The water is still high but the water is clearing and fishing is improving. Suggested flies: orange stimulators #8-12, fomulators #6-10, caddis #10-14, bead headed prince nymph #8-12, Kaufmann stonefly nymph #4-8, bead headed hares ears #8-14.
6/13/09 Haven't had many reports yet this year... but we know the water conditions are high and off color, like the tributarties of this river such as the Wallowa. The river is running high, but water clarity is improving rapidly. Like other rivers in the area the fish will be on the banks relaxing in the calm eddy water behind natural structure like boulders and log jams. The golden stonefly hatch will be on soon, so fishing brightly colored stimulator patterns, and stonefly nypmh patterns should produce. Also try smaller mayfly patterns in the evening. June is arguably one of the best months of the year for fishing trout on the Ronde and as the water drops and clears the action will heat up fast!
10-21-08 STEELHEAD: Grande Ronde – Mostly fair to occasionally good. Good , at times, if you know the river and are a pretty good fly fisher; mostly fair to poor, at times, if you don’t/aren’t. However, it also depends on the bite/weather on any given day. A number of GR guides have reported “no hookup” days even with experienced clients The Grande Ronde has not lived up to expectations this fall based on the number of steelhead over the dams (118% of the ten year avg., 25% wild). Fishing pressure has been heavy at times, but on most days good water can be found. The ODFW Angler Survey for the Oregon section of water near Troy for Oct. 13/14/18/19 surveyed 136 anglers who averaged 8.4 hrs/fish caught (not bad). The same survey for the Washington section of river included 80 anglers who averaged 22.7 hrs/fish (not good). All the same, we continue to be optimistic that fishing can be good on any given day over the next two to three weeks.
A young flyfisher was in the shop this morning buying flies and reported that over the past four days he and his three friends (mostly experienced, guide quality flyfishers) landed 22 steelhead (thirteen out of one hole) in Washington. Most likely they got into a surge of fish that had just moved into their section of river. They were swinging and nymphing a variety of leech and stonefly nymph patterns, mostly in black and purple. Some of the better flies were #6 “Princess” nymphs, and #8 prince nymphs with an orange beadhead. There seems to be some agreement that any number of flies (purple perils, green butt skunks, marabou leeches, egg sucking leeches, etc). are effective if put in front of a steelhead’s nose and he is inclined to grab them. However, it is also agreed that some steelhead will take a drifted nymph when they have already rejected the swung patterns. Just to confuse the matter, one of the more effective techniques seems to be dead drifting several patterns (prince nymph and woolly bugger, for example) under a strike indicator (3/4” thingamabober) then allowing it to “swing-out” at the bottom of the drift. We also continue to get reports of some steelhead taking small, #14/16 copper johns, etc. when matched with a large stonefly nymph.
10-4-08 Steelhead: Rains again this weekend – great for moving fish upstream. The Grande Ronde continues to fish well for this time of year. An East Coast flyfisher was in the shop this morning and reported hooking six steelies waking flies in the Washington section of the Ronde last Thursday. Floating the same section of water the next day, however, he did not hook-up. Fishing the Ronde near Troy has also been productive for those who know the river. As always a mixture of techniques are used including waking, skating, greased line swings, and nymphing using both single-hand and spey rods.
9/23/2008 – Steelhead Update: Good News. Rains last weekend increased flows on the Grande Ronde from 550 cfs to 750 cfs -- moving steelhead upstream. On a trip yesterday near Troy, guided by Winding Waters guide Tom Farnam, a client landed three Steeies in the 28” – 32” range, swinging a purple spey fly. Check out the photos at: www.windingwatersrafting.com. Tom’s schedule is starting to fill-in, so be sure to book a trip now for the next thirty to forty five days. This may be one of the best steelhead seasons in years!
