Conditions
Steelhead are moving into the system as summer transitions to fall, and smallmouth bass are active around rocky structure. At 16,400 cfs, you'll want to fish multiple depths and be ready to adjust presentations. Steelhead respond to Scandi, mid-belly, and Skagit setups, while bass will chase poppers and smaller baitfish patterns around current seams and deeper holding water.
Gauges
Techniques
- Scandi and mid-belly lines, Skagit and sink-tip setups for deeper runs; poppers for smallmouth early and late day, smaller baitfish patterns on intermediate line or light sink tip when sun is higher
Recommended flies
Scandimid-belly linesSkagit setupssink-tip setupspopperssmaller baitfish patterns