Okanogan Steelhead Opener : 10.22.2014

STEELHEAD OPENER IS PRODUCING RESULTS

With the recent opener in the Omak/Okanogan area for steelhead Matt (North 40 Archery Lead, Omak, WA) and myself have been chomping at the bit to spend some much needed time in the water.  The Okanogan River is a particular favorite for myself because of its low fishing pressure and public fishing access points.  Keeping in mind that steelhead are selfish and difficult to catch even on a good day, the fishery receives less numbers then its counterpart, the Methow River, making it a true challenge to land a chromed giant.

Spending every moment possible in the river is perhaps a goal for Matt and myself this time of the year, and this year the effort is paying off nicely.  Accessing the Okanogan River is best done on foot by wading.  The entire river is littered with access points and perhaps the best way to fish is by knocking on some doors and asking for permission, speaking from firsthand experience fellow farmers such as my family have no problem letting you fish if you are respectful of property and the fishery.  Chances of multiple hookups with natural origin fish and hatchery giants we can’t help but think, this is pretty remarkable for steelheading!

The fish in the system are hitting a couple different patterns in a couple different ways.  First the standby red and black streamers.  This pattern has produced fish for a couple years for me.  The next fallback is a black and chartreuse streamer.  I tie mine in a little smaller pattern on a size 6 Gami hook; I’ve found less is more on the Okanogan.  Fishing the Okanogan is a little tricky so here are some tips:

Focus on where the fish should be concentrated:  fresh water, ripples and rapids stir up the water re-oxygenating the fish in the deeper tailouts.  Focus on using a sink tip with a shortened leader to reach these deeper sections.

The Take:  These fish take the fly in two ways.  First is the viscous, aggressive, rod tweaking take that we all hope to feel through the cork.  Simple, strip set and hold on for the first of a couple runs and the aerial acrobatics.  (Tip: Get the fish out of the current and into the "frog water" this is abundant on the river but keep tension...) The second type of take is an extremely light bump.  My first fish this year was like this, and I thought it was a small bass or white fish until about 2 seconds after the set and my line disappeared running through my hands into the water and away she went. Again, keep tension and let her do all the work tiring herself out.

Putting in the time:  Again, landing and even hooking an Okanogan Steelie is a great experience but without putting in the time and work you won’t reap the rewards.  Matt and I spend countless mornings before the time clock calls on the river waiting for legal light, hoping to fish just a couple hours before work when we’ll spend our day off the water, out of our waders. We literally fish 5 -7 days a week, work permitting.

Improving your chances is all you can do to catch one of these fish traveling a thousand miles just to take your fly on the swing.  Though a couple strategies I use such as choosing good water, depth control, solid hook sets, and fly choice (in that order) have produced some nice fish ranging from 24-34 inches, the best advice is to just get out and wet a line.  The best views I get through my camera are the ones after the fish is landed and released, the smiles, laughs and sometimes shakes that keep us coming back for more and push us through the slow days.  So it’s simple, just get out, and get fishing.

For any questions or stories you want to share with us come on into the shop at your local North 40 Outfitters, or reach out through the comments section.

Come in and enjoy our new local roasted coffee and let us hear how you have been doing!

Thanks for reading and see you on the water-

Tanner Way
Matt Featherly
North 40 Outfitters