Trout or Steel?

The Trout fishing on the Lower D this week has been a bit tougher. I think the fish finally realized it was August. Nymphing can produce throughout the day, but you will most likely work fairly hard to get numbers of fish. Fishing the surface requires some stealth, a lot of hiking up and down banks and finding the right shaded trees, that will produce. Carry all stages of caddis, spent to emerging, and be cautious as you approach your targets. You can often spot fish in shallow water, under the canopy of a good sized tree, but getting there might require some good casting skills. The bow and arrow cast becomes an important tool, as well as a thoughtful game plan. It's not crowded, so you'll have plenty of water to yourself.

The Steelhead season has started, but it's been a bit slow. Anglers are working hard to find a fish or two. Highest concentrations of fish will be in the Lowest 15 miles or so. Cover lots of water this time of year, you just might find a run that has a few fish in it. Early in the day is your best option as temps will be the coolest. It seems to be reaching close to 70 near Hertitage Landing in the late afternoons, so be you may just forgo a evening session if this is the case. Take a thermometer with you and watch closely, above 68 is tough. Early in the day floating lines and small traditional style flies are great. Size 4-8 are good choices. When the sun gets higher in the sky a sinking tip and a larger profile fly is a good option. We will see what this season brings, as there are plenty of fish in the Columbia.