At a 750 cfs. release the gauge at Pineville is at 936 cfs. The river has been flowing between 900-1100 cfs for quite a while now and this has contributed to a very consistent fishery as far as finding steelhead. Most fish can be expected to be found in the deeper pools with the Schoolhouse, Abandoned Trestle and the Sportsman holding real good numbers. It is also time to start seeing steelhead setting up in primary spawning areas and we will see more spawning activity as we move into March and April.
The water temps are 34-35 degrees and with the warmer weather forecast over the next couple weeks we will see these temps stay cold as the snow slowly melt into the drainage. Speaking of which, I took a ride up through the Redfield/ Route 2 corridor this afternoon and there is a huge snow pack. Some areas have an easy 4-5 FEET laying on the ground right now. Unless we get no more snow and the temps stay in the 40's and 50's over the next month or so, we will see a major run-off this spring if the warm-up happens the way it usually does here.
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Salmon River Flea, pink, blue or orange chenille body
and a white poly wing and tail. How simple can it get.
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Right now the gear fishermen are doing good on egg sacs and smaller flies, small black stones, Salmon River Fleas and trout nymphs. These same patterns are working with the fly rodders fished on the bottom with weight. Normally I like to indie fish but the fish have been ignoring the indie-drifted flies for some reason. With the water being clear with very little sediment fish are shy of line over 6-8 lb test.
The river is very fishable and the steelhead are cooperative, for the most part. If cabin fever is taking hold get your gear and come visit. You wont be disappointed.
Tight lines
