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Spring Into Trout Love: What to Know About Upcoming Spawning Seasons

Wills Donaldson
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Spring Into Trout Love: What to Know About Upcoming Spawning Seasons

This Valentines’ Day, we decided to take a moment from the heart-shaped chocolates, sushi dinners, and other means of compensation for a rod purchase that may not have been consensual by all parties, to talk about something that matters deeply to us: Fish getting it on.

Over the years, the attention around avoiding spawning trout, and their nests, has become a much louder conversation amongst the angling community. However, sometimes it feels as if there is some skewed representation favoring late fall-winter spawns, generally concerning brown trout and Brook trout. Initiatives like Mind the Redd have done excellent work in educating anglers on the damage that can be done to fish populations when they’re spawning is interfered with, and why it’s important to be educated on your local river’s seasons. If you’d like to learn more about spawning fish in the Fall and winter, feel free to reference our article HERE.

With this point in mind, we wanted to take the time during the lover’s holiday to point some attention towards our Western Salmonids: Rainbow and Cutthroat trout.

What is Spawning (and why should I care)?

Spawning = Makin’ Babies. 

When the spawning occurs, the female fish will search out shallow, gravel river bottom often near or below tributaries or even in the tributaries. The females begin the process by sculpting the nests called Redds. They clear the area of silt, sediments, etc to give the eggs a safe and oxygenated resting area.

trout redd
Image courtesy of Reel Deal Anglers

The male trout begin the ritual by dressing up in their vibrant colors you often see most prominent with fall brown trout. They begin the mating by fiercely fighting and fending off other males to find a female of their liking. The males use their teeth and kypes to aggressively fight other males. Kypes are developed pre-spawn as it is a sex characteristic that develops at the distal tip of the lower jaw. Once the male pairs up with a female the male proceeds to defend that Redd whole heartily from anything that poses a threat.

The female will deposit the eggs onto the Redd and the male will fertilize them. The hen then covers the eggs for them to mature over the course of the next few months. A female can lay anywhere from 200 to 8,000 eggs depending on the size of the fish and external conditions. Of those eggs very few mature to become adults.

Unlike salmon who die after spawning, trout can spawn multiple times throughout their life. The process is typically the most stressful and enduring part of a trout’s lifecycle. (Via: Vail Valley Anglers)

Why Care?

It’s as simple as this. The success rate of trout-spawn = the amount of wild trout that will inhabit that river. The more trout, the better the fishing.

As mentioned above, when trout spawn, they become extremely aggressive as a result to raging hormones and the need to protect their nests. These fish are big, bright, and purely basing their decisions on instinct, making them extremely easy targets to unethical anglers who are looking for their weekly grip-and-grin. The issue with this is not only are these anglers disrupting the spawning cycle, but they are targeting fish who are using every last bit of energy to spawn. These fish are far more likely to die of exhaustion after a hard fight, thus putting a complete stop to a successful spawn.

Avoiding these fish and their nests is not a difficult task. By keeping an eye out for redds, and learning the following spawn schedules, you can do your part in preserving your local trout populations.

cutthroat trout
Image courtesy of Jay Flemming

Spring Trout Spawning: 

Cutthroat Trout: 

In some sense, the pursuit of Cutthroat trout is has driven more folks west than the Gold Rush. Divided into 14 sub-species and located in a plethora of environments, these fish are the true natives to Western waters such as Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, etc., and are regarded as some of the most beautiful trout you can find. In recent years, Cutthroat trout populations have been in unfortunate decline due to factors such as ecosystem degradation, as well as the introduction of alien species that outcompete cutties for food and resources.

Cutthroat Trout
Cutthroat Trout

Cutthroat trout generally spawn in the spring, as early as February in coastal rivers and as late as July in high mountain lakes and streams. Spawning begins when water temperatures reach 43 to 46 °F (6 to 8 °C).

Rainbow Trout

If fly fishing had a poster-child, it would most likely be the rainbow trout. Abundant all across the country, these fish have become the favorite amongst many anglers. Originally stemming from the (North) Pacific Ocean, these fish come in many shapes and sizes. As many know, there are still populations that travel into freshwater drainages from the ocean to spawn, and are referred to as Steelhead.

Rainbow trout, including steelhead forms, generally spawn in early to late spring (January to June in the Northern Hemisphere and September to November in the Southern Hemisphere) when water temperatures reach at least 42 to 44 °F (6 to 7 °C).

