Fishing....."Winter Rules"

hooked up again

Jules with a Gator!

 With the arrival of cold weather and snow it is safe to say that Winter Steel head season is upon us.  Much has changed over the years in regards to the pursuit of these magic beasts of the rain forest.  Dropping wild fish numbers throughout the region have prompted wide spread river closures forcing anglers into a handful of open drainage(s).  The increase in anglers has transformed the sport as much as it has changed the small towns that host some of the most prized steel head water in the state.  In a twist of irony....it is this increase of angler interest ie: pressure that may ultimately save these fish from extinction.  The new generation of angler has been raised in an environment of catch and release and conservation.

Reece with a slab

This season we will be offering day trips on the upper section(s) of the Wynoochee river.  Access to these sections of the river has been limited in recent years so I am grateful at the opportunity to offer guide trips in an area so close to home.  This also allows for a steel head trip to a remote semi-private portion of the river within an easy day trip from Puget Sound.   Limited access also means reduced angling pressure.  With the big rains and high water of October and November, there should be a fair number of fish in the system already.  The early part of the season with the shorter days consists of fishing on the move and covering water.  Nymphing is the general approach, but we can accommodate light spin anglers as well.  As the season moves into February and March, the opportunity to post up in some runs and swing fly's becomes more available with longer days and slightly warmer water temps

Mason and Kyle

We will be offering weekday and weekend trips beginning December 17th.  Weekday availability through January is filling up quickly, but we do have a some weekends available on the calendar.  Email me with inquiries at: sweetwater54@gmail.com

The "Hook" Up

 

Recently, I was fishing with my old friend and fellow guide, Chris Senyohl. A portion of our day was spent lamenting and laughing at the number of years that have passed by.  When we met we were both young and spry..... and now at this point in our lives, I am happy to say that we are still young (even if its my mind set) and fairly spry. 

 

 

Wynoochee Steelhead

Through the years I have been blessed to be associated with excellent people that I have met through fishing.  Recently I have been extended opportunities to continue guiding and for that I am thankful. 

Steve with a Hookup

This February and March I will be guiding on the upper stretches of the Wynoochee River.  This section of river flows through private forest land with limited access and as a result is semi-private.  There are a handful of keys that have been distributed to a few guides.  This is ultimately an opportunity to fish on weekends in relative proximity to Puget Sound with minimal to no other anglers.  If you're interested, take a moment to contact me and see if we can get a day scheduled.  If I am not available, I will put you in contact with my friend Chris Senyohl.