Great reasons not to steelhead fish in January

December is over, and the new year upon us.  I have to say, after the poor salmon fishing and the rocky start to the hatchery steelhead season I had myself mentally prepared to tough it out through some real challenging fishing.  Then, the crowds thinned out, the rivers dropped a bit and we spent the last half of the month enjoying some very unique and productive steelhead fishing.

Frankly the spey fishing in particular, for a mix of three salt hatchery fish and early December native steelhead was better than I have seen it in many Marches.

So now, the challenges of January.

First, you could be out fishing for Native steelhead, run into some big late hatchery fish, and get stuck with the endless lunch.

While cooking up some brats and a hatchery jack from the day before Sol landed another fish for the grill

While I was  cooking up some brats and a hatchery jack from the day before Sol landed another fish for the grill, looks like a long lunch

Also, due to the low angle of the sun, and the exceptionally fresh January natives, you could run into the tough photo problem.

 

It didn't matter which way he turned, this fish was going to be a bit over exposed.

It didn’t matter which way Scott turned, this fish was going to be a bit over exposed.

What gear should I bring?  A six weight for 2 salt hatchery fish, or something a bit more substantial?

Our December Native steelhead are some of the thickest and toughest you will find anywhere

Our December January Native steelhead are some of the thickest and toughest you will find anywhere

Anyway, we have some January dates left, give us a call.

Happy new year

raincoast guides

 

 

 

 

Posted in Winter Steelhead Fly Fishing Report | Tagged | 5 Comments

5 Responses to Great reasons not to steelhead fish in January

  1. Rod Wittner says:

    Holy shit! I am not even going to be able to sleep tonight!

  2. Rod Wittner says:

    Oh yeah, let’s see…. I am bringing my 7 wt. switch, 7 and 8 wt. Decho spey rods and that pos 8 wt. single hander. I hope you still have that Scott indicator rod. But, I am totally willing to keep all those in the boat to try any toys you might have to play with. 🙂

    Fired up!

  3. Mike says:

    That’s n effn beast!

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