In Conclusion:

Does a spawning season mean you can’t fish? No. However, it does demand that you as a responsible visitor to the river or lake, pay close attention to your surroundings, and engage the ecosystem with intention and discipline. By doing your homework, checking in with local conservation groups and fly-shops, educating your friends, and practicing ethical fishing, you can fish with ease of mind knowing that you’re doing your part in protecting the next generation of fish, and anglers.

Just remember, the more of a chance fish have to get freaky, the better the fishing will be for years to come.

Header Image courtesy of Jay Flemming

The “Mind the Redd” Movement

Fall Fishing Ethics: Don’t Tread on the Redd [Understanding the Brown Trout Spawn]

Fishing Etiquette: Trout Handling Best Practices

 

Florida Grandfather and Grandson Reel in Two Sniper Rifles

Dan Zazworsky
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Florida Grandfather and Grandson Reel in Two Sniper Rifles

Well, this is one headline we were surprised to read. Duane Smith and his grandson were doing some fishing and magnet fishing in the canals near Princeton, FL when the magnet at the end of their line stuck to something very peculiar, a Barrett .50-caliber sniper rifle. After hauling up a prize like that, the pair figured it was just a little blind luck. Then they felt the line go tight in the same spot on the bottom, and the pair quickly realized that they had another sniper rifle coming up to the surface.

“We knew they were guns when we pulled them up, but we just continued fishing,” he said. “You’re going to get something every other throw or something like that. There’s a little excitement involved because you don’t know what you’re going to end up with, you know, a bottle cap or a $7,000 sniper rifle.”

After bringing the second rifle up and noticing the serial numbers had been professionally filed off, Duane contacted the police who came and collected the rusty firearms.

You can read more about the incident, here!

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Russia Protects Two Vast Salmon and Taimen Watersheds in the Far East

Will Poston
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Russia Protects Two Vast Salmon and Taimen Watersheds in the Far East

The Russian Far East is a wild, remote part of the world that supports rich biodiversity and healthy runs of salmonids. It also is home to the fabled taimen, a ferociously large freshwater fish that can eat adult salmon. Last month, after years of advocacy, the government of Khabarovsky-Krai, a Russian province, officially created two massive new protected areas on the Tugur and Maia watersheds. These two protected areas total more than 3.7 million acres, nearly one-and-half times the size of Yellowstone National Park.

The Wild Salmon Center, which was integral in securing these monumental protections, celebrated the news. WSC, along with its Russian Partners, has worked in the Russian Far East for almost two decades to ensure that Russia’s prime salmon habitats remain intact. So far, WSC and its partners have protected more than 7 million acres, including the two most-recent protections.

The government of Khabarovsky-Krai recently designated two vast new protected areas, the Tugursky (Middendorf) and Maisky Reserves, which together safeguard an area of 3.7 million areas. The new reserves build on a growing network of protected areas in the Russian Far East.

The new protections will ensure the Maia and Tugur River Systems have a buffer against expanding logging, mining, and industrial development in the Russian Far East. “There aren’t too many places like this on Earth,” WSC President and CEO Guido Rahr says. “These rivers are capable of growing salmonids that surpass 100 pounds, and they support amazing wildlife: Steller’s sea eagles, Blakiston’s fish owls, wolves, brown bears, moose, Manchurian elk, and dozens of other species.”

In addition, these new protections will maintain the vast, intact salmon habitats that also act as immense carbon sinks. Around the globe, these productive forests and habitats will be an important tool to address climate change. “This is the most significant conservation achievement of our organization and our partners within the last eight years,” Alexander Kulikov, who guided these protections through the process, said. “This designation has been the result of many years of effort by a large team of like-minded professionals supported by Wild Salmon Center.”

The Maia and Tugur Rivers are some of the remaining watersheds that have sustainable populations of giant taimen. Taimen are one of those fish that you see on the big screen, where your jaw just drops. These massive freshwater trout are apex predators in their rivers and regularly consume adult salmon. Their size and violent nature are enough to draw most anglers, but WSC’s Guido Rahr saw an additional angle. “We needed to understand two things,” Rahr says. “Why was this river so productive that it could grow taimen to reach this size? And how we could work with our Russian partners to better protect these rivers?”

