 |
| Our first real snow fall this winter, January 13, 2012 |
Been a while since my last post. Seemed to get busier in December but the steelheading was very good for the most part. The weather was stable, nothing like a normal December for this part of the state. We've had bare ground for the majority of the winter so far, with our first significant snow fall this recent Friday and Saturday. Still though, not the heavy lake effect we are used to here.
The temps were moderate to warm, felt more like later March that December, and January continued to see very nice temperatures for fishing. The water flow during this time was the real wrench in the gears. It fluxuated from one day to the next seemed like and this kept the fish continually changing their lies. As of about an hour ago the flow at Pineville was 1040cfs, this is a very good water level and with the sub zero temps last night and again tonight, this much water should help to keep the upper river fairly clear of slush. Below Pineville will be a differnt story. When the temps drop to these lows sometimes the slush never clears below Pineville all day. Normally in the boat we'll put in at Altmar about 9:30-10:00am and follow the slush down steam as it clears the river.
Keeping rod guides clear of ice
One question that gets asked alot during this time of year is 'How do I keep my rod guides clear of ice?' There are many ideas that have been tried, vasoline on the guides, spray Pam cooking spray on them, some fellas who build their own rods use snake guide for their winter rods. These allow the guides to flex as the rod is loaded and cast and helps control the ice build up. Eventually you just have to clear the ice by hand, no way around it. I have found that for fly rodding, using a high rod nymphing, indi type approach keeps build up down. When you're fishing short with a high rod you are not doing alot of stripping between casts which keeps the water out of the guides. The only thing with this is you normally get an ice build up where the line is constantly laying on the water surface, and this will eventually need to be cleared. With spinning or pinning gear I have found that, as soon as you have reeled in and before you cast again, tap the back of the rod with your hand, two or three times, this knocks the water droplets collected in the guide off and slows the icing process. But again, eventually you'll need to de-ice by hand.
One question that gets asked alot during this time of year is 'How do I keep my rod guides clear of ice?' There are many ideas that have been tried, vasoline on the guides, spray Pam cooking spray on them, some fellas who build their own rods use snake guide for their winter rods. These allow the guides to flex as the rod is loaded and cast and helps control the ice build up. Eventually you just have to clear the ice by hand, no way around it. I have found that for fly rodding, using a high rod nymphing, indi type approach keeps build up down. When you're fishing short with a high rod you are not doing alot of stripping between casts which keeps the water out of the guides. The only thing with this is you normally get an ice build up where the line is constantly laying on the water surface, and this will eventually need to be cleared. With spinning or pinning gear I have found that, as soon as you have reeled in and before you cast again, tap the back of the rod with your hand, two or three times, this knocks the water droplets collected in the guide off and slows the icing process. But again, eventually you'll need to de-ice by hand.
Shotting patterns for indicator fishing
The water temps are in the mid 30's which mean that you'll find most steelhead in their winter lies. Fish deep and slow. Indicator or float fishing are very effective in accomplishing this. In water flows such as today use a stacked or bulk shotting pattern, it gets you down fast and will keep the fly, bead, etc... out in front of the drift. In low water on the Salmon River, say 400cfs or lower, use a standard or shallow/ riffle shotting pattern, it will get you down with out hanging up in the slow current. Check out Raven's web site for some great info on shotting patterns.
Steelhead fishing in the winter time ain't for sissies, even the diehards will get beatup. However, with proper preparation and a positive mental approach, you can have a great time and success. Take some time this winter and enjoy the steelheading. If you want some help feel free to send me an email, I'll see what I can do. If you'ld like to be guided in the drift boat contact me, I have some good dates for this late winter/ spring steelhead fishing. Have fun and stay warm.
