The water on the salmon river continues to go up. Snow melt on the Tug hill is making it's way into the river system and I would look for very high water conditions over the next few weeks. Keep praying for cold nights or she will go big real fast.
Fish bite one day, then they don't bite the next. Typical late March conditions.
Last week we got int oa run of chromers and it was about as good as it gets. Friday the water strated to rise 1720 to 1840 and the temp dropped. We picked away but they were tight lipped and biting soft.
Dave Hartman and his son Nick have been with me for years, they kept at it and by days end we had a decent day with a nice mix of steelhead and browns.
I hate weekends, as I have to get up earlier, fish longer and harder to catch less fish. Geez, maybe I should charge more for weekend trips? Some do.
Anyway, Pat Trennity, 9 (who is going to be a guide somday) and his dad Bob learned the fine art of float fishing. The river came up even more (1930 cfs at pineville) and the temps dropped from 36 to 34 degrees.
We pounded the water and some how came away with a handful of fish. Between, chasing fish down river, a broken rod, lost gear, tons of snags and tangles, and a super soft bite we did it!! A nice day with temps in the 60's and bright sun.
Here's some tips.
Big egg sacs in white and pink, nightcrawlers, and jigs are top baits right now.
Work the slow deep water at the head and tails of the pools for dropbacks. They are laying right on the edges as they are too exhausted from the rigors of spawning to fight the current.
Most anglers I see are standing where these fish are, so they are spooking most of those fish.
The chromers are scattered, but most are right in the heat and seems like only a few of them are hitting.
I see a lot of fish spawning right now.
The main spawn is in full swing.The creeks are loaded with fish as well, but they too are all on the rise.
I am currently booking late May and June brown trout and walleye trips. Call us if you are interested.
Stay safe and please respect the high flows.