WSC’s work in the Russian Far East will continue thanks to help from their local scientists and supporters. But in the meantime, fly fishermen and women can continue dreaming about swinging a fly in the Tugur and Maia Rivers. Further, we can all keep fueling that bucket list trip knowing that these rivers and fish now enjoy long-term protections. For more on wild salmon conservation, taimen, the Russian Far East, and more check out the Wild Salmon Center’s website.

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Video of the Week: Particles & Droplets

Landen German
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Video of the Week: Particles & Droplets

In this week’s video of the week, we take a look at a 2020 IF4 Fly Fishing short film. Fly fisherman and videographer Gilbert Rowley just released “Particles & Droplets” on youtube for our viewing pleasure. With the help of Devin Olsen & Chris Cutler, the crew set out on a mission to discover how high can a wild rainbow actually jump. From epic footage, dry fly eats, and a truly technical viewing of euro nymphing this film offers it all and then some. So sit back and enjoy as Gilbert and his crew put their theories to the test.

Gilbert is in his words ” a filmmaker, photographer, fly fishing guide, hunter, and Rainy’s fly designer.” A man of many talents in front and behind the camera. Make sure to follow along here: Gilbert Rowley on his epic adventures.

Check out these other epic articles as well!

Fishing Breakdown: Arctic Grayling Fishing in Colorado

Video of the Week: Desert Buffet

Video of the Week: The Midnight Mission

How to Tie: The Foam is Home Stonefly 2.0

Greg Stohrer
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How to Tie: The Foam is Home Stonefly 2.0

In this week’s “How to Tie” video feature, Tim Sickles with Backcountry Hunters & Anglers ties a stonefly pattern that will bring out the worst in big trout, the Foam is Home Stonefly 2.0.

Difficulty: Difficult

For many anglers, dry fly fishing is the best time of the season. There may be no way more exciting to catch a large trout than for it to come up and crush a fly. The Foam is Home Stonefly 2.0 is the perfect imitation to make that dream come true. This fly is buoyant as a cork and imitates those big stones hatching tremendously. For the west especially, this is a fly that is a must in your spring and summer box.

In the How to Tie series, this may be one of the more difficult dry flies to tie. Taking the time to tie the Foam is Home Stonefly 2.0 is important, and can best be accompanied by the drink of your choice. Although this may not be a two dozen a night fly, when you are done these flies may just crawl off the table. The finished product is one that will look the part and serve until broken off due to its durable materials.

As said earlier, this is a fly that will fool trout unequivocally during those spring and summer months when stones are popping off. In the west, larger sizes will dominate, but in the east with slightly smaller stones, dropping down to a size 8 or 10 may be a wise choice. Keep the indicators in your bag and use the Foam is Home Stonefly 2.0 as your indicator this year, or fish this as a single fly. Regardless, when this fly is on the end of your line and stones are coming off, only good things await.

Ingredients:

  • Hook: TMC 200R #4
  • Thread: Danville 70 – Rusty Brown
  • Tail: Medium round rubber legs – Black
  • Abdomen: 2mm and 1mm Cross Link Foam – Cinnamon
  • Underwing: EP Triggerpoint fibers – PMD and BWO
  • Thorax/Head: 2mm Foam – Cinnamon
  • Antennae: Small round rubber legs – Black
  • Legs: Medium Round rubber legs – Black
  • Indicator Post: 1mm Craft Foam – Orange
  • Other: Orange, Yellow, Black permanent markers

Now you know how to tie the Foam is Home Stonefly 2.0!

Video and ingredients courtesy of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.

2022 F3T Behind the Lens: Black Salmon

Will Poston
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2022 F3T Behind the Lens: Black Salmon

For this installment of F3T Behind the Lens, we check in with the Director of “Black Salmon,” Jamie Howard. Black Salmon takes us to the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay to chase cobia, a resource noticeably less abundant than just a decade ago. Follow along as angler and fly tier, Blane Chocklett, tries to connect with the feisty, yet picky, cobia. 

Buy your Fly Fishing Film Tour tickets, here!

Flylords: Hey Jamie, can you tell us a little bit about the Black Salmon team? 

