Thanks to Frank Amato Publications, Portland, OR for use permission.
Every October there are a few certainties for anglers in the Pacific
Northwest. The broad leaf trees on our steelhead streams are in
their fall splendor. Steelhead are on the bite. And you will find
the Silver Hilton fly in just about every serious angler's fly box.
My favorite Silver Hilton river is the lower Deschutes in north central
Oregon. This section of the Deschutes runs for ninety-five miles, with
good steelhead holding areas throughout the entire system.
One of the prime holding areas is the first couple of holes just above
Moody Rapids on the lower two miles of the river. These holes are
only a fifteen minute drive from The Dalles with public access
on both sides of the river.
All you need to fish steelhead here is a pair of waders, seven or eight weight rod, floating line
and a Silver Hilton or two. Once you find a likely steelhead run, cast out, mend your line and let the
Silver Hilton do it's thing. Chances are you will be shouting, "Fish on!"
~Bill Kremer
Thanks to Frank Amato Publications, Portland, OR for use permission.
From Brown Trout Fly Fishing by Chris J. Francis,
illustrated by Tony Amato, 1996.
About Steelhead
South Fork Salmon River Steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss
Thanks to J. R. Tomelleri for use permission. 1-800-240-3378
Fly fishers from central Alaska to Northern California gravitate to the rivers in fall
searching for steelhead. Around the Great Lakes the time of year is late winter - with
high water, ice flows, and frozen rod guides. Steelhead have also been planted in the
East and in other countries.
Steelhead bring out the hunters. And for good reason. The bright, mirrored shine of
a big fish holding in a dark pool brings a rush of adrenaline through the veins of any fly
fisher. This fish will take a fly, and the battle from this magnificent fish when hooked
makes it a king among fish.
Special flies, like the Silver Hilton and the Umpqua Special were designed for
steelhead. Techniques like greased line fishing, (developed by Arthur Wood in Scotland
for salmon fishing,) have been adapted to give streamers a longer drift in shallow water.
Steelhead and rainbow trout are often confused as the same fish. Steelhead are
separate species. Called 'steelies' by their fans, sizes range from the so-called
half-pounders of northern California and Oregon to northern monsters that weigh 42
pounds or more. A rainbow who travels from the river to sea, (or to a big lake) then
returns to the home river is still a rainbow. They are sometimes called lake-run
rainbows.
Steelhead return to the river where they hatched, spawn, and go back to the ocean
or lake again. They provide a very valuable renewable resource to recreational
fisherman.
Famous authors Zane Grey and British Columbia native Roderick Haig-Brown
wrote about their love for the steelhead. Roderick is probably best remembered for his
writing about steelhead.
Physically different in appearance, some steelhead are bright silver-sided with
metallic blue top, black spots, white belly and square tail. Great Lakes steelhead have a
pronounced pink or red streak on their sides. Many other variations occur, depending
(according to experts) on the food and cover available in their home waters.
~ DB
About Bill Kremer:
Bill Kremers' guide service Rivers Path
Travel provides some of the finest freshwater
fishing Oregon has to offer. Bill's experience includes
a degree in biology with advanced course work in
fisheries. His knowledge adds to your trip enjoyment
as well as improves your fishing.
Bill has written several feature articles and
columns for western publications. Combined with
partner, Don Hill, you have an unbeatable fishing and
boating guide team. Contact Bill at: (541) 747-7430
or 1-800-878-5488 ~ DB
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