Anyone hear when or if the Methow may re open for steelhead this fall?

Waiting to hear when it opens, as well.... Little late this year.

I attended the round table meeting by WDFW a few weeks ago in Brewster. They mentioned opening it a little later this year (mid Oct.), closing it during the winter, and re-opening it for Feb. and March. The overall numbers are about the same as last year with a little higher percentage of hatchery fish that they want removed from the river.

Thanks, CM!

That hurts swinging with a floating line...

By the way there is a great place to stay right on the Methow River. www.chelanconcierge.com
has a cabin we stayed at last year. There is a trail right down to the river. They are only one mile from downtown Pateros. Hunting or Fishing this Cabin is in the right place. We fly-fished for steelhead in a pool just down from the cabin and limited everyday. They were great people to work with. You need to book early to get the cabin, you won't be disappointed. I think their number was 509.228.8323.

DH, will 2 weeks difference in opening make that much of a difference or does your comment refer to the river being closed in the middle of the season? Also would you share a little info?, are you skating flies on the surface or just swinging wets? What patterns would you recommend? I have an idea on what wets to use but haven't skated much so am ignorant on what patterns to use. Am going to tie my own.

Katmai Guy,

The later in the season, the colder the weather and water temperature. Floating line fly fishing is best when the water temperature is 50*F and above. Every degree colder and the odds of getting a steelhead to take a surface presentation go down, way down. Water temps are generally below 50 by the end of Oct.

As for fly patterns, nothing could be easier. Size 6 and 8 Spade for a wet fly, and dry/skaters in size 6 and 8; Waller Waker, October caddis, Bomber, etc. I have a swing leaf wet fly box that contains little else besides Spades.

Sg

Gracias

Kalmai, sg pretty well nailed it. Depends what the weather does, When the temps are right it is one of steelheading's more simpler pleasures to swing a floating line with a small black fly. Those fish love it...

Can't wait! Now, if WDFW will give us more than a couple of days notice, things will be good. Getting set up to tie some bugs in a few minutes. Thanks again

I love that fishery. nothing like hooking a summer run on a crisp October morning with gorgeous scenery all around you.

Here it comes! See you there next weekend! Just received the E-mail from WDFW.

Heading up there this weekend.... If anyone's going to be up there and willing to help with a flip, shoot me a pm.

Yo Bean Roaster.... I might be heading over Thursday or Friday and stay thru Monday. Get at me in the next few days!

Everyone, be sure to bring your own rock!

I have a back yard full of rocks. Just saying, if anyone needs one.

No kiddin' Salmo...without a doubt the most crowded fishery I've ever been a part of. No [Bleeeeep!], like Reiter crowded. But that was right after they reopened it after many years of closure.

Vedder and I have a hunting trip over there in early November and we'll probably "fish a couple beats". Prettiest valley in the state IMHO.

Ike

You cats might as well not even make the long trip over mountain passes and lots of road construction, not to mention the price of gas and all the ticks, rattlesnakes, Manbearpig sightings, cougars, and wolves, Besides, the floods and winds will keep the river unfishable till at least December.

Numbers over Wells are looking pretty slim this year. An old Fly Guide friend out of Brewster back in the 80"s said not to even bother making the trip unless they were counting 100 day over the dam. Numbers down also up the Snake/Clearwater/G.R. Methow still a beautiful place to be.