JH: We had two captains work with us in Black Salmon. Tyler Nonn and Jason Barham. Both had many years of experience in the Chesapeake, and have experienced the highs and the lows with cobia numbers year over year. Tyler and I had shot Running the Coast together a few years ago, so we knew each other. We kind of have a similar sense of humor which comes in handy when the going gets tough and smack talking is required to kill time. Blane Chocklett was on the bow with his rod and patience in tow. This film would require all of it. He loves cobia and he knew what he was getting into. He was tying flies early and fired up. Everyone was super passionate about the fish so as we looked mile after mile we kept our heads up and kept swinging.

Flylords: How did the film turn from an idea to a reality?

JH: The interesting thing about this project is that I’d not really planned to do a film for the tour. I was chatting with Chris Keig who used to run it, and he kinda joked about me doing something again with a “why not?” Blane and I were fishing the cicada hatch down south, and I think it came up that he was going to be fishing for cobia in summer. The more I read about the fish, the more I was intrigued. Well, a couple of months later, I was suddenly in the editing room for weeks on end in the fall. I just kept following it and the pieces fell into place. The Chesapeake is my home Virginia waters, and it holds a special spot for me. The health of the fishery is vital (we also explore it in Running the Coast), and it gives back exponentially when taken care of.
 

Flylords: I think it’s probably safe to say that saltwater fish species enjoy more “nicknames” or naming variations than those in freshwater. How did you settle on “Black Salmon” for the film’s title? 

JH: The Black Salmon title derived from early research. I saw the number of names cobia had been given up and down the coast, including Ling and Crabeater. Black Salmon really represented the insatiable desire of anglers to catch and eat it. The taste makes it a target. That’s something, in the United States at least, that bonefish, tarpon, and Permit don’t have to deal with. The fact that cobia grow quickly and get big also has led to its tournament popularity–everybody wants to show a big fish–which has also contributed to its decline. Note: we were fishing for the Atlantic stock. There is also a Gulf Stock. cobia migrate up and down the coast and intercept different fishing communities. Interestingly, after speaking with scientists, the species stock division line seems to be somewhere around Cape Canaveral, Florida. So, our fish can range that far down in Florida to the Mid-Atlantic and North. The Gulf fish will not go above the north Florida zone. 

Trying to manage a migrating species like the cobia is not easy, and with climate change, they’re moving further north, which Tony Friedrich from the American Saltwater Guides Association touches upon.

Flylords: Let’s talk fishing, what are some fly fishing techniques and strategies for targeting cobia? 

JH: It may be easier said than done, but the basic strategy when it comes to cobia fishing is getting a good number of shots. It’s not easy to get a fly to find purchase in that bottom-feeding mouth and to get them to eat in the Chesapeake, you have to sort of piss them off. Ideally, your fly is moving at a high rate of speed in their cone of vision and seems worth the pursuit. They tend not to like it to ever slow down or drop off, which adds to the frantic vibe as they come charging in. Blane ties a number of colors for his saltwater changers. On our trip white proved effective one day, but Tyler, Blane, and Jason likely would be the first to say they’ve caught them on any number of colors. You’re not necessarily replicating a baitfish, you’re just trying to get the fish’s attention most of the time.

Flylords: How was the fishing while y’all were filming?

JH: The film is an accurate document of what we saw. Very challenging conditions and limited shots. It’s a run and gun game. Some days there’s more gunning and some days there’s more running. We were very happy to have boated the one we did. A few came unpinned as they often do on the fly. One interesting discovery when I reviewed aerial footage later, I saw a school under the back of the boat after we had missed a cobia. A group hovering by the engine and no one even knew they were there. They are unusual fish, who hover up in the water column and then just disappear for no apparent reason.  

Flylords: There are a lot of conservation tones in the film. Can you tell us a little bit about the issues facing the cobia fishery?

JH: Along with many other species, cobia have shifted North due to warming waters. This shift has moved cobia into higher population areas. In turn, a recreational effort has dramatically increased–commercial landings have as well. Recruitment, the number of juvenile cobia produced each year, also trended down during this recent time period. While cobia are not currently overfished, we need to watch this stock very closely for all the reasons listed and do our part to promote sustainable fisheries management.

Captain Tyler Nonn of Tidewater Charters

Flylords: Captains Tyler Nonn and Jason Barham are constantly on the water and have witnessed, firsthand, the noticeable downward trend of cobia in the Bay. What are some of the ways he thinks management could improve? 