9/20/08 – Steelhead: It’s raining hard and steady today – just what we needed to move the steelhead upstream. This morning the Grande Ronde had risen 50 cfs from last night’s rain, so we will be watching over the next 48 to 72 hours to see how high it goes. Fish that had moved into the Troy area from the mid August rains provided good steelhead fishing over Labor Day weekend. However, fishing has really slowed the last couple of weeks – evidenced by very few fishers on the river. Dam counts still look good, so it should be a great October. As of this date 60,000 steelhead have crossed Lower Granite, 125% of the ten year average. We will try and update the Ronde fishing report this week as we receive reports. As hard as it is raining, it may take a day or two for the river to settle-down – or not (?). Lots of different flies are used on the Ronde – for example: muddlers riffle hitched, Oct. caddis, or bombers on top; black or purple marabou leeches, spey flies, purple perils, etc - all swung; and misc. nymphs including a variety of prince nymphs, stone fly nymphs, and even some small size 12/14 copper johns in misc. colors used as dropperes.
9-04-08 – Beautiful Indian Summer weather – a great time to fish. The Big New News – “Steelhead show up at Troy.” We have been saying this will be a great, early steelhead season. Check our home page link for fish counts over the dams and select “LWG – Lower Granite Dam,” the last dam on the Snake River before our rivers. To date 27,395 steelhead have passed LWG versus the ten year average of 17,573 (155% of avg.). The Grade Ronde is flowing 736 cfs – right on average for this date. Recently several freshets took flows to near 900 cfs and moved fish upstream. Remember, the Ronde is known for the prospect of taking steelhead on the surface (waking or skating flies) and we have reports of several fly fishers doing just that this past week. Another person fishing at Troy for trout, using a 4 wt rod and a woolly bugger, caught “a mess” of bass and trout, and hooked and lost 3 steelhead in fast water. Both the Imnaha and Wallowa Rivers are also fishing well – check our river reports.
8-21-08. Steelhead season will open September 1 in Oregon. To date we have not heard of any steelhead being spotted in the Troy area. Despite fairly good water flows in the Wallowa Valley, a very hot summer has led to larger than normal irrigation needs in the Grande Ronde and Wallowa Valleys. Water flows at Troy dropped below 600 cfs last week but surged to near 900 on rains of the past few days. We will try to keep an eye on flows over the next sixty days. There are very good numbers of steelhead coming up the Snake River, so fall steelhead fishing will depend on river levels over the next thirty to sixty days. Check our links to river levels and steelhead counts.
8-21-08 - Steelhead season will open September 1 in Oregon. Still, we have not heard of any steelhead being incidentally
8/2/08 - The first steelhead of the summer have been caught at the mouth of the Ronde where it hits the Snake in Washington. Good water flows mean that some of these fish could arrive at Troy in the next thirty days. Steelhead season opens on Sept. 1 in Oregon -- and a good early season it will be. We do not have many reports of trout/bass fishing near Troy or upstream to Rondowa, but it appears to be a bit slow.
7/11/08 - River still high, but we are getting a few reports of bass and trout being caught near the bank in the river below Troy.
7/4/08 - Raft trips from Minam to Troy this past week report the river still blown out.
11/29/07 – Steelhead on the Grande Ronde. When there is no “slush ice” in the water fishing has been very good. The ODFW creel checker counts for 11/25-11/27 were around 5 to 6 hrs per fish in Oregon and Wash. (Troy/ Bogans area). Steelheading doesn’t get much better than that kids. That means some of the better fishers can’t keep fish off their hooks. At 850 cfs water levels are ideal. Snow and snow/rain is forcast for the next ten days, so keep an eye on water levels and nighttime temperatures. See the report for 11/21, below, for additional info.
11/21/07 – Grande Ronde Steelhead. This time of year the trick is picking the right day for good water conditions. For example, the river levels shot up this past week (generally a good thing to bring more fish out of the Snake – but the best fishing is often during stabilized or dropping flows) and it was 5 degrees Fahrenheit in Joseph last night so slush ice in the river could be a problem if it remains cold. For this reason many of the fly fishing guide services, like ours, in the Troy area and in the lower river in Washington, call it quits for the year (some don’t). It is too difficult to predict fishing conditions for clients coming in from Boise, Seattle, et cetera. Having said that, I have caught hundreds of steelhead flyfishing the Grande Ronde and Imnaha in November and December – when conditions were right. Our problem is getting good reports on river/fishing conditions this time of year. Check our home page for links to the water flow web site.
