High water has hit the Methow River a solid two weeks early and put the brakes on this year’s steelhead season. There may still be time and enough fish up river if flows ebb a bit there could be another day or two to be squeaked out, right now though it’s not looking likely.

Stabbin One

In the last week we have seen flows almost double, which demands flexibility from any angler hoping to ply one last head shaker from the water this year. Fish from a boat of course has been much easier, if nothing else it’s safer than wading. I have increased the weight of my rigs of course and at present have been using a ¼ egg sucking stone with a bubble gum pink Hevi Bead egg dropper.

Fish will be up river regardless of flows as now is the time so if you find the right water and get it down to them it is still possible but definitely not what we are used to seeing at this time of the year. Usually flows at this time of the year would be about 3-500, last I checked they had spiked to about 2,500cfs.

Keep your eye on the USGS gage and hope to see it back down a bit, otherwise I would recommend your nearest still-water. I will be headed to the Big-O as I often do at this time of the year to unwind after the steelhead season. Fishing for cruising packs of Lahontan Cutthroat on Omak Lake is a must for me each year before the hustle and bustle of trout season kicks off. See you on the water!