01-26-2009

 

A few weeks ago fishing was very good on the Skagit River, out of Rockport.  We had several days where limits of hatchery steelhead were being put in the boat, not to mention the occasional plus of a Dolly. 

 

Then the floods hit us. 

 

The nice thing about the Skagit River is it usually gets back into shape quickly after flooding.  We have been hitting the Skagit River pretty hard and it is just slow going.  Steelheading now is definitely different than prior to the high water. Very few fish have been boated with just a single here and there.  Everyone on the river is experiencing the same slow fishing.  Prior to the high water we had been focusing below Rockport.  Now we are hitting everything, up to toward Marblemount and well down below the mix-master. 

 

I have been looking for some early native fish below Rockport, but I have not seen anything yet.  Again, there are a few hatchery fish being caught here and there, but you will definitely put your time in.  What you do not want to do is sit at home.  The native fish will start filtering in and that will be the chance to catch and release a nice native steelhead.  I expect to see some more hatchery fish taken as well. 

 

Free drifting eggs, and shrimp are always good producers. But if your confidence lies with pulling plugs or floating jigs, then stick with it.  Make sure you keep up on the regulations and changes to the regulations for the Skagit River. 

 

Make sure you stop by Three Rivers Marine and stock up on your gear.  With this cold weather you do not want to be fishing old line.

 

For more information on booking a trip with Ridge to River Outdoors, visit us on the web at www.ridgetoriveroutdoors.com or click the link here on Three Rivers Marine website.  Make sure you visit Three Rivers Marine and pick up all the necessary gear before you hit the river.  This is not the time to hit the river with old fishing line. 

 

Doug Saint-Denis

425-478-9133

 

 

Douglas Saint-Denis

Ridge to River Outdoors, LLC.