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HEADSHAKE Orvis Bellevue’s Exclusive Newsletter

September

2013

Fall Orvis Days

A Simple Way to Look at Steelheading

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Headshake Magazine Orvis Bellevue (425)452-9138 Page 1

In This Issue 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……………………………………….

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!

Orvis Bellevue 10223 NE 10th St,

Bellevue, WA 98004 (425)452-9138

Cover Photo: Dave Brown

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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


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


If you enjoy hearing your reel sing, seeing your backing and

catching trophy trout, you’ll 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.


Chili Cook Off Saturday October 12

th 12-4pm

Come on down to Orvis Bellevue’s first ever Chili

Cook-off! Whether it’s your own secret recipe or your

crazy uncle’s 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. 12

th 12-5pm

Known for its award winning beers

and ales, come have a sampling of

the best beer this side of the

Atlantic.


Upcoming Seminars and Schools

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.

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

don’t hesitate to give us a call. (425)452-9138


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, BWO’s, 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 doesn’t 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.

September Outlook


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 – it’s because food comes down the current to their lazy ass mouths. Steelhead don’t 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 it’s moving, duh. And they don’t want to work very hard to stay there which means it’s not a roaring maelstrom, duh. And it’s 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 you’ve lost your appetite but you would like to take a nap, where would you go? Well it sure as hell ain’t some deep dark pool – that would be too easy! “I need moving water with oxygen and a spot where I don’t 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 can’t, think like a carp and go find some water far away from me.


“Bright day, bright fly. Dark day, dark fly” First, let’s understand that there isn’t a steelhead fly invented that hasn’t 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.” Don’t think too much about this last statement just take my word for it. Do steelhead feed? No they don’t but thank God they eat flies. Nuff said.

Covering water Begin by making a short cast. Don’t 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 you’ve 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 you’re doing and be ready. They like to grab your fly while you’re busy farting around.

Secret spots Lastly, there are no secret spots on the river just ones you haven’t found yet. If the river doesn’t 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 they’re 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. That’s how we all found our favorite spots so why the hell should we keep you from the joys of discovery?

A nice selection of fall patterns


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

http://www.emergingrivers.com/


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 pmd’s and caddis, fall mutant stonefly, terrestrials (hoppers and ants) Patterns: midge pupa, zebra midge, bh pheasant tail, bh hare’s ear, Pat’s stonefly, caddis pupa, supa pupa, pmd emergers, bwo emergers, bwo hackle stacker, parachute Adams, royal wulff, parachute pmd, Bloom’s caddis, Kootenai Hellboy hopper, hoppers, ants


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. It’s clear and low

so mornings are all about tricos, small dries, and 6x. Hoppers and

droppers will still play in the afternoons and don’t 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, bwo’s, terrestrials (hoppers, ants,

beetles).

Patterns: tricos sparkle dun, headlight caddis, stimulators, pmds,

bwo emergers, bwo hackle stacker, bh pheasant tail, bh hare’s ear,

green goblin, purple haze, parachute Adams, Hellboy hopper, peach

fuzz hopper, Pav’s 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. There’s fishing to be had but conditions are not optimal. Flows: 454cfs near Missoula Hatches: tricos, fall caddis, bwo’s, terrestrials (hoppers and ants) Patterns: trico sparkle dun, trico spinner, purple haze, bh pheasant tail, bh micro mayfly, parachute Adams, hoppers, ants


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, Bloom’s caddis, stimulators, royal wulff, hoppers, ants

http://www.fishmontana.com/


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 won’t 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 it’s fly fishing the famous lower

river, Upland Hunting on our ranch, or enjoying a delicious meal at our

Lodge, we’ll 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.

http://www.deepcanyonoutfitters.com/fishing-trips/

http://www.deepcanyonoutfitters.com/pheasant-hunting-oregon/

http://www.deepcanyonoutfitters.com/lodging/


X

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

River is world famous, but it’s 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.

http://www.deepcanyonoutfitters.com/rivers/lower-deschutes-river/

http://www.deepcanyonoutfitters.com/rivers/lower-deschutes-river/

http://www.deepcanyonoutfitters.com/rivers/crooked-river/

http://www.deepcanyonoutfitters.com/rivers/fall-river/

http://www.deepcanyonoutfitters.com/rivers/upper-deschutes-river/

http://www.deepcanyonoutfitters.com/fishing-trips/camping-trips/


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 veteran’s 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.


Join Orvis Bellevue on the

Deschutes River

with Deep Canyon Outfitters $1125 October 24

th-26

th

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.

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.


Fly of the Month Reverse Spider

Materials

Hook: 1510 Size 8-10

Thread: Black 6/0

Tail: Mallard Flank

Body: Medium Chenille

Wing: Mallard Flank

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 (Don’t 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.


El Pescador Belize $3695 February 16-22

nd 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 don’t 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. There’s excellent

snorkeling, an extensive barrier reef, a dive shop and the option to

take excursions to Maya ruins on the mainland.

It’s a good place for your first saltwater trip and there’s

an onsite coach to help you master sight casting on the flats. The large

numbers of bonefish mean you’re chances of success are excellent,

and light tackle gear is available.

Deschutes River with Deep Canyon Outfitters $1125

October 24th-26

th

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.

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.

Hosted Travel

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