Methow Fishing Trip Pt. 2 Day 1

Well, this Valentines weekend was spend waist deep with one of my many loves. It just so happens that a fishing buddy had the weekend off from family life; when the wife had planned a girls only weekend. So when an opportunity presents itself it is must fish.

The trip started with the 5 hour drive north into the Washington Okanogan country to fish cold turkey on water not seen by either of us. The Methow River flows east out of North Cascades National Park toward the mighty Columbia. It's Steelhead are the typical variety ranging in sizes from 24 to 30+ inches. It is not confirmed that some of the fish are B run fish, but a large steelhead is always possible.

This two angler exploratory/fishing party started the trip on day one floating what was supposed to be a short 5 mile stretch from Upper Burma Rd. down river to the next highway bridge. Not much knowledge of the river or it's fish was available so it was planned to take all day to finish off this stretch trying to find fishing water. It took all day in fact almost into night after a pontoon on the vessel sprang a fast leak requiring fill up every ten minutes or so. Nonetheless, the boat issues did not deter the two hearty souls from fishing as much water as possible. As night drew nearer a fellow angler was spotted fishing a run ahead. Also it was noted that a vehicle was present. In short order it was decided to ask for a lift to where the shuttle had parked our ride home.

Really the boat is not the story here. After all, we were here to do some fishing. The Methow is a real intimate river with extremely clear water with typical free stone stream structure. Running from riffle to pool the river set up for good water. After trying to fish the first few good steelhead runs without success finally in a classic looking and fishing run produced the first fish of the day. This first fish was nothing of note except it was the first fish on new water. Which if you have ever fished much water for steelhead it is something to note. Noticing the the speed, depth and structure of this hook-up led to future attempts. After a few more stops without success frustration began to set in. Then rounding a corner behind the town of Methow a picture perfect run lie ahead.

As the river divided into three, around two small gravel bars, the largest of the fingers run into the corner against a very large and steep cliff and ran 20 yards or so before merging with the middle of the three fingers creating expectational holding water with large structure making for good hiding spots for large fish. If that was not wonderful enough the third came into the run making the middle section of this run something of a dream. On the inside bend of this corner a large eddy was formed requiring deep but not difficult wading. Setting up a cast into the moving water against the hillside opposite of Methow. If there were a thousand words to describe the run they would appear here, but words would not do justice to the set up for this hole.

Surely luck was about to change. Lady luck was gracious. The first drift in the large pool was going well as the indicator floated with good speed just short of the inside foam line seam. After being warned at the local fly shop to look for the subtle takes imagine our surprise when the indicator dunked under the water and began to swim upstream. Well, so much for subtle takes. After spending close two hours fishing this run which was easily a few hundred yards long. Five fish were brought to hand. The largest, a gorgeous, native buck of 30+ inches required help in landing. The future was looking bright.

Alas, it was mere minutes after leaving nirvana that the leak in the boat was discovered. Not deterred each promising looking hole was worked hard with no luck. After each stop air was put in the boat advancing the anglers down stream short distances each time. After several fill ups the fellow angler was found resulting in the ride to the shuttle. After inquiring of the possibility of a ride no time was wasted in getting the line into this promising looking hole. while waiting for this fine gentleman to fishing up fishing the run, in which, he claimed to have hook three. One more fish was hooked and only a few head shakes felt. By this time our ride was leaving.

After hauling the boat over rough terrain for a hundred yard and up the bank to the guardrail day 2 was looking bright. A plan was agreed to while driving down the Columbia to where sleep awaited.

Methow Fishing Trip

This coming weekend I will get a chance to explore a brand new area, at least to me, I will be trying my luck in the Methow River Valley in North Central Washington not from from the middle of nowhere.

The river is open again after being closed for many years to protect native steelhead populations. Now thanks to many efforts on the part of many interested parties the river is a great place to cast a fly.

Not only do you have the chance to catch a very special steelhead, but you can also catch a native Bull Trout or some very nice Cutt's.

This weekend the target is the steelies. I love fishing for these fish. When you catch one it seems so special. What makes it special is that the fish not only swims up the river to spawn, but it also has to make it out to the ocean. When there it has to compete with all types of mean critters. Do not get me wrong I will not complain if another one of the rivers species happens to like my offering.