At current water levels (1,160 cfs and dropping on 11/21) fishing on the Grande Ronde should be good. More fish than normal came over the Snake dams this year. With cold water conditions try to get your fly down to the bottom – whether swinging or nymphing. If swinging flies we like 10 or 12 foot class 6 or 8 sink tip lines combined with a weighted fly like a black or purple egg sucking “starlight” bunny fur leech. Cast quartering downstream, then immediately mend hard as necessary for depth and water speed to get to the bottom. Perhaps even more effective is nymphing. You will probably want to use a large strike indicator, but some “soft” runs don’t require one. Nymph like you would for trout, remembering to limit your casting distance for good line control and hook-set. Our favorite fly is a size 6 gold bead prince nymph, but we also like some close imitations including the same fly with a bright orange beadhead or the “tungsten BH Princess” – a flashback prince nymph with red wings and tail. Feel free to use a second nymph such as a black stonefly pattern, but expect most hits on the prince nymph or its variations. Typically the top fly is three to five feet below the strick indicator. Contact the Joseph Fly Shoppe if you need to order lines, flies, et cetera. Good luck and good fishing. We close our shop from January 1 to May 15.
11/7 -Grande Ronde Steelhead- Quick update (see 11/3 report) - fishing near Troy has been fair to good with the last ODFW report showing 6.8 hrs/fish in Oregon, 16.3 hrs/fish in Wash. Our guide trips continue to find fish each outing. Unlike our last report, however, the river has not been too crowded this past week.
11/3 – Grande Ronde Steelhead: Water levels continue to drop – with no rain forcast in the near future. Current levels are 634 cfs (vs normal flow of 885) – which makes the Minam to Troy float pretty skinny. Fishing near Troy has been fair to good this past week. The last ODFW creel cheek for Oct. 25/26 was 8.7 hrs/fish in Oregon and 17 hrs/fish in Washington. Recent guide trips near Troy have produced some nice fish for our clients. Best catch rates came from nymphing, although swinging flies remains the most popular approach. The river has been fairly crowded so avoid weekends or bring your own rock.
10/24 – Steelhead on the Ronde: The recent spike in water levels did move fish upstream. Current water levels and conditions are near perfect (as is the nice shirt sleeve weather). Expect both more fish and fishers. The warm weather the past few days has brought on a nice hatch of October Caddis. One fisher reported steelhead rolling and playing on the surface, so think about waking/skating. Weather is expected to cool, but fishing should stay good.
10/20 - Wow! River flows have doubled in the past few days to over 1000 cfs. Just what the DR. ordered. Watch for flows to drop and stabilize (check our river flow link on our home page) -- perhaps give the fish a few days to move upstream -- then drop everything you are doing and call us for a guided trip -- or just head to Troy. Over 135,000 steelhead have crossed Lower Granite Dam this season!
10/10 – Steelhead!! A few are being caught on Grande Ronde, but the river remains fairly low – it’s still a bit early. We could use some rain or snow to move more fish upstream. Counts over Lower Granite Dam exceed 135,000, so the fish are in the Snake somewhere. Of course a few special flyfishers are picking up multiple steelhead daily, although the ODFW average was 27 hours per fish on the Ronde last week. On our last guided trip a few days ago, a client landed his first two steelhead on a fly using a nymph – at three in the afternoon, near Troy. We expect fishing on the Ronde to continue to improve as the month progresses. The fish are in the Snake so it is only a matter of time and/or water levels. The Ronde is currently running 600 cfs – 77% of normal for this date.
