ROARING FORK GUIDE SERVICE NEWSLETTER – SPRING-SUMMER 2013
Spring Greetings 2013 Newsletter
John Gross – Roaring Fork Guide Service – 2013 Newsletter
As a relatively mild winter melts into spring, it‘s time to start formulating plans for outdoor adventures including spring & summer fishing. I just took a peak at the early numbers for Summer Steelhead and Spring Chinook observed migrating over the Falls at Oregon City on the main Willamette River. Though I’m not a huge fan of relying strictly on statistics, we certainly can identify patterns and utilize the numbers as a useful tool in planning where and when to commit specific angling efforts. It is notable that as of April 3, both Summer Steelhead and Spring Chinook counts at Willamette Falls are well ahead of the typical numbers historically recorded over the years. Are they huge and do they represent a monster run on the Willamette System for 2013? Definitely not. They do however suggest that in the absence of an extremely wet spring, Chinook and Steelhead fishing on the Santiam, Middle Fork Willamette and McKenzie Rivers may well get a bit of a jump start this season compared to the average year. The numbers may suggest that our migratory runs could filter into the upper systems several weeks earlier than normal. I can even think back to another early run in yester-year when we were catching Spring Chinook on the McKenzie River in the last week of April. This was certainly an anomaly, but it has happened. I’m not suggesting that I will be booking guided trips for McKenzie salmon in April, but come May, I will probably be poking around, certainly on the Santiam and elsewhere in hopes of finding some early arrivals.
The question that comes up frequently regarding early runs, is what causes our anadromous fish to arrive earlier some years if it’s not an indication of a larger impending run of fish? The answer: environmental conditions. River flow rates and water temperatures are far greater factors controlling migration than is the date on the calendar. In years with lower than normal winter and spring rainfall and below average snow pack, we generally see our runs migrating earlier in the season. Conversely, in years with super big flows and high river levels in spring, the onset of migration is later and the rate of migration is slower as the fish have to fight against the heavy current in making their way back to natal streams. Huge snow packs can also mean lower river temperatures. Last year, the temperature of the Willamette River at the Falls on April 3 was 48 degrees. This year it was 58. That 10 degree difference is huge to a salmon. Once the river temperature reaches the magic 54 degree mark, a salmon’s metabolism is elevated as is the general “comfort level” of the fish. Simply put, a salmon will migrate faster and farther in 54 degree water than at 48 degrees.
The point of all this talk about “conditions” is to suggest that you might want to begin this year’s fishing plans a tad earlier than usual. Unless we suddenly get a tremendous amount of rain in April, May and early June, I foresee more early-arriving fish this season than in years with average or above average rainfall. Both snow pack and rainfall are currently below average, and that may not change. Even if it does, we may have a prolonged season that simply starts earlier. A longer season just means more weeks of potential hook-ups; not a bad thing.
Typically, the months of June and July offer the best local opportunity for salmon while our steelhead season can begin in earnest in May and continue through fall. Because the fish have begun migrating earlier than usual this year, we may well have some decent local fishing in mid to late May. My home river, the McKenzie, also offers a great opportunity for summer trout fishing to complement the splendid scenery. Supplemental plantings of hatchery trout mixed in with the natives, help to insure pretty consistent action and some exciting moments on these feisty scrappers, even for a first-time fly fisher. For group trips, I work with a number of other guides on outings requiring multiple boats. A guided fishing trip can truly make a unique and wonderful experience that leaves lasting memories. If you are looking for a very special gift for Father’s Day, birthdays, graduation or a unique adventure for out-of-town guests, look no farther. For more information visit our website at: www.oregonfishingtrips.com
