Well, I took another run at it. Summer run steelhead on the fly.
Late last week, conditions looked right, my two fishing partners were available to help with gas and I decided to take another trip. Same river, same time of day.
Traffic leaving SW Portland was slow. Met up and loaded my partners and their gear in Troutdale and headed up into the gorge. Stopped for dinner (Subway - to go!) and more flies (Gorge Fly Shop - Mike's great) in Hood River before crossing the Columbia. Weather was warm and windy.
River looked good - not clear by any means but fishable and likely half a foot lower than last trip. We headed up river for the first of 2 spots. Met another fisherman who had fished our target run for several hours early in the morning and the same again late afternoon. He had covered the water well with all the alternatives: Large light colored fly, large dark fly, small light and dark flies, too, to no avail. He graciously relinquished the water to us and we headed down to the river (except for partner #1 who stayed, engaged in a spirited conversation with his new friend).
#2 partner posted up midway up the run and I took the tailout. Visibility was several feet and I felt confidant. That lasted through the first hour. I covered the water (step, cast, swing, repeat) 3 times. My partner had more water to cover and I was surprised when he shouted, "There he is! FISH ON!" I turned in time to see a good sized steelhead in the air, then entering the water headfirst. Moments later, "Oh, man........." and I knew the fish was off. He picked up his line. "Got my fly!"
I felt bad for him but not TOO bad - he was one ahead of me.
There were 2 Labrador Retriever-sized beavers swimming up and down and out and back below him. One finally swam into his fly line and he called, "Beaver ON!" That didn't last long either but the more courteous beaver returned his fly.
Darkness was approaching and we had another run to fish so after consultation, decided to head down to fish my favorite run.
We ended up with half an hour on the water. Lower flow meant a slower swing over shallower water, Saw no fish roll this time - probably not there. It grew dark a good half hour earlier than my last trip 2 weeks ago. Fall is on the way for sure.
So, going again late this week. Different patterns, different runs, different tactics. As always, we hope for the best. Thanks for following along - hope to report success next time!
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