Well folks looks like this could be it for the 2014-15 steelhead season. The rising daytime temps coupled with the now above freezing overnight temps are sending flows back up again.
Given where we sit now as far as flows go and temps getting even warmer (and a couple days of rain expected as well) the river will be pretty much unfishable again in a few days from now.
So get it now if you can and if you can’t get it now then just watch the USGS graph at Pateros and hope it stays under 1400cfs.
Wild hen collected for brood, fish holding tubes in background.
There’s is a new closure point at the top end of the Methow, get the Low down from Deputy Don and Leaf here.
Lloyd w first steel on the fly, not a bad birthday present!
CP sporting war paint after first ever Steelhead
CP’s first steel
Here is this weeks Methow River Fishing Report with Deputy Don and Leaf, Fish On Yawl!
Here we find ourselves enjoying yet another week of great late winter steelhead fishing on the Met. Weather has been as close to perfect as one could hope for with temps at night in the mid and low 20’s and daytime highs in the mid to upper 40’s it has felt warm in day while staying cold enough at night to keep the river on a slow and steady drop.
Fish On!
CP’s first steel
Boat fishing has still been easier than dealing with higher flows from shore and most points are still not safe to wade across. Do not despair if you don’t have a form of watercraft though as many fish are in the easy to reach calm inside seems. The major pulse of fish seems to be between Carlton and Methow.
Scott w a keeper!
With water high as it has been I am having best luck with heavy rigs in slow water, much of the time in a depth of 6-8ft. Swinging heavy lines can produce fish, as of late most luck for my clients and I have been yielded from beads. To set up I use 0x 10ft to size 8 stone then drop 1x 16-18inches to which I attach orange or pink Hevi Bead and size 10 octopus hooks about two fingers width from egg bead.
Look for fishing to continue to improve as flows drop, steelhead season on the Methow ends March 31st. Also there is a new closure point on the Methow at Heckendoran Park across from East 20 Pizza; closure is in place to aid National Fish and Wildlife in collection of additional brood for this year’s steelhead program.
If you are interested in booking a trip with Methow Fishing Adventures just drop us a line at (509) 429-7298 or send an email to us on the Guides page. Fish On Yawl!