10/4 – Steelhead fishing on the Grande Ronde has picked-up this week. Water levels have increased from their lows of 450 cfs to over 600 cfs – approximately 80% of normal flow for this time of year. In the past few days we have received numerous reports of multiple steelhead taken on flies in both Washington, and in Oregon near Troy. Over 90,000 steelhead have passed Lower Granite Dam -- exceeding the 10 yr average for this date. We will be guiding steelhead fishers in the Troy area most of this week and will report activity.
photos
current conditions
|
|
Imnaha River - August 27th, 2010 |
RECORDED: 
68 °
FISHING: Good
8-27-2010 Good reports of fishing for trout a few miles up from town. (Come into the shop and snag a free river access map) Fishing with bh hares ears, and stimulators worked well. Don't hesitate to use a dropper off of a larger stone/ caddis nymph. Try muddler minnows and hoppers too, stripping the muddler back through good holding water if you don't get anything on the surface can be really effective too and don't hesitate to give your hoppers some action!
8-22-2010 The lower river can produce trout and bass right now, using similar patterns to the Wallowa, but I would also add some streamers and wooly buggers to the list for some of the deeper water (and bass) on the Imnaha. Below the town of Imnaha will fish better than up by the campgrounds, stop in the shop to ask about the Imnaha River Access map and get a free copy.
8-11-10 The "2-Fair" rating is an average of the poor fishing found near the campgrounds on the upper river (native fish do not have to be released and the river is not stocked, so it gets fished-out) and a fair to good rating for trout fishing on the mid and lower Imnaha. Expect a great steelhead season in late fall/winter.
8-1-2010 The canyon will be hot as will the water. Try using hoppers and if near the lower river the bass should be biting on larger surface patterns. The best section to fish is the middle - lower section, but be cautious of private land. The upper section near Indian Crossing campground and the others is pretty tough fishing as the river is not stocked with trout.
7/23 - Water temps (70 at Imnaha) have risen quickly as water flows have dropped. Bass should be entering lower river and trout looking for fast water, or moving up stream. It's hopper time.
7/12 Chinook fishing is still going strong with the season being held open daily according to catch counts. The limit is 2 finclipped adults and 5 finclipped jacks (a jack a any salmon under 24 inches). Check with ODFW to monitor the season closing date. No reports on trout, all the salmon in the river will make trout fishing tougher initially, but the water level should be dropping off nicely and clearing with the good warm weather.
7/5 - Lots of spring chinook being caught including jacks and 20+ lb fish - but bring your own rock to stand on. Not many fishing for trout - we have few reports.
7/3/10 - The Imnaha has started to produce good numbers of Spring Chinook the last few days (gear fishers). The river is dropping and could start producing rainbows -- unless the very warm weather later this week melts more snow.
7/1/10 - Same as 6/21 below.
06-21-2010 - Trout fishing has been slow due to high stream flows. However, gear fisherman are starting to pick up some nice Spring Chinook. Watch water levels on our water level link.
11-12-09 - The Imnaha continues to fish well. Recent snows may affect fishing for a few days if the melt is too fast - check our link for stream flows. Anglers using both nymphs and streamers.
11/03/09 - We have reports of a few anglers chatching "a lot" of steelhead on nymphs.
11/1/09 - We had treports today of two different gear anglers near Imnaha landing five plus steelhead each, as well as numerous bull trout and trout. The river is low, but there are lots of steelhead in the river and, for today anywawy, they are biting.
10/28/2009 - Steelhead fishing continues to be “hot or cold” --- depending on the day and the angler. There are lots of fish in the rivers. Steelhead are spread out throughout the Grande Ronde , and fair numbers have already been caught in the Wallowa River above Minam. The same is true of the Imnaha River where fish are being caught upstream near the town of Imnaha. When steelhead are “on the bite” big numbers are being caught on any given day. Two of us recently had some 7 – 10 fish days, interspersed with days where it was difficult to hook-up at all. Some of the best days over the past two weeks were during rain storms. One of our best flies this year has been a hot bead woolly bugger (orange bead head/black woolly bugger). Nymphing the deep slots and runs, on the bottom, with a combination of stone flies and egg patterns can also be productive. Fish are still being caught on intermediate sink lines, as well as single-hand and spey heavy sink tip lines. Other productive flies have been gold or orange bead prince nymphs (swung or nymphed), green butt skunks, purple spey patterns, and black or purple leeches. The fishing pressure near Troy, and on the Imnaha, has not been as heavy this past week as one might expect. The last ODFW Creel Checker counts for Oct 24 – 25were 7.4 hrs/fish in Ore. and 9.1 hrs/fish in Wash.
