It seems this year we have had a legitamate spring for the first time in ages... we are all chomping at the bit, and it has been a bit slow to start around town... Good news is, it is getting better everyday. Cold nights, rain, and snow pack have kept the streams and lake temperatures low. However, the warm sunny skies that we have had are slowly beginning to entice the smolt out of streams and allow a few steelhead to sneak in.
Pink and chum fry are beginning mill around at the mouths of creeks. Nothing love salmon fry more than Dolly Varden, so those creek estuaries are where you should go to target them. Estuaries to check out this time of year include Sheep Creek on a falling tide and the mouth of Salmon Creek at the low. Small, sparse fry patterns are what you will need for these early season Dolly's. Try using the Green and Gold Fry, Fryolator, and the Alaska Clouser Minnow's in size 8 or 6. For areas that see Hooligan and Sand Lance, try Pop's Sand Lance or Gummy Sand Eel.
For you steelhead enthusiasts, its time to get busy. When the water is warming up those usually sulky fish can turn aggressive. In this situation, try swinging or drifting patterns like the Wild Thing, Sandy Kandy, Egg Sucking Leech or other bright flies in shades of pink, orange, or fuchsia. When the going gets tough or swinging is not possible, switch to dead drifting egg patterns like Steelhead Glo Bugs and beads (we just got a fresh batch of soft beads in the shop!) Put in a little time and your patience will pay off in the form of a nice chrome steelhead.
As a couple side notes... We are now on our summer hours, and are open 7 days a week. Monday - Friday 9:00am - 6:00pm, Saturday 10:00am - 5:00pm, and Sunday Noon - 5:00pm.
AND, we are celebrating 20 YEARS in business this year, join us on the 19th at the shop for a great party!