JH: Tyler was all in for this. He has seen the striped bass population fade right in front of him, and now cobia are doing the same. The solution in both cases seems to be leaving the big breeders alone and practicing catch and release in most cases. To be honest, he’s also not a fan of social media when it comes to burning spots and glorifying the killing of big trophies. His passion for the fish really shows out there, and it’s always essential when you are grinding late into the day. 

Jason Barham has also been on the water for years and actually has worked on the commercial end of it which is interesting. Yes, he’s taken them home, but he knows about the population from that perspective, and even he suggests the fish should be left alone until after they spawn. There needs to be more attention paid to fish reproduction and migration habits. i.e. we need to pump the brakes on unfettered killing.

Flylords: Were there any difficulties in filming out in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay? Any disaster stories? 

FH: Like many fishing films, there’s usually a backstory. This film required everyone to dig deep. It was hot as a handgun out there and the fish were by no means all around us. I think everyone was talking to themselves at certain points. We spent some long, focused time finding our opportunities. There were a couple of times if we’d been near a dock and some margaritas, we might have just taken a break, but we stayed out, and it made for a pretty good plotline of reality on the water.

Flylords: Anything else you want to bring up about the film? 

JH: The cobia have never really had a starring role on the big screen. I mean the catfish meets sand shark combo is not that sexy at first glance for cinema maybe, but they held up their end. The fish are popular for a reason. If Black Salmon helps move the needle a little bit away from the kill/eat-first-ask-questions-later mentality it’s a win. I know the fly fishing community is a little more inclined to catch and release, so we may be preaching to the converted, but I hope it starts a dialogue on and off the water. The reason we make these films is to celebrate fish as a sport and as a natural resource to be sustained. I echo the sentiment of Tony Friedrich in the film, we have a chance to be proactive here, and that’s rare in fishery management. It’s usually reactive and working from behind. We all keep adjusting to a new normal for most wildlife pursuits. Any time that tide can be reversed is pretty exciting–here’s hoping.

Photo credits: Nick Costas and Daniel Bagbey.

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Fishing Breakdown: Arctic Grayling Fishing in Colorado

Wills Donaldson
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Fishing Breakdown: Arctic Grayling Fishing in Colorado

In this fishing breakdown, we’ll be partnering with Colorado’s Rawah Guest Ranch, to talk about one of the more unique fishing opportunities in the Western region of the lower-48: Fishing for Arctic Grayling in Colorado. In this article, we’ll be covering the background of these fish, how they got here, and some tips for fishing for them.

grayling in hand

What Are Arctic Grayling?

Arctic Grayling, or Thymallus arcticus for the Latin purists out there, are a coldwater fish classified alongside trout, salmon, and whitefish in the family Salmonidae. These fish are famously known for their presence in Alaska and Canada, as well as some regions of Northern Europe and Asia (Not to be confused with their cousins, European Grayling (Thymallus thymallus)). There are also small pockets of Arctic Grayling populations in the lower 48, specifically in Montana, and a small pocket in Colorado (which is what we’ll be talking about below). These spring-spawning fish spend most of their winters stacked up in large bodies of water, then make their way up feeder streams and rivers to spawn once warmer weather comes around. Once the spawning process is over and the summer turns to fall, they move back downriver to repeat the cycle and wait for new arrivals.

fishing for grayling

Arctic Grayling are most commonly recognized for their vibrant dorsal fin, usually boasting a translucent color scheme of a reddish-orange and a glassy blue. For US anglers, their most famous location is in Alaska, often a bycatch when on the hunt for trophy rainbows and salmon. However, while most people usually don’t book an international trip just to target Grayling, these fish are extremely beautiful, and can put up a fun fight – often times landing them on a majority of fly angler’s bucket lists.

grayling in sweden
An example of a larger Grayling in it’s native range.

Why Are Arctic Grayling in Colorado?

While on most angler’s bucket lists, a trip to Alaska, Sweden, or Nunuvut aren’t necessarily easily-attainable trips. For those who can’t necessarily dedicate a large portion of time and money to fly across the country, or over the pond – a jaunt to Colorado is one that is far more realistic. It was this thinking that initially inspired CPW to figure out a way to ethically and responsibly introduce Arctic Grayling to a concentrated area in CO.

grayling
A juevenile Grayling in Colorado…

Stocked in a few lakes around a concentrated area of the state, these fish are now semi-self sustainable, with just a little help from CPW with egg fertilization come spawning time. Its because of the care provided by Colorado parks and Wildlife, as well as the cold, healthy water they currently reside in that healthy populations have been able to grow and thrive in the state of CO. Remember, it’s the actions of anglers purchasing fishing licenses and making sure to keep their rivers and lakes free of trash and pollutants that make any of this possible…

Fishing Tips for Arctic Grayling in Colorado:

While they’re not necessarily the most difficult fish to fool with a fly, here are some tips that might make your trip to one of these amazing fisheries more productive.