The time will come when I will get up some photo's of this great river. Feel free to look up some web spots on the valley. Oh ya, check out the video at http://www.redsflyshop.com/methowsteelhead.html

Tighlines

A Fishing Partner Part 1

At first glance this topic might seem rather boring. But this begs the question how many can say that you have had true fishing partner? What is "true fishing partner" well to define this is no easy task.

On one of those fine late summer days sitting on the porch looking West as the heat of day fades into the Bitterroots a fine looking young couple stroll's down the block towards towards the house. At this point instead of being shy and cagey as might be the temptation, there is a brief conversation. The details of which faded years ago. After this first encounter there was very little hope of finding what was to become one of those rare friendships that transcends beyond just someone whom to fish with.

In fact, now it escapes me even the first time we hit the water together. Just guessing, it was to the "bridge to bridge beat" on the fork! Which became a favorite and if there is such a place as "home water" this would be the place.

Fishing and Fishing Partners

Well it has been awhile, but life has taken me away from wasting time as of late. As I type this it is really to late at night to try and author a real article. Nonetheless, there are some musings in regards to fishing and fishing partners that I need to get off my chest.

I figure that in the near future I can promise a series of two posts that will I hope bring back some good memories as well a thought provoking verbiage that will help make sense as to why this sport has taken on a life of its own within my relationships, friends and life.

Meanwhile,

Tight Lines if possible; if not dare to dream. Good night world.

Meanwhile...

Let this wet your appetite!


















By now you might be asking...

fish?!








WHAT is that in the background Scotty...










Young children may want to look away...








The allusive double shot...can you pick out the wild fish out to the line up. A clue...there are two!





By now you can tell why the look in our faces...






How sweet it is to have friends! Peace you all. ROOKIES. Now a new annual trip, only this one takes place on consecutive weekends in Oct/Nov! The days in between don't count, they are only recovery period.

Look forward to seeing you all soon.

Pre Trip Prep

I know it did not take me long to find a way to go fishing upon arrival. I would have gone the day after arriving, but the trip took a bit more time then expected. So one short week after arriving I will be taking maybe a last Stealhead trip of the year (depends on weather). This time we will be taking camping gear and staying over night (BURRRR). Never fear we are prepared.

In taking inventory while packing for the trip I became very aware of how unorganized my fishing gear was after the summer. It is funny, but it seems that at the beginning of each season the gear is all in its place clean, neat, organized, and present. Now on the other hand I had to go and search for stuff and found most of it, but some was left behind in Montana. I guess because I really was not planning on needing it until returning next summer.

Nonetheless, plans changed. We have since lost jobs, like everyone else, moved to Walla Walla and now I need my fishing gear. Lesson hear, always pack your fishing gear with you wherever you go.

The Stealhead box has plenty of flies in it, but it never fails each new trip brings anticipation and panic that you may not have enough. In this case it led me to scrounge around in the garage full of boxes, rubbermaid containers, and a washer/dryer to find tying materials. What I came up with was some Prince Nymphs tied heavy and flashing. The patterns are tied in different colors as an experiment. Not so sure that this is the time for experiments, but I could not help it.

The Flyfish Journal

Well it could not have come at a better time. It has been about two months since arriving back in Bay Area from guiding in Montana and a slight amount of cabin fever began to set in. Not because weather is cold or there is lack of activities, but because I just got word that the Steal is in fact in the river. On Saturday the crew had a banner day of absolutely horrible fishing. Only 37 were landing between the three who went and numerous other were lost. Stealhead fishing is like that.

So after, living vicariously through the crew from the Bay Area I check the mail today and what did my little eyes see - my brand-spank me-new issue number 1 of The Flyfish Journal. It is truly a work of art. Not only is the cover a high gloss photo, but the issue inside, in no less impressive. The photography is great and I have only been able to leaf through drooling over the the pictures. If you writing is even half as good this new magazine may just be the next best thing. No disrespect to my favorite read: Northwest Fly Fishing, but I am impressed. Take a look it is really cool