Joseph Fly Shoppe personnel will be on the river from 10/21 – 10/26. There will be no reports posted online or available at the shop during this time period. Thanks.
10/19/09 – Steelhead fishing on the Imnaha this past week was varied. One fly angler reported that last Thursday he got skunked on the Imnaha for the first time this season -- having previously averaged four steelhead per trip. The same day two gear anglers landed eight steelhead in the Cow Creek area. One dry fly fisher, fishing for trout, had a steelhead take a #14 elk hair caddis on the dead drift. Another angler landed steelhead on both black woolly buggers and large prince nymphs , and said he hooked a ton of trout on a #18 bh nymph being used as a dropper. The bottom line is – the weather is pretty nice, there are plenty of fish in the river, and you aren’t going to catch any fish unless you are on the river.
10/15/09 - The river blew-out today but is dropping rapidly. Water temps back up to near 50 degrees. Lots of fish throughout river, and stacked up at mouth.
10/11/09 - The river is fairly low and clear again -- 120 cfs vs a medium flow of 145 for this date. The river was fairly crowded with deer hunters/fisherman this past week. We are getting conflicting reports on success rates. Temperatures will warm this week and we may get some rain. We will try to update the reports as we get them.
10/8 - Still fishing good. Cooler water temps - think deeper.
10/6/09 – Good steelhead fishing! The Imnaha River peaked last Sun/Mon at 160 cfs and is currently at 132 cfs (vs 140 for the mean stream flow for this time of year). Lots of steelhead caught this past week – both above and below Cow Creek. There are apparently so many steelhead in the Snake River that they are forcing their way upstream despite the relatively low water levels. Fishing pressure was light last week, but with the onset of deer season and reports of good fishing, expect more people this week. Sight fishing is a distinct possibility – fish are holding in any excuse for a steelhead run.
10/3/09 – Perfect! We have had a steady wet snow most of the day here in Joseph. We may accumulate 5” – 10” in the next 24 hours. In any event the Grande Ronde and Imnaha Rivers will see a nice surge of water over the next few days. This will bring a bunch of new steelhead up from the Snake. Keep an eye on water levels over the next week. The rivers may be so low that they won’t “blow-out” (or not), but sometimes fish will go off the bite on rising water levels. The forecast is for clear weather and mid 60 degree temps by mid week – in Joseph . The Ronde and Imnaha should be perfect next week.
9/27/09 Things are changing fast. More steelhead at the mouth and more moving upstream. Cool weather and rain this week will bring even more fish. It's game time.
9/27/09 – We are watching the weather forcast – possible rain this week. The lower Imnaha is very low, 100 cfs, but steelhead are starting to force their way up the river. Fish are being caught up to Horse Creek. The deeper holes will hold fish, but they tend to spook when a fish is hooked. A good rain might really start moving some fish.
9/19/09 I have some reports of good trout fishing on the lower river, but I do not have reports of steelhead being caught at the mouth (?). See also Grande Ronde report. Water flow is at 107 cfs, down 25% from mean flow for this time of year.
9/10/09 - Trout fishing on lower river fair to good. We have no reports of steelhead being caught on the lower river, but some should show up at the mouth soon. Flows are at only 125 so try to carefully sight fish lower river.
photos
current conditions
|
|
Lostine River - August 22nd, 2010 |
RECORDED:
75 °
FISHING: Good
8/21/10- Per our last report if you are willing to bushwhack and get away from the campgrounds into the canyons now is a perfect time to fish the Lostine. A pretty "pool and drop" fishery, the pretty little native bows in here will readily take dries of all varieties. Some of our favorites for the area include terrestrials like para-beetles, Turk's Power Ant, smaller hoppers, Variants, and sz 16 humpies in red or yellow.
