It’s looking like steelhead season will continue for the next couple weeks. A cold spring has lent itself to cold water temps and plenty of snow still around down low. Don’t let this get you disheartened though! It’s nice that we have plenty of snowpack to keep our water levels good well into the summer.
What's better than seeing new places? Getting to share the experience with two buddies!
Steelhead fishing as usual has been hit or miss. Keep your eyes on the weather and anytime we get a shot of moisture coming our way take the opportunity to try getting some fish pushing in. We got a good bit of rain on Tuesday and this should help entice some fish to come up into the creeks. Most of the runs here are very small, and they come in waves. Timing is everything when trying to tie into these anadromous rainbow trout. Beads are still a favorite of ours here at Alaska Fly Fishing goods. For that extra edge check out Marks Metalhead Magnets in 10mm or Disco Balls in either 12 or 14mm. If you want to fish flies but aren’t looking to try and swing it’s very hard to beat a Liquid Wrench for effectiveness! Pick something you have confidence in fishing and fish it hard! Pro tip: Instead of switching flies try adjusting the depth you are targeting by repositioning your “strike indicator”, Airlock indicators make this a breeze! Oftentimes with low and cold water, fish aren’t going to want to move very far for a fly, so presenting it right to a fish is the best bet. With the snowpack and cooler weather Cowee Creek should remain fairly clear.
Local angler and AFFG supporter Bradey Beam with a beautiful spring steelhead in the sun! Great work!
We are also starting to see a lot more fry in the salt water. Sheep Creek has had some great tides for Dolly fishing this last week. We are getting closer to the first DIPAC hatchery smolt release and as you know this is when the channel starts really popping off. Close to town focus your efforts around the low tide. This generally gives more of an opportunity because there is less water for the fish to be cruising around. Both the Honey Hole and Fryolators are great patterns this time of year. If there are fish around but you can’t seem to entice one, try going loud and throwing a #6 AK Clouser in Pink. Often the bright color can be the difference in getting takes or not having anything. A 6wt with a standard weight forward floating line is your best bet, but don’t be afraid to try a sink tip! Airflo Polyleaders in either 5, 10, or 14ft come in different sink rates and can help get you down into the big fish!
We love using our customers' photos in our future fishing reports, but we really want to encourage ethical treatment of fish. When practicing catch and release do your best to handle the fish minimally and get pictures with the fish in the water! Please avoid placing your fingers in gills, setting fish on dry ground, or holding them way above water with your dry hands. Remember this resource is only sustainable if we all help do our part. Submit your photos to cory@alaskaflyfishinggoods.com or tag us on Instagram (#alaskaflyfishinggoods).
After a two year break we will be bringing back our casting night with Trout Unlimited and Rain Country Fly Fishers. It will happen Thursday May 19th at 6pm at Twin Lakes. This event is free to anyone who is interested in the sport, meeting new folks, or wanting to prove they are the most accurate caster in town!
We hope everyone has a great weekend and has the chance to get into some fish. We will see ya in the shop or on the water!
Cory, Brad, Mike, and the rest of the crew at AFFG
