Gorge Fly Shop Blog

Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - May 28, 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Gorge Fly Shop: Office) — Fri, 29 May 2026 00:30:00 +0000

Deschutes Trout

The fishing pressure will be on the fade as we head into June. It can be downright amazing how many anglers give up on Deschutes trout when the stonefly hatch fades. Truthfully, some of the best dry fly fishing with stonefly patterns is at the end of the hatch. The selectivity you often see when there is an abundance of bugs goes away to some degree. They know that food source is fading fast and they're happy to gobble up what few bigger bugs remain. Scaling down the size of your dry is a great move at this point in the season. Smaller chubbies can draw a ton of attention. Could be a small golden. Could be a Sally. Could be a big caddis. Could be a terrestrial. Definitely works!

Beyond the stones, caddis are present in great numbers. Though there will be some mayfly activity under the right conditions, caddis will be the daily staple from here on out. Not to be missed, the evening caddis fishing can be just spectacular at this time of year. And it's a pretty angler-friendly program. The bulk of the activity happens when the sun dips below the canyon walls. Focus your efforts on the last couple hours of light. Bring plenty of Elk Hairs, floatant and dry shake. It usually doesn't have to be much more complicated than that. The fish are so tuned in to caddis in the evening that you should not be discouraged if there aren't piles of fish rising. Poke your way up a deeper grass bank and fire away. They'll be looking for it!

Mt. Hood Lakes

Things have changed for the better on the local lakes around the mountain. Many people reported slower-than-normal fishing the first few weeks after the opener, but that's improved. Callibaetis and Chironomids are starting to crank along yielding some great dry fly opportunities. Slip-strike indicator rigs with a Chironomid as the point fly and a Balance Leech below have been extremely productive, especially on the windier days. The lake fishing should be great for the foreseeable future.

Early Summer Steelhead

There have been a few folks out looking for a shot at the title in the last week. And there are a few around! Options are fairly limited this early on with some of the bigger Portland Metro rivers and the Klickitat being the best bets. Notable factor thus far is that water levels remain very low/clear for this time of year. The good news is that this makes the fish incredibly receptive to a floating line. Early summers tend to be great biters as is, and coaxing a fish to grab a skater or wet fly is not a big ask in the generally shallow water. Morning and evening shade will present the best opportunities with fish feeling a little more comfortable under the cover of darkness. In high sun, focus your efforts on water with some depth and chop. Try to fish as many spots as you can in the time you have. There aren't a ton of fish around yet, and getting one to bite isn't the hard part. The challenge at hand is finding one. Don't worry about baby-stepping down a likely run. Fish it fast and move on to the next to up your odds.

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com | Contact Us | SteelheadBum.com

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

The Next Chapter for SteelheadBum.com

noreply@blogger.com (Gorge Fly Shop) — Mon, 18 May 2026 07:00:00 +0000

SteelheadBum.com has been relaunched with a cleaner site, better navigation, smoother checkout, and a renewed focus on the gear, flies, and resources that matter to steelhead anglers.

This is just the start. More products, articles, seasonal tips, fly selections, and steelhead-focused content are on the way.

:"SteelheadBum" has always been about the chase: the swing, the grab, the long days, the cold water, and the belief that the next cast could be the one.

We’re excited to keep building the next chapter.

SteelheadBum.com is live
Come take a look around

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com | Contact Us | SteelheadBum.com

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

SteelheadBum.com Is Back

noreply@blogger.com (Gorge Fly Shop) — Thu, 14 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000

A redesigned SteelheadBum.com from Gorge Fly Shop, rebuilt with curated gear, practical resources, and a stronger, easier ecommerce experience for steelhead anglers.

We’ve been working on something behind the scenes for a while, and we’re excited to finally share it.

Steelhead fishing has always been a big part of who we are at Gorge Fly Shop. The rods, reels, lines, flies, river seasons, and small details that come with chasing these fish have always deserved their own space.

That’s why we rebuilt SteelheadBum.com with a sharper focus on the swing and the gear systems behind it.

The updated site is geared around how steelhead anglers actually fish—from fly rods and reels to lines, flies, sink tips, and setup resources.

Whether you’re new to two-hand casting, working through a winter sink-tip setup, or looking for proven flies for summer water, the goal is simple: make the process easier and help you spend more time fishing.

Why We Built It

Steelhead setups can get complex fast. Every part of the system needs to work together, from the way a rod loads to how the line, tip, leader, and fly move through the run. When one piece is off, the whole setup can feel harder than it should.

SteelheadBum.com was rebuilt to simplify that.

Built Around the Swing

At the center of the site is swung-fly steelhead fishing built around Spey casting and gear.

That means thinking about presentation, speed, depth, angle, fly choice, and line control. It means choosing a setup that helps you fish the run in front of you—not just selecting gear from a spec sheet.

You’ll find sections for Skagit systems, Scandi lines, running lines, tips, dry line flies, sink-tip flies, intruders, leeches, traditional patterns, and more. As the site grows, we’ll continue adding guides and articles that connect gear choices to real days on the river—not just from us, but from the guides, friends, and industry partners we work with who are spending time on the water too.

More Than a Place to Shop

Think of SteelheadBum.com as another tool in your kit: a place to check before your next trip, your next setup, or your next fly box refill.

Along with gear collections, you’ll find staff picks, featured flies, sale and closeout items, seasonal notes, fly selection help, and practical setup information. Some of it is product-focused, and some of it is simply there to help make sense of a fishery that rewards patience, timing, and the right setup.

Powered by Gorge Fly Shop

SteelheadBum.com is owned and operated by Gorge Fly Shop, Inc.. The site has been around for over a decade, but it has now been rebuilt with a new ecommerce experience and the same knowledgeable team behind it.

You can expect the same service, product knowledge, and care that Gorge Fly Shop has provided anglers since 1992. This rebuilt site simply gives steelhead fishing its own dedicated space.

Take a Look

We’ll keep building from here with more gear, articles, seasonal recommendations, and shop insight for steelhead anglers.

Visit SteelheadBum.com, take a look around, and check back often as we continue building it out.

541.386.6977

Gorge Fly Shop | SteelheadBum.com | Contact

— For the Steelhead Pursuit —

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Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - May 11, 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Gorge Fly Shop: Office) — Tue, 12 May 2026 02:00:00 +0000

Deschutes Trout

Well, the gang's all here....Salmonflies, Golden Stones and Yellow Sallies are all present. The stoneflies, per usual, are offering some excellent windows of opportunity. The trout's willingness to eat bigger dries certainly has some variability to it from day to day. Sometimes they'll happily come up and grab it in high sun out in the open. Sometimes you can't get one to commit on the huge surface fly anywhere other than in the full-on Rambo water....the tough wades and tiny spots with good flow, structure and shade. It's fairly safe to assume that a good shaded spot with the right characteristics will have a bigger trout that's willing to eat the dry. Needless to say, it's been really fun!

With the ebb and flow of the big dry fly bite, it's important to mention all the other insect activity going on out there. Golden Stones and Salmonflies get most of the attention, but there are tons of Yellow Sallies around, too. Sometimes they really key in on Sallies and that can make for some outstanding dry fly fishing. There are also a ton of different caddis around making for some great dry fly fishing in shallower water.

The really pleasant surprise has been all the different mayfly activity. There have still been some March Browns out and about. PMD's are starting to come on strong. There are also some stray Mahoganies and B.W.O.'s. There's been a shocking amount of mayfly activity on all these beautiful sunny days. That often doesn't equate to mayfly surface fishing, but the nymphs are extremely important to mix into your dropper program. Heavy jigged PMD and March Brown droppers have been working well along with more standard Perdigon-style bugs.

Mt. Hood Lakes

The lake fishing around Hood has been a little on the slow side thus far. It's seemed like the early dose of extreme heat spurred some early algae blooms, and the hatches have been a bit sporadic thus far. Looks like we're in for a more standard weather pattern for this time of year, which will definitely help get things going. Leech fishing with intermediate lines or indicators has been most productive thus far with a little dry fly fishing in the mix. Things should heat up soon with good Callibaetis right around the corner.

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com | GFS Fly Kits | Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Friday's Featured Fly

noreply@blogger.com (Lyndsey Duddles) — Fri, 08 May 2026 17:39:00 +0000

Bugs have arrived, and the fishing is only going to get better! The Salmon Fly Hatch is one of the most famous hatches known to anglers from all around. We are lucky enough to have this right in our backyard. The Deschutes Redside trout are hungry, big, and fun to catch. We created our own Go to Dry Fly Kit so you don't have to think about it. Our favorite flies for the famous hatch.