8/11/10 - The "2=Fair" rating is based on a fair to poor rating near the forest service campgrounds (native fish do not have to be released and the river is not stocked - so it gets fished-out) and a fair to good rating in the canyons and hard to get to areas away from the campgrounds. The latter has good numbers of small native rainbows.
8-1-2010 The water has dropped and this lovely river is finally fishable. Along the forest service road stay away from the campgrounds and the rule is the harder the water is to get to the better the fishing is. I love using terrestrials especially the Turk's Power Ant, don't hesitate to try a smaller hopper, and smaller size 14-16 attractor patterns like humpies. Larger streamer patterns can sometimes full big bull trout in the deeper pools (strictly catch and release for bull trout). We strongly encourage catch and release only for all rainbow trout as this section is not stocked. Single point hooks only and no bait is allowed.
7/11/2010 - Water is still high but coming down quickly in the warm weather. The river is running about 375 near the town of Lostine, when the flow drops below 300 start thinking about venturing up into the canyon. A truly senic fishing destination and always a great day on the water.
7/1/10 - same as 6/21
06-21-2010 - To date the river has been too high to offer good trout fishing.
9/19/09 - Trout fishing is difficult on the upper river (native trout do not have to be released/they also do not stock trout) so try to fish away from campgrounds.
8/18/09 - Public access to the Lostine River is upstream -- once you enter National Forest. Fishing near the camp ground is a bit difficult due to fishing pressure and no requirements to release native rainbow. The river is not stocked. Try to find less accessed areas and fish for small rainbows and brook trout.
7/26/09 The wait is over, the Lostine river is at a good fishable flow now. You won’t find the same size or number of fish on the river that you will on the Wallowa but the sheer beauty of this crystal clear stream and solitude is worth the trip. We have had recent success using a size 14 yellow stimulator, and also a size 16 Potters Fat Head Beetle. There is not much of a hatch on this pristine wilderness river so staying with smaller attractor patterns and terrestrials is the way to fish. To get to the best water you really have to work, hike up or down stream from the campgrounds and get off the beaten path, you will be rewarded with beautiful smaller native trout!
/8/09 Still too high to fish well right now, the Lostine needs a few more another couple weeks before the river will be fishable. The snow is still plentiful near 7000' where the headwaters of the Lostine originate, but keep tying your red humpies, royal wulff's, and hoppers because the time will come!
6/28/09 Even though the water is gin clear, the Lostine is just too high to fish. The flow has been peaking in the evening around 650-700 cfs. For the Lostine to be really fishable the water level needs to drop 300 cfs or more. I expect the conditions to be really improving in about 3 weeks. Definitely worth the wait, to fish this secluded drop dead gorgeous stream.
6/14/09 - To high to be really productive, and the rain seems to want the water level to stay that way. However, the water is clear on the Lostine, so if you can find some smooth slicks and eddies along the bank you might have success. Small stimulators, red humpies, and royal wolfs might get a strike in the evening. If you can't get anything to rise, try smaller prince nymphs, copper johns, hares ears, and phesant tails. If you are really brave, you might even attempt to swing larger leech or sculpin patterns in the deeper holes and try land one of the monster bulltrout who call this beautiful river home. The right Wooly Bugger could land you both a nice native rainbow and a brutish bull trout!
8/2/08 - The Lostine normally fisher fair to good for small native rainbows -- if you really work at getting into areas away from the campgrounds.
7/11/08 - Public access to the Lostine starts at the Forest Service boundary south of the town of Lostine. The river is clear, but still high.
current conditions
|
|
Wallowa Lake - August 22nd, 2010 |
RECORDED:
70 °
FISHING: Good
8-22-2010 FIshsing on the lake has been pretty decent of late, with some reports coming in of people catching larger 15-16" stockers which are nice and fat. Fishing near the inlet of the lake is always best, with nymphing being the most productive method. Try using wooly buggers in black and green, hot head buggers, hot head princes, and red copper johns. Don't be afraid to use a dropper as well, and egg patterns have had some reported success as the Kokanee are spawning.
