Although the weather this summer has left much to be desired, the
fishing has been very good. We are currently in the midst of great
Dolly Varden fishing in the streams. This season's chum salmon run has
been stronger than the last couple of years and this has meant the
Dollies are stacked in behind them. We are also seeing the first
silvers returning. Silvers have already been reported at DIPAC hatchery
and without a doubt there are some in the streams as well.
For the Dollies, Sheep Creek, Montana Creek and Cowee Creek are the
best bets. Unreal Eggs , Peachy King Glo Bugs , and Mottled Troutbeads
are all killers.
For coho, there are several places to go out and prospect. The
confluence of Montana Creek and the Mendenhall River consistently
yields early fish. It is a natural resting spot for silvers as they
make their way upstream. A large Hareball Leech in Chartreuse , Aleutian
Queen or all Pink fishes best. This spot usually demands a sink tip fly
line or a bunch of split shot to get the fly down where the silvers
lurk. Alternate between a dead drift and stripping the fly back in.
Lower Cowee Creek is another good early silver spot. The same flies
fished deep and retrieved quickly work well. Look for the "soft water"
where silvers can rest out of the main current.
A few silvers have also shown up in the ladder and in front of DIPAC
Hatchery. Fishing in the neighborhood of the hatchery around the low
tide is most productive. These fish usually come around North Douglas
on their way up the channel. Stretches of beach from Bayview
Subdivision all the way to DIPAC produce as the silvers move through.
Once again, bracketing the low tide is best since it tends to
concentrate the fish. A floating line, nine-foot 12 pound leader, and a
Chartreuse Clouser Minnow is the setup to have.
Don't let the weather keep you indoors! Put on your rain jacket ,
layer up, and go get after it. This season will be gone before we know
it.
See you on the water. Brad
