Spring arrived today. Looks the same as yesterday but with more snow. The weather here has been typical of this area. The sun is climbing higher in the sky so when it shines it is very comfortable, however, we're seeing more grey days and temperatures starting in the high teens to low twentys. Most days for this past week have barely been above the freezing mark. Spring in salmon country!
Water flows have been pretty consistant with the gauge at Pineville, NY reading 1090cfs with a release of 900cfs. This is near perfect conditions flow wise. The levels have not been fluxuating wildly and the water is giving the steelhead good cover for spawning. As for spawning activity, it is in full swing. Most of the spawning areas in the main river are seeing activity and the diversions are carrying enough water to see decent numbers of steelhead using these.
Area tribs have also been producing steelhead. Most have very good flows with the steady snow melt going on daily. I've been guiding tribs for the past week and have had good results. Most tribs I am working are in the Mexico Bay areas and I have hit a few north of the river in the last two days. It is critical to get on the trib of choice early, at first light, as they are beginning to see heavier fishing pressure daily. Stealth is the key to success when trib fishing. Approach fish from down stream and do so as quietly and unobtrusive as possible. Egg sacs are working well on the tribs with blue and pink being favored. Flies of choice are clouser, bugger and leech patterns. You know those trout streamers you carry but never use, those work for steelhead right now in the tribs. Use these too. Most all the fish in the tribs right now are fresh and actively spawning, not many drop backs as of yet.
The big river, the Salmon River, is fishing very well. You will find steelhead in 3 stages; fresh in from the lake, actively spawning and dropping out, although they will not really start drop out of the river for about another month. The drop backs are the most cooperative of the three, with the actively spawning fish being the least friendly (actually they tend to be rude and ignore you completely).
For fly fishers who like to spey cast, the spring shines for you. The steelhead I find are more receptive to a fly swinging thru the run than at any other time of the year. Again the buggers and leech patterns, especially the bright flashy ones are good to go right now.
A few good patterns to fish right now by Richard Strolis.
Muddler Minnow
Pine Squirrel Streamer
Clouser Minnow
If you are spinning then you can't beat eggs being fished under a float or scratching the bottom, both will produce good results. As April rolls around and the water warms 'garden hackle' is a good choice for drop backs too. If you want to try something different fish a live minnow through a spawning area, works fairly good to pick up any big territorial males and it breaks up the 'same ole-same ole' of egg or bead fishing. Also, this is the time of year to use spinners for steelhead if you have ever wanted to try is. The spinner should be sparesly dressed, 2-3 metalic beads max, about 2"-3" long and swinging 1 willow leaf blade in copper, chrome or brass. A single side wash hook and you have a good steelhead spinner for spring steelhead.
Fishing is good here, and there are many options for you to try. I have a few dates open from now to the end of April/ first week of May. If you would like to spend a day or two with a guide give me a call or drop an email. I would be happy to work with you.
Tight lines.