8/11/10 Same as 8/1.
8-1-2010 The mouth of the river is still fishing decent for stocked trout. I feel you will have best success nymphing with wooly buggers, princes, san juan worms, copper johns, etc. in sizes 12-16. Smaller surface flies might get some takes in the late evening, griffiths gnats, humpies, and flying ants are a good bet. Regardless, nothing beats being on the water while Bald Eagels and Ospery scout for fish up above.
7/3/10 - Very good fishing for stocked bows some larger fish have even been picked up. Fish near the inlet where the river flows into the lake. Fishing has also been very good at Kinney Lake, Marr Pond, Salt Creek Pond.
7/1/10 - see 6/21/report - unchaned.
06-10-21 - Of course the big news is the four state/national/world record Kokanee caught so far this year (the last 9.1 lbs). Come join the fun. Trout fishing has also been very good. Try fishing the river mouth at the south end of the lake. A small lake east of Joseph called Kinney Lake is also a great lake to fly fish and is fish very good.
9/19/09 Trout fishing is slow for stocked trout. Kokannee are spawning and the river above the lake (south/inlet end) is closed for spawning Kokanee.
8/18/09 Jerry Logosz recently caught the Oregon State Record Kokanee at 7lbs 27 inches!! Wallowa Lake is still fishing decent for stocked rainbows with the last fish stocking of the season planned for mid August. Try using a sinking line or some split shot and a large weighted nymph like a wooly bugger with a small red midge pattern as a dropper. Kokanee are starting to spawn in the river above the lake and should not be left alone. This section of the river closes to all fishing on 9/1/09.
7/19/09 The state record kokanee was caught today by Jerry Logusz -- 7 lbs/27 inches. Trout fishing has been spotty during this heat spell. Ask.
7/9/2009 Wallowa lake continues to fish well. More reports have come in of people catching the larger holdover stockers. I suggest fishing in the early morning before the sun is on the water, then following the shadows as the sun rises, you will be garunteed a tranquill and probably solitary fishing experience on this breath taking mountain lake.
6/28/09 The fishing remains good on Wallowa lake. The frequent fish stocking at the state park will ensure everyone in the family catches fish. We have had a recent report of a monster rainbow being caught using a sinking line and a prince nymph. This would be a good approach if you are on the hunt for bigger game. Using a sink tip line or a full sink line and fishing with prince nymphs, wooly buggers, matuka spruce, copper johns, and soft hackles might get the big one you are searching for. Try using a double nymph set up as well. The inlet remains the best place for walk/wade fishing and a lime green copper john has been a productive pattern.
6/13/09 The lake is stocked frequently with trout at the south end near the state park. Small stockers can be fun but there are some much deeper fish in the lake too. The best fly fishing on the lake is at the inlet where the Wallowa River feeds the lake. The debris coming out of the wilderness here creates prime feeding ground for the trout. Recently we have had reports of good fishing using pheasant tails nymphs, and zugbugs. Bring your wading gear the water is cold, and wading out further at the inlet can produce larger fish.
9-20-08 Slow!
9-03-09 Wallow Lake was stocked with trout for Labor Day, but fishing has been fairly slow in recent weeks. Remember, the river above Wallowa Lake was closed to fishing on Sept. 1 to protect spawning Kokanee.
8/2/08 -Wallowa Lake has been fishing good for stocked trout. Try fishing in the lake near the river mouth -- wade out to where the lake bottom slopes down quickly and fish over the edge with bead-head woolly buggers or nymphs. If you have a boat or float tube you can tru fishing the shore lines will small dries like 16 griffith's knats, humpies, or ant patterns. Kokanne have started spawning early this year in the river that enters the lake -- you will spot the bright orange color -- so best to leave these fish alone.
current conditions
|
|
|
|
 |
|
