The 2010 steelhead run is well ahead of schedule and the counts are well above the 10 year average.  My kids and I have been catching some really nice, bright 10 lb keepers as well as the standard 5 lb early season A run fish right here at the Snake Clearwater confluence since the start of August. These fish will soon be headed up the Grande Ronde River towards our waiting drift boat. I have over half of the fall season already booked, so if this is your year to go, please make contact soon.

        

Another great week smallmouth fishing on the Grande Ronde with lots of smallies on the surface fly.  One particular trip this week was constant topwater action with the mighty mouse for two advanced gr steelhead fishers.  At the end of the 13 mile 10 hour float, and about 40 fish, they were worked over hard, sore hands and sholders, but still wanting one more cast with the mouse in the dark.  Last smallmouth report for two weeks.  Spending next week chasing salmon on the upper big c.  fish fish fish

        

The Grande Ronde has been fishing well for my clients the last 10 days now.  Surface action in the sticks has been the hot ticket to the good fish we all look for.  You can find lots of "nursery" size fish in the easy to read pockets and seams, but the bigger fish are on the edges. A precisely cast mighty mouse or popper has been deadly. Lots of 1 and 2 pound fish everyday day with a 3-5 pound toad showing oneself to each angler as well.  I only have a few bass trips open for the rest of the year.  It just started and now it's going to be steelhead season soon. Nothing like smallies on the fly
.

        

Spent the day on the GR with my good friends the Williams' and had a blast.  We hooked 9 fish, lost a couple on ldr's and also has two steelhead just straight beat us at our own game.  We could not slow, stop, or even have a fighting chance with one battle lasting about 45 minutes and another for 20 plus. If you're going to get beat, might as well get beat by MR. STEELHEAD! Way to go to the Mike and Mike!

        

The Grande Ronde river finally took a shot up above 3k cfs for the first time in 2010. This water flow is EXACTLY what is needed for the great opportunities to catch multiple steelhead on a fly each day.  The fish are close to the bank within easy casting distance and readily take the Madison Special.  Plus the added bonus of almost all the crowds are gone because of the high water.  Don't be mistaken, the fish are ON!  Only two weeks until the end of season.  Good luck....rick

        

The steelhead fishing continues to be excellent on the Grande Ronde river.  Lots of smiles and happy times on the river the last two weeks, AGAIN!  Check out the photo gallery and testamonial tabs for lots of info.Time is running short if you still want to get into this unbelievable action and awesome spring weather.  Check the calendar for my remaining dates.........Go ZAGS.....  10 years straight WCC Champs......rick

        

 I just updated the calendar page and it show the dates left open for the rest of the spring steelhead season. thx....rick

        

Just wrapped up another unbelievable week of steelhead fishing on the Grande Ronde. A few notes from the week include,4 clients with their first ever steelhead, 6 clients marking a five fish steelhead limit, 2 clients with double digit days, (10 and 13), and two flyguys from Missoula with their first Flyrod steelhead.  Check the Photo Gallery tab for almost 100 new pictures I added.  Don't forget to check the testamonial tab on the website for some great memories of recent trips. The next two weeks I will only be on the river a few days, but have openings starting March 22nd-25th, and then April 5th through the 14th to finish off the season. Let me know if you would like to book one of these days. I offer some great deals on late season steelhead fishing.  Drop me an email to find out more info. rick@northweststeelheadfishing.com   Good luck out there and be safe.........rick

        

Then last three weeks I have seen some outstanding days for my clients chasing the mighty steelhead. Most days catch rates have been in double digits with the high day being 19 steelhead caught, with lots of once in a life time chances to keep 5 steelhead in one day. Had seven day trips in a row and we managed to land 105 during that week. Add up the great catching with the fabulous weather and a wonderful day on the river ends way to fast.  Dont pass up this kind of opportunity that ends in a month from now. Water conditions are 40 deg temp, 3 ft viz, and runnig at 1320  cfs. Go do your part part in conservation and get your own 5 steelhead limit on the Grande Ronde. GO ZAGS!

        

The fishing has been better than average for the time of year, but with the relatively low water conditions and high visibilty has made catching tough on some days, especially days with lots of traffic on the river.  The best offering have been small black multi colored flies and jigs as well as Madison Specials have acoounted for 50% of the fish caught this week.  The girl fish have yet to arrive in numbers yet, so there are still lots of fish to come this way.  Get ready for this, the fishing will be phenom.  Have fun, and catch lots.....rick