CLEARWATER & SNAKE RIVER FISHING REPORT
November 21, 2024
Steelhead Rivers:
Spey
We are still experiencing some fluctuations in temperature and moisture on the Clearwater, Snake and Grande Ronde. This means you will likely need a diversity of flies, tips and leaders to meet the conditions you find your fish in. Have everything from floating leaders to weighted poly leaders all the way down to T-11 for some runs. In addition, unweighted small profile flies are still working. However, don’t be afraid to throw sink tips and intruders on those cold days or in deeper runs. If you don’t have a diversity of shooting heads to choose from or if you want to simplify your set up, consider a Ballistic Launcher. This integrated system is a powerhouse that can do everything from throw tips or skate flies on long leaders. The coated integrated running line is also tremendously helpful on the colder days when it is difficult to feel mono running lines in your hand.
If you are using a Scandi head, consider having a floating poly or VersiLeader, hover and intermediate. Having these three options will allow for flexibility in each fishing scenario you might encounter during the Fall. The 10’ varieties of each are great for 13’ rods or under. Grab a 14’ if you have a longer rod (14’+).
When it comes to Skagit, light to medium tips are the name of the game right now. We have not yet approached the bitter cold of winter so heavy tips are not needed. Reach for T8 or floating MOW tips. It’s recommended to have some tips with a floating section and a sinking section. This helps with mending and negotiating through certain runs. Three MOW tips to have right now would include 10’ of T8 with 5’ of skink and 5’ of float, 2.5’ of float and 7.5’ sink, and full floating. It’s nice to have straight T8 ready but at times it’s unnecessary simply because it is still too heavy in these lower flows. As mentioned above, as the water continues to pile up the heavier tips will play a bigger role. No matter the sink rate, always use a shorter leader when throwing tips. A 4.5’ leader is recommended to ensure that flies sink properly.
Nymph
For those fishing under an indicator make, sure you have a larger sized bobber. I prefer either the 1” Air Lock or the 1” Oros. Also, if you fish a nymph rig you might as well run two flies. A good nymph formula includes a heavier point fly (in most cases) and a lighter dropper. For example, a Hot DB Stone #4 with a #8 Steelhead Lightning Bug below. You can run your point fly from a tag end attached to your main leader, off the standing end of your leader, or you can run both flies eye to eye. Additionally, you can use small 10mm swivels in year leader to mitigate tangles when casting a wind resistant bobber and two nymphs.
No matter how you rig up, don’t be afraid to change out flies or your connections. At times you may need to run split shot above your point fly, between your point fly and your dropper, or both. You may also need to run a lighter point fly if you fish a particularly calm and shallow run.
Salmon:
4,060cfs at White Bird
Swung Flies: Morrish Scandi Candy, Mini Extractor, TFP Intruder, Tail Dragger, Hoh Bo Spey, Steelhead Coachman, Freight Train, Silver Hilton
Nymphs: MFC Hot DB Stone, Steelhead Lightning Bug, Lingerie Egg, Surreal Steelhead Egg, Vogt’s Hulk, Vogt’s Gentleman
Snake:
13,900cfs at Anatone
Swung Flies: Lady Gaga, Dirty Hoh, Aqua Scandi, TFP Intruder, Hoh Bo Spey, General Practitioner, Undertaker, Copper Top, Prawn Jovi, Morrish Scandi Candy
Nymphs: MFC DB Stone #4 & #6, Steelhead Lightning Bug, Chewy Egg
Clearwater:
3,660cfs at Spalding
Swung Flies: Hoh Bo Spey, Two Salt Tube, Foxee Dog, Morrish Scandi Candy, Pick’Yer Pocket, TFP Clearwater Intruder, Purple Peril, December Day, Undertaker, Green Butt Skunk
Nymphs: Surreal Steelhead Egg, Vogt’s Hulk, Vogt’s Gentleman, Atomic Stone, Chewy Egg,
Grande Ronde:
621cfs at Troy
Swung Flies: Scandi Candy, Hoh Bo Spey, Marabou Tube, TFP Intruder, Mini Dirty Hoh, Last Call, Grande Rhonde River Rat, Mack’s Canyon, Undertaker, Polar Shrimp, Prawn Jovi
Nymphs: MFC Hot DB Stone, Steelhead Lightning Bug, Lingerie Egg, Surreal Steelhead Egg, Vogt’s Hulk, Vogt’s Gentleman