HEADSHAKE

September 2013

Orvis Bellevues Exclusive Newsletter

Fall Orvis Days A Simple Way to Look at Steelheading

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Orvis Bellevue 10223 NE 10th St, Bellevue, WA 98004 (425)452-9138 Page 6 Page 9

In This Issue
Page 5 Fall Orvis Days. Upcoming Schools September Outlook. A Simple Way to Look at Steelhead.. Emerging Rivers Yakima Outlook Western Montana Outlook Featured Getaway-Deschutes River With Deep Canyon Outfitters.. Tie of the Month-Reverse Spider.. Hosted Travel.
Cover Photo: Dave Brown

2 4 5 6 8 9 12 16 17

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From the Shop

For me August was a great month with much time spent on the water. I started the month with 10 days chasing trout in Montana and have been chasing pink salmon since I have returned. Looking forward to September I am really excited about the many fishing opportunities that are available. The greatest part of living in the PNW is that everything is always changing and it is impossible to get bored. We also have some great events and schools coming up so be sure to get in on the action!
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Fall Orvis Days

October 12th

Steelheading the Methow River

With Al Parke Saturday October 12th 12-1pm Each year we all hear stories about the amazing Steelhead runs on the Methow. So make this the year you are the one telling the stories! Join guide Al Parke as he provides his insights, tips and strategies on how to successfully fish for Steelhead on the Methow River.

Fall Trout Strategies

With Jason Cotta Saturday October 12th 2-3pm Join Orvis Bellevue Fishing Manager Jason Cotta as he discusses the change in strategies, gear and flies you need to make for fly fishing for trout in the Pacific Northwest this Fall.

Fishing the Upper Columbia for Trophy Trout

With Al Parke Saturday October 12th 4-5pm If you enjoy hearing your reel sing, seeing your backing and catching trophy trout, youll definitely enjoy fishing the Upper Columbia. Set in the North Central part of Washington, the Upper Columbia provides stunning vistas and some of the best dry fly fishing for trophy trout in the state. Al Parke will lead this presentation and share his secrets to fly fishing the Upper Columbia.
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Chili Cook Off

Saturday October 12th 12-4pm Come on down to Orvis Bellevues first ever Chili Cook-off! Whether its your own secret recipe or your crazy uncles from Texas, share it with us as we will be giving out a $100 gift certificate to the winner of the best tasting chili. Call the store for contest details.

Beer Tasting Big Sky Brewery

Oct. 12th 12-5pm Known for its award winning beers and ales, come have a sampling of the best beer this side of the Atlantic.

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Orvis Bellevue (425)452-9138

Page 3

Upcoming Seminars and Schools

At Orvis Bellevue our greatest passion is sharing our fly fishing knowledge and skills with others. We offer a variety of schools, seminars and personal instruction to help you advance as an angler and be more productive on the water. Our courses are designed to give anglers the skill set they need to be more confident in their skills and knowledge. If you ever have any questions or would like to schedule a day of personal instruction dont hesitate to give us a call. (425)452-9138

Intro to Steelheading
September 22nd $175 (Limit 6 Student)
Join Fishing Manager Jason Cotta and steelhead master Leland Miyawaki for a day of learning to catch chrome. This course will cover where to go, fly selection, rigging, single hand tactics, two handed tactics and reading the water. Held on the Skykomish River, this course will be a half day of classroom instruction and a half day on the water. This is the perfect class for novice to intermediate anglers. Flies, terminal tackle, lunch and beverages provided. Students must supply their own wading gear and rod outfits. Call the shop to reserve your spot.

Fishing Puget Sound $100

In-Store Presentation October 4th 8am On the Water Clinic October 5th $100 (Limit 6 Students)
Puget Sound is an extremely diverse fishery that gives anglers an opportunity to catch a variety of fish species. Join renowned saltwater expert Leland Miyawaki for a two day school that will teach you how to fish the beaches more effectively. The first day of the course will be in the classroom covering where to go, species to target, time of year, fly selection, and gear. The second day will be on the water where students can put their new found knowledge to use. Students must provide their own tackle and wading gear.

