January 15th, 2020 | Winter Bliss

Water is up and dirty right now, but starting to drop and clear. There are steelhead around, but most of us have been targeting trout. Nymphing for them has been good, with the occasional steelhead hookup to keep it interesting. Steelhead numbers are quite low it seems, but sounds like there are some fresh ones showing up everywhere with the high water. Hopefully the Spring run is strong, like it usually is. Depending on the water, we could see them early if the water temps stay cold for a prolonged amount of time. Sounds like there are already some fish spawning in certain places? Presumably Skamania that are getting it on. Surely, once the temps drop back down, this will cease, and we will return to a normal winter program. Usually in the Spring, we see the first pulses of fish around Valentines Day. That's our unofficial kickoff for the Spring Steelhead, and the cutoff is Easter. Of course, it can last much longer than that, but for all the guys at the shop, once Easter Sunday day rolls around, we are on to bigger and better things. 

Trout bite has been great, and will remain that way as long as the water cooperates. Seems like once the water starts to drop and come into shape, there's a coincidental downpour that blows the river out rapidly, and it takes another week to start stabilizing again. Like clockwork, another giant storm rolls in, and dumps a huge amount of rain, starting the process over again. It's been kind of challenging, but at least it keeps the fish moving up and downstream. We'd rather have high water than low water, but flooded water is not ideal. But either way, we've been trying to get out as much as we can, and get after some trout. 

Shadow X has been a beast. Get yours from us!

Other than that, we are basically in winter mode now. Lots of fly tying, classes, and expos on the calendar. Our classes are filling up nicely, and have been really great thus far. Check our SCHEDULE and please RSVP if you plan on attending!

The Fly Fishing Film Tour is right around the corner. February 29th at the Wealthy Street Theater. There are 2 shows, one at 4pm and one at 7pm. Stop into the shop and get your tickets! Always a great time! 

Thanks for the support!