Suns out Duns out:

Swedish nature and fishing author, Gunnar Westrin refers to the Grayling as the “Sunfish”. This is because, “On a sunny day, you can catch the biggest grayling of your life. On an overcast day without much angling success, a big grayling can light up your life” (Nordguide). Now, while this is more in reference to the massive Grayling available in Swedish Lapland, the first part is an important tip to live by.

a sunny day

During the late summer months, fresh off the spawn, these fish can be found gorging themselves on top water insects, repeatedly breaking the surface with their bright beautiful dorsal fins in the gleaming sunlight. So, if you’re out to catch some Grayling, check the weather report and pack some SPF.

Come out on top:

Speaking of Duns out, in terms of fly selection, think top water to start. There are few things more satisfying than watching a fish jet from the bottom of the lake to take a well presented dry fly. Small mayfly imitations, as well as caddis and emerger patterns are lethal on a sunny day. Earthy colors such as white, gray, tan, and olive are very effective colors, however, grayling are surprisingly aggressive for their size, and will most likely strike at anything if presented well while they’re feeding.

dry flies

This isn’t to say that nymphs floated under a larger dry fly, or a bobber isn’t going to be effective. Small to medium size midges and other larvae are a common part of a Grayling’s diet. A nymph fly with some flash, or a colorful/shiny beadhead can be a deadly combination if placed in the correct zone.

Don’t go at it alone:

While there is an abundance of information all over the internet, if you’re looking for the true Colorado Grayling experience, solicit some help from a guide. Our friends over at Rawah Ranch have a vast knowledge of Colorado Grayling fishing and are located just a few miles from some of the only spots to fish for Grayling in the state. Whether you’re new to fly-fishing, or are looking for a place to stay while you fish the West, we can assure you that you’re going to have a great experience, as well as many other fishing opportunities, with the guides at Rawah. CLICK HERE for more information.

partners on the water

Getting that Dorsal Shot:

For anyone who’s ever researched Grayling, you’ll notice a majority of the photos you’ll see of them with anglers feature an angler holding the fish with one hand, and holding up the dorsal with the other. This is understandable, as just like with a big buck’s antlers, the dorsal is the most coveted part of the fish for many. However, there’s a better, less awkward way to get that picture you’re looking for, and all it is having some patience.

dorsal fin

A common trick to get a Grayling to display its Dorsal by itself is to pick the fish up and turn it upside down or josttle it a little bit. The fish will often times lift the small spines to display it’s beautiful colors. However, this is a less-than-optimal approach when handling a considerably fragile fish, especially in the heat of the summer. The best way to get a Grayling to give you the shot you want is to keep it wet! Leave the fish in the net and keep it calm. This is a great way to capture a beautiful photo, with the most consideration for the fish’s well-being. We’re all here to share the fun, let’s do our part to support the populations we adore.

In closing:

Arctic Grayling are certainly a one of a kind species, and in our opinion, should be on every angler’s bucket list. While the size of the Grayling you’ll find in Colorado may not compare to the magnificent specimens to be found in frigid Alaskan rivers, fishing for them is a one of a kind experience, and is an attainable addition to any angler’s species list.

Thank you to our friends at Rawah Ranch for exposing us to this one of a kind fishery. For any questions about fishing for Grayling, or inquiries surrounding booking a stay or trip with one of their guides, Click HERE.

rawah

Lodge Spotlight: Rawah Ranch, Colorado

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Arctic Grayling

 

Angler Nets $61k in Pikeminnow Bounties

Dan Zazworsky
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Angler Nets $61k in Pikeminnow Bounties

Northern pikeminnows in the Columbia River have a bounty on their heads and a target on their backs, and one Columbia River angler took home a helluva paycheck last summer after he cashed in $61,000.00 worth of Northern Pikeminnows. His payment was just one part of the $700k total paid out to anglers last summer as a part of The Northern Pikeminnow Sport Reward Fishery. The program was set up to mitigate the drastic impact pikeminnows have on the eggs and smolts of the migratory steelhead and salmon that call the river system home during their spawn.

We don’t know about you all, but making $61k over the summer, while fishing, sounds pretty good to us!

Read the full story about the angler’s record $61k payout in this article from the Spokane Spokesman-Review.

You can learn more about The Northern Pikeminnow Sport Reward Fishery program at PikeMinnow.org.

How to Get Paid to Fish in Oregon This Year

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Gear Review: IMX-Pro E Tactical Nymphing Rod

John Newbury
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Gear Review: IMX-Pro E Tactical Nymphing Rod

In this gear review, we’ll be taking a less than conventional approach, and will be talking about the IMX-Pro Euro rod, from G. Loomis. Here to weigh in his two sense is John Newburry. John has spent countless hours on the water and behind the vise, investigating new ways to improve his fishing experience. From importing leader and tying materials from Europe, to calculating exact weights and fly-measurements that will provide the most optimized drift – John embodies the exact angler persona this rod was built for. Here, he’ll break down his thoughts…

Via John Newburry: 

john in background with rod

Background:

After teaching beginner anglers how to “Euro” nymph, fishing heavily weighted flies under a tight line, I noticed my angling guests caught fish sooner in the day than if they had spent the first three hours learning how to lob an indicator. Watching indicators drift along hoping a fish takes your fly only occurs a couple of times each day. If you’re not completely hypnotized by watching bobbers bounce along in the warm dappled sunlight, you might just be able to respond with a quick hook set.

imx pro e in action

Don’t get me wrong, indicator fishing has its place -  in a boat or lake when you want to control the depth of the presentation. Wading anglers who use indicators are handicapped when it comes to detecting fish. All too often, they miss fish that expel the fly before causing the indicator to not move. Actively feeding fish move very little, or pause for a moment after they take the fly into their mouths. After all, it is the movement of the fish against the current and line that makes an indicator work. If you have any slack in your leader or hesitancy in response, you lose.

Before the advent of the indicator, tight-line and high sticking were common methods employed when fishing nymphs. These tactics were effective in the hands of skilled anglers; however, many others found the methods difficult to master while using traditional western dry fly rods.

overhead fishing shot

Overcoming the limitations of nymph fishing with a tool that was designed to cast a dry fly needed to be resolved if we wanted to improve our nymph game. Dry fly fishing is a visual sport. A fish tells you everything you need to know when they break through the water’s surface to take the fly. Dry fly rods, typically ranging from 8 to 9’ in length and between 4 to 6 weight, are not designed to feel the take, but rather, propel a weightless fly to a distant target. Without the visual cues to a fish’s response to the sunken nymph, we rely on indicators or blind intuition to be effective.

Today’s nymph anglers owe gratitude to the European fly fishing competitions, which discarded the use of a traditional dry fly rod in favor of a well-designed nymph rod. A properly constructed nymph rod is long, lightweight, and very sensitive. Because tactical nymphs are often fished under the rod tip, an extra foot or two in rod length aids in reaching more targets.

john reaching with his rod

Having a sensitive rod is important when fishing nymphs under tension. When you are “dialed in” and fishing the fly under direct tension, you can feel the fly tapping along the rocks and feel even the most subtle takes from a fish. A sensitive rod makes you immediately aware when a fish takes the fly.

fighting a fish

A modern nymph rod must have a solid backbone. The ability to gain control of a large fish in a big river is a necessity if we want to land fish safely and quickly. You might think landing trophy-sized fish on lightweight gear is difficult and taxing on the fish, but that is simply not the case. On the contrary, I argue that one is as likely to land a larger fish with a 10’ 3wt nymph rod than a traditional 9’ 5wt rod under equal conditions. The reason is that nymph rods provide enough shock absorption through their length and taper design to buffer against sudden lunges and runs that can result in lost fish. In addition to the shock-absorbing qualities, long leaders or micro-thin fly lines, commonly used with nymph rods, do not impart extra drag in the water that traditional fly lines will. When a fish takes off on a long run, it will pull your fly line, leader, and indicator into the current adding extra drag and pressure, causing the fish to break off. 

Field Testing:

I had the pleasure to field test the new G Loomis IMX-PROe 10’ 3wt on the water I knew the fishing conditions would provide the ultimate test. Big unruly trout in a big western American river was just the right place to bring a reputable rod maker’s new euro-rod to its knees. I’ve destroyed a few European and American-built nymph rods fishing this same water over the same fish, so the bar was set mighty high. If any fishing conditions existed that would surely test a tactical nymph rod, the day I tested this rod was it.

rigging the rod

Amongst a flurry of snowfall, I watched as my leader twitched above the water as the payload below tapped along the contents of the riverbed. With each tick, the tip of the rod relayed a minute vibration back to the palm of my hand, teasing my senses as I eagerly awaited a tick more aggressive than the prior. With the light rod in hand and my fly reaching the end of its drift, I picked up my line and reset back at the top of the run.fishing with the rod

Slowly, I worked up the current, surveying for small pockets and structures where I might catch a fish hiding from the force of the water. With each reset, I mentally crossed off the small section of water I was working and painted out the next one I would target.

It was just as I was approaching the end of the current that I saw the leader stop. The rod tip twitched and with great fervor, I drew the tip up at an angle and set the hook into an eager trout’s lip. This fish was of appropriate size and immediately took off downriver. It was not giving itself up without a fight. Testing the strength of my 6x tippet, I battled the fish until I was in a position to make it surrender its angle. The flexibility of the 3 weight rod really allowed me to lay into this fish, minimizing the fight, and eventually, bringing a beautiful rainbow to my frigid hands. The day progressed as such. Finding a fish in each pool we came upon.

fish on the fly

A nymph rod worthy of ownership has many design qualities such as the overall weight, balance, sensitivity, action, and backbone to live up to. The first thing I noticed about the IMX-PROe was its backbone-to-weight ratio. It’s a rod so light I could fish it all day long, yet strong enough to land the biggest trout I could dredge up. On several fish, I bent the rod nearly in half while fishing in tight quarters and trying to move a big fish out of a deep pool. This was made possible because Loomis replaced extra graphite wraps with a proprietary material they call Conduit Core Technology. Having destroyed a few high-end nymph rods in the past few seasons, I was impressed that Loomis felt it should belong in an entry-level nymph rod.

fighting a fish in the snow

Setting this fly rod apart from a long list of nymph rods I have used, was the ability to make accurate close-in drifts, as well as cast to distant targets with ease. I found the accuracy of the rod superior, able to deliver the entirety of my 30-foot leader with a 4.0mm tungsten jig to reach distant targets. You might be asking yourself, “Overhead-casting more than 30’ of leader and a 4.0mm tungsten beaded jig with a nymph rod?” No problem.

fish by a rod

Conclusion:

I have already mentioned the five-star weight, sensitivity, and strength of this rod, but let me mention the accumulation of many small, important refinements that G Loomis thoughtfully considered when constructing this rod. Manufacturing fishing rods with the highest quality and innovative materials along with precise workmanship and engineering are what G Loomis is known for. The IMX-PROe has a pedigree that any expert or entry-level angler will find a pleasure to own. 

a fly rod on the arm

One might expect a rod of this quality and innovation to come with a high price tag but Loomis priced this rod to make the transition into the tactical nymph game more accessible to anglers of all skill levels and budgets. There is no more excuse to avoid adding a dedicated tactical nymph rod into your rod collection. Choosing an IMX-PROe for your kit will improve your angling experience.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE IMX-PRO E ROD

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Idaho Study: “Fewer Wild Steelhead Are Caught By Anglers, and Survive At High Rates After Being Released”

Dan Zazworsky
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Idaho Study: “Fewer Wild Steelhead Are Caught By Anglers, and Survive At High Rates After Being Released”

A new study coming out of Idaho highlights some very interesting new insights into how wild and hatchery steelhead interact and co-exist in the river. According to new research shared by Idaho Fish and Game, “Idaho’s wild steelhead are caught by anglers less often than hatchery fish, and survive at a very high rate after being caught and released.”

The study also showed, “Wild fish and hatchery fish naturally segregate in rivers, and anglers target hatchery fish more often.” Meaning that you’re more likely to catch a hatchery fish than a wild steelhead at this point. What’s more interesting is the fact that hatchery fish and wild fish tend to segregate, preferring to stick with their own kind.

The research and press release can be found here and are well worth a read for the inquisitive steelhead angler.

For a more in-depth analysis of the research, check out this article from KTVB7!

Study shows Snake River steelhead anglers more likely to catch hatchery than wild fish

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