Wednesday, Oct. 20

Things are looking up for steelhead anglers. Cooler weather will help bring the water temperatures down on the main stem Columbia and on the tributaries in our region. Although we have had lots of sunny days, the water levels on our area streams is better than expected for this time of year. The Wenatchee River hit nearly 3,000 cfs recently, and I am seeing more drift boats and rafts on the river now. The Methow is way above the average for this time of year, too. Cooler temperatures and higher water should be drawing fish out of the Columbia, which is over 60 degrees, very warm for fall. I have heard of big fish being taken this year. Some years the fish have run small, but it appears we are in for a big fish season on steelhead. The Okanogan River opened to fishing on the 8th of October, and there has been some success. The Similkameen doesn't open until the 1st of November. Usually, there are quite a few bright fish taken when the Similkameen first opens. Typically, the Okanogan is a "late bloomer" as far as steelhead streams go. I can't wait to hit Wells again. I got a nice fish for the early season there.