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| Don't stand under that to fish. Dat will get you kilt! |
**There are still large chunks of ice coming down the rivers. They can take your legs right out from under you.
**Don't stand under ice on high banks. They can fall at any time as the weather warms. I watched it happen 5 times yesterday.
**The water is COLD! Water temps at ice-out are about 33 degrees because of melting ice and snow. You are essentially fishing a flowing glass of ice water. If you were to get hit by a big chunk of ice, you are not only going to be injured, your are taking a bath in ice water. And now you might be hurt and hypothermic. If you don't have buddy with you or access to immediate help, that can be a recipe for dead unsure emoticon
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| He INHALED a single pink egg |
The take away is PAY ATTENTION. Better to miss a fish than not get home smile emoticon
2. The water is COLD. Is there an echo in here? The water temp actually drops at ice-out because of the melting ice and snow. And while steelhead are cold water fish, 33 degree water temperatures do slow them down. So, while that 50 degree air feels good to you, that is not yet what the fish are experiencing.
**Fish slow. Take your time and continue to cover those slower deep Winter holds. Focus on putting your offerings near the bottom and along structure and shelves.
**The bite can be very subtle in these conditions. Pay attention or you'll miss it.
2. The water is COLD. Is there an echo in here? The water temp actually drops at ice-out because of the melting ice and snow. And while steelhead are cold water fish, 33 degree water temperatures do slow them down. So, while that 50 degree air feels good to you, that is not yet what the fish are experiencing.
**Fish slow. Take your time and continue to cover those slower deep Winter holds. Focus on putting your offerings near the bottom and along structure and shelves.
**The bite can be very subtle in these conditions. Pay attention or you'll miss it.
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| Pink, fl orange, and chartreuse sucker spawn is essential as suckers run in early Spring! |
3. While steelhead are always a sucker for single eggs and sucker spawn, this is the time for STONE FLY NYMPHS! Tiny black Winter Stone Flies were flying around all afternoon yesterday. The fish you are targeting right after ice-out have been in the system all Winter are currently eating these stone fly nymphs.
**A black stone fly and egg combo is pretty effective during this window. I use #14 black stone fly nymphs. You could absolutely go smaller if the water is clear. Frankly, I use the #14 because even with my trifocals...I can't see to tie on anything smaller wink emoticon Don't get old!
**A black stone fly and egg combo is pretty effective during this window. I use #14 black stone fly nymphs. You could absolutely go smaller if the water is clear. Frankly, I use the #14 because even with my trifocals...I can't see to tie on anything smaller wink emoticon Don't get old!
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| Let's meet on a warmer day next time. |
We worked really hard yesterday and picked up 9 steelhead in the ice bath. You can do it. Be safe, slow down, and consider black stone fly nymphs and an egg combo.
If you're struggling, we have a few dates left for the Spring run. Call me. LET'S GO FISHIN'!
If you're struggling, we have a few dates left for the Spring run. Call me. LET'S GO FISHIN'!