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September Outlook
Cooler temperatures and scattered showers certainly let us know fall is right around the corner. It seems every month we talk about the great fishing opportunities in store and that is because there is literally always something new and exciting going on. September is no different, and no matter what species you like to target, there will be plenty of opportunities. Trout- Fall is hands down my favorite time of year to fish for trout. Cooling water temperatures and cloud cover will provide excellent fishing throughout the day. The Yakima is currently on the drop and soon there will be plenty of walk and wade opportunities throughout the system. Nymphing is always productive but anglers will continue to find good dry fly fishing as well especially on cloudy days. Towards the end of the month we will be seeing Mahoganies, BWOs, and October Caddis. Small streams like the Forks of the Snoqualmie and tributaries of Skykomish will fish great this month. A standard dry/dropper set up is all you need for fall success. Also please remember the Cedar River is now closed to fishing but we will certainly look forward to it opening once again next year. Saltwater-For beach anglers life doesnt get much better than it does in September. Anglers can still target pinks at the beginning of the month before they start moving into the rivers. We will also see more and more Coho moving into the sound which can be great fun on a fly rod. Try throwing pink clousers or pink Miyawaki beach poppers for some truly vicious strikes. Sea run cutthroat fishing will also be great this month off many of your favorite beaches. When fishing for sea runs look for structure in the form of rock piles, downed logs, grass, and inlets. Also be sure to check your tides before going out and make sure to fish a moving tide. Steelhead- We are still seeing a lot of summer run fish and more fish will be moving into the systems when we get a good push of rain. Local anglers should head to the Skykomish or Cowlitz and those willing to travel should find success on the Deschutes, Klickitat, Clearwater, and Grande Rhonde. Anglers should always consider water conditions when choosing fly selection. Clear and low water will require small sparse patterns and as water levels rise after a rainstorm fly size should be bumped up as well. Check out the A Simple Way to Look at Steelhead article in this issue for more tips and tricks on chasing these silver unicorns.

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A Simple Way to Look at Steelheading

By: Leland Miyawaki
It occurs to me that not enough has been written about how to catch steelhead on the fly so I thought I would contribute to the pile by adding a little common sense, a bit of logic and some unfuzzy thinking. I hope this helps: Look for walking speed water Just exactly how slow or fast is walking speed? I walk a lot, in fact, I walk a helluva lot. I think that I walk at a good clip or at least I thought I did until Jason blew past me while we were walking up the basketball-sized rocks at the High Bridge Run on the Sky. Forget that old walking speed malarkey. Think resting water. Not holding but resting. By the way, what the hell is holding water? We all know what feeding lies are and why trout get in them its because food comes down the current to their lazy ass mouths. Steelhead dont feed (more about this later) but they do stop their traveling and rest, sometimes for days or weeks or maybe even months. They rest in water that has oxygen which means its moving, duh. And they dont want to work very hard to stay there which means its not a roaring maelstrom, duh. And its near deeper water for safety. Three feet to eight feet is good. There are seams in the water, which are the soft spots between the fast current and slower water. There are soft spots next to, behind and in front of big rocks. There are soft spots in depressions and abandoned salmon redds. Soft spots are created on the inside of bends as the river curves away from you. If the water is swirly or backeddyish, forget it. Think like a steelhead. If your last dinner was somewhere off the coast of Japan and you just pulled into your home river and for some reason youve lost your appetite but you would like to take a nap, where would you go? Well it sure as hell aint some deep dark pool that would be too easy! I need moving water with oxygen and a spot where I dont have to burn calories to hold my position and it has to be close to a place where I can go hide. Like I said, think like a steelhead. If you cant, think like a carp and go find some water far away from me.

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Bright day, bright fly. Dark day, dark fly First, lets understand that there isnt a steelhead fly invented that hasnt caught a fish. That being said, any fly will catch steelhead if presented well. If you are following your buddy through a run and he chooses a dark fly you fish a bright fly. Forget what color the sky is. If everyone you talk to is fishing bright choose a dark one, duh. Big giant heavy snaky intruding flies are for winter. Smaller ones are for spring and tiny low water ones are for summer. Also think dull and drab for late summer and fall when steelhead get trouty. Dont think too much about this last statement just take my word for it. Do steelhead feed? No they dont but thank God they eat flies. Nuff said. Covering water Begin by making a short cast. Dont move, stay put and make a longer cast. Keep making successively longer casts until you reach a comfortable limit. Take two or three steps downriver and make the same long cast. Keep casting and stepping until youve covered the entire pool, head to tail. Make sure your fly swings down into the good water and ends where a steelhead could conceivably be resting. Be patient. Mind what youre doing and be ready. They like to grab your fly while youre busy farting around.
A nice selection of fall patterns

Secret spots Lastly, there are no secret spots on the river just ones you havent found yet. If the river doesnt change from floods steelhead will always return to the same spot year after year. If you catch a fish in this place today there will be another one there soon. Want to find a spot to fish? Drive around until you see a fishy looking truck or SUV at a pullout. Walk down the trail and spy. If they look like they know what theyre doing. Mark the spot in your journal. If you see someone catch a steelhead mark the spot in your journal, check the water level and write it in your journal. Thats how we all found our favorite spots so why the hell should we keep you from the joys of discovery?

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Orvis Bellevue (425)452-9138

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Emerging Rivers Yakima River Forecast

The Yakima is drawing down, signaling the beginning of the best fishing of the year. Shorter, cooler days and feasting fish taking the big bugs - dry fly action all the way through October last year. During the hatch, pair a YakCaddis with a small olive wet as a dropper and hang on! For now, focus on terrestrials and foam dries, and flashy dropper patterns. Derek only has a few dates left in September so book now and start thinking about your October trips!

Planning a Trip?
Make your next trip down the Yakima a memorable one with Orvis Endorsed Guide Derek Young. Click on the logo to check out his website for more information and to book online.

Derek Young Emerging Rivers Guide Service (425)373-6417

For the most up to date fishing reports check out the Fishing Reports section of the Orvis website. Click the link to the right for information on fly selection, river flow, and equipment suggestions. Or visit: http://www.orvis.com/fishingreports
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Western Montana Fishing Forecast

Kootenai River
The Kootenai continues to fish well and is in great shape. After Labor Day fall flows will be implemented and land somewhere in the 6000cfs-8000cfs range. Fall flows make the entire river much more wadeable. Gravel islands and bars will now be exposed and access along the banks will also be significantly more user friendly. September is still about hoppers and droppers but also about longer leaders, smaller dries, and 6x. Big bugs will still play in faster currents and choppy water but slick runs and flat pools will require a bit more finesse. Streamer action will also be in play during the month as bigger fish start to bulk up for the winter. Depth charge sink tips will do the trick nicely for most conditions. All in all September is a fantastic month on the Kootenai. Flows: Fall flows will be implemented after Labor day and land in the 6000cfs-8000cfs range. Hatches: midge, blue winged olives, smattering of pmds and caddis, fall mutant stonefl y, terrestrials (hoppers and ants) Patterns: midge pupa, zebra midge, bh pheasant tail, bh hares ear, Pats stonefly, caddis pupa, supa pupa, pmd emergers, bwo emergers, bwo hackle stacker, parachute Adams, royal wulff, parachute pmd, Blooms caddis, Koo tenai Hellboy hopper, hoppers, ants

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Clark Fork River

The Clark Fork is extremely low but at least restrictions have been lifted and water temperatures are more normal. From the Missoula area to the confluence of the Flathead River below St. Regis the river is fishable throughout the entire the day. Its clear and low so mornings are all about tricos, small dries, and 6x. Hoppers and droppers will still play in the afternoons and dont overlook fall caddis or other secondary hatches. Low water conditions will obviously continue through the month but thankfully nights are colder and daytime water temps have the river back in play again. Flows: 1850cfs at St. Regis. Hatches: tricos, fall caddis, bwos, terrestrials (hoppers, ants, beetles). Patterns: tricos sparkle dun, headlight caddis, stimulators, pmds, bwo emergers, bwo hackle stacker, bh pheasant tail, bh hares ear, green goblin, purple haze, parachute Adams, Hellboy hopper, peach fuzz hopper, Pavs midnight special, chubby.

Bitterroot River
Flows are extremely low and for now restrictions remain in place on the Bitterroot. There is no fishing allowed between 2:00pm and midnight. Water temperatures are still hovering around 70 degrees in the evenings on the lower river near Missoula. Low water conditions will remain throughout the month. Theres fishing to be had but conditions are not optimal. Flows: 454cfs near Missoula Hatches: tricos, fall caddis, bwos, terrestrials (hoppers and ants) Patterns: trico sparkle dun, trico spinner, purple haze, bh pheasant tail, bh micro mayfly, parachute Adams, hoppers, ants
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Blackfoot River
Flows are low but water temperatures on the main stem are generally fine. All tributaries of the Blackfoot are under restrictions with no fishing from 2:00 pm to midnight. Obviously low water conditions will remain throughout the month but fishing should remain steady considering the circumstances. Streamer action for big dogs will pick up as the month deepens. Flows: 477cfs at Bonner Hatches: caddis, pmds, terrestrials (hoppers, ants) Patterns: parachute pmd, pmd soft hackle, hoppers, elk hair caddis, Blooms caddis, stimulators, royal wulff, hoppers, ants

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About Deep Canyon Outfitters

Follow the trail to Bend, Oregon and share our passion for solitude found only in nature. Let the high desert air, cool rushing waters, and a fish on the end of your line make you feel alive. See how the energy of our dogs, the cackle of a pheasant or covey flush of chukars will add drive to your step. Soak in the brilliant skyline, and say, I deserve this. Join Deep Canyon Outfitters for a fly fishing and/or upland hunting adventure you wont forget. Our guests arrive as clients and depart as friends. The staff of Deep Canyon Outfitters is enthusiastic about sharing the best fly fishing and hunting experience in Oregon with you. Connecting you with nature, your family, friends, or with yourself is our goal. Whether its fly fishing the famous lower river, Upland Hunting on our ranch, or enjoying a delicious meal at our Lodge, well cater each experience to meet your specific needs. Deep Canyon Outfitters was recently honored with the highly coveted 2012 Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Expedition of the Year award. This award is designated based on feedback given to Orvis from our guests. The award is given to operations that adhere to the Orvis standards for customer service, professionalism, commitment to conservation, as well as continue to raise the bar by which we are all measured. Deep Canyon Outfitters is honored to be the 2012 Orvis Endorsed Fly Fishing Expedition of the Year.

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Rivers near Bend Oregon

`Central Oregon Rivers: The pine forest and high desert of Central Oregon is blessed with pristine fly fishing rivers. The Lower Deschutes X River is world famous, but its not the only excellent fishery in the drainage. It is joined by the Crooked River, the Fall River, and the Metolius. With three other drainages within an one hour drive, there is always a place to go for great fly fishing. Originating in the Cascades Lakes, the head waters of the Upper Deschutes River creates the trophy trout fisheries of Crane Prairie and Wickiup Reservoirs. A few miles below Wickiup, the Upper Deschutes is joined by another fabulous fly fishing river, the Fall River, and then it flows through two of Central Oregon's hot-spots Sunriver and Bend. Fly fishing in each of these gorgeous rivers is an ideal way to experience the outdoors. Rainbow, Brook, Brown, Bull Trout and powerful summer Steelhead are the species to target. For those fly fishing bums who have experienced much of the west, Central Oregon rivers are a fly fishing Mecca that won't disappoint

Lower Deschutes River

The Lower Deschutes River in Central Oregon offers world class fly fishing for native Steelhead and Rainbow Trout. Deep in the Cascade Mountains, this dynamic and diverse river begins its 200-mile journey to the Colombia. Our most popular guide trip is a Multi-Day Camping Trip down various sections of the Lower D.

Fish and Wildlife!

Healthy populations of rainbow trout and growing returns of steelhead inhabit the lower 100 miles, known as the Lower Deschutes River. This spectacular river rambles through an immense canyon, at times silently, and then dropping sharply creating exciting whitewater. Besides great fly fishing, the Lower Deschutes is home to some of Central Oregon's most dramatic scenery and wildlife, including Bald eagles, Osprey, Blue Heron, Big Horn sheep, Mule deer, playful Otters and of course strong rainbow trout and summer steelhead! The Lower Deschutes River boasts some of Oregon's finest fly fishing for rainbow trout. Known locally as Redsides, these native fish grow thick shouldered and extremely powerful for their size. Averaging 14-16 inches, and topping out around 21 inches, these unique rainbow trout are notorious for their strength, often running harder and jumping higher than any rainbow trout in any other Western rivers.

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Seasons on the Lower Deschutes

Open to fly fishing all year, the Lower Deschutes River is home to many species of insects that hatch to Biblical proportions. The warming weather of mid-May brings out the Stonefly hatch. Famous in the fly fishing community, Giant Salmon flies and Golden stones cover the grass, brush, and trees of the river's banks through the first weeks of June. These huge bugs prove to be the ultimate meal for the Redsides, who eat them with reckless abandon. Anglers who cast these large dry flies into the bank and under over hanging trees will be rewarded with the largest, hottest rainbow trout of the season. Like all fly fishing rivers, the Deschutes has ever-changing hatches, creating great fly fishing throughout the year. July and August offer some of the best fly fishing of the season. Long, hot summer days make for endless opportunities to hook these feisty rainbow trout. The Lower Deschutes produces all day-long caddis hatches with Pale Morning Duns at dawn and Pale Evening Duns at dusk. The ample amount of bugs, cause the rainbow trout to look up for their meals. For anglers who live for dry fly fishing, this is the time to visit the Lower Deschutes River.

Lower "D" Steelhead!

The Lower Deschutes is equally famous for its Summer Steelhead run. These anadromous fish begin migrating from the Pacific in July, and occupy the river through March. By the end of July or beginning of August, there are fishable numbers of steelhead in the lowest reaches of the Deschutes River. Warm water temperatures can create challenging fly fishing conditions for these powerful fish, but those who hook-up are rewarded with the hottest Deschutes River steelhead of the season. When the weather cools in September, the steelhead respond. They are notorious risers for skated dries and initiate takes that leave the most hardened fly fishing veterans heart racing.

Equipment and Techniques

The Lower Deschutes is a big river with frequently windy conditions in the fall. An eight-weight with dry line is the standard recipe for indicator tactics. Two-handed or Spey rods have gained a huge following in the fly fishing community on the Lower Deschutes. Fishing for steelhead with a Spey rod is a huge aid when trying to reach mid-river holding water or throw heavy sink tips. Much of the Spey fishing revolution in the sport of Fly Fishing can be traced to the banks of the Deschutes River.

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Autumn on the Lower Deschutes

October is a great month for fishing on the Deschutes River. The weather is pleasant, and steelhead can be caught in the entire river. Fly fishing during this time of year offers anglers the greatest chance for catching both rainbow trout and steelhead. For those not afraid of the cooler temperatures, November and December can offer great fly fishing. Anglers fly fishing under an indicator can have record setting days, since the largest numbers of steelhead are in the system.

Join Orvis Bellevue on the Deschutes River with Deep Canyon Outfitters $1125
October 24th-26th Join us for a three day wilderness float down the lower Deschutes River with Orvis Endorsed Deep Canyon Outfitters. The Deschutes is legendary for its steelhead runs with multiple fish days a very common occurrence. On this trip you will camp in style with spacious tents and first class meals. Package price includes 3 days guided fishing and meals. We only have 3 spots left on this trip so call today to reserve your spot!!! (425)452-9138.

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Fly of the Month Reverse Spider

In September we will be seeing a lot of sea run cutthroat entering the river systems. Just like when these fish are in the salt, sea run cutthroat are very aggressive feeders and fly selection can be very simple. The reverse spider is a great traditional pattern that is very simple to tie and is extraordinarily productive. Try tying up a few of these in several different colors before your next outing. 1. Start the tying thread behind the eye of the hook and work your way about 2/3rds back on the hook giving yourself a nice thread base. 2. Tie in a small clump of mallard flank for the tail and trim the excess. 3. Tie in a length of chenille for the body (Dont wrap forward yet) 4. Bring your tying thread forward to behind the eye of the hook and tie in another clump of mallard flank for the wing. For this I like to make sure there are fibers all the way around the hook and the natural curve of the fiber is cupped in (Refer to picture for details) 5. Wrap the chenille forward creating the body. As you move closer to the eye of the hook make your wraps closer together and build a body that is tapered. 6. Finish the fly off with several half hitches or a whip finish.

The natural curve of the mallard flank should curve in.

Materials Hook: 1510 Size 8-10 Thread: Black 6/0 Tail: Mallard Flank Body: Medium Chenille Wing: Mallard Flank

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Hosted Travel
Embark on your next fly fishing adventure with our experienced staff. Hosted trips offer anglers the comfort of knowing their trip will run as smoothly as possible under the watchful eye of one of our professional staff members. These trips also give individuals the opportunity to fish destinations near and far for less than when booking on their own. Please feel free to call us anytime with any questions and to book your next adventure today.

Deschutes River with Deep Canyon Outfitters $1125

October 24th-26th

Join us for a three day wilderness float down the lower Deschutes River with Orvis Endorsed Deep Canyon Outfitters. The Deschutes is legendary for its steelhead runs with multiple fish days a very common occurrence. On this trip you will camp in style with spacious tents and first class meals. Package price includes 3 days guided fishing and meals. There are only 5 spots available on this adventure so be sure to sign up early.

El Pescador Belize $3695

February 16-22nd 2014 Includes: 6 nights lodging, 5 days guided fishing, Free H2 rod!!!, 15% Discount Card, All Meals, Local Alcohol This part of Belize is one of the best places to get a saltwater Grand Slam: bonefish; permit; and tarpon in one day. The flats are extensive and the lodge is well located so you dont have to travel far to be on the fish, although they go on endlessly north to the border with Mexico. El Pescador caters to fly-fishers, but there are some great non-angling activities available as well. Theres excellent snorkeling, an extensive barrier reef, a dive shop and the option to take excursions to Maya ruins on the mainland. Its a good place for your first saltwater trip and theres an onsite coach to help you master sight casting on the flats. The large numbers of bonefish mean youre chances of success are excellent, and light tackle gear is available.
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