Friday's Featured Fly RIO's Juicy Stone - Everything is lining up to have an excellent salmon fly season on the Deschutes River. If you do not have these bugs in your box, we suggest you get yourself some. We even created a kit for you, one-stop shopping with all of our favorite flies. Deschutes Salmon Dry Fly Kit

Balanced Leeches are a critical part of any stillwater angler's arsenal. Just in from our friends at Solitude, the Tungsten Balance Leech in Phantom. Doesn't get any better than this one! This is also part of our GFS Kit - Trout Stillwater Balance Leech kit.

Friday Featured Flies are a tray of Mattioli's Trout Spey Buggers by Aqua Flies. These flies are on their way to our friend in Great Britain. We just updated our Trout Spey Rod Guide. Here we break down trout spey rods, what size is the right size? Plus, more questions are answered for you here. Happy Spring! Of course, always give us a call if you have questions. 541-386-6977

Today's featured fly is a new one coming in from Aqua Flies. Stu's Barred Ostrich Intruder. This fly is tied with Barred Ostrich, which is arguably the most successful steelhead colorway. Send these baddies on your next Steelhead Adventure. Need a Steelhead Rod for that next adventure? Check out our Steelhead Spey Rod Buyers Guide

This week's Friday's Featured fly is coming to you in the form of a "Happy Meal"! Well, kind of....meet our newest fly kit. Our favorite Trout Stillwater Balanced Leech Kit. The flies come in our logo pucks and are perfect to drop into your pack/bag or waders.

Beck's Sili Legs Lite is undoubtedly one of the best bonefish patterns of all time. Call it a Gotcha with the huge bonus of rubber legs. The "lite" version is tied with bead chain eyes for skinny water. Don't go to the Bahamas without a fistful of these!

About what any steelheader needs. A fistful of good leeches! This one checks all the boxes. Not too big. Not too small. Little bit of flash. Hot cone. Send it! Aqua Flies Bunny Hare Leech in black/blue. In stock now.

All this dark weather means Blue Winged Olives! The RIO's Film Critic is one of our favorite emergers. The upright wing is just big enough to make it visible on gray days. Fish it alone or trail it behind a bigger dry that you can see well. If you are getting ready for Sping, check out our Five-Weight Buyers Guide

Catch Dirty PT Hot Pink Jigged - What doesn't this Nymph have going for it? A jig hook, soft hackle, Pheasant Tail, and a hot bead. A fantastic prospecting pattern that has a little bit of everything. We carry them in sizes 16 and 18

Some of the most effective bonefish flies could be described as "plain with a little pop". Bonefish prey tends to be stealthily camouflaged to match the bottom and avoid detection. This is where the "POP" comes into play. RIO's Bone Doctor has an overall tan color scheme with just enough flash to draw attention. This one works

Doesn't it look like it's about to crawl away!? Here's RIO's take on the Flexo Crab in tan. Made quietly famous in the Seychelles, this style of crab has caught the attention of Permit and other crab eaters across the globe. Guides on Christmas Island love this one for triggers.

It's hard to beat a good cheeseburger! The fly version has all kinds of great crabby characteristics. Feczko's Cheeseburger is quietly one of the best bugs for Triggers. Fun trick fly to try for Permit, too.

Signature tyer of this fly, Jeffrey Feczkko, reached out to us and shared the story of how this fly came to life. We would love to share it with you. 6 or 7 years ago, in the middle of an atol in the middle of the Indian Ocean, he created what would end up being one of the best flies for trigger fish. Jeffery is very humbled by the popularity of his fly and appreciates RIO for reproducing this fly. To note Charlie tried bringing this fly in last year but was sold out! We are excited to now have it in the shop.

We want to personally thank Jeffrey for reaching out and sharing his story behind the scenes of this incredible fly.

RIO's Banana Stand. This little gem is slightly flashier than other Shrimp Patterns is a great pattern in less-than-ideal conditions for bonefish and redfish. Tied with materials that are subtle yet have a tad of flash, resulting in a highly visible and enticing fly for murky water and low-light conditions

It's dark and rainy here in the PNW. Some warm Flats Fishing sure sounds good! Today's Friday Featured Fly is RIO's Smelling Salt. This one was originally intended for laid-up Tarpon, but works equally well for all things that live in mangroves!

Big Bonefish in certain destinations love big Flies! These are a few of our favorites for the Bahamas and beyond. Saltwater gear sales have picked up recently. Weather changes increase the desire to find warm tropical water. Searching for the big fish that call it home. If you have not hunted for Bonefish before, you should put this on your bucket list. Check out Sage's Limited Edition Grand Slam Salt R8 rod paired with a Sage Enforcer limited edition reel. Our crew has a ton of Saltwater experience. If you have questions, give us a call.

No doubt about it. Some of the best trout spey flies come in natural color schemes. Aqua Flies' Trout Spey Intruder is a scaled-down, unweighted pattern tied in an intruder-style. Buggy and wiggly. This one gets it done!

Cooler fall weather has our minds wandering to the Caribbean. Salt season is upon us! Here’s one of Andros Island’s unofficial official bonefish flies. The beefy RIO's Gotcha Clouser in size 2. Simple and deadly!

It's getting deeper into fall, and many of the rivers in the northwest are filling up with coho. If you're looking for a fly to strip on a single-hander or jig throughout the swing, check out the Starlight Leech Pink. Heavy eyes to get down and work the twitch that love.

The Deschutes River Salmonfly Hatch

noreply@blogger.com (Gorge Fly Shop) — Thu, 07 May 2026 20:14:00 +0000

There are few events in Western fly fishing that generate as much anticipation as the Salmonfly hatch on the Deschutes River. Big bugs, aggressive wild Redside trout, explosive dry fly eats, and some of the most scenic water in Oregon all come together during a short but unforgettable window each spring.

If you’ve never experienced the hatch, it deserves a spot on your bucket list.

The hatch typically begins in mid-May and progresses into early June, starting downriver and gradually moving upstream as water temperatures rise. Alongside the famous Salmonflies, anglers can also expect Golden Stones, with the occasional Green Drake and PMD mixed in depending on conditions.

Stoneflies spend the majority of their life underwater as nymphs, often for multiple years. When they finally migrate to shore to emerge into adults, the river changes quickly. These bugs are famously clumsy once they hatch, often falling or getting blown back onto the water from shoreline grasses and bushes. The trout know it, too.

During the hatch, Deschutes Redsides slide tight to the banks, under alders, against grasses, and along rocky edges waiting for an easy meal. The takes can be violent and unforgettable. Even when you don’t see obvious rising fish, trout are still looking for stoneflies if bugs are active along the banks.

One of the biggest mistakes anglers make during the hatch is fishing too far from shore. Focus on likely holding water close to the bank and be prepared for fish to eat in very shallow water.

Timing & River Sections

The most consistent Salmonfly action is generally found from Pelton Dam downstream to Sherars Falls, though productive fishing can be found throughout much of the lower river during the hatch progression.

Popular access points include:

Warm Springs
Mecca Flats
Trout Creek
South Junction
Maupin area access points

The Warm Springs to Trout Creek stretch — commonly referred to as the “Day Stretch” — sees the heaviest fishing pressure during the hatch, but it also holds some outstanding fish and incredible dry fly water.

Below Trout Creek, angling pressure often lightens somewhat, though the hatch still attracts anglers and outfitters from across the Northwest. The float from Trout Creek to Harpham Flat is one of the iconic multi-day floats in the West, winding through the heart of the wild and scenic Deschutes Canyon.

This lower section is remote, rugged, and beautiful, but it should not be underestimated. Whitehorse Rapids is a serious Class III+ rapid and demands experienced boat handling skills.

Gear Recommendations

For many of us, Salmonfly season means putting away the indicator rods for a while and committing fully to dry flies.

A 9’ 5-weight is the standard setup for most anglers, though a 6-weight can be a great choice when afternoon canyon winds start blowing. Pair it with a quality weight-forward floating line and don’t be afraid to fish heavier leaders than usual.

Large foam stonefly patterns turn over much better on 1X–3X tippet, especially during windy afternoons. Leave the light tippet at home until later summer hatches arrive.

Fly Selection

No single fly pattern dominates every day of the hatch. Conditions, pressure, and fish mood all play a role.

That said, reliable staples include:

Bring a range of sizes and colors. Sometimes downsizing your fly slightly can make a major difference, especially on pressured fish.

And when a trout eats your fly — give it a moment. One of the hardest parts of Salmonfly fishing is resisting the urge to trout-set too quickly after an explosive take.

Why It Matters

The Deschutes Salmonfly hatch is more than just great fishing. It’s one of those seasonal moments that defines fly fishing in the Northwest.

Big dries.
Wild trout.
Canyon winds.
Cold mornings and warm afternoons.
Long floats through desert scenery.

It’s the kind of fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back year after year.

Guided Deschutes River Trip Options

If you’re looking to experience the Salmonfly hatch with experienced local knowledge, guided trips can make a huge difference — especially during a hatch that moves quickly and changes daily.

Day Stretch Float Trips

Guided day trips typically cover the famous “Day Stretch” from Warm Springs to Trout Creek. This roughly 10-mile float features some of the most productive dry fly water on the river along with the chance at larger-than-average Deschutes Redsides.

It’s also one of the busiest stretches during the hatch. Fish move constantly with pressure and changing bug activity, which makes local knowledge incredibly valuable when trying to stay on active fish throughout the day.

Multi-Day Camp Trips

For anglers wanting the full Deschutes experience, multi-day camp trips from Trout Creek to Harpham Flat are hard to beat.

These 3–4 day floats travel deep through the wild and scenic canyon with mobile camps moving downriver each day. Camp setups are handled for you, allowing anglers to focus entirely on fishing, relaxing, and enjoying the canyon atmosphere.

Expect comfortable tents with cots and pads, quality meals, riverside camps, and long days spent fishing classic Deschutes water during one of the most exciting hatches of the year.

The lower river canyon offers incredible scenery, lighter pressure, and some of the most memorable dry fly fishing in the West.

Trip Information

For guided Deschutes River Salmonfly trips:

Sam Sickles
Steelhead Outfitters
541-400-0855

Availability during Salmonfly season is limited and dates typically fill quickly during May and early June.

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com | GFS Fly Kits | Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - April 20, 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Gorge Fly Shop: Office) — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 22:45:00 +0000

Deschutes Trout

Spring is happening on the Deschutes. There's green in the canyon, and you have to get that while you can! After a handful of cold nights, the current extend forecast is showing nothing but beautiful spring weather. Now to answer seemingly everyone's current question....what's going on with the stoneflies!?

With all the early heat we've had, that's a very valid question. Yes, we've heard some rumors of a stray golden stone or salmonfly, but not too much to report on the big bugs just yet. That said, it's certainly time to be ready for it. If the current forecast holds, things will likely be ahead of schedule by a bit this time around. Be sure to re-stock your flies, terminal tackle, floatant and dry shake. Luck favors the moderately prepared and some of these small but crucial items can become scarce in a hurry during the peak of the hatch.

Stones aside, the fishing is coming on rather strongly right now. All standard sub-surface techniques are working well. There are still some March Browns and BWO's. Caddis are making a daily appearance to some degree or another. The river is really coming to life and things are happening!

One approach worth mentioning is prospecting with a dry fly. Especially on some of these warm afternoons. You can go dry/dropper with a small chubby (or something along those lines), but it can be even easier than that. Try fishing shallow pocket water with a well-greased Elk Hair Caddis in 14 or 16. You'll be amazed at what you find!

Mt. Hood Lakes

Stillwater season is upon us. Be sure to check the regulations to verify the opening day of your favorite lake, but some of the best ones on Hood open 4/22. We have excellent conditions on the lakes for this time of year with water temps that should be a bit above average. Expect to have excellent leech fishing with intermediate lines or balance leeches under indicators. The chironomid fishing should also be very good with great opportunities to fish on the surface in the later half of the day. Best of luck to all the anglers trying the lakes this week!

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com | GFS Fly Kits | Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Limited Deschutes Trips with Sam Sickles

noreply@blogger.com (Gorge Fly Shop) — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:22:00 +0000

Spring Spots Available with Sam Sickles: Lower Deschutes Dry Fly Trips at an Early Booking Rate

Spring in the Gorge means one thing for a lot of us—Deschutes trout season is calling. If you have been thinking about getting out on the Lower Deschutes with a seasoned guide, now is a great time to lock in a trip with Sam Sickles of Steelhead Outfitters. Sam is offering limited spots for Gorge Fly Shop customers for early bird bookings.

A word from Sam...
The birds are chirping, the grass is growing and giant stonefly nymphs are making their way to the bank. Spring in the Gorge means trout fishing on the Deschutes. I’m offering an early booking rate for Gorge Fly Shop customers, 10% off ($585) if you book by April 15th. Along with a killer boat ride and a fabulous lunch I will show you the five most important tips for dry fly fishing on the Lower Deschutes!

SteelheadOutfitters.com

Sam Sickles

PO Box 115

Hood River, OR 97031

samsickles@gmail.com

(541) 400-0855

Gear Up

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com | GFS Fly Kits | Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - March 27, 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Gorge Fly Shop: Office) — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Winter Steelhead

We're nearing the end of the season with just a few more weeks left. Time to search out your grand finale! The first couple weeks of April can produce some excellent fishing, and the crowds will start to thin. And it's just a wonderful time to be giving it a try. There are plenty of notable signs of spring throughout steelhead country, but they're especially evident on the coast. The plants are exploding and a lot of the spring birds are showing up. The salamanders are filling up pools along the rivers and the water temps are staying in a very favorable range. The steelhead will be making their last big push here. Time is no longer on there side and Spring Chinook are not too far behind them. If you want to get a few more cracks at winter fish, get out there sometime in the next couple weeks while there are still chrome fish to be had.

Deschutes Trout

Certainly wouldn't call it busy out there and the reports we've been hearing are quite good. The river is at a very nice spring flow and the water temps are good. Still a pretty mixed bag of bugs on any given day, but one worth focusing on is the early caddis. They may not be present in big numbers every day, but the fish have certainly been into them. If you're nymph fishing, but sure to try a caddis larva behind your standard larger point fly. Larva patterns with some green in them have been very productive. Beyond that, the streamer fishing has been periodically off the charts! If you get to try it on a cloudy day, hope for some surface activity, but push the streamer fishing in between. This is a great time of year for some amazing streamer fishing if conditions line up.

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com | GFS Fly Kits | Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - 3/16/26

noreply@blogger.com (Gorge Fly Shop: Office) — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 02:00:00 +0000

Winter Steelhead

The second major "Atmospheric River" passed recently passed through the Pacific Northwest, and it was a dandy. Most rivers that see winter fish were at or approaching flood stage. It seems like we've received about 70% of our winter precipitation in two different rain events this time around. Things are going to be on the high side for a few more days but we have a fairly dry extended forecast.

The good news about all the water is that it is sure to move a ton of fish around. We have approximately one month left of the season and these last few weeks can be the best of the year. The stage is set for a great finale!

From a tactical standpoint, focus your efforts on doing whatever needs to be done to get below the fast surface currents, hold your fly at depth and swing it slowly. High water is one of the situations where multi-density Skagits truly shine. Sinking your head below the surface chop dramatically slows your swing. Some of our favorite options for this are the RIO Pickpocket in F/I/S3, S3/S5/S7, OPST Commando Groove, and on longer rods, the Airflo F.I.S.T. There are fish to be caught in the high water. You just need to get your fly down to them and hang it in their face long enough to convince a grab.

Deschutes Trout

The weather did have an impact on the lower Deschutes, as well. The White River went from ~370 cfs to ~3700 cfs. The water from the confluence down to the mouth will definitely be some shade of off-color for a bit. That said, the Deschutes above the confluence of the White is looking much better.

A few different things happening in the bug department out there right now. BWO's, caddis and midges are the most abundant, but be prepared for some "others". There are a few skwalas and early March Browns out and about, too. Hope to get lucky and see a little surface activity, but it's predominantly going to be a nymph and streamer program until the flows go down a bit more. The elevated water is a great time to nymph fish with large/dark stonefly patterns! Dark leeches work great, too.

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com | GFS Fly Kits | Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Time to Get Salty - Limited Edition Sage Salt R8 and Enforcer! UPDATED

noreply@blogger.com (Gorge Fly Shop: Office) — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 14:49:00 +0000

UPDATE 3/11/2026: All remaining stock is now discounted on this Limited Edition Sage Salt R8 Grand Slam and Sage Limited Edition Enforcer Grand Slam Fly Reels

These things are hot, folks! In stock now, the limited edition Grand Slam Series of Salt R8 rods and Enforcer reels. Rods available in 9' 8, 9 and 11 weight. Enforcer reels in 7/8, 9/10 and 11/12. Get them individually or dial up a fully-custom outfit! The staff at Gorge Fly Shop has a lot of experience with these products. Here's the rundown:

Salt R8 Rods

"Easy-Casting" and "Saltwater Rod" are two things you don't often here together, but the Salt R8 broke the mold there! Let's face it. Most of us get to go on a flats trip once a year or less. It's always super windy and you will likely have to make some casts that are a bit out of your comfort zone. So many failed shots occur because it's difficult to deliver the fly in these demanding conditions. The Salt R8 truly excels by the fact that it's caster-friendly, but not wimpy. It will not turn an average angler into a super hero, but it does let most folks deliver in the wind. It has the low-end power you need, but is not so stout it barely bends. It casts well in close, but has the punch to send a long one. It's a great saltwater option for flats anglers of any experience level.

Enforcer Reels

This reel has been wildly successful for Sage. It's a sturdy build that can take a beating in a skiff or panga. They have a minutely adjustable drag system and ample backing capacity. For those that fish salt and do some spey fishing, the Enforcer balances out Spey rods extremely well. Many of these reels owned by the GFS staff have gone from the flats right onto Spey rods and back again! They nailed the aesthetic on the Grand Slam series. The details are great, but they're not gaudy. Very tastefully done!

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com | Join our Team | Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Grundens Boundary Zip: rugged feel without the stiffness: My Take

noreply@blogger.com (Gorge Fly Shop) — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 18:14:36 +0000

"I’ll be straight, I didn’t expect to like these as much as I do."

I have tried enough waders over the years to know how this usually goes. You put on something new, you want to like it, and then a few trips later you are back in whatever you trusted before.
That was not my experience with the Grundens Boundary Gore-Tex Zip Wader.

What got me to try them in the first place was simple. Grundens already has a reputation for rugged gear in the commercial fishing world, and that matters to me. When a company earns its stripes in that arena, I pay attention. I wanted that same “built for work” confidence in a zip wader that I could wear for trout and steelhead.

From the first step into the Boundary zip wader, I felt confident. It was new and different, but it did not feel like a gamble. The fit and movement felt natural right away. They move with you instead of against you. They feel rugged, but not stiff. That combination is hard to describe until you have it on your body for a full day of walking, climbing banks, kneeling down, and doing all the awkward stuff that comes with actually fishing.

One thing that surprised me is how protective they feel. Not in a bulky way, more like the material and build give you a little extra peace of mind. I also found them feeling warmer in cold trout water. I am not claiming they are insulated, it just felt like a better barrier than what I am used to.

I will be honest, I was not an automatic fan of the brown color. In photos it did not grab me. In real life, it makes more sense. The more I use them, the more natural they look in the environments I fish. They look better than pictures can capture, and they have grown on me fast.

After several days out in them, I do not even consider going back to other zip waders in the same class. That is the part that surprised me most. I expected “these are good.” I did not expect “these are what I reach for now.”

Boundary Zips are now my "go to". The fit, the feel, and the confidence let me worry less about protecting my investment, and let me enjoy the reason I wear waders in the first place.

Takeaway: If you want rugged without feeling boxed in, these are worth a real try.

Q: Are the Grundens Boundary Zips stiff like some heavy-duty waders?
A: In my experience, no. They feel rugged, but they move naturally when you walk and fish.

Q: Did the brown color grow on you?
A: Yes. I did not love it at first, but it looks more natural on the water than in photos.

Q: Why did you switch from other zip waders in the same class?
A: The fit and “confidence” factor. I spend less time thinking about the waders and more time fishing.

What else would you like to learn about? Leave a comment.
Buyers Guide to Waders

Greg Darling

Gorge Fly Shop Internet Sales Manager | Product Specialist

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

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Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - 3/3/26

noreply@blogger.com (Gorge Fly Shop: Office) — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:45:00 +0000

Winter Steelhead

It feels like we've been waiting for winter to materialize for a few months now, but it doesn't seem to be happening. Water levels have been up and down, but mostly down! We've got a little rain in the forecast, which will be great. We're already getting into winter steelhead crunch time. Call it approximately six good weeks to go. The abbreviated timeline certainly helps the angler to some degree. Many of the fish that haven't ran upriver yet will do so in the next few weeks. Water temps will likely be good and just getting better. Warmer water in the back half of the month definitely equates to snappier fish on the swing. It's easy to fish really hard during the first half of the winter and burn out, but a lot of the best fishing happens in the fourth quarter. Get out there and give it a try in the beautiful weather!

Deschutes Trout

Trout reports off the Deschutes have been quite good lately. It's been incredibly mild, and the water temperature is much more favorable than it could be in early March. The river is in great shape and things are happening! Kind of a little bit of everything in the bug department. B.W.O.'s and midges will remain strong contenders for a while, but there's some other activity, too. These warm days have spurred some early caddis. There's not a billion skwalas in the Deschutes, but there are definitely enough to carry some just in case. If nothing else, their nymphs will be getting active. Indicator fishing with a medium-sized stonefly and a smaller dropper (olive, midge caddis larva, etc) will work well. Keep the bigger stonefly going and change your dropper until you find the bug du jour. Stop and watch not and again in the afternoon. Sometimes the surface activity can be easy to miss if you're not actively looking for it.

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

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Veterans Backcountry Adventures Newsletter Spring 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Gorge Fly Shop) — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 19:38:00 +0000

Hope everyone’s doing well as we roll into a new year. This will be VBA’s third full season and we’re seriously fired up about the trips we’ve got lined up. If you haven’t already, please help us spread the word—share the website and encourage your buddies (folks you’re willing to vouch for) to sign up for the newsletter so we can keep growing and get more people out on the water.

For anyone new, have them sign up through the website, then email me directly at john@vbaor.org to get the password for the Upcoming Trips page. Just have them mention who’s vouching for them and how they’re connected to the community.

The website is now updated with the 2026 calendar. You’ll notice we’re offering fewer events this year. Unfortunately, we didn’t land the funding we were hoping for, so we had to scale things back a bit. That said, our spending strategy over the last couple of seasons really paid off—we’ve already got all the rafts, camping gear, and camp kitchen we need to run float trips. That means our main expenses moving forward are food and fishing tackle. Katie and I are actively working to find funding to help cover those gaps.

I also want to remind everyone that I’m always open to doing smaller, shorter trips. Anything from a day trip to a three- or four-night float. If I’m around, I’d be stoked to make something happen for you and a couple buddies or your family.

Lastly, 2025 was an awesome season for VBA. The level of participation was incredible and the support from our vendors was huge. Thank you to everyone who came out—it was so great seeing you all and meeting your families. I finally ran the numbers and realized we got 78 people on the water last year. Holy crap. That’s pretty amazing.

Tight Lines,

John Messenger

veteransbackcountryadventures

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

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Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - 2/13/26

noreply@blogger.com (Gorge Fly Shop: Office) — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 10:30:00 +0000

Winter Steelhead

Well, it finally rained! Not enough to blow out many systems, but plenty to motivate some fish movement. We're back in a little dry spell, but there is more precipitation coming in the near future. The forecast looks a little more normal for the next couple weeks which will certainly help the fishing.

Lots of rivers will be trending toward low/clear here for a few days, but that's not the end of the world. You can always go fishing when the water is low, and it can certainly make the fish a lot easier to find. They don't mind holding in shallow water when the river is steelhead green, but they definitely don't love to do that when the water is clear. Deeper buckets show up like a beacon and that's where you can expect to find the biters. In theoretically ideal conditions, they could be just about anywhere. Sometimes to the point that it gets in your head! That is a great thing about low/clear. The holding water is greatly reduced and it allows the angler to focus primarily on what deeper water with color is out there. It also reveals the details of spots you've caught fish before in higher water.

One other thing to keep in mind about winter fishing is that the window isn't that long compared to that of summer fish. Winters are on a rapid mission to get upriver and spawn. There isn't a long holding period. Hard to believe, but we only have a couple months left, give or take, of prime time. Go when you can and put the advantage of time with fly in the water in your favor. As things drop and clear, try some brighter flies. Pinks, reds and oranges can draw some pretty violent grabs in these conditions!

Deschutes Trout

There's some wintery weather coming soon. In the trout world, that means B.W.O.'s! Not sure why those bugs like crummy weather so much, but they really do. Some of the best B.W.O. fishing happens in the nastiest weather. Look for them to be rather active this coming week. Be prepared to imitate all stages of their life cycle. Nymph fishing will be the best option in the morning. Try a larger point fly with a small trailing fly to imitate the olive nymph. Tiny Pheasant Tails are a great choice. As you slide into the middle of the day, keep your eyes peeled for fish targeting bugs as they emerge. A few favorite patterns to match this stage are the Film Critic, Sparkle Flag and Sprout B.W.O. Look for the duns to be on the water sometime between noon and 2:00. Try a Double Vision or Parachute Extended Body B.W.O for this stage.

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

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Deschutes River Alliance Annual Auction 2026 - February 21st - Get Your Tickets

noreply@blogger.com (Gorge Fly Shop) — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 19:45:00 +0000

The annual Deschutes River Alliance Auction and Gathering is the best event to meet-up with friends, share stories and plan new adventures while helping raise critical-needed funds to help DRA’s efforts to protect and improve the lower Deschutes River.

What To Expect

— A crowd passionate about protecting the lower Deschutes River

— Enticing live auction packages only available at the event

— Golden Ticket Raffle: $100 each, only 100 tickets sold

— Robust silent auction All brought to you by our generous sponsors!

The DRA Auction live event is Saturday, February 21st, at The Redd on SE Salmon in Portland, Oregon.

Get Tickets

Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - 2/1/26

noreply@blogger.com (Gorge Fly Shop: Office) — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 05:30:00 +0000

Winter Steelhead

Well, we need some water. No way to sugar-coat the situation. It's been extremely dry for quite some time. It's definitely go time as we slide into February and there are some fish around, but you're going to have to either get pretty lucky or put in a fair amount of time for a fish. Coastal rivers will be a solid bet. Even when conditions are challenging with a relative lack of water, there are always some fish coming in off of the high tides. Fish movement is definitely slower further up the Columbia. With as dry as it's been, if we get a little rain and rivers go up even just a little, go fishing! One important thing to keep in mind with winter fish is that they are on a much more abbreviated timeline than summers. A little bit of rain can go a long way. Even if the bump only brings your river to the low side of good.

Be sure to be well-supplied with lighter sink tips and unweighted flies. Try some pinks, oranges and reds in the low clear water. Go before, during and after the next rain. Just go a lot if you can! The most successful winter steelheaders go as often as possible and find success through attrition.

Deschutes Trout

It's very abnormal, but you'd be hard-pressed to have more enjoyable weather on the Deschutes at this time of year. It's not getting very cold overnight, and the daytime highs in the extended forecast are in the 50's. It's just really nice in the desert country right now. If you're not a steelhead person or are tired of swinging your heart out with minimal activity, head east and go trout fishing. Pretty much any technique could be on the table throughout the course of a day. Look for nymphing and streamer fishing to be the most productive options. Kind of strange to say, but consider bringing sunscreen!

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

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"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - 1/16/25

noreply@blogger.com (Gorge Fly Shop: Office) — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 23:30:00 +0000

Winter Steelhead

Winter season is always a rollercoaster. The first part of this "winter", if you can even call it that, brought a tremendous amount of water and moved a bunch of fish. The bite area wide was pretty encouraging leading up to all the flooding and continued for a while when things dropped back in. This situation seems to come up often in the winter, but it's time to start hoping for rain again. Rivers from the coast through the Gorge have been on a long steady drop and it looks like that's going to continue for another week-ish. There are fish to be had, but they seem to be getting a little sparse for the time being in a lot of places. Look for the next bump to be productive. In the mean time, try some brighter sink tip flies on these beautiful sunny days!

Deschutes Trout

The Lower Deschutes is in great shape. Easy level to wade and the water temps are notably warmer than they could be at this time of year. That means there's some great trout fishing to be had! Nymphing with whatever method you prefer will be the most consistent way to go, but there are other options on the table. Hatches of BWO's and midges will be fairly consistent. Especially on cloudy days. You could even encounter some other bugs on these extra warm days.

If there is cloud cover, be sure to work a streamer into the program. Whether you're a Trout Spey person or prefer the single-hander, the streamer bite is not to be overlooked. It can be just outstanding and produce some of the larger fish in the river. The fly itself doesn't have to be that big, but your terminal tackle does! Call this a 1 or 2x fluorocarbon deal. The initial bite and surge from a big one can easily break lighter tippet.

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

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"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Fish it on the drop: a PNW winter playbook (2026)

noreply@blogger.com (Gorge Fly Shop) — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 10:00:00 +0000

“Winter teaches patience the hard way, then pays you back all at once.”

PNW winter playbook (short version)

Winter fishing in the Pacific Northwest is rarely tidy. Rivers spike, drop, spike again, and you can spend more time watching gauges than fishing. Still, there is a pattern that keeps showing up in our reports, and it is worth repeating because it actually helps.

Fish it on the drop.

When a river crests and starts to fall, fish move. The water is still high enough to give them confidence, but it is clearing and settling. That window is where a lot of “it finally happened” days come from. If you only remember one thing from this, remember that.

North Coast winter steelhead

A typical winter setup on the coast is high water that is slowly coming back into shape. When multiple systems are blown out, a couple will often become fishable first. If you are trying to pick your moment, the drop is the moment.

Previous year’s theme in our reports was simple: people are catching fish, but it may take more work than last season. That is not a complaint, it is just the reality some winters. You earn them. Swinging flies and fishing beads under an indicator can both work. Indicators often hook more fish. The grab on the swing still hits different.

The main advice stays boring, and that is why it works. Be persistent. Keep the fly in the zone. Revisit the holds you trust. Move through water with intention instead of rushing to the next “new” spot.

Deschutes River winter trout

The Deschutes can fish surprisingly well in January and February if the clarity is decent. Trout stack into normal winter holding water and they will eat nymphs throughout the day. They are not always charged up like summer fish, but they do not stop feeding.

A standard two-fly nymph rig is a staple. European-style nymphing shows up in our notes for a reason, it keeps the drift clean and the flies in the lane. On the tippet side, the report mentioned a simple approach that has worked: heavier to the lead fly, lighter to the dropper.

One thing I still agree with, even if it sounds dramatic, is that winter trout season gets overlooked. It is quieter. Fish see fewer flies. If you like having water to yourself, winter on the Deschutes can feel like a gift.

A note on Deschutes steelhead in late winter

This matters enough to say plainly. When Deschutes steelhead are heading toward spawning mode, leave them alone. Even if something is technically allowed, that does not automatically make it the right move. Let them do what they need to do so there are future generations to chase.

Hood River winter steelhead

The Hood often has a later rhythm than some other places. When a slow start is present - with a handful of fish showing, then a more consistent push later in the season. That is a normal story line. If you are committed to the Hood, plan on timing and persistence, not instant results.

The year-round reality, in one pass

We have a lot of water around the Gorge, which means there is almost always something to fish. The hard part is choosing the right thing for the conditions and the time of year.

Quick Read: Steelhead Fishing Tips - Winter

Late winter into early spring is prime time to lean into two lanes: coast steelhead when the rivers are dropping into shape, and Deschutes trout when the clarity cooperates. If you want to keep it simple, do that. You will learn more by committing to a plan than by trying to sample everything in one weekend.

Good luck out there.

Takeaway: When you are stuck between going and waiting, watch the drop, then go.

Q: What does “fish it on the drop” actually mean?

A: It means focusing your effort after the river peaks and starts to fall. That period often brings improved clarity and better movement, without turning the river into low, spooky water.

Q: In winter, should I fish steelhead under an indicator or swing flies?

A: Both can work. Indicators tend to produce more hookups for many anglers. Swinging can be slower, but the grab is hard to beat. Pick the method you will fish well all day.

Q: Why do you say not to target Deschutes steelhead when they are nearing spawning?

A: Because protecting the spawn protects the future fishery. Even if something is technically allowed, that does not make it a good choice.

Are you ready for Winter?

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com | GFS Fly Kits | Contact Us

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BONEFISHING FLATS OF HAWAI'I = EATING CAKE WITHOUT FROSTING.

noreply@blogger.com (Gorge Fly Shop: Office) — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 18:14:00 +0000

Hawai'i Sunsets from the house. Who could ever get tired of this?

I'm not totally a rookie when it comes to fly fishing for bonefish. I've caught a few in Mexico, but it has been a loooong time ago, and only a few. So in my honesty, I consider myself a "Rookie". Now, fast forward to a couple weeks ago, I'm on a Hawaiian flat and trying to catch a Bonefish.

Wow, what can I say, other than...it's a legit challenge. Anyone who's ever fished the flats of Oahu on their own trying to DIY quickly understands that it's no joke. Considered by many experienced bonefish fisherman, to be some of the spookiest bones on the planet, I can concur! For me, 100% of the time, they saw me before I saw them.

Now, I do like a challenge, that's why I opted the DIY route this time around. That and the fact that I didn't have free reign to fish all day, everyday, while we were in Hawaii. We had family time, my wife ran a marathon with 43,000 of her running friends, we had a Pearl Harbor tour, you get the picture. I set aside at least three times to fish and just had to go regardless of the tides or conditions.

My first encounter of seeing the "Heineken" green color flash, set me up for failure. I was advised when looking for Bonefish that are almost invisible that if you see a "Heineken Green Colored Flash" that that was a Bonefish. I had been slowly and painstakingly shimmying my way along the flat as to make as little to no noise as possible. At times even just standing in one spot without moving for twenty - thirty minutes. Felt like forever. Just combing the area, and waiting, then waiting some more. Then out of now where I see the flash, coming at me and just to the left side about 10 yards away.

I was prepared for the moment. I had been waiting, had my line stripped off the reel, holding the fly in my off hand, ready to let go, then sweep into my back cast, and with one false cast sending it to the target. For months, every thing I had read or seen on YouTube had taught me to lead these fish a good bit. So I did, I cast about 8 - 10 yards in front of the Heineken green flash and low and behold, I cast right on top of the other 4 to 6 bones that were traveling with that Heineken, single flash that I thought was a single. Ended up being a 6-pack that I never saw and...GONE! I never saw the other fish while combing the area, only that one green flash. I wonder how many fish I actually scared off that I had no clue were there? Probably better off that I don't know.

Those fish were GONE. When I say GONE, I mean GONE! As they went their separate ways at Mach speed, one of them broke off towards me and swam right broadside in front of me, I could almost have touched him. It seemed like he was swimming in slow motion, looking up at me with that big beaty eye as if to say... "not today, nope...not today!" He was HUGE. Of course he was, why wouldn't he be? I'm sure he gave me the stanky eye as he glided by. I will forever remember the size of him as he stared me down while gliding by.

I was shaking in my Korkers Salt Sneakers, that by the way are awesome, and super comfortable. I highly recommend them. It took me a better part of 30 minutes to calm down. My heart was pounding, I was talking to myself, out loud, nobody cared, I was by myself out in the middle of this flat. Who cares! It was awesome! I had never seen a bonefish that big. My estimation (we will never know if I am right or not, but it's my story) was he was 7 or 8 pounds, maybe even bigger, definitely not smaller.

Hawaii is famous for big bones. Many are caught in the double digit size. My understanding is that the average fish is around 6-7 pounds. The largest bonefish recorded being caught was a stunning 18 pounds 2 ounces back in 1954. Don't cha just wish?! Imagine catching a Bonefish, nearly 20 pounds, that's massive.

So, now I'm keyed on the the Heineken color. Didn't see another Heineken color flash until the third day of fishing. Again, it was only one flash and again, it was GONE! Not even a chance to make a cast. I believe, due to the tide height, in all my rookieness (sp is horrendous, but I don't care), I was wading too deep and as superb as their eyesight is, I'm sure he/him/her/she/they/them spotted me before I spotted it/them. Anyway, GONE!

I wouldn't know personally, but having a second rod ready to go is essential, things can happen fast on the flats, is the rumor on the streets. So, I was ready!

To pursue these ghost of the flats beast, I was set up about as sweetly as you can get. I took two Winston Air 2 Max rods, one, a 9' 8wt and the other, a 9' 9wt. What an absolute dream it was to cast these rods. I would fish these rods anywhere on the planet in the appropriate application. I do a lot of cycling and there's a feeling you get when your in your groove, you feel like a machine. This is what it was like casting the Air 2 Max. I felt like a machine, just in the rhythm of it all.

One the first day of fishing the tide was higher than I would have liked and I mostly blind casted. Meaning, I didn't physically see any Bonefish, but covered lots of water by casting and retrieving. My strategy while blind casting was to send the cast as far as possible, strip the fly back in and send it again. Covering as much water as possible. I didn't count how many cast I'd made that day but it was hundreds. I may be under exaggerating.

A Needle Fish attacked my shrimp pattern, what a weird catch. Although I was intrigued by him and looked him over well, those teeth (which you can't see in this photo) are no joke!

My blind casting strategy lacked in results of bonefish, however I was able to catch a couple of fish pictured above and below. I've seen photos of Needlefish, but to actually catch one was kind of crazy. They like to spastically jump around and you have to be careful, their teeth are for real, and you don't want to get cut by their teeth and start bleeding. I mean, you're in the ocean, blood in the ocean is no bueno. Holding that fish felt like I was holding...an alien!

Then this cute little fella, a baby Blue Fin Trevally. Would have loved to catch his great grand dad.

I actually had tons of little fish follow my shrimp patterns to my feet as I stripped them in. Looked like lots of baby bonefish and baby Blue Fin Trevally. They weren't scared or spooked from me to say the least. I imagine they felt pretty safe around me because anything of any size that would eat them would be pretty spooked by me. So I was their "safe space" haha. Plus, as I shuffled my feet, I'm sure I was kicking up things they like to eat.

Bauer SLT 9/11 Reel and the one and only Winston Air2 Max 990-4. A sweet combo!

The combo of the Winston Air 2 Max and the Bauer SLT 9/11 reel was a match made for success. Even though on this trip I didn't hook any bones, I know for sure, had I did, I would've been in control. I have absolutely no complaints about this set up. Wait, I guess if you want me to complain about something that is so excellent, it would be that the Bauer SLT reel would have been slightly sweeter on the rod if it was Green. Green, would have matched the "Winston Green" beautifully. That's it. That's my only complaint. In even saying that, I do love the Blue/Silver color too.

As you can see in the photo above, I'm already about knee deep and only a few yards off the beach.

Pictured above was a massive flat that I fished on the second day. Although it was nice to have a calm flat with some sunshine, I felt that I was wading too deep to easily see the fish. I would have liked to fish this flat as the tide just started to come in. There are a few channels that I feel the fish would have come up through as they scattered over the flat. On this day, I had four separate encounters with Bones. But as I stated earlier, they were on their way and not slowing down by the time I saw them. This specific flat was recommended by my friend Jeremiah, our Scientific Anglers rep, who had fish this flat and had encounters with bonefish before. I could see why. It's an awesome flat with a huge area to fish.

Another view of the flat just yards off the beach, again, I would have loved to had fished it at the start of the tide coming in after the low tide.

I worked my way to the edge of the flat which took me about 3-4 hours due to fishing so slowly. Pictured below is the "Edge" which was pretty cool. Deep water and just a straight drop off. I combed the edge for awhile hoping to see some Blue Fin Trevally, but I never saw anything other than little reef fish. I made a fair number of blind cast to try and get lucky, but came up short.

Worked my way to the edge of the flats. Kind of freaky standing at the edge and then it just drops off! I fished the edge for anything that would eat, but I had no takers. They must of been on diets.

MY GEAR DUMP LIST:

RODS

Winston Air 2 Max: 890-4 and 990-4 - In my humble opinion, probably the best casting, performing, saltwater rod on the market today. Not that there aren't other top notch rods on the list because there are, these just marry with my casting style and paired with the right lines, was an absolute pleasure to fish with. I'm not a super techy guy, in the sense of the science behind the rod. I am very thankful for those designers who are though. Without their skillset, I wouldn't have enjoyed the rod nearly as much. If it feels right, I fish right. In other words, I'm in the right frame of mind when my cast and presentation are right...and with these rods, their right as rain!

REELS

Bauer SLT 9/11 - Outstanding reel, built very well, with super smooth drag system.
Galvan Grip 8 - Honestly, for a sealed saltwater reel and for the money you can't go wrong with this gem.
Tibor Signature 9/10 - (I love this real, but almost impossible to get)

FLY LINES

Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth Grand Slam WF8F

Casted like a dream on the Winston Air 2 Max. Loaded easily, turned over the larger shrimp flies with ease! Great match for the rod.

RIO Elite Bonefish WF8F

Cast extremely well on the Air 2 Max, especially for the smaller shrimp patterns.

RIO Bonefish Quickshooter WF8F

A little heavier than the standard RIO Bonefish line, but was very nice when trying to cast in the windier conditions with the larger flies.

RIO Elite Flats Pro WF9F

The perfect line match up for the 9wt Air 2 Max and throwing baitfish patterns on the edge of the flat. Even though I didn't catch anything, the line loaded the rod right and delivered the flies at distance.

LEADERS & TIPPET

FOOTWEAR:

Korkers Salt Sneaker Wading Boots - I have foot issues, and these sneakers were amazing. As I mentioned earlier they are Super Comfortable and super light. Never had a single issue with the boots nor my feet hurting after all day of fishing. I fished in and around some pretty gnarly coral and the boots only had a few scratches. Super happy with them. If I still played hoops, I'd consider wearing them no joke!

**Note on Salt Sneaker Sizing: These run bigger than you think. I am a true 13.5 foot and had to order size 13 and they fit PERFECT.

Korkers 2.5mm I-Drain Wading Socks - The perfect size for flats fishing in almost 80 degree water. Comfortable and kept nearly all the sand out of my boots.

GEAR BAGS:

Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack - This was the perfect pack for several reasons. I was able to get most of my Hawaii clothes in this backpack (in case my luggage was lost), my laptop, snacks, chargers and a few other small items. It fit nicely under the seat in front of me.
Fishpond 31" Dakota Carry-On Rod & Reel Case - Admittedly, I was nervous that I wouldn't actually be able to carry this thing on the plane. It had the essentials for fishing the flats and I didn't want it to lose it as a "check in item." But, I was happy that I did. No one questioned the size or the ability to carry it on. I put two nine foot rods, could've held more, three reels, three spare fly lines, sunglasses, Fishpond Rod Holster, leaders & tippet and more in this case with ease. Anything that had to do with fishing that wasn't considered "hazardous" was in this carry on. All of my "hazardous" gear, pliers, nippers, flies, knife, etc, was in our one family check in bag.

Key Take Away:
If you DIY Oahu bonefishing, expect to get humbled and enjoy the moments anyway.

Pearl Harbor tour of the USS Arizona - A personal highlight for my trip. Having served in the Navy, I got emotional as I stood over the U.S.S. Arizona, realizing that it still holds the remains of 900-1100 Sailors and Marines. In addition, there is still oil seeping out from the ship which sank December of 1941. Eighty Four years later and still leaking oil. I was a wreck. In the museum there is a quote on the wall that reads and is so true.

"Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them."- President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Bill of Rights Day, November 27, 1941.

Guide or No Guide? - Definitely hire a local guide. Although I had a blast fishing the flats on my own unsuccessfully. I will definitely hire a local guide the next time I'm in Oahu. For obvious reasons I listed above but also for the sake of supporting someone trying to make a living by doing something they love. Hearing their stories. Getting to know them, and in the future, recommending them to others.

Gear wise, I wouldn't change a thing. My gear was dialed.

Clothes wise, I could have left behind half the clothes I brought, especially with access to a washing machine. Literally brought clothes I never touched.

Though I was able to have five encounters with these huge bonefish during the time I fished, I never caught nor even hooked one. Yet, I was an emotional mess. Heart pounding, nervous, excited, heart sinking, disappointed and beaten, yet ready to do it all over again.

To me, I was having cake everyday, just without frosting.

Takeaway:

Thanks for reading.

GFS Team

John G.

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com | GFS Fly Kits | Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - January 5, 2026

noreply@blogger.com (Gorge Fly Shop: Office) — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 05:00:00 +0000

Winter Steelhead

Is there anything better than hooking the first winter fish of the season!? Even just hearing about a few being caught is enough to pump up the crowd around here. The back-to-back Atmospheric Rivers certainly did a lot of re-arranging throughout the Pacific Northwest. New channels formed. Some shallow spots became deep....and some deep spots shallow. Lots of trees and rocks moved. It was a real series of events!

On to the point....are there fish around? There sure are! Consider it go time from here on out. Go early and go often. There's rain in the forecast, but not the catastrophic amounts that we've already seen. One huge positive has been the temps. It's been on the warmer side which definitely helps keep the water temps up. This always helps in the winter. Get your sink tips and flies in order if you haven't already. This is going to be a great week to give it a try.

Deschutes Trout

This is such a wonderful time of year to trout fish on the Deschutes. Keep your eyes on the gauges and try to avoid and big flow spikes or drops. The trout prefer things to be steady in those two departments, and changes either way can put them off the bite. Water temps have been in the low-to-mid 40's, which should have fish sitting in softer winter lies. Call it predominately a nymph and streamer game with the possibility of some afternoon BWO fishing. The bugs should be present to some degree every day, but surface activity will be variable. The huge bonus of fishing the Deschutes at this time of year is the solitude. You can have large stretches of the river all to yourself.....and some really good trout fishing!

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com | GFS Fly Kits | Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Holiday Hours & A Thank-You From Gorge Fly Shop

noreply@blogger.com (Gorge Fly Shop) — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 18:31:00 +0000

As the year winds down and the days get shorter, we just want to take a moment to say thank you.

Whether you stopped by the shop, placed an online order, called with a “quick question” that turned into a full rigging session, or simply followed along with our gear updates and seasonal reports... your support keeps this place moving. We’re grateful for every conversation at the counter, every river story shared, and every opportunity to help you get outfitted for the next day on the water.

The holidays are also a time for us to reset, spend time with family, and come back ready for the next season. If you’re planning a last-minute pickup, need help dialing in a gift, or want to sneak in one more order before the celebrations, here are our holiday shop hours:

Holiday Hours
Dec 24: 9:30–2
Dec 25: Closed
Dec 31: 9:30–4
Jan 1: Closed
Online Shopping: 24/7

If you reach out while we’re closed, no worries we’ll get back to you as soon as we’re back in the shop.

From all of us at Gorge Fly Shop, thank you for choosing our small, independent fly shop to be part of your fishing life. We truly appreciate your trust, your business, and your continued support.

Wishing you a safe, warm holiday season and a fresh start to the New Year. May your knots hold, your drifts be clean, and your next fish be the one you remember.

From our family to yours,
The entire Gorge Fly Shop Team

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com | GFS Fly Kits | Contact Us

Holiday Hours: Dec 24 9:30–4 | Dec 25 Closed | Dec 31 9:30–4 | Jan 1 Closed

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Winter Steelhead Prep List - Are You Ready?

noreply@blogger.com (Gorge Fly Shop: Office) — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:48:00 +0000

A Quick Gear Check Before Winter Steelhead Season

In some years, the transition from summer to winter steelhead can be almost seamless. This season, a series of Atmospheric Rivers across the PNW has hit the pause button—but it looks like we’re only a week or so away from rivers dropping back into shape.

That makes this the perfect window to go through your gear and make sure everything is dialed for the months ahead. A little preparation now pays off when conditions finally line up.

Here’s a simple checklist to jog your memory.

Clothing

You fish longer when you’re warm. Take a hard look at the basics: blown-out heels in your favorite socks, gloves full of holes, or rain jackets that have seen better days. Check the status of jacket number one and the backup. It may not cool off next week, but winter is coming—get your layers and rain-gear sorted now.

Socks and gloves: no holes, good grip
Rain jacket: primary plus backup
Wading layers: clean, dry, warm
Bag extras: hat, neck gaiter, spare layer

Tippet

This is one area where being proactive really matters. If your heavier spools of Maxima have been through countless wet/dry cycles and plenty of sun exposure, it’s time to start fresh. Tippet is an easy thing to overlook, but it’s a critical link to the fish—and one you don’t want to gamble on.

Replace old, sun-baked, or cycled tippet
Check for nicks and stiffness
Restock your core sizes

Hooks

Like tippet, this isn’t a category to skimp on. Carry plenty of new hooks and check them after every snag. If it won’t stick in your thumbnail, swap it out. When swinging for winter steelhead, opportunities are limited even on good days. Fishing sharp, fresh hooks simply leads to more solid hook-ups and landed fish.

Carry fresh hooks you actually use
Check after snags
If it will not stick to your thumbnail, swap it

Backing

You may not see your backing often, but when you do, it matters—a lot. If you’re running Dacron and it’s been on the reel for years, consider replacing it. Dacron holds water and eventually degrades after repeated wet/dry cycles. Even with newer backing, it’s smart to peel some off and check for binding or damage from your last big battle.

Another solid upgrade is switching to gel-spun backing. It absorbs less water, offers far better abrasion resistance, and while it costs a bit more, it’s absolutely worth it.

Old Dacron: replace if aged
Pull some off and check for fray or binds
Check backing knots and connections
Consider gel-spun for durability

Sink Tips

Step one: find them all. Some of those heavy winter sink tips may not have seen daylight in a while. Inspect each one for cracks, damaged loops, or wear. And if you’re missing a few you “loaned out” last season, now’s the time to replace them.

Confirm lengths and grains
Check loops and coating for damage
Replace missing tips
Pack one spare of your primary, go-to tip

Running Line

Yet another critical link in the system. If you’re fishing a coated running line, check for cracks, worn loops, and loss of slickness. Mono shooting lines should be inspected for kinks or nicks—the kind of small issues that turn into big frustrations on the water.

Inspect coated running lines for cracks, worn loops, and reduced slickness.
Check mono shooting lines for kinks, nicks, or other damage.
Replace or repair any issues now to avoid frustration on the water.

If you’re unsure about the condition of any of your gear, stop by the shop or give us a call. We’re always happy to help you take a quick look and get things dialed before the rivers come back into shape.

Before you call it ready, give the small stuff a quick once-over. Replace any leader sections that are nicked or curly, and check swivels, rings, clips, and loop-to-loop connections for wear. Top off your winter fly box with sharp, rust-free hooks, and make sure your boxes still latch tight.

Quick “Do This Tonight” Mini List

Replace tippet and hooks
Inspect running line and sink tips
Check drag and backing connections
Restock one winter fly box
Charge phone - set alarm(s)

For safety and comfort, inspect boots and studs, gravel guards, and wading staff essentials. Finally, test your reel drag for smooth start-up, tighten anything loose, and rinse and dry your gear so it is ready when the rivers drop.

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com | GFS Fly Kits | Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Columbia Gorge Fishing Report - December 16, 2025

noreply@blogger.com (Gorge Fly Shop: Office) — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 01:00:00 +0000

Winter Steelhead

Well, this pretty much sums up the current situation! The die-hards are super itchy to hunt for the first winter fish of the season, but aside from a few very brief windows, rivers have been out. Locally, we're predicted to see another 1-2" of rain tonight and more on the way later in the week. It's going to be pretty difficult to find any fishable water from the coast out to the eastern edge of the range of winter fish. All the high water will definitely move some fish around and it should be good when things finally drop.....but it may be a bit! It's going to be a good week to prep gear for the season ahead. Check your backing, sink tips, hooks, etc. Patch up your leaky waders. Replace your warm socks with the heels blown out. It's hard for steeheaders to sit on their hands at this time of year, but the prep work is never regretted when it's go time.

Deschutes Trout

Wish I could say there was a sunnier outlook on the Deschutes for this coming week, but if the predictions hold, it's going to get pretty big. Sometimes these giant systems coming in off the ocean lose most of their moisture before getting to the east side of the Cascades, but this one is giant. It's going to rain quite a bit out east, too. It takes a lot of water to make the Deschutes go up 5k+ in a short period of time, and it looks like we're going to get it. Look for the river to drop back down toward average flows before you give it a try again.

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com | GFS Fly Kits | Contact Us

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Callum's Gift Guide: 5 Picks I Actually Fish (2025/2026)

noreply@blogger.com (Gorge Fly Shop: Office) — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 14:28:00 +0000

No catalog fluff here—I’ve put this gear through real days on the water. If you're hunting for the right gift for someone who swings flies, hikes the banks, or chases steelhead after work, this is your best starting point.—Callum

1) Sage R8 Spey

"Intuitive power, effortless distance."

"This is one of the best recent spey series Sage has launched. They realized that there isn't one specific action that is perfect for every fishery or scenario. Breaking the series into 4 distinct categories: switch, lightweight line speed, max versatility, and most powerful, allowed them to refine the taper to better suit particular fisheries. I've had the pleasure of fishing the 6130-4 in the lightweight line speed and the 8130-4 in the max versatility. The 6130-4 is a summer steelhead killer. I have loved fishing this rod with a Scientific Anglers Scandi on the Deschutes this summer. It has no problem throwing your smallest hair wings to the bushiest skaters into the lovely "W" that always seems to be around on the D. The 8130-4, while being the max versatile category, has been a winter workhorse for me. Paired with a shorter Skagit head, this rod will throw T-"Whatever" and a beefy intruder with ease.

Notes: "The granite colorway of the Spey II reel is a perfect match for this series."

Why is this gift worthy:

Beautiful classic aesthetic
Usable power and feel
Thin fore and ergonomic rear grip are my favorite in the industry

Who's it for: "The spey angler that likes to have their cake and eat it too. Perfect mix of feel and performance."

2) Galvan Swing Reel

"When a fish of a lifetime is on the line, this is the reel you want to answer the call."

"Galvan is a fly reel manufacturer that is synonymous with durability and reliability. The Swing Series Spey Reel is no exception. Hands down, one of the best-made, purpose-built, dedicated spey reels available. The reel checks all the boxes: USA-made, Full Cage, fantastic backing capacity, bomber drag system, and no frills aesthetic. From the trout spey 2-3 to the 10+, there is a size swing reel that will be perfect for any spey rod setup."

Notes: "The 8-9 size is great on any rod 13ft and longer, regardless of the weight of the rod."

Why is this gift worthy:

Build quality that will last multiple lifetimes
Great sound
Maintenance-free drag

3) Echo Glass Spey

"Glass rods just want to have fun."

"I initially thought the Echo Glass Spey would be fun to fish for the novelty factor of fishing with a glass spey rod. I was blown away because not only are they fun to cast, but they also performed extremely well. The 6wt crushed it this summer season on the Deschutes. Paired with a 420-gr Scientific Anglers Scandi Lite, I never felt like I was missing out on casting distance. This rod also performed extremely well when fighting fish. The S2 glass blank allows you to maintain constant pressure without worrying about pulling a hook on a hot fish. Perfect gift for any angler who loves casting spey rods and chasing feisty fish.

Notes: "One thing to keep in mind for the six and seven-weight rods is that they need to be paired with a heavy reel(16oz+) to balance out these rods."

Why is this gift worthy:

Rod action that puts a smile on your face
Surprisingly high line speed
Unique

Whose this for: "Perfect gift for any angler who loves casting spey rods and chasing feisty fish."

4) Thunderhead backpack

"Perfect size for all your essential gear."

"Regardless of season or conditions, the Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack is one piece of gear that I don't leave without. When luck favors the prepared, this pack allows me to cover all my bases. It has plenty of room for all my terminal tackle, water, snacks, "Uisge Beatha" and spare jacket/clothes for the unexpected swim or weather change. Being fully waterproof gives me the peace of mind that my gear will stay dry on those grey, damp days or running through rapids... as long as I remember to close the zipper. Being a Fishpond product, Fishpond accessories like Quickshot 2.0 or Net Holster integrate seamlessly with the pack, allowing the wearer to tailor their pack to their fishery's needs.

Notes: "NewStream fabric that is made from 100% recycled single-use water bottles"

Why is this gift worthy:

Integrates with Fishpond chest packs
Submersible
Will work as a dry bag for rafting

Whose this for: "Anyone who spends time out in the elements who likes keeping their gear dry."

5) Predator Puck

"Perfect way to store a handful of intruders, streamers or larger saltwater patterns."

"The beauty in swinging for Steelhead is that you don't need a lot of gear with you. A handful of flies, a couple of tips, and an optimistic attitude are all you need for a successful outing. When standing in a run, this puck is a perfect way to store your intruders. Holds more than enough flies for a given outing while being able to store them in a wide range of pockets. While I use this for Winter steel, any angler who throws big, meatier flies will enjoy this puck for storing and organizing their flies.

Fishpond Predator Pucks and fly kits
Notes: "Pucks stack and snap together for greater organization."

Why is this gift worthy:
A gift that won't break the bank.
Great stocking stuffer
Keep other small items organized, like indicators, split shot, and swivels.

Who's it for: "Great for spey anglers, who are impossible to shop for because they have everything already."

Whether you're gearing up for winter swings, stuffing stockings, or looking for a gift that will actually get used on the water, these picks won’t steer you wrong. Every item here has been fished hard, trusted, and proven worthy. If you need help dialing in the perfect choice, our team is always here to talk gear, rigs, and rivers.

— The Gorge Fly Shop Team

"The Gorge"

Gorge Fly Shop Team - 541.386.6977

GorgeFlyShop.com | Contact our Team