Okanogan River Report 2.22.16

Just about when the river gets to where it is starting to be in great shape, Mother Nature changes the game. The fishing on the Okanogan for steelhead was starting to take off. I had been out a few times and even though I did not land any fish, I was getting enough action to keep hope alive. I was also getting a few reports from customers that they were picking up a fish here and there.

The majority of the fish were being picked up by the guys who were nymphing. Most of the set ups were either a stone fly and bead combo or a egg sucking leech drifted under a indicator. I had been swinging a few different flies and had the most tugs and hits on a Kila-wa-bou in the blue and black. I had tied some a little bigger then what I use on the Methow River.

Then, in the last couple of weeks, we have had rain and warmer weather. This has caused the river to rise from 1300cfs to 2300cfs. Right now, the river is starting to drop again and clear up more then the 1 foot visibility that it had been when the river was coming up. I did have a couple of customers trying it at this time, but with no results.

Normally this time of year, the river really takes off with the fishing, but it has been a little tough this year. I can only hope that it will give us a little brighter fishing then what we have had.

Now the bad news, we have gotten word that the Fish and Wildlife Department is going to shut it down sometime soon. According to the information I received, we have hit our impact numbers on wild steelhead  for the season. Make sure you check the department website under the emergency rules change daily to find out about any closures that may occur.