NEW TO FISHING, FIRST WINTER FISHING
The river is higher than normal with fast water and very muddy 48 degrees out right now and light rain
I’ve been doing tons of research on water levels/ temperature for steelhead and such so I know the river is too high but I’m wondering if any of you think it’s worth even trying in this condition.
This is the Clackamas river in Oregon.
Should I try to move upstream for clearer water or slow water? ANY tips on what lures to use or is it not worth fishing at all?
This is a very popular fishing spot so I’m not blowing up this spot FYI
Posted by PrizeAd5436
12 Comments
Dang near always worth fishing. Float fishing is going to be your best bet, in really muddy low visibility water I’d probably opt for a 5-6” steely worm, or 16-25mm soft bead, in a nice garish colour that’ll really stand out. Look for back eddies and fallen logs/debris in the river that provide a break from the current, this is where fish are most likely to be. Couple folks here who have zero idea what they’re talking about and who have likely never done any steelhead fishing, don’t listen to em OP, get out and enjoy the fishing!
I would say so.
No
Worth a shot. Check local fishing reports or shops?
Wasting your time, zero visibility and the current is too fast
Fish it! You’ll have to take more of a tournament trout fishing approach and think of the river as a grid. Fish nearest to you and let the bobber and bait float a certain length of that stretch of the river. Once you do that run cast another 6-12 inches further away and let it go the length of that run. It’s not as fun as calmer and cleaner water but you’ll have better odds of hooking up. Best of luck!
Always, always, always throw out a few casts. I’ve caught quite a few fish for the freezer in less than ideal conditions. You could come up with a PB.
They should move to the banks and backwater eddies at least a lot will. Don’t be afraid to use a night crawler under a float or on a jig along the shore in the eddies. Be really careful you could end up in the water pretty quick maybe wear a pfd.
It’ll be a grind, but yeah, its worth fishing. Likely have the water to yourself too. Most guys are scared of that stuff because they dont know how to fish it. Some of my biggest steelhead have come out of water that looks like that. Just be patient.
Target the inside edges of corner runs where the slit may settle and allow a fish to breath cleaner water. These are not ideal water conditions and I would largely stay home. If there is also debris in the water, don’t waste your time. Fish will be tight lipped. However, if water is free of debris and it’s on the drop, it may be worth a day on the water as you could catch it at the prime time.
Does a bear shit in the woods?
I would absolutely fish that. Grab a rapala husky jerk, or a 1/8 rooster tail, try black, or fire tiger. I’ve had some of my best days in high muddy water.
There does become a point where it’s too blown out but this doesn’t look like that to me.