If you have not gone out fishing for Coho's yet, you have seriously been missing out. We have jumped into coho fishing full throttle with what looks like the strongest run we have seen in years. The Gastineau Channel has been our strongest producer this last week, numbers of salmon fluctuating with the tides. With rain heavy-at-times in the forecast for the next few days, keep an eye on the channel for visibility issues, the darker the water- the brighter the flies, right? Try fishing the outgoing tides, to incoming flood tides along the Gastineau Channel. Try using the Dolly Llama #2 in purple/pink, chartreuse/pink, fuchsia/blue, and pink/white, Clouser Minnow #2 purple/pink, pink/white, all pink, and chartreuse/white, Mr. Bodangles in all colors, and the Kilowatt purple/pink, Sid Fishes purple/pink, and Coho-a-go-go chartreuse/pink.
Cowee and Montana Creek continue to pick up speed everyday. With high tides, new Silvers enter the creeks, holding in pockets along the streams, around log jams, and slower moving water. Check water levels before taking the plunge, these creeks fish best just as the water is beginning to rise, or to drop. If you choose to fish in high water levels, try heavier flies like the Dolly Llama in black/white, purple/pink, the Jig Spanker in purple/pink, chartreuse, or pink, and Mr. Bodangles in all colors. If you don't think you are getting down to where the Coho's are holding, you can try throwing on a 5ft Airflo Poly leader, or just some extra split shot.
Dolly and trout fishing has been fair. Bead fishing is less productive than it has been, but throwing the Dolly Llama #6- salmon pink/white, black/white, and all white around log jams in creeks around the area will be sure to get the attention of the trout hiding in their deep holes. Battle Bunnies, Twofers and Two Egg Omelets are all good bets, too. The high water can kick up a lot of flesh from the spawned out carcasses around log jams and rocks which creates a good amount of late season trout food.
We're beginning the final push of the fishing season, so if you haven't already, be sure to get out there and get your fish on!
Happy Fishing!
-Brad, Mike